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The Top 30 Breweries in South Carolina Ranked

top 30 breweries in south carolina

South Carolina has built a strong craft beer scene, with breweries spread from the coast to the mountains. Many of them have earned loyal followings by making beers that reflect both creativity and consistency. From Charleston and Columbia to Greenville and small towns in between, these breweries offer a mix of established names and newer spots worth checking out. Each one brings something different to the table, giving locals and visitors plenty of choices when it comes to finding a good pint.

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This article lists the best breweries in South Carolina, focusing on beer quality, community presence, and taproom experience. We highlight breweries that stand out for reliable service, welcoming spaces, and a clear passion for brewing. The goal is to help readers find places that fit their taste, whether they like hoppy IPAs, dark stouts, or lighter lagers. The list is designed as a simple guide for anyone interested in trying the state’s top breweries.

#30 – Slow Play Brewing

Slow Play Brewing in Rock Hill, South Carolina offers a relaxed setting with indoor and outdoor seating, games, and regular community events. Two of its popular beers are Squeeze Play, a hazy IPA brewed with Citra, Mosaic, and Amarillo hops, and Puppy Foot Porter, a dark beer with roasted malt character. The taproom often hosts food trucks, trivia nights, and live music, giving guests plenty of reasons to return. Visitors appreciate the friendly atmosphere, pet friendly patio, and the wide range of beer styles that cater to different tastes. Its focus on both quality and community involvement has helped make it a well regarded stop in the South Carolina craft beer scene.

#29 – Angry Fish Brewing

Angry Fish Brewing Co. opened in 2018 as the first commercial brewery in Lexington, South Carolina. It has built a reputation for offering a wide range of beer styles that appeal to many different tastes. Two of the most popular options are the Bomb Island Imperial Stout, known for its bold roasted flavor, and the Sunny DaYze DDH IPA, appreciated for its smooth hop character. The taproom provides both indoor and outdoor seating, often with food trucks nearby, which makes it a comfortable spot to enjoy a pint with friends. Guests also note the welcoming atmosphere and friendly service, which has helped the brewery become a go-to place for locals and visitors alike. Angry Fish Brewing Co. continues to stand out for combining a strong lineup of beers with a community-friendly space in the heart of Lexington.

#28 – Commonhouse Aleworks

Commonhouse Aleworks opened in 2018 in the Park Circle neighborhood of North Charleston with a focus on bringing people together through craft beer. Two of their most popular beers are Park Circle Pale Ale, which is noted for its tropical aroma and balanced bitterness, and Looking East, a West Coast IPA that delivers citrus and pine flavors with a touch of mango. The taproom features indoor and outdoor seating, regular events, and food service through a partnership with Swig & Swine. Commonhouse also expanded to Charleston International Airport with a taproom that offers travelers a chance to enjoy their beers before a flight. Locals appreciate the brewery for its welcoming setting, quality beer, and community-minded approach. Commonhouse Aleworks has built a strong reputation by combining a diverse tap list with a focus on neighborhood connections.

#27 – Southern Barrel Brewing Co.

Southern Barrel Brewing Co. sits in Bluffton, South Carolina, in Buckwalter Place and is known for being one of the area’s first production microbreweries. They offer a solid mix of year-round beers, seasonal taps, and special small-batch releases. Two particularly popular beers are Damn Yankee IPA, a New England-style IPA with rich hops and a juicy profile, and Wild Bramble, a sour Berliner Weisse brewed with blackberry and raspberry for a tart fruit forward touch. Their Helles Lager gets praise too, noted for its clean, smooth malt character. The taproom includes both indoor and outdoor seating with a relaxed beer garden vibe, often hosting tastings and flights. Patrons also mention dog-friendly outdoor spaces, friendly staff, and reasonable prices. Southern Barrel has built a reputation not just for the beers themselves but for the whole visit: atmosphere, variety, and a sense that people there want to brew good beer that appeals to a range of tastes.

#26 – Southern Hops Brewing Company

Southern Hops Brewing Company has locations in Florence and Murrells Inlet and is known for combining fresh beer with a relaxed pub setting. Two of their well known beers are Pop’s Pilsner, a light and easy drinking option with a malty character, and Blackwater Porter, a darker style with coffee and chocolate notes. Other house beers include Goldilocks Golden Ale and 5 Points IPA, which give visitors more choices across different styles. The brewery spaces feature indoor and outdoor seating and often host live music and community events, creating a comfortable spot for gatherings. Many guests highlight the friendly service and the appeal of beer brewed on site. Southern Hops Brewing Company also shows support for its local community and ingredients, helping it maintain a steady reputation among South Carolina beer fans.

#25 – Hilton Head Brewing Company

Hilton Head Brewing Company is located on Hilton Head Island and is recognized as one of the earliest craft breweries in South Carolina. It first opened in 1994 and has continued to grow in reach and reputation over the years. Two of their most popular beers are Tropical Lager, known for its citrus character and smooth drinkability, and Crab Pilsner, a German Pils style lager recognized for its clean malt flavor and crisp finish. The taproom is family friendly with indoor seating, and recent updates include outdoor features such as a beer garden and expanded patios to provide more space for guests. The brewery also distributes beyond the island, allowing more customers across the state to enjoy its beers. With a long history and a strong lineup, it remains an important part of South Carolina’s craft beer scene.

#24 – Liability Brewing Company

Liability Brewing Company opened in 2018 in Greenville, South Carolina and has built a reputation for focusing on both quality beer and community values. Two of its most popular beers are Mortal Wombat IPA, appreciated for its hop flavor and balanced bitterness, and Feral Garden Gnome Belgian Blonde Ale, which is lighter in body with notes from Belgian yeast. The taproom usually offers around 18 beers on tap, giving guests the chance to try year round selections along with rotating seasonal and experimental brews. Liability Brewing is also known for supporting local causes, donating to charities, and sourcing more than 90 percent of its malts from the Carolinas. This combination of strong beer, community support, and sustainability makes it a standout in the South Carolina craft beer scene.

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#23 – Side Hustle Brewing Co.

Side Hustle Brewing Co. is based in Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, South Carolina and has quickly built a reputation for pairing quality beer with welcoming spaces. The main location is inside The Bank, a former bank building that has been transformed into a brewery, restaurant complex, and beer garden. They also operate a taproom in Bluffton. Two of their popular beers are Balance Transfer, a double IPA with bold hop character, and Fruits of Labor, a sour ale made with raspberry, blackberry, and blueberry. The brewery often features live music, food trucks, and outdoor seating that is family friendly, creating a relaxed setting for both locals and visitors. With a mix of core beers and rotating experimental releases, Side Hustle Brewing Co. has become a well known stop in the Lowcountry craft beer scene and continues to grow its reach across the area.

#22 – Fam’s Brewing Company

Fam’s Brewing Co. is a brewpub on James Island in Charleston, South Carolina, known for pairing craft beer with a relaxed, friendly hangout space. Their taproom usually offers around 20 beers on tap, ranging from lighter session styles to stronger brews. Two beers that get a lot of attention are Guild House Pils (a German-style pilsner) and Brewdown Death Touch Imperial Stout (a bold, dark beer with a higher ABV). The setting includes indoor and outdoor seating, a dog-friendly patio, and a casual vibe that makes it easy to drop by for a pint. Many visitors also enjoy that the venue includes Famulari’s pizza, making it a spot where people can stay awhile. It’s a local favorite for both beer quality and atmosphere, especially because it feels like a place for friends and beer lovers to relax together.

#21 – 13 Stripes Brewery

13 Stripes Brewery opened in 2017 in Taylors, South Carolina and has become known for combining quality beer with a strong community focus. Two of their popular beers are Freeborn Tropical Hazy IPA, which features tropical fruit notes, and Defiance Lager, recognized for its clean and crisp finish. The taproom offers a relaxed atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating as well as food truck visits. With a mix of core beers, rotating selections, and steady growth, 13 Stripes Brewery has earned a place as a favorite among South Carolina beer fans.

#20 – Tidal Creek Brewhouse

Tidal Creek Brewhouse opened in 2020 in the Market Common district of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and has quickly become known as a gathering place for both locals and visitors. Two of its popular beers are Breezy Blonde, which is light and easy to drink, and West Coast IPA, which is appreciated for its bold hop character. The brewery offers a large space with indoor seating, a beer garden, patios, a kids’ play area, and a dog run. It also serves food throughout the day and roasts its own coffee on site, making it a spot that offers more than just craft beer. Guests often enjoy the relaxed and family friendly atmosphere along with live music and games that add to the experience. Tidal Creek Brewhouse has established itself as a community hub while continuing to grow its reputation for quality beer and service.

#19 – Amor Artis Brewing

Amor Artis Brewing opened in 2018 in downtown Fort Mill, South Carolina and has built its reputation around craft beer and community support. Two of their popular beers are Cruisin’ Down the Street in My ‘64 IPA, which has a tropical hop profile, and Sospeso Coffee Blonde Ale, a blonde ale brewed with cacao nibs and locally roasted coffee. The taproom features both indoor seating and a patio, and it often hosts live music along with community gatherings. Guests highlight the welcoming setting and the variety of beer styles that make it easy to find something new to enjoy. The mix of quality beer, atmosphere, and community focus has made it a favorite in the Fort Mill area.

#18 – Southern Growl Beer Company

Southern Growl Beer Company in Greer, South Carolina started in 2014 as a taproom and later grew into a brewery with its own production facility. The taproom is known for its large selection with more than 60 taps, including house beers, guest brews, and even ciders and sodas. Two of their well-liked beers are Bury Me in Strata, a Southern IPA, and Tropical Sauce, a fruited sour that stands out for its flavor mix. The space includes indoor seating, a covered patio, and a lawn area that is often used for live music and games, giving guests plenty of options for relaxing. The on-site kitchen also makes food designed to pair with the beers, sometimes even using spent grain in the recipes. Its mix of variety, quality, and a laid-back setting has made it a popular stop in the Upstate area.

#17 – Fireforge Crafted Beer

Fireforge Crafted Beer opened in 2018 in downtown Greenville, South Carolina and has become known for its creative small batch brews. Two of their popular beers are John Hopcock, a hazy IPA with tropical and citrus notes, and Day on the Lake, a German style Pilsner with a crisp finish. The brewery is set in a converted warehouse and features a taproom, a biergarten, and a kitchen serving sandwiches and snacks. Guests often enjoy the laid back atmosphere along with live music and community events hosted at the space. Fireforge also offers other drink options including cider, wine, and non alcoholic selections, making it a welcoming stop for different tastes. With its mix of inventive beers, inviting setting, and community feel, Fireforge has built a strong reputation among craft beer fans in South Carolina.

#16 – Snafu Brewing Company

Snafu Brewing Company in North Charleston, South Carolina is well known for its focus on fruited sour beers and playful flavors. The brewery operates out of a warehouse style space that includes games like ping pong, a pool table, and old school video games, which makes it a relaxed spot for both families and dog owners. Two of their popular beers are Tiger’s Blood, a sour with watermelon, strawberry, and coconut, and Keeping It Teal, a sour made with cotton candy and blue raspberry Italian ice. The brewery often introduces new releases weekly and works with local fruit farms when in season to bring fresh flavors into their beers. Visitors highlight the fun atmosphere, rotating food trucks, and the wide selection of sour styles that stand out in the Charleston beer scene.

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#15 – Low Tide Brewing

Low Tide Brewing opened in 2016 on Johns Island, South Carolina and has become a favorite stop for locals and visitors. Two of its popular beers are Aloha Beaches, a pineapple wheat beer, and Tide Chaser IPA, an American IPA brewed with Citra and Mosaic hops. Guests enjoy the casual atmosphere and the variety of beer styles ranging from lagers to fruit ales and hop forward brews. The brewery is also preparing for a large expansion with a 26,800 square foot facility planned to open in 2026 that will increase brewing capacity and add an event space. This growth reflects the steady demand and support Low Tide has earned within the Charleston beer community.

#14 – Columbia Craft Brewing Company

Columbia Craft Brewing Company opened in 2017 in the Vista area of Columbia, South Carolina and has built its reputation with a wide range of lagers, IPAs, sours, and barrel aged beers. Two of its popular offerings are Columbia Craft Lager, a Munich Helles style beer that is crisp and easy to drink, and Famously Hop, an IPA known for its balanced hop flavor. The brewery features a spacious taproom, a rooftop area, and a patio where guests often enjoy food trucks and live music. It also hosts community events and offers private space for gatherings. Columbia Craft has earned recognition in competitions for several of its beers, reflecting a consistent focus on quality across different styles. Its combination of variety, setting, and attention to craft has made it a key part of the Columbia beer scene.

#13 – Golden Grove Farm & Brew

Golden Grove Farm & Brew in Piedmont, South Carolina combines craft beer with an outdoor farm style setting that draws locals and visitors. The brewery produces all of its beer on site and is known for both traditional and experimental flavors. Two of its popular beers are Gov’t Cheese IPA, an American IPA with a bold hop profile, and Pickle Gose, a sour beer with tart and salty notes that stands out for its unique taste. Guests enjoy the open space with live music, games, and areas that are both pet friendly and family friendly. The mix of a relaxed farm atmosphere and a creative beer lineup has made Golden Grove a place where people often linger to enjoy the setting as much as the drinks.

#12 – Steel Hands Brewing

Steel Hands Brewing is located in Cayce, South Carolina and is among the largest production breweries in the Midlands region. Two of its signature beers are Tropical IPA, known for juicy hops and strong aromas of mango, passion fruit, and papaya, and Coffee Lager, which blends light, crisp lager qualities with coffee from a local roaster. The taproom is spacious, with both indoor and outdoor seating, live music, picnic tables, and food service through its full-service kitchen. It operates a 30 barrel automated brewhouse with significant canning capacity and is family friendly, offering kids’ meals, high chairs, and outdoor areas for play. Many locals praise its consistent beer quality, friendly atmosphere, and the variety of beer styles from IPAs and lagers to brown ales and seasonal releases.

#11 – Hazelwood Brewing Company

Hazelwood Brewing Company opened in 2018 in Lexington, South Carolina inside the former boiler room of the Old Mill on Main Street. The brewery sources many of its ingredients locally, including hops from its own Hazelwood Hop Farm which has been in operation since 2005. The beer lineup changes regularly with rotating ales and lagers that include IPAs, farmhouse styles, and fruit inspired brews. The taproom features indoor and outdoor seating, a mezzanine loft, a beer garden, and often hosts trivia, live music, and food trucks. Its mix of quality beer, unique location, and connection to local farms has made it a well regarded part of the Lexington beer scene.

#10 – Frothy Beard Brewing

Frothy Beard Brewing Company opened in Charleston, South Carolina and is known for creative beer styles and a community focus. Two of its popular beers are Sip Sip Pass IPA, which features citrus and tropical hop flavors, and Back from the Dead Porter, which is rich with roasted malt notes and a smooth finish. The brewery has indoor seating and offers more than 30 beers on tap along with a full kitchen that serves food designed to pair with the brews. There is also a second location in Summerville called Off World, which offers similar beers, food, and a social atmosphere. Visitors enjoy the relaxed vibe, regular events like live music and trivia, and the variety of beer styles. Frothy Beard is recognized for consistent quality, fun flavors, and being a popular gathering spot in the Charleston area.

#9 – Grand Strand Brewing Company

Grand Strand Brewing Company opened in 2021 in downtown Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and has quickly become a popular local spot for craft beer lovers. Two of their well‑liked beers are Airbrush Hazy IPA, a hazy IPA with tropical notes, and Salty Golfer Pineapple Blonde Ale, a blonde ale with subtle pineapple flavors. The brewery offers both indoor and outdoor seating, a beer garden, and a pet‑friendly environment. Guests can enjoy the beer alongside a menu of smash burgers and bar bites. Grand Strand Brewing Company is recognized not just for its variety of beers but also for creating a welcoming space that appeals to both locals and visitors.

#8 – Charles Towne Fermentory

Charles Towne Fermentory opened in 2016 in the Avondale neighborhood of West Ashley, Charleston, South Carolina and has grown into a popular local brewery. The brewery specializes in hop‑forward and fermentation‑driven beers and aims to create a welcoming community space. Two of their popular beers are Sungazer IPA, appreciated for its citrus and tropical hop character, and Mudlark Irish Dry Stout, which offers roasted malt flavor and smooth finish. Charles Towne Fermentory also hosts regular events, food trucks, and social gatherings, making it a spot where locals and visitors can enjoy both beer and atmosphere. Its combination of quality beers and community focus has helped it become a recognized name in Charleston’s craft beer scene.

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#7 – New South Brewing Company

New South Brewing Company, established in 1998, is a microbrewery in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina known for producing fresh and flavorful ales and lagers. Two of their popular beers are White Ale, a light and smooth ale, and Nut Brown Ale, which features roasted malt flavors and a balanced profile. The brewery also offers a rotating selection including New South IPA, Braubeater Lager, Waccamaw Red Ale, Java the Nut Coffee Brown Ale, and Dirty Myrtle Double IPA. The taproom at 1109 Campbell Street provides indoor and outdoor seating and often hosts live events. Known for its quality beers and active role in the Myrtle Beach craft beer community, New South Brewing Company has grown into a popular destination for locals and visitors seeking a variety of beer styles.

#6 – COAST Brewing Company

COAST Brewing Company opened in 2007 in North Charleston, South Carolina, on the site of the former Charleston Navy Base. The family‑owned brewery is known for producing quality beers while focusing on environmental sustainability. Two of its popular beers are HopArt IPA, recognized for its balanced malt and hop profile, and Coast 32/50 Kölsch, a light and crisp ale. The brewery features indoor and outdoor seating and hosts events like live music and community gatherings. Its combination of reliable year‑round beers, innovative seasonal releases, and commitment to sustainability has made COAST Brewing a key part of Charleston’s craft beer scene.

#5 – Munkle Brewing Company

Munkle Brewing Company opened in 2017 in the NoMo district of downtown Charleston, South Carolina. Two of their popular beers are Munk Lager, an American-style lager brewed with American-grown corn and German hops, and Gully Washer Wit, a Belgian-style wheat beer brewed with three types of citrus zest and coriander. The taproom provides a comfortable space for guests to enjoy these classic styles. Munkle Brewing is recognized for its consistent quality and for bringing unique Belgian-inspired beers to the local craft beer scene, making it a favorite among enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

#4 – Westbrook Brewing Company

Westbrook Brewing Company, founded in 2010 in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, is known for its wide variety of beers including IPAs, stouts, sours, and lagers. Two of the popular beers are White Thai, a wheat beer brewed with lemongrass and ginger root, and Gose, a sour wheat beer brewed with coriander and sea salt. The brewery offers 22 rotating beers on tap along with bottles, cans, and crowlers to go. Its tasting room has both an indoor air‑conditioned area and an outdoor beer garden. The brewery is recognized for innovative brewing techniques and a consistent focus on quality, making it a popular stop for craft beer enthusiasts.

#3 – Revelry Brewing

Revelry Brewing opened in 2014 in Charleston, South Carolina, and has since become a staple in the city’s craft beer scene. The brewery offers a diverse range of beers, including IPAs, stouts, sours, and lagers. Two of their popular beers are Never Sunny, a New England-style hazy IPA, and Achtung! Drive by Fruiting, a Berliner Weisse-style sour brewed with passionfruit, orange, and guava. The brewery features both indoor and outdoor seating areas, providing a comfortable space for guests to enjoy their beers. Revelry Brewing is known for its commitment to quality and innovation, making it a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Charleston.

#2 – Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company opened in 2017 in Charleston, South Carolina and has become a key part of the city’s craft beer scene. The brewery offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, sours, and lagers. Two of their popular beers are Oyster Catcher, a rich stout, and Sour Blueberry Lime, a fruited American sour ale. The brewery provides rotating beers on tap along with bottles, cans, and crowlers to go. Its taproom includes both indoor and outdoor seating, offering a comfortable space for visitors to enjoy their beers. Edmund’s Oast Brewing Company is recognized for its quality beers, innovative brewing techniques, and active role in the Charleston craft beer community.

#1 – Holy City Brewing

Holy City Brewing started in 2011 when four friends began brewing on a 15-gallon all-grain system made from bicycle parts in a pedicab garage. They later moved to a brewhouse on Dorchester Road before establishing their permanent location on Noisette Creek in Park Circle, North Charleston. The brewery produces a wide range of beers including IPAs, stouts, sours, and lagers. Two of their popular beers are Pluff Mud Porter, a brown porter, and Washout Wheat, a hefeweizen. The brewery offers rotating beers on tap along with bottles, cans, and crowlers to go. Its taproom includes both indoor and outdoor seating, providing a comfortable space for guests to enjoy their beers.

South Carolina

Brewing Traditions and Trends in South Carolina

Craft beer in South Carolina reflects a mix of history and creativity. Many breweries highlight the state’s agricultural roots by using local ingredients such as peaches, rice, and sweet potatoes in their recipes. Seasonal beers are especially popular, with summer fruit wheat ales and autumn pumpkin ales drawing steady attention. This farm-to-glass approach has helped local breweries stand out and build strong community ties.

Collaboration is another defining feature of the state’s brewing culture. Breweries across South Carolina often team up for special releases, festivals, and charity events. These partnerships not only bring unique beers to the public but also strengthen the craft beer community. Events like Charleston Beer Week showcase this spirit of cooperation while giving smaller breweries a platform to reach new audiences.

FAQs About South Carolina Breweries

What is the oldest brewery in South Carolina?

Palmetto Brewing Company, founded in 1993, is recognized as the oldest brewery in the state.

Are there breweries that also serve food?

Yes, several operate as brewpubs. Frothy Beard Brewing Company in Charleston, for example, serves pizza, burgers, and salads.

Which city has the most breweries in South Carolina?

Charleston has the largest number, with more than 30 breweries in operation.

Can I tour breweries in South Carolina?

Yes, many offer tours where visitors can see the brewing process and taste different beers.

Do South Carolina breweries take part in festivals?

Yes, breweries regularly join state and regional beer festivals. Events like the Charleston Beer Week and the Greenville Craft Beer Festival highlight local brewers and their seasonal releases.

Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.

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Brian Nagele

Written by Brian Nagele

top 30 breweries in north carolina

The Top 30 Breweries in North Carolina Ranked