When most people think of visiting breweries, they think about visiting states like California or Colorado. Surprisingly, North Carolina has a great craft brewery scene that is worth a visit! The highest concentration of breweries in the state can be found in Asheville, NC; where there are so many fun Asheville breweries to visit.
One of the most recent area’s on the “scene” is Carteret County, NC where we live! The first brewery in the area didn’t open until 2016, but since then there has been some amazing growth, and phenomenal beer coming out of the Crystal Coast!
Shortway Brewery Taproom with Twelve beers and Soda on Tap
Mill Whistle Brewery
Let’s start with the original brewery in Carteret County, Mill Whistle Brewery, located in Beaufort, NC. Read all the reasons you’ll want to visit beautiful Beaufort, NC here. The brewery is single barrel, meaning they only brew a few beers at a time. While they brew a huge variety, it also means they may be out of your favorite kind of beer, which just gives you the opportunity to try something new and delicious! Their beers have great flavor and they are known for their creative ingredients! Our favorites include the Bofirt IPA, the Bloody 34, and the Gas Can Red Ale.
The entrance to Mill Whistle Brewery with outdoor patio to the right.
The brewery itself is located at the old lumber mill that closed in the 1970’s. The inside of the brewery has a cozy feel, with only room for a small bar and aging beer barrels. Outside, there is a large patio and side courtyard, perfect for a sunny day! Fun fact, in keeping with tradition and town history, the Mill Whistle goes off at 4:45 pm each day to signify quitting time at the old mill, and that it’s time to grab a beer from Mill Whistle- just be sure to plug your ears!
Sitting on the outdoor patio under the shade sails.
Tight Lines Brewery
Tight Lines Brewery, in Morehead City, NC is the only local brewery that is also home to a full restaurant, in fact they first opened as a restaurant in 2014, before they started brewing a few years later. They have some delicious burgers and sandwiches- we especially like the soups in the winter! And don’t forget to get a side order of Mac and Cheese! If you’re looking for more great places to eat on the Crystal Coast be sure to checkout our favorites here!
While they have a great selection of house beers, their Oyster Stout is one of the best in the area. The pub, located in a historic building near the Morehead City waterfront, has a great mix of older details and is a great place to watch sporting events. They also recently extended their outdoor patio!
Deep fried Bacon wrapped Bratwurst and an Oyster Stout
Crystal Coast Brewery
Crystal Coast Brewery opened in 2017. The original brewery actually caught on fire, so now they brew at multiple locations, including Mill Whistle! Their taphouse in Atlantic Beach, NC has the largest space out of all the breweries on the coast, and they are also the only brewery located on the islands. Their large space is a perfect location for trivia nights, which they host frequently; and is a local favorite to host events like surf nights.
Crystal Coast Breweries taphouse in Atlantic Beach, NC
Shortway Brewery
Shortway Brewery, in Newport, NC is the most family friendly brewery around! The Veteran owned brewery has a “downhome feel” and was also opened in 2017. The brewery is extremely kid and dog friendly! We love to meet friends here to play games and sip beer out of their signature glasses- a mason jar! They have local beer favorites, like the Fire Tower Red Ale and the Down East IPA, in addition to delicious seasonal beers.
Our dog, Kula, posing with a Fire Tower Red and Down East IPA at Shortway.
In addition to a laid back interior, they also have a great outdoor beer garden that is a great place to relax outside and the largest outdoor space out of all Crystal Coast Breweries. Shortway is also a favorite location for local food trucks and you’re welcome to bring your own food in as well!
The outdoor Beer Garden at Shortway Brewery
Fishtowne Brew House
Fishtowne Brew House, which opened in 2018, is located in the heart of downtown Beaufort, on Turner Street. They have a great selection of 12 rotating beers on tap, and have quickly become one of our favorites in the area! If you like IPA’s this is the prefect brewery for you, Munden Fog and Reddy Freddy (a red IPA) are two of John’s favorite. As more of a dark beer fan, like myself, the Fishtowne Brown and Black Cat are two excellent choices. You really can’t go wrong with any of their beers!
The quaint interior at Fishtowne- sip your beer in the heart of the brewery
The interior of Fishtowne is quaint, with just a handful of tables and stools at the bar. We love the small size, because all of the staff, from the bartenders, to the brewers, to the owners are extremely approachable and friendly. They also have a great side yard that is perfect to play cornhole in the summer, and cozy up around their fire pits in the winter. They are also very dog friendly!
The courtyard to the side of Fishtowne Brew House
While you’re visiting be sure to checkout some of the Hidden Gems of the area! No matter what you’re looking for, you’re bound to find it on the Crystal Coast!
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