The best breweries around Wilmington worth visiting

Whether you're a longtime craft beer enthusiast or simply looking for a new place to unwind, Wilmington's brewery scene offers something for every taste. From neighborhood taprooms to breweries with spacious patios and live entertainment, there are plenty of places to enjoy a locally brewed pint.

Whether you're meeting friends after work, planning a weekend brewery tour or looking for a family-friendly hangout, these breweries around Wilmington are worth adding to your list.

Key takeaways

• The bigger picture: Wilmington has become one of North Carolina's top destinations for locally brewed craft beer.
• The details: Many breweries offer rotating beer selections, outdoor seating, food trucks, live music and weekly events.
• Why it matters: Local breweries provide more than great beer; they've become gathering places for residents and visitors alike.
• The more you know: Many Wilmington breweries welcome families, dogs and guests who prefer nonalcoholic beverages.

Downtown Wilmington breweries

Flytrap Brewing

Flytrap Brewing is known for its small-batch beers and relaxed neighborhood atmosphere. The brewery regularly hosts food trucks and community events, making it a favorite gathering spot just outside downtown Wilmington.

• Address: 319 Walnut St., Wilmington
• Hours: 1-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 1-11 p.m. Friday; noon-11 p.m. Saturday; 1-8 p.m. Sunday
• Phone: (910) 769-2881

Front Street Brewery

A Wilmington staple since 1995, Front Street Brewery is the city's original brewpub, serving award-winning craft beers alongside a made-from-scratch menu in the heart of historic downtown. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, extensive whiskey selection and crowd-pleasing dishes, it's a favorite spot for everything from casual lunches to weekend gatherings.

• Address: 9 N. Front St., Wilmington
• Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
• Phone: (910) 251-1935

Local favorites

Wilmington Brewing Company

One of the area's largest breweries, Wilmington Brewing Company offers a wide variety of year-round favorites along with seasonal releases. Visitors can enjoy spacious indoor and outdoor seating, frequent food trucks and a full calendar of special events.

• Address: 824 S. Kerr Ave., Wilmington
• Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday 
• Phone: (910) 769-0293

Waterline Brewing Company

Located along the Cape Fear River near downtown, Waterline Brewing Company is known for its scenic outdoor beer garden, rotating craft beers and regular lineup of food trucks and live entertainment.

• Address: 721 Surry St., Wilmington
• Hours: 4-9 p.m. Tuesday; 3-9 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; 3-10 p.m. Friday; noon-5:30 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday
• Phone: (910) 777-5599

Breweries near the beach

Wrightsville Beach Brewery

Just minutes from Wrightsville Beach, this brewery combines handcrafted beer with a full-service restaurant, outdoor patio and family-friendly atmosphere. It's an easy stop before or after a day on the coast.

• Address: 6201 Oleander Drive, Wilmington
• Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
• Phone: (910) 256-4938

Hi-Wire Brewing

Originally founded in Asheville, Hi-Wire Brewing has become a popular Wilmington destination thanks to its arcade games, outdoor beer gardens and wide variety of craft beers.

• Address: 1020 Princess St., Wilmington
• Hours: 2-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; noon-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; noon-9 p.m. Sunday
• Phone: (910) 933-5500

FAQs

Are Wilmington breweries family-friendly?

Many breweries around Wilmington welcome families and offer outdoor seating, games, food trucks and community events. Individual policies may vary.

Which Wilmington breweries serve food?

Wrightsville Beach Brewery has a full-service restaurant, while many other breweries regularly host local food trucks or offer snacks. Check each brewery's website for current dining options.

Are dogs allowed at Wilmington breweries?

Many Wilmington breweries welcome dogs in their outdoor seating areas. It's always a good idea to check each brewery's pet policy before visiting.

When is the best time to visit Wilmington breweries?

Weekday afternoons tend to be quieter, while evenings and weekends often feature live music, trivia nights, food trucks and seasonal events.