Need some help North Carolina BA members.

Good info in this thread https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/raleigh-triangle.482104/

 

Since you will be in Durham, go to Sam's Quick Shop, arguably the best bottle shop in the state. Solid tap list also. If you really want to hit up a brewery and if you like sours check out Barrel Culture, think they are open on Thursdays. Probably will not have bottles available that day though.

Other breweries in Durham include Full Steam, which is solid and starting to do some good NE style IPAs. Durty Bull, which I personally have not been to yet but might be worth a stop.

If you get to Cary at all, Bond Brothers, and in Raleigh Brewery Bhavana is killing it lately and might have thier DIPA Grove available then.

 

I would also recommend The Glass Jug. It's a bottle shop (and new brewery) not far from BC. Their first batch of beer will be ready a few days before you arrive.

 

You didn't mention what kind of beers/styles you seek out...that would definitely help us fine tune some recommendations.

 

Barrel Culture
Bond Brothers
Bhavana

those are what I consider the top three of the Triangle proper. If you can, and are willing try to stop at Haw River. If not you can get their bottles and any shop.

 

Completely agree with a must stop at Sam's near Duke. I really second the idea of Haw River Farmhouse Ales. It's out northwest of Chapel Hill in Saxapahaw. It's a very cool area if you have the time. Have a nice trip!

 

Just to mention a couple outside of the triangle, but following your path of travel, on the way to New Bern you’ll go through Kinston. They are home to Mother Earth Brewing and Distillery, as well as some good dang BBQ and other quality eating. If you have time in your travels it’s worth a pot stop before you get to New Bern. New Bern has beer army brewery which puts out several styles of brews and hosts a huge beer festival every year, but I’m not as familiar with them as I am Kinston and the Triangle.

 

Hit the goat and grab a deal on some decent brews that are past their best by dates. Just pick something strong.

Nice little dive bar.

Side note... also the first place I had Japanese "scotch". I got the 2 affordable ones of the 3 they had. One good, one unremarkable.

 

Thanks Dtrain, now I want to drive to Skylight

 

Hahaha! I think my brother ate there at least twice last week! So jealous.

 

I've only been once. We made the drive out for my birthday two years ago as it fell on a Saturday, and went to Chef & Farmer for dinner. Probably the best day of eating I've ever done.

 

Chef & Farmer is amazing. I'm now hungry after reading this.

 

The one on Erwin Rd! I'm not as familiar with the other location, think it has more drafts, but the Erwin rd location has an amazing bottle/can selection and 10+ taps!