There’s nothing like enjoying an ice-cold beer while basking in the salty sea air and taking in the sights and sounds of the beach. Hot summer days almost demand a refreshing beverage, and local beer is a great way to keep cool and connect to the local community while visiting the Outer Banks.
The state of North Carolina has a rich brewing history, with over 300 breweries scattered throughout the state. The Outer Banks isn’t left out of the equation, with a handful of craft breweries scattered along the sandy shoreline.
From flavorful, hoppy IPAs to light, crisp pilsners—and everything in between—check out a few of these breweries during your trip to OBX!
Buffalo City Jug Shop
1900 S Croatan Hwy B, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 | (252) 255-2347
Hours: Monday – Sunday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. (extended hours on weekends)
If enjoying a delicious craft beer from the comfort of your porch is more your speed, a quick stop at Buffalo City Jug Shop should do the trick! Locally owned and operated, Buffalo City is the Outer Banks’ first to-go growler shop. The venue proudly features 24 beers on tap for growler fills and one of the largest craft beer and wine selections in all of OBX. Growlers are sold in three materials (glass, plastic, or stainless steel) and two sizes (32 oz and 64 oz). Simply purchase your growler, choose your beers, and enjoy! Each growler is sealed for freshness and lasts for up to a week or up to three days after the bottle is opened. Not sure what to get? The friendly, knowledgeable staff is happy to make a recommendation and share their favorites!
Outer Banks Brewing Station
600 S Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 | (252) 449-2739
Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 2 a.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Dining: On-site
Tours: Wednesdays at 4 p.m. | $8 (21+ only)
A full-service restaurant and brewery experience, Outer Banks Brewing Station is perfect for groups and couples seeking the complete package. The spacious brewery features a full dining experience for lunch and dinner, an on-site brewery that is open for tours, weekly events—including trivia and live music, an expansive outdoor seating area with yard games, and so much more. What else could you need? As if that wasn’t impressive enough, many are surprised to learn that Outer Banks Brewing Station is wind-powered, an homage to the rich aviation history in OBX, and environmentally friendly in all other brewing and operations.
Best Brews: Lemongrass Wheat Ale, Elf Crusher
Lost Colony Brewery & Cafe
208 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo, NC 27954 | (252) 473-6666
Hours: Monday – Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Dining: On-site
Tours: N/A
Ideally situated in the heart of downtown Manteo, this hip local brewery is close to all the OBX action. The full-service brewery and cafe offers a diverse array of locally brewed beverages and mouthwatering cuisine to match. Brews are true to OBX with clever names that pay homage to the local landmarks and historic figures, like the ‘Raleigh Buxton Brown’, named after great explorer that walked the shores of the Outer Banks many years ago. The brewery does not currently offer tours, but it does host several lively events throughout the week, including trivia, bingo, live music, and more. Lost Colony is a great spot to enjoy a few local brews with fast, friendly service in a convenient downtown location.
Best Brews: Nags Head IPA, Kitty Hawk Blonde
Outer Banks Distilling
510 Budleigh St, Manteo, NC 27954 | (252) 423-3011
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Tours: $10, offered daily during regular distillery hours (21+ only)
If you’re in the mood for a stiff drink, look no farther than Outer Banks Distillery, the very first legal distillery in OBX! In true beach fashion, Outer Banks Distilling specializes in small batch rum. Favorites include the ‘Flagship Series’, which features staples like silver rum, gold rum, and pecan honey rum. Other specialties include the ‘Shipwreck Series’, which showcases rum aged in unique barrels that provide a distinctive flavor, and the ‘Solspice Series’, which pays homage to the summer and winter solstices with playful spice blends. Visit the distillery for a guided tour, samples of the award-winning rum, and to purchase your very own bottle of this memorable Outer Banks spirit.
Northern Outer Banks Brewing
520 Old Stoney Rd Suite J, Corolla, NC 27927 | (252) 207-1890
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Dining: No no-site dining/available nearby
Tours: Available on request
Small but mighty, Northern Outer Banks Brewing is a recent addition to the OBX brewery lineup. The brewery is open to the public and features eight beers on tap in addition to seasonal specials. You can also find four of the brewery’s flagship flavors at local purveyors on OBX. There is no restaurant on-site, but the brewery is ideally situated near dining, including the popular Metropolis located right next to the building. Tours are available, though not regularly scheduled. If interested in a tour, simply reach out to the brewery and let them know a time. How’s that for small business service?
Best Brews: Corolla Saison, Swan Beach Honey Pale Ale
Weeping Radish
6810 Caratoke Hwy, Grandy, NC 27939 | (252) 491-5205
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dining: On-site
Tours: Wednesdays at 11 a.m. | $15 (children allowed)
An Outer Banks tradition since 1986, Weeping Radish proudly boasts being North Carolina’s oldest microbrewery. True to their local roots, all supplies for making the beer are sourced within 200 miles of the facilities, and menu items are seasonal and use locally sourced products whenever possible. The recently expanded brewery features up to seven different varietals at once, in addition to seasonal features. It’s important to note that Weeping Radish only sells their beer locally, so you can only experience these luscious libations in OBX! Tours are available every Wednesday at 11 a.m. and are quite unique in nature. The signature ‘beer and brats’ tour is led by founder and owner, Uli, and features three signature beer and brat pairings, in addition to a tour of the facility and a background on North Carolina beer history; tickets are $15/person and tours are open to children.
Best Brews: Corolla Gold (traditional lager), Bitter Bee (seasonal, infused with local honey), Pink Lemonade OBX Shandy
Ghost Harbor Brewing
606 B East Colonial Ave, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 | (252) 599-1030
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. (extended hours on weekends), Sundays 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Dining: No on-site dining/Available nearby
Located in the heart of historic Pailin’s Alley in Elizabeth City, Ghost Harbor Brewing is a must for Outer Banks visitors. The rustic brewery interior features exposed brick and farmhouse-style wood and metal accents for a modern, homey feel. The beer list is balanced with several varieties offered throughout the year, making it easy to find something for everyone. The brewery does not currently offer tours, but does host lively events throughout the week. And, the ideal located in the bustling downtown area is perfect for a celebratory beach beverage before you hit the main strip or for a lively night out on the town.
Best Brews: Not forgotten (Gose/Sour), Pailin’s Alley (Porter)