Raleigh-Durham pass-through Sat 4/21

The only worthwhile beer destination in Raleigh/Durham is Brewery Bhavana. All other breweries in the RDU area are much as you'd expect: converted warehouses, out of the way spots with yard games and a food truck, etc. Bhavana is the only truly unique thing we have... the whole experience (the food, the book/flower shop, the design) is worth the trip. Add in the fact that you can snag 4-packs of Pithy and Grove (two of the best IPAs in the area, probably the best in terms of recurring quality)...this is really the only answer.

That is, of course, if you've got time to head downtown. If you're stuck out by the airport then I dunno just use Google. Whatever you find will be fine, if unremarkable.

 

If you are a fan of sours and funky beers, you might want to check out Barrel Culture & Blending near the Research Triangle Park, probably a 10-15 minute drive from the airport.

 

Bhavana is great and recommended in downtown Raleigh. For bottle shops near there, State of Beer often has hidden jems, they also do food and drafts.

Closer to the airport is Barrel Culture, which is great if you like wild/sours or breweries that push the boundaries of what beer is. You also have Lynnwood Grill and Brewing Concern if you are looking for more traditional styles and bar food (done well).

Also worth checking out in Durham is Fullsteam, they have been doing some good NE style IPAs lately, also Trophy in Raleigh has been pumping out at lot of NE style IPAs. Trophy has multiple locations, but the tasting room on Maywood has the greatest variety, but Trophy pizza on Morgan has great pizza and 8? taps or so with a variety is styles represented.

Also if time allowed, and you wanted to go to the best bottle shop in the state, Sam's Quick shop (Erwin Rd) in Durham hands down.

 

I am surprised Glass Jug isn't on the list.

If you have 4 hours, I would...
Go to Glass jug, try a couple of their beers and get some cans of whatever hoppy goodness is around (Brewery Bhavana often has cans in stock there), grab lunch at Na'Mean, and finish up with pours at Barrel Culture (they likely will have some bottles left from the membership party as well).

Enjoy your time in the area!

 

Not sure if Bond Brothers in Cary would be considered an unremarkable converted warehouse or not but it has a great Patio and better than unremarkable beer. its about 10-15 minutes from the airport.

 

^^^ This.

 

We'd love to have you at our unremarkable converted warehouse (Side note: what IS it with these breweries wanting to set up in buildings with tall ceilings, concrete floors, tall open spaces, and reasonable rent?!).

Alas, we're in a warehouse district near downtown Durham. So if time is tight, I'd recommend Glass Jug, Barrel Culture, and Bond Brothers -- as others have mentioned, they're all near the airport and worth checking out.

Safe travels!

 

Strongly cosign Sams. In addition to a great selection of local and not so local beers, they have a solid tap list and do crowlers for reasonable prices.

I'm in the Triangle every couple of months and almost always bring something I'm excited about back home from Sams.

 

This guy has the right idea ^^^^^^^^

 

Neuse River Brewery is around there somewhere. A beer called Three Feathers is pretty good. They have a barrel aged version called III.

 

google North Carolina breweries, about 35 within 30 miles of where you may be. Fullsteam is good, I see they have added food. Lynnwood Grill is good beer, very good pizza. I would see which brewery has best specials this weekend and go there.

 

It will also go well with the people you meet if the words "Raleigh/Durham" never leave your mouths connected in that way.

They are two different cities and offer very different things.