Carolina beer FAQ
Quick answers about breweries and craft beer in North and South Carolina.
Questions people ask
How many breweries are in North Carolina?
We list 279 open breweries and brewpubs in North Carolina as of October 2026. Charlotte has the most, with 39.
How many breweries are in South Carolina?
We list 70 open breweries and brewpubs in South Carolina as of October 2026. Charleston has the most, with 18.
What's the difference between a brewery, a microbrewery and a brewpub?
A microbrewery is a small independent brewery, usually with a taproom where you drink its beer on site. A brewpub is a restaurant or bar that brews its own beer on the premises and serves food. Regional and production breweries make larger volumes and distribute widely.
What is a taproom?
A taproom is a brewery's own bar, usually attached to the brewhouse, where beer is poured fresh from the brewery's tanks or kegs. Many Carolina taprooms host food trucks, trivia nights and live music.
What is a growler or crowler?
A growler is a refillable glass or steel jug, usually 32 or 64 ounces, filled at the taproom to take home. A crowler is a 32-ounce can filled and sealed on the spot. Not every brewery offers both, so ask before you go.
Are Carolina breweries kid- and dog-friendly?
Many taprooms welcome dogs on patios and families during daytime hours, but policies vary by brewery and local health rules. Check the brewery's website or call ahead.
Which Carolina city has the most breweries?
Charlotte, NC has the most in our listings with 39, followed by Asheville and Raleigh. See the full ranking.
Where can I walk between several breweries?
Several Carolina downtowns have three or more breweries within a half mile. See our walkable brewery crawls.
How does Carolina Brewery Guide keep listings current?
Listings combine public brewery databases with daily checks of each brewery's own website for events, specials, beer lists and signs of closure. Owners can claim their listing to make direct updates.