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Charleston’s Craft Brewery Ultimate Drinking Guide

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Charleston’s reputation for a world-class culinary destination has spilled over into our pint glasses. In just the last few years, numerous craft breweries and distilleries have opened all over the area, giving locals and visitors a reason to raise their glass and toast the beverage artistry of Charleston. Breweries, distilleries and a local winery offer tours, tastings and plenty of special events so you can sip, sample and savor.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the area’s must-try breweries and distilleries along with a list of upcoming beer-themed events and places you can pick up your favorite spirits to take home. This is the ultimate Charleston drinking guide

Best Charleston Breweries

Fam’s Brewing

James Island’s only award-winning brewery. Enjoy a pint and some Famulari’s pizza or a burger in our taproom or patio. Our beers are also available at awesome bars around South Carolina. Laid-back brewpub featuring house-made brews, craft cocktails and brick oven pizzas.

1291 Folly Road, James Island, SC 29412
843-225-4646 | famsbrewingco.com
Hours: Open 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday – Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Indigo Reef Brewing

One of the newest breweries to the Charleston scene with a great selection of all styles of beer. The brand-new space is family friendly with well behaved dogs on a leash are welcomed in their courtyard. Non-beer options: 5 different wines, 3 different hard ciders, sparkling water and juice.
2079 Wambaw Creek, Charleston, SC 29492
843-867-6015 | indigoreefbrewing.com
Hours: Open 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday; 3 to 10 p.m. Friday; 12 to 10 p.m. Saturday and 12 – 6 p.m. Sunday.

Holy City Brewing

Both its Pluffmud Porter and Washout Wheat brews won awards at the Great American Beer Festival. Holy City was also voted 2017’s best Charleston brewery by the Charleston City Paper – check it out for yourself and see what all the hype is about.
1021 Aragon Ave, North Charleston, SC
843-225-5623 | holycitybrewing.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily; until 9 p.m. on weekends. On-site kitchen serves apps, burgers, sandwiches and Sunday brunch.

Revelry Brewing Co.

From the Gullah Cream Ale to an Oatmeal Stout, Revelry has a wide range of unique brews and the history behind the names will connect you to historic Charleston in a whole new way.
10 Conroy St., Charleston, SC 29403
843-203-6194 | revelrybrewingco.com
Hours: 4-10 p.m. Monday to Friday; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Live music on the weekends.

Westbrook Brewing Co.

Popular for its creative logos, Westbrook Brewery has just about everything to choose from. This brewery releases new beers throughout the year and offers seasonal specialties.
510 Ridge Road, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
843-654-9114 | westbrookbrewing.com
Tours and tastings: 4-8 p.m. Tuesday to Friday; noon to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Cooper River Brewing Co.

With many light summer options, Cooper River Brewing offers a nice outdoor environment to sample some of their special creations. Try a salty homemade pretzel paired with the Golden Ale – perfection.
2201B Mechanic St., Charleston, SC 29405
843-830-3681 | cooperriverbrewing.com
Hours: 4-10 p.m. Thursday – Friday; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday; 1-7 p.m. Sunday

Coast Brewing Co.

Using organic and local ingredients, this environmentally conscious brewery strives to make the best beer while promoting sustainability. The Blackbeerd Imperial Stout is a must try. Coast’s unique can designs will make you want to start a can collection.
1250 2nd St. North, North Charleston, SC 29405
843-343-4727 | coastbrewing.com
Hours: 4-7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Saturday

CommonHouse Aleworks

Right in the heart of Park Circle, Commonhouse strives to bring people together and foster a sense of community over the love of craft beer. From rustic and historic options to hop forward brews, Commonhouse does it all. Look out for their special release beers, the creativity never stops.
4831 O’Hear Avenue, Park Circle, North Charleston, SC 29405
843-471-1400 | Commonhousealeworks.com
Hours: 4-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; noon to 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday; noon to 6 p.m. Sunday

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co.

Fairly new to the King Street extension is the much anticipated brewing production of popular restaurant & taproom, Edmund’s Oast.  You will find over a dozen delicious beers on tap and a wood-fired brick oven to create the perfect combo of pizza and beer. If you like what you see/drink, you can take home fresh cans of your favorite brew.
1505 King Street #115, Charleston, SC 29405
843-718-3224 | edmundsoast.com/brewing-co/
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Sunday

Munkle Brewing Co.

Gravitating towards mostly Belgian and German style, Munkle likes to stick to the classics. While the outside is nothing fancy, the inside turns out to be the ultimate beer lovers’ getaway. Try their Trappist style Belgian Ale, at 9.1% ABV you’ll be ready to relax in their outdoor rocking chairs while catching the sunset.

1513 Meeting Street Road, Charleston, SC 29405
843-789-3109 | munklebrewing.com
Hours: 4-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday & Saturday; Noon to 7 p.m. Sunday

Snafu Brewing Company

Their funky and lighthearted vibe has made Snafu a local Charleston favorite. If the comedic beer names and vibrant brewery don’t have you convinced, the beer will win you over. Not afraid to experiment with competing flavors, Snafu produces one of a kind tastes. Try it for yourself by visiting the recently updated taproom (Officially re-opening on Sept. 6).
3280 Industry Drive, North Charleston, SC 29418
843-767-4121 | snafubrewingcompany.com
Hours: 3-7 p.m. Tuesday; 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday

New Realm Brewery

Standing strong as Daniel Island’s only craft brewery, New Realm combines good food, great beer, and even better company for tourists and locals. The beers range from traditional style brews to completely unconventional experiments. Made with the freshest available ingredients, you won’t be disappointed.
880 Island Park Drive, Charleston, SC 29492
843-471-1130 | https://newrealmbrewing.com/charleston/
Hours: 11 a.m to 11.p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to Midnight Friday & Saturday; 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday

Freehouse Brewery

Go big or go home – its 9% Huila Davila Imperial Colombian Coffee Stout will be a mouthful in more ways than one! Not to mention this brewery has one of the best views of the Ashley River.
2895 Pringle St., Suite B, North Charleston, SC 29405
freehousebeer.com
Hours: 3-8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 1-8 p.m. Saturday

Frothy Beard Brewing Co.

Good news! You don’t have to be sporting a beard to check out this brewery. The Declaration draft is made from Charleston Gold Rice grown at local Middleton Place plantation leaving you with an actual taste of Charleston.
1401 Sam Rittenberg Blvd., Charleston, SC 29407
843-793-2970 | frothybeard.com
Hours:  11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily


Tradesman Brewing Co.
James Island’s first brewery offers 13 local beers on tap and weekly yoga classes that end with brew sampling. Tradesman also donates $1 from every pint sold to a local women’s charity each quarter. If you like a little extra flavor, try the Coconuts and Bolts Stout or the Cranberry Cream Ale.
1639 Tatum St., Charleston, SC 29412
843-410-1315 | tradesmanbrewing.com
Hours: Noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday

Low Tide Brewing

This brewery uses the natural earth as inspiration for its brews. Head to beautiful Johns Island sample beers like the Basil Better Have my Honey – a light amber beer with the perfect combination of ingredients.
2863 Maybank Highway, Johns Island, SC 29455
843-501-7570 | lowtidebrewing.com
Hours: 3-10 p.m.  Thursday and Friday, noon to midnight Friday and Saturday, and noon to 1 0 p.m. Sunday

Ghost Monkey Brewery

With live music and events every weekend, Ghost Monkey is the perfect spot to relax after a long week and soak up the Wando River views. The sampling the #FunkOff pale ale is a must.
522 Wando Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
843-352-3462 | ghostmonkeybrewery.com
Hours: 4-9 p.m. Thursday, 4-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Lo-Fi Brewing

Promoting luxury beer isn’t that far of a stretch for this brewery. Every beer is made with whole leaf hops. The unicorn logo and lavish combinations of beers will have you believing in magic.
2038 Meeting Street Road, North Charleston, SC 29405
828-582-2175 | lofibrewing.com
Hours: 4-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2-9 p.m. Saturday

Oak Road 

Offering a range of delicious German-influenced beers, Oak Road Brewery is a Summerville favorite. Try a Munich Helles Lager named after the joggling boards seen around historic Charleston. Every Saturday, Oak Road hosts “Yappy Hour” where customers are encouraged to bring in their pups for 5% off their order.
108 East North 3rd North Street, Suite C, Summerville, SC 29483
843-695-9886 | oakroadbrewery.com
Hours: 3-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday.

Charles Towne Fermentory

Located on Savannah Highway, this brewery specializes in hop-forward and fermentation driven beers. Now serving food – you can relax, grab a bite, play some foosball and get your drink on.
843-641-0431 | chsfermentory.com
Hours: 4-11 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 2 p.m. to midnight Friday, noon to midnight Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. Sunday

Fatty’s Beer Works

Fatty’s works extra hard to connect with the community with a full schedule of special events and live music. This dog-friendly brewery offers a Goslar Gose that has customers raving. Find Fatty’s Beer Works brews at multiple prestigious Charleston restaurants and on sale at Whole Foods.
1436 Meeting St., Charleston, SC 29405
843-974-5330 | fattysbeerworks.com
Hours: 4-9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 4-10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, 2-9 p.m. Sunday

Rusty Bull Brewing Co.

Overflowing with special events, food trucks, and endless craft beer – this brand new taproom deserves our attention. You can enjoy a fine cigar in a 1930’s mobile cigar lounge while sipping their unique creations. No worries – the taproom is family friendly.
3005 W. Montague Ave., Suite 110, North Charleston, SC 29418
843-225-8600 | rustybullbrewing.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, except Sunday when closing time is 7 p.m.

Edmund’s Oast

This hot spot brings together a local farm fresh restaurant with a unique indoor brewery to create the perfect dining and drinking destination. Some brews are aged in their small dedicated barrel aging room for the perfect taste – the details and care put into this place separates Edmund’s from their competition.
1081 Morrison Drive, Charleston, SC 29403
843-727-1145 | edmundsoast.com
Hours: 4:30-10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 4:30-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30-10 p.m. Sunday

Wide Awake Brewing Co.

Wide Awake Brewery is located in Summerville, SC and is one of the newest micro-breweries on the scene. They’re cranking out some great beer and they’re worth a visit. Friendly atmosphere and staff.

1907 Varner Street, Summerville, SC 29486
843-608-8597 | http://www.wideawakebrewing.com/
Hours: Wednesday to Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Friday 3-9 p.m.; Saturday, 2-9 p.m. and Sunday 12-6 p.m.

 

Baker & Brewer

Baker & Brewer is a collaboration between two of Charleston’s most popular businesses, EVO Pizzeria and Holy City Brewing. Full service taproom and brewery with large outdoor seating area along with indoor restaurant style seating.
94 Stuart Street, Charleston, SC
843-297-8233 | bakerandbrewer.com
Hours: 8-10 p.m. Monday to Sunday

Spirited sips & wines

Ships Wheel Hard Cider

1033 E. Montague Avenue, North Charleston, SC
(843) 212-3153 | https://www.shipswheelhardcider.com

Ship’s Wheel is a family owned and operated craft cider company. We have always found our place near the sea and have called the lowcountry home for the last ten years. Cider has been a passion of ours for a long time. We’re talking good cider, not that sugary stuff made from concentrate. Good cider apples aren’t exactly abundant in the sandy soils of the lowcountry. So, rather than settle for the stuff from concentrate, we decided to bring a taste of the orchard to our home in Charleston, SC. Always made with fresh juice from the highest quality apples, pressed right on the orchard.

Deep Water Vineyard

6775 Bears Bluff Road, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487
843-559-6867 | deepwatervineyard.com
Self-guided tours and tastings: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; $5 to taste five varietals and includes complimentary wine glass. Formerly Irvin-House Vineyard, this 48-acre winery and vineyard grows muscadine grapes to produce its authentic muscadine wine.

Firefly Distillery & Tasting Room

843-557-1405 | fireflyspirits.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday; $6 per tasting. Enjoy a sample or purchase some of Firefly’s best sellers: Sweet Tea Vodka, Moonshine, Sweet Tea Whiskey and Firefly Southern Lemonade.

High Wire Distilling Co.

652 King St., Charleston, SC 29403
843-755-4664 | highwiredistilling.squarespace.com
Tastings and tours: Offered Thursday through Saturday every hour on the hour from 1-6 p.m. Cost is $5 per person and includes three half-ounce tasting samples of gin, whiskey, Southern Amaro Liqueur and more. Reservations are recommended.

Striped Pig Distillery

2225-A Old School Drive, North Charleston, SC 29405
843-276-3201 | stripedpigdistillery.com
Tours and tastings: 3-7 p.m. Thursday to Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. Tours are $5/person and begin the top of every hour; book a tour online or walk in. Sample spiced run, whiskey, gin and vodka.

Drinks with friends

Charleston Brews Cruise

Hop on a brewery tour in beautiful and historic Charleston and try the best craft beers around town. You’ll learn about the history and brewing process and of course sample some of the local favorites. The cost is $60 per person and around five pours at each brewery.

 

Blade & Bull Axe Throwing 

Charleston’s original axe throwing experience! Located at Park Circle in North Charleston. Full bar is available along with some of Charleston’s favorite craft breweries. 1077 East Montague Avenue, North Charleston, SC. 843-996-4587 | bladeandbull.com

 

Where to buy

Charleston Beer Works

480 King Street, Charleston, SC | charlestonbeerworks.com. Proudly serves Charleston’s best selection of local beer and tastiest fresh bar food with the friendliest staff in town. Live music, flat screen TVs, great food, an extensive beer selection and a friendly staff have made Charleston Beer Works a staple on Upper King Street for more than six years. Visit each day where you can watch any NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB, or College game available while enjoying: $4 Local Brews, Monday-Friday from 4-7 for Happy Hour
and daily weekday food specials!

Crafty Draught

1965 Riveria Drive, Ste 5, Mount Pleasant | craftydraught.com
Crafty Draught is a great local spot in Seaside Farms with 26 taps. The majority of their taps are occupied by local Charleston breweries. Crafty’s large craft beer selection, along with the option to bring your own food, makes this the perfect spot for any occasion.

Bottles Beverage Superstore

610 Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant | shopbottles.com
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday for beer and wine; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday for liquor; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for beer and wine only. Bottles has a large selection of wines, craft beers and spirits from all over with a concentration on local products.

Coleman Public House

427 W. Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant | colemanpublichouse.com
Hours: Open daily 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Sixteen 16 rotating taps of top quality imported and domestic craft beer.

Bohemian Bull Tavern & Beer Garden

1531 Folly Road, James Island | bohemianbull.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Monday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday to Saturday. Choose from 32 draft beers and 75 bottled/canned beers with a huge selection of locally brewed beer. Plus, fun atmosphere, especially the outdoor space.


 

Drink responsibly! Contact a local taxi service, pedicab or Uber for a safe ride.

For more updates on Charleston’s beer scene, visit https://www.facebook.com/CHSBeer


EXPERIENCE CHARLESTON’S AMAZING BREWERY SCENE

Redeem $189 In Value Every Month! If you love local craft brews then you’re going to love the Brew Hop Pass! See what participating offers are available below. Hourly, Monthly and Annual Pass Holders can redeem offers 1x per month at each location. Monthly and Annual Pass Holders can redeem an offer 1x per month or 12x per year. Check it out: Brew Hop Pass

Visiting Charleston Just Got Way Easier!

TourPass includes all the top tours and attractions & historic sites. Save up to 40% or more on admissions + skip the lines

Charleston FAQ's

Choosing a hotel and where to stay in Charleston all depends on your budget and goals. Do you want to stay Downtown, at the beach or in the outer areas such as North Charleston where you have to drive to get everywhere? For more help on deciding: https://travelerofcharleston.com/articles/hotels/

Charleston has 3 main public beaches which are: Folly, Isle of Palms and Sullivans. Each beach has it’s own atmosphere. The most common beach that people visit is Folly Beach and then Isle of Palms followed by Sullivans Island. For more info on Charleston’s beaches visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/

Charleston, SC is full of historical things to do. Everything from museums, to public sites and free landmark sites such as Rainbow Row and the Battery can be seen. For more info on Charleston’s top historical sites visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/places-to-learn-about-charleston-sc-history/

There are many things that will keep the kids and family entertained and educated in Charleston. There are historic sites such as Fort Sumter, a Children’s Museum, Aquarium and the USS Yorktown…a WWII era aircraft carrier you can tour. For more info visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-family-fun-activities/

There’s so many  things you could do in Charleston it can be overwhelming. We recommend that first time visitors, checkout the ultimate first-time visitor guide here: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-first-time-visitors-guide/

Spring in Charleston, SC is an amazing time of year to visit. The flowers are blooming and the weather is mild and sunny. For more info, check-out our spring guide to Charleston here: https://travelerofcharleston.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-springtime-in-charleston/

Summer in Charleston is a great time to visit. There’s plenty of things to keep you busy and visiting the beach will probably….or should be on your short-list. Also water-based activities and tours are popular. Checkout this summer guide to Charleston for more info: 

Our 10 Favorite Summer Activities in Charleston

Fall is one of the best times to visit. The weather cools down a bit and the skies are typically blue and clear. In addition there are many great events, festivals and the large crowds of summer have gone back to school or work. For more info on visiting in the fall, checkout this article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-12-things-to-do-fall/

There are so many great things to do that it’s difficult to narrow the list down. This article does a great job with figuring out the must do things to do in Charleston

7 Can’t Miss Reasons to Visit Charleston, SC Now

The consensus is a minimum of 3-days is needed to settle in and experience Charleston. For instance, many people take 2 days exploring downtown and another day visiting sites outside of downtown such as the plantations, Angel Oak Tree or beaches. Checkout this page for a list of tours and attractions: 

Charleston’s Top Tours & Attractions | Things to do

Downtown Charleston was made for walking and for sure one of the best way to soak up and experience the history first-hand. This article goes over getting around Charleston with and without a car as well: 

Getting Around Charleston, SC

We’re of course partial to Charleston, but here’s the truth. There are many similarities however there are some differences in our opinion: 

  • Both cities are historic and beautiful. 
  • Both cities are extremely walkable. Savannah, with it’s park-like squares maybe more walkable than Charleston. 
  • Charleston has a more established and food scene with many more options. 
  • Charleston has better hotels and shopping.
  • Both cities have equally good tours.
  • Charleston has better beach options. Savannah has Tybee which is great, however it’s 1 beach vibe versus Charleston which has 3 beaches with different vibes. Checkout this Charleston beach guide article: https://travelerofcharleston.com/guide-charlestons-beaches/
  • In Savannah you can walk with alcoholic beverages on the street. This is not allowed in Charleston. This can be good or bad depending on your stance. 
  • Savannah is more affordable.
  • TourPass offers all-inclusive passes in both cities: https://tourpass.com

There are always great and world-class events happening in Charleston. For a calendar of events and things to do in Charleston, checkout our online calendar of events: https://travelerofcharleston.com/events/

Of course there are free money-saving coupons that you can use. Visit the coupons page for a bunch of ways to save: https://travelerofcharleston.com/coupon/

Charleston has some fantastic can’t miss tours such as Fort Sumter, carriage, ghost, harbor, historic and culinary tours. For a full list with more info visit: https://travelerofcharleston.com/attractions/

Checkout the Charleston Relocation Guide page which will guide you during your move: https://travelerofcharleston.com/charleston-sc-relocation-guide/

Additional Places to Explore

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