Published by Christina. Last Updated on September 10, 2024.
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Are you looking for the best Wilmington breweries?
One thing we’ve discovered while exploring North Carolina‘s Port City is there are some amazing breweries in Wilmington. We’ve also learned that this city has been beer-friendly for quite a while!
That’s because many of Wilmington’s breweries have produced quality NC beer since the early days!
Wilmington’s wide range of experimental and old-world breweries is perfect for any hop-head looking to spend a weekend exploring the bottom of a pint glass.
While drinking responsibly, we think any of these spots are perfect for trying some local craft beer in Wilmington, NC.
Whether you’re a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a local, we’re leaving no detail behind. If you live in the Wilmington area and are wondering, “What are the best breweries near me?” we think this NC travel guide will help you out!
Read More: 50+ Awesome Things to do in Wilmington
Best Breweries in Wilmington NC Map
You can visually plan your Wilmington beer adventures with this map we’ve created. Otherwise, keep reading about these alphabetically-organized breweries in Wilmington, NC.
Read More: The NC Tripping North Carolina Travel Map
Broomtail Craft Brewery
Address: 6404 Amsterdam Way, Wilmington, NC
Facebook Page
Science meets art at Broomtail Craft Brewery in Wilmington. Beer at Broomtail is brewed through a scientific lens to provide optimal flavor and presentation.
In addition to the brewery, they also have the Broomtail Pub & Arcade, a second location with an expanded bottle shop and arcade games.
Read More: Visiting Airlie Gardens in Wilmington (+ 10 Things We Love!)
Edward Teach Brewing
Address: 604 N 4th St, Wilmington, NC
Website
Sip beer in this 100-year-old firehouse named after the infamous Blackbeard!
The inside of Edward Teach Brewery resembles the front of a pirate ship, but the beer will keep your mind off its plank! Their Scallawag Session IPA and Black Spot Black Lager are two reasons this is one of our favorite breweries in Wilmington.
Of course, we’d love to hear what you like drinking at this awesome establishment.
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Flying Machine Brewing Company
Address: 3130 Randall Parkway, Wilmington, NC
Website
Flying Machine Brewing Company is the perfect place for those who like biking and beer! Conveniently located off the Gary Shell Cross City Trail, this 17,000-square-foot brewing facility hosts 22 taps, a two-story outdoor patio, and a gaming area.
Their beer blends old-world traditions with new techniques, yielding tasty results every time!
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Flytrap Brewing
Address: 319 Walnut St, Wilmington, NC
Website
Did you know that Wilmington is home to Venus flytraps? Its only native habitat is a 60-mile radius around Wilmington, so it makes sense that a Wilmington brewery honors this carnivorous plant!
Flytrap Brewing is located in the historic Brooklyn Arts District and boasts an awesome dog-friendly beer garden alongside sippable beers. We absolutely love checking out their seasonal and special drinks!
Front Street Brewery
Address: 9 N Front St, Wilmington, NC
Website
Part restaurant and part brewery, Front Street Brewery features more than 25 sandwiches and 35 entrees on top of a full tap list of house-brewed beer.
Open since 1995, Front Street has five flagship beers worth sampling. If you want a behind-the-scenes look, check out a free brewery tour!
Read More: The Best Restaurants in Wilmington
Hi-Wire Brewing
Address: 1020 Princess Street, Wilmington, NC
Website
One of the biggest breweries in Asheville also has a location in Wilmington. Inside Hi-Wire’s massive taproom, you can choose from twenty-one taps of Hi-Wire beers.
This includes year-round favorites, seasonals, specialties, sours, and one-offs. They also have three wine taps if you feel that instead.
Outside, there are two additional beer gardens. Various family-friendly games await, including soccer pool, table tennis, shuffleboard, foosball, and more.
Read More: 10 Craft Breweries in Durham (The Go-To Guide for a Bull City Pint)
Ironclad Brewery
Address: 115 N 2nd St, Wilmington, NC
Website
Ironclad Brewery is another Wilmington favorite that keeps its taps flowing inside a historic downtown building! Both a laidback brewery and event space, Ironclad takes a nod to both Wilmington’s and the owner’s history.
The brewery’s founder served in the US Navy, naming the brewery after the Ironclad ships built during the Civil War. Today, this history is honored by fermenting with only natural ingredients for their 15 beer styles and even kombucha.
Mad Mole Brewing
Address: 6309 Boathouse Rd, Wilmington, NC
Website
Family- and pet-friendly, Mad Mole Brewing is the perfect brewery for those staying and relaxing near Wrightsville Beach. The entire brewing process at Mad Mole is solar-powered, making this one of the most unique Wilmington NC breweries.
In fact, they were the first solar craft microbrewery in America. The constant beach sun helped and has made them quite a success.
MMB’s 12 rotating taps are often mole-themed and poured from Mueller serving tanks that keep the beer carbonated, cold, and delicious.
Read More: 100+ Unique Things to Do in North Carolina (Your NC Bucket List)
New Anthem Beer Project
Address: 110 Greenfield Street, Wilmington, NC
Website
Their original brewery was in the historic McLellan Building, but New Anthem Beer Project now has a beautiful taproom south of downtown where they serve up frothy pints.
Pushing the boundaries of traditional methods, this is one of those breweries in Wilmington that’s best known for hoppy beers and barrel-aged choices.
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Waterline Brewing Company
Address: 721 Surry St, Wilmington, NC
Website
Located just under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, Waterline Brewing Company doesn’t require facing off against a troll to get a pint!
Located in the former Jacobi Hardware warehouse, it’s perfect for hanging out with friends in their spacious facility and watching sunsets by the river.
Try one of their six flagship brews or a seasonal offering and relax to the weekly live music that comes through! We think you’ll enjoy both.
Waterman’s Brewing
Address: 1610 Pavilion Pl, Wilmington, NC
Website
Waterman’s Brewing is the perfect brewery for you to stop at on your way to Wrightsville Beach. With a rotating selection of craft beers and affordable food specials, wine, and spirits, this is one of Wilmington’s most kid- and dog-friendly breweries!
Ample seating, a private party room, and an inviting outdoor section make Waterman’s the perfect place to brew by the beach.
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Wilmington Brewing Company
Address: 824 S Kerr Ave, Wilmington, NC
Website
For all things beer, Wilmington Brewing Company is the place to go!
From the tank to your glass, WBC also hosts a home-brew supply store!
Built by Wilmington natives and located in the middle of Wilmington, owners John and Michelle Savard fell in love with beer while in college at UNC Asheville. Many of us fell in love with beer during those years, but these two took that passion to the next level.
While traveling through Europe, John decided to be a professional brewer, and their story was born. Bringing that passion back home to Wilmington, their beer is a testament to a lifetime of love for all things hops, water, and yeast.
Read More: 80+ Great Things to Do in Asheville (The Asheville Bucket List)
Wrightsville Beach Brewery
Address: 24 Greenville Ave, Wilmington, NC
Website
A story of beer and oysters comes together to make this Wilmington brewery that also serves amazing oysters! Order the fried oyster bites at Wrightsville Beach Brewery, and thank us later!
They also have a very inviting outdoor beer garden that is shared!
Beyond beer and a great menu, WBB also gives back to the community. Contributing proceeds from their “Beer of the Month” to different non-profits, their love for the community is as endless as the draft line.
Read More: How to Explore the NC Oyster Trail (10+ Adventurous Ways!)
Bonus Brewery Near Wilmington
Good things are happening in Wilmington’s surroundings, including this Carolina Beach brewery.
Good Hops Brewing
Address: 811 Harper Ave, Carolina Beach, NC
Website
Good Hops Brewing has a vibe all its own. With a disc golf course, hopping events, and damn good beer, this is a brewery where you will stay for a while.
Sip on the Boardwalk Brown Ale or enjoy a seasonal Peach Jalapeno brew and relax!
Read More: 20+ Carolina Beach Restaurants (Great Food for All!)
Ready for a Pint or Flight at these Breweries in Wilmington?
Before we move on to more Wilmington travel guides, did you know that the beer app Untappd is headquartered in Wilmington? That fun fact is another reason this is one of the beeriest beach towns you’ll find!
We hope you enjoy these breweries in Wilmington as much as we did! If you’ve visited any of them (or seen their work in bottle shops), we’d love to know which you love, too!
You can inform us in the comments section, by email, or in our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group.
Beyond Breweries in Wilmington (Travel Guides)
Beyond our favorite breweries in Wilmington, here are more fun things to do in the area.
