919 Beer

These are best local craft breweries in The Triangle

With its vibrant brewing scene and a deep-rooted love for quality beer, The Triangle offers an impressive array of local craft breweries.
Posted 2023-07-16T21:00:35+00:00 - Updated 2023-07-20T09:58:00+00:00
In addition to the great beer and the perfect patio, Fainting Goat regularly welcomes live music acts, food trucks and other entertainment throughout the summer.

Craft beer has been gaining popularity across the United States, and The Triangle area is no exception. With its vibrant brewing scene and a deep-rooted love for quality beer, The Triangle offers an impressive array of local craft breweries.

Check out these top five local breweries, which were put together with the help of Google reviews and the top vote getters in the 2022 WRAL Voters’ Choice Awards.

Bearded Bee Brewing Co. (Wendell)

Located 20 minutes from the heart of Raleigh, this spot was the first place winner of the 2022 WRAL Voters’ Choice Awards. Bearded Bee focuses on high-quality traditional craft beers in small batches.

It’s safe to say customers are obsessed with the creative flavors on tap. For instance you will find these unique flavors there: Ticking Lime Bomb (key lime pie sour), Hawaii Hive-O (pineapple wheat), The Bramble (blackberry cream ale), and Bee-Rista (coffee amber). Bearded Bee is known for having something for everyone, give them a try, you’ll be glad you did.

Hours
Monday - Wednesday 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Thursday 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 12 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Location
20 East Campen Street, Wendell

Bond Brothers Beer Company (Cary)

Bond Brothers Beer Company has quickly risen to prominence within The Triangle's craft brewing scene. Located in Cary, this family-owned brewery focuses on producing top-quality, small-batch beers with a rotating selection to keep things fresh.

Visit their taproom and beer garden while enjoying one of their hoppy West Coast IPAs. Known for their rich and complex barrel-aged offerings, Bond Brothers Beer Company consistently delivers outstanding brews.

Hours
Monday - Thursday 2 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday - Saturday noon - 12 a.m.
Sunday noon - 10 p.m.

Location
202 East Cedar Street, Cary

Fainting Goat Brewing Company (Benson)

This spot offers a variety of handcrafted brews, wine, hard cider, and soft drinks in a casual atmosphere with a dog-friendly patio and outdoor fire pit.

This 2022 WRAL Voters’ Choice Awards winner is a small, independent, veteran and woman-owned brewery. With seasonal, rotating beers like Pecan Maple Porter, Not So Pale Chocolate Ale, and Nanny Nutter Fluffernutter Porter (named after its namesake sandwich), it’s no wonder so many people enjoy this local brewery owned by friends.

Hours
Thursday - Friday 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Saturday 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Location
102 West Parish Drive, Benson

Fullsteam Brewery (Durham)

Situated in downtown Durham, Fullsteam Brewery offers Southern experimental beer made from local farmed ingredients. It has become a pillar of the local craft beer community, known for their commitment to Southern-inspired beers.

Fullsteam offers a wide range of unique flavors that capture the essence of the region, including their beloved Carver Sweet Potato Lager and adventurous experiments like "Forager's Keep" made with local foraged ingredients. While you’re there check out the kitchen’s Southern comfort food.

Hours
Monday - Saturday from noon - 10 p.m.
Sunday noon - 8 p.m.

Location
726 Rigsbee Avenue, Durham

Haw River Farmhouse Ales (Saxapahaw)

Nestled in the picturesque town of Saxapahaw, Haw River Farmhouse Ales is a destination for beer lovers seeking a touch of rustic charm.

Specializing in Belgian and American farmhouse-style ales, this brewery emphasizes the use of local ingredients and traditional brewing techniques. The result is a lineup of beautifully crafted beers, including their flagship St. Benedict's Breakfast Dubbel and the refreshing Javanilla Coffee Stout.

Hours
Monday - Wednesday noon - 7 p.m.
Thursday - Sunday noon - 9 p.m.

Location
1713 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Road, Graham

Lonerider Brewing Company (Raleigh)

Known for their beer and ranch water, this 2022 WRAL Choice Award Winner is built on dreams and award-winning brews. Distributed in nine states, this company believes in high quality ingredients and American ingenuity. Try their Shotgun Betty German Hefeweizen or Sweet Josie American Brown Ale.

Outlaws enjoyed live music, beer from Lonerider Brewing Company and specialty casks at the Lonerider Showdown in downtown Raleigh on Saturday, March 29, 2014.
Outlaws enjoyed live music, beer from Lonerider Brewing Company and specialty casks at the Lonerider Showdown in downtown Raleigh on Saturday, March 29, 2014.

Hours
Monday - Thursday 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday 3 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Location
8816 Gulf Court Suite 100, Raleigh

Ponysaurus Brewing Co. (Durham)

Known as “the beer beer would drink if it could drink beer.” Yes, it’s that good. Ponysaurus Brewing Co. is a creative and eclectic brewery that embraces unconventional flavors.

Located in Durham's Five Points neighborhood, this brewery has a distinct artistic flair evident in both their beer and their whimsical can designs. Try a sip of their refreshing Bière de Garde or a velvety chocolate stout. Oh, and grab a slice of pizza while you’re at it.

Hours
Monday - Thursday 3 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday 3 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday noon - 11 p.m.
Sunday noon - 10 p.m.

Location
219 Hood Street Durham, North Carolina 27701

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