Quick trip through Raleigh

also nearby: Raleigh Brewing, Busy Bee (bar), Tasty Beverage (store w/drafts) - any worthy of a visit

Natty Greene's and Tyler's can be worth a look as well, but I tend to prioritize those listed above

 

Trophy is the best brewpub visit you can make in the area, but since you'll go on a weekend, be prepared for a crowd.

 

I actually prefer Crank Arm to Trophy, but that's just me. Certainly a lot more room to breathe at Crank Arm with the added benefit of Tasty Beverage being literally around the corner.

If you're willing to drive around a little beyond the downtown area, Ridgewood is one of my favorite places in Raleigh. The bottle selection isn't as strong as Tasty, but they have about 20 quality taps and the service is excellent. They close at 8:00 though, so keep that in mind.

Busy Bee is good too and keeps their draft list updated online.

 

I would definitely check out Raleigh brewing. I haven't visited yet, but I've some good beer from them and they are very close to downtown also. Definitely go to Tasty if you want to stock up on stuff to take back. As of yesterday you could get growler fills of Enjoy by 2.14.14 at Tasty.

 

After my first visit to Raleigh Brewing, I could've sworn off the place - the House of Clay IPA was sweet and miserable.

Fortunately I made it back while showing @dirtylou around the area, and have since had nothing but good experiences with House of Clay, Hidden Pipe Porter w/coffee, and Miller's Toll stout. Still a rough spot or two on the draft list, and I'd be more inclined to hit some of the downtown spots if given a limited timeframe, but I wouldn't hesitate to go back. It's in close proximity to Ridgewood, as well.

 

I think you should be fine with a trip to Trophy, Crank Arm and Tasty Beverage. A stop to Busy Bee or Raleigh Times to see what's on tap could work out - check out what they have online. Sounds like you could walk to the three places I listed first, but there's a ton of stuff in Raleigh if you wanted to drive around a bit.

 

Interesting to hear...I have sworn off RBC since the House of Clay was an underattenuated underhopped mess last time I was there. Also, I tried the blood orange wheat beer which was honestly a chore to drink.

For places near State, I would recommend Trophy and Tasty, with Raleigh Times and Busy Bee as second options. Honestly, breweries in the Triangle are for the most part making average to poor beer.

 

As an NC State grad, I say good luck to you in the race! I love and miss Raleigh, but I am lucky enough to get back there fairly often. Lots of good suggestions here. There is also Big Boss and Lonerider. If you're willing to drive a little bit (30-ish minutes), there's also Aviator out in Fuquay-Varina.

 

That beer is indeed fantastic in the summer! Glad you were able to hit Trophy and Fullsteam.