Winston-Salem, North Carolina is a small city an hour north of Charlotte with college-town vibes and a thriving brewery scene. I did the excruciating work of visiting every brewery in town (most spots multiple times) in order to learn more about the Winston-Salem beer scene.
Lesser-Known Beer Co.
Lesser-Known is the newest brewery in Winston-Salem and already the best brewery in town. They focus on underrepresented beer styles, the majority of which are Lagers. Lesser-Known is just south of downtown and has a nice patio space as well as a small indoor taproom. They have a small food menu when they don’t have a food truck onsite. They are quickly gaining notoriety and should not be missed. Inside their taproom The Walk In has guest taps and guest bottles as well.
Incendiary Brewing Company
Incendiary makes great beers in a variety of different styles. Their IPAs in particular are fantastic. They are located at Bailey Power Plant with a huge shared patio space and Cugino Forno Pizzeria is next door with delicious ‘za to accompany your beers. Incendiary also has a second location in Lewisville.
Radar Brewing Company
Radar makes unique and delicious beers. They have a small taproom and a nice patio space. Radar and Wise Man are just a block away from each other north of downtown Winston-Salem.
Hoots Beer Co. & Hoots Satellite
Hoots has two locations in Winston-Salem: The original taproom and their satellite taproom in the heart of downtown. The original taproom has a nice outdoor patio, pinball and chill vibes. Hoots Satellite is a smaller space with a covered patio and a small tap list. If you only have time to hit one, go to the original for the authentic vibes and more beers available.
Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Company
Fiddlin’ Fish is in downtown Winston-Salem with a wide variety of beers. They have a pretty large taproom and a nice patio as well. They offer specials during the week and have solid beers all around.
Foothills Brewpub
Foothills has a restaurant-style set-up with solid beers and delicious food. They make a wide variety of beers but specialize in Stouts. They are located right on the edge of downtown Winston-Salem with patio seating and spacious taproom.
Wise Man Brewing
Wise Man has a very large tap list and makes a wide variety of beers. They have both indoor and outdoor seating and frequent events. They are located just north of the city in the Industry Hill neighborhood.
Photo courtesy of Joymongers as I failed to take any pictures here somehow
Joymongers Barrel Hall
This is the Winston-Salem location for Greensboro-based Joymongers Brewing. They are located in the West End neighborhood and have warehouse-style vibes and a small patio. Their Barrel Aged beers are brewed at this location and what they are best known for.
Small Batch Beer Co.
Small Batch feels more like a dive bar than a brewery and is located right downtown. The small tap list has average beers but they also have wine, cider and cocktails. They have a food menu as well if you are hungry.
