Local Breweries

Solar-Powered Brewery

Having a beer can be good for the environment. Recently named America’s favorite solar-powered microbrewery, Mad Mole Brewing is Wilmington’s first and only solar-powered brewery. Solar panels installed on the building’s roof use the sun’s rays to power the brewery’s seven-barrel system. Take some time to enjoy the sun and sip on a signature beverage like the Marilyn MonMole, Mad Oyster Catcher, Boston Mole Party and more in the brewery’s outdoor, dog-friendly beer garden.

Pay Homage to the Venus Flytrap

Flytrap Brewing pays homage to the Venus flytrap, a carnivorous plant whose only native habitat in the world can be found within a 60-mile radius of Wilmington and can be seen in the wild a short drive away at Carolina Beach State Park or at Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden. The brewery specializes in American-and Belgian-style ales with a constantly rotating draft list, while also educating visitors about the Venus flytrap, its shrinking habitats and ways to protect the plant from extinction. Located in Wilmington’s Brooklyn Arts District, Flytrap is not only a brewery but also a place where locals and visitors meet and mingle, artists display their works and live music can be heard every weekend. Food trucks are parked outside the brewery select days during the week.

Wilmington’s Oldest Brewery

Wilmington’s original brewery and restaurant, Front Street Brewery was founded in 1995 and has kept its award-winning beer flowing ever since. With more than 100 craft beer awards, the brewery features seasonal selections on tap, 10+ flagship beers like the Port City IPA and a selection of hand-picked whiskeys bottled exclusively for the brewery. Dine alfresco on the pet-friendly patio and enjoy shareable appetizers like the Famous Pulled Chicken Nachos paired with the brewery's Amberjack English Ale.

Look for Blackbeard's Flag

Edward Teach Brewing is located inside a 111-year old historic firehouse in Wilmington’s Brooklyn Arts District and features a two-story ship-shaped bar with several craft beers on tap, including the brewery's staples, Black Spot Lager, Pistol Proof German Lager and more. The brewery’s moniker is a nod to the infamous pirate Blackbeard, whose real name was Edward Teach, that frequented the shores and shallows of North Carolina. To find Edward Teach Brewing, look for the flag Blackbeard flew over the Queen Anne’s Revenge at the door.

Brews with Waterviews

Have a drink out in the beer garden with Wilmington’s iconic Cape Fear Memorial Bridge as your backdrop at Waterline Brewing Co. Sample from the unique line-up of beer, including Waterline Kolsch, Pale, Red, classic IPA, Oatmeal Stout, and Tripel, as you challenge friends to a game of squirt guns, air hockey or basketball. Or, check the calendar to enjoy trivia, live music, comedy and more.

A Hole in One

At Carolina Beach, Good Hops Brewing – a family-owned and operated small-batch brewery that is dog-and family-friendly – offers beers of all styles from golden ales to IPAs. Good Hops is serious about brewing, with seven-barrel and 10-barrel fermenters, the brewery has upgraded to bigger and better beer production. Don’t miss out on the Boardwalk Brown Ale, Flip Hop IPA, Donna Golden Ale or–a classic–the Good Hops Pale Ale. While sipping on craft brews, play a friendly game of disc golf at Trinity Disc Golf Course located on the brewery’s four acres of land.

Sip Suds in the Beer Garden

Recently named one of the “Six Breweries with Meals that Rival Their Beers” by Our State Magazine, Wrightsville Beach Brewery’s taproom and restaurant is equally celebrated for their brews and fresh local seafood. Grab a table and enjoy a variety of craft beer options, like the Airlie Amber Ale, Oysterman Stout, Wilmywood Wit and Waterway IPA as you savor local-caught oysters and signature items like Tempura Cauliflower and Local Shrimp Tacos. The brewery frequently features live music events in its beer garden.

Festivals & Events

Year-round, Wilmington and Beaches host a number of craft beer-centric events. In the spring, prost on the coast at Cape Fear Craft & Cuisine where local breweries pair with area restaurants to offer small plates and samples. In October, the Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival kicks off with the Voracious Rare Beer Festival, followed the next day by a riverside festival including live music, 300+ beers and 100+ wines. Sip and stroll during the Wilmington Wine and Beer Walk stopping off at bars, nightclubs and eateries on this self-guided tour of historic downtown Wilmington. Visit our events calendar to find beer and foodie events.

These are just a sampling of our breweries. It’s guaranteed that when in Wilmington, any and every beer lover will appreciate the handcrafted, distinctive twist the below area breweries add to draft selections along with unique environments. Find more information on our food and brew tours to plan your brewcation.