Greenville, SC, where craft beer is making its entrance into the Upstate

                       

Locals have made it very clear in recent years that brewing companies have a growing place in the city of Greenville. Prior to, the neighboring North Carolina city of Asheville had made a name for itself when it came to craft breweries, but research shows Greenville has joined the Western North Carolina city in the elite top 10 cities for craft beer.

                       

Number one on the list is Portland, Maine, but Asheville is not far behind. And though Greenville only got heavily into the craft-beer arena in recent years, the city has already earned seventh place.

                       

Listed below are several of Greenville’s popular breweries:

                       

Thomas Creek Brewery                     

Address: 2054 Piedmont Hwy., Greenville, SC 29605 

Hours Open: Monday-Saturday, 11-8pm; Sunday, 1-8pm

                       

Often touted by locals to be the best "brew pub" in the Upstate. Thomas Creek Brewery feels like family. The sour beers are awesome, and the service is great. It is an “I can't wait to go back” kind of experience. They're one of the biggest breweries in South Carolina and are always busy brewing. They have the most extensive home brew shop in the area and a nice taproom. Outside seating is also available with games and sometimes a band. Parking is extensive, and many times you can park close to the door.

                       

13 Stripes Brewery
Address: 250 Mill St., Ste. PW3101 Dock Print Works No. 3, Taylors, SC 29687 Phone: (864) 349-1430

                       

13 Stripes is an old-world, craft brewery located in Taylors Mill. They are focused on building community through not only the shared experience of a good beer but also a wide variety of events. They host trivia nights, movie nights, local markets, festivals, and a lot more. They have plenty of parking space and seating, and they always present a family-friendly atmosphere with games and sodas for kids. Their Belgiums and Nitros are really good, and be sure to try the Future World IPA!

                       

Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant
Address: 741 Haywood Rd., Greenville, SC 29607 

Phone: (864) 568-7009

                       

Iron Hill offers a more upscale environment than many of the other Greenville brew pubs. They provide a unique food menu with a great selection of beers that have been properly brewed and not rushed to the tap to boost cash flow. These guys do it right, and their service is excellent.

                       

Yee-Haw Brewing Company
Address: 307 E. McBee Ave., Greenville, SC 29601 

Phone: (864) 605-7770

                       

Yee-Haw is stocked with all of the standard American style ales but also do an excellent job with more Euro-style lagers, which is a welcome addition to the Greenville beer scene. There are some very large HDTVs placed properly, so this place would probably be pretty good to take in a game as well. They have great beer, especially their Dunkel (it is award-winning!). Yee-Haw is such a great place to relax and enjoy yourself downtown Greenville. They have an outdoor area loaded with games and tables too.

                       

Brewery 85
Address: 6 Whitlee Ct., Greenville, SC 29607 

Phone: (864) 558-0104

                       

This one is a local favorite to go for a beer. The great atmosphere, friendly staff, excellent beers, and local food trucks have helped boost Brewery 85 into stardom. Their stouts, saisons, brown ales and IPAs all have captured the hearts of Greenville’s beer drinking community. The IPA is a big-time favorite, but each beer has its own distinct flavor. Brewery 85 comes highly recommended. When you try it, believe me when I say, you WILL be returning. They are also dog-friendly!

                       

Address: 26 S. Main St., Travelers Rest, SC 29690 

Phone: (864) 610-2424

                                                                                                                                       

Swamp Rabbit is a very cool brewery in the Travelers Rest area. Very traditional beer menu but their IPA and cream ale are favorites of mine. They have a fun patio area where you can play board games and hang out. Seasonal brews change so try the sampler flight to see which brew you like best. They do not serve food but often have a food truck parked in the back parking lot. Great place for a small group to meet up!

                       

Liability Brewing Company
Address: 109 W. Stone Ave., Suite D, Greenville, SC 29609 

Phone: (864) 920-1599

                       

Liability has great beer and a variety of styles. They have dog treats and toys for your pups to play with. It is a great side-saddle venue out of the hustle of downtown Greenville, yet still very close for an evening's jaunt. Moe's BBQ is next door for those who come hungry. They provide an excellent outdoor seating area that rounds out the great space, complete with an oversized fire pit.

                       

The Eighth State Brewing Company 

Address: 400 Augusta St., Greenville, SC 29601 

Phone: (864) 609-4590

                       

If you enjoy adventurous ales, then this place is the Disneyland of craft beers you have been searching for. The vibe is relaxed and the atmosphere is one of a kind (an old cake factory). The live music is also adventurous, but expertly curated. The food is craveable and ranges from light to filling. I love this place! The atmosphere is just plain fun, AND they have free music Saturday and Sunday evenings. I highly recommended The Eighth State.

                       

Birds Fly South Ale Project
Address: 1320 Hampton Ave., Greenville, SC 29601 

Phone: (864) 412-8825

                       

Very cool atmosphere. Very helpful staff. Great variety of beer and good food. What more could you ask for? Maybe axe throwing? Well, that is next door... I've never had a beer here that I didn't like. Their hazy IPA series is to die for. And they always have some funky brews mixed with fruit that are great. These people are in my opinion some of the most talented brewers around. They are willing to experiment and step outside the box. Birds Fly South has provided Greenville locals a fantastic place to relax, unwind and enjoy!

                       

                       

Fireforge Crafted Beer
Address: 311 E. Washington St., Greenville, SC 29601 

Phone: (864) 735-0885

                       

Fireforge is another of the “best breweries in Greenville!” They have absolutely amazing beer! A great selection to choose from too; IPAs, sours, stouts, etc. There is something for everyone and they are all delicious. The atmosphere is very cozy. I love the wood paneling on the walls and the rustic feel. The outdoor patio is great during good weather or if you have dogs. I highly recommend you trying Fireforge!