DRAFT Magazine

We’ve scoured the country from Alaska to Hawaii and Portland, Maine to Portland, Ore., to find the bars where you’re guaranteed to sip unmatched suds. Romantic or boisterous, scuzzy or dressed to the nines, the flavor of the places where fine brew is served runs the gamut. Here, the 150 places where craft is king and fun comes in all fashions.

Today: North Carolina.

Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria
Asheville, North Carolina
Four locations are sprinkled throughout the Carolinas and Tennessee, but if we had to choose one, it would be in Asheville, arguably the Portland, Ore. of the East Coast. While Barley’s offers labels from notable craft breweries, it excels at representing North Carolina’s best: Catawba Valley, Big Boss, French Broad, and Pisgah, to name a few. Venture up to the second floor of this renovated 1920s appliance store, where you’ll find pool tables and another 19 taps to wet your whistle.
42 Biltmore Ave.

Busy Bee Café
Raleigh, North Carolina
Fantôme Pissenlit, Dogfish Head Burton Baton, and Terrapin Midnight Project are just a few of the treats to be had at this Raleigh bar, and while the selection isn’t vast, every beer is worth a try. Aside from the high-end suds (available at both its main and upstairs bar), Busy Bee has solidified itself as a go-to Raleigh hot spot with live music, delicious food (here’s help: order the Braised Dorper Lamb Shank), and a menu of gourmet coffee drinks for designated drivers.
225 S. Wilmington St.

The Raleigh Times Bar
Raleigh, North Carolina
Located inside the historic building that once housed the now-defunct Raleigh Times newspaper, this Belgian-inspired nightlife hub is where the growing hordes of local beer enthusiasts come to try out the best beer from the Old World, and the menu never disappoints. Rarities — at least in U.S. bars — like Monchshof Schwarzbier and Sinebroychoff Baltic Porter are just the tip of the iceberg. Well over 100 brews, most of which center around traditional Belgian styles, make this the vanguard of Raleigh’s craft beer movement.
14 E. Hargett St.

Tyler’s Taproom & Restaurant
Carrboro, North Carolina
With three locations in Durham, Carrboro, and Apex (and soon, downtown Raleigh), Tyler’s is the old reliable drinking establishment in the Research Triangle. Part bar, restaurant, bottle shop, music venue, and speakeasy, Tyler’s covers just about every entertaining need, and even though beer shares the spotlight, there’s no slacking on quality. On its well-devised tap selection, expect to see the latest offerings from local brewers like Foothills Gruffmeister Maibock, as well as a few must-haves from nationwide breweries. Special tappings like the recent double dry-hopped Stone Old Guardian barleywine and beer dinners push this locale into true beer-bar greatness.
102 E. Main St.

Village Draft House
Raleigh, North Carolina
Resist the urge to belt out “99 Bottles of Beer” while you choose among the 99 taps on the wall (apparently, the staff reserves the right to slap you if you sing it). This relatively unassuming bar is perfect for delving into the craft brews coming out of North Carolina — with offerings from Big Boss, Highland, Cottonwood, Carolina Beer, and Carolina Brewing, the menu reads as a primer to the local craft scene. While sipping from the plethora of local craft, patrons can cheer on their alma mater’s basketball team, attempt to outsmart each other in trivia or just feast from the massive food menu.
428 Daniels St.