Finding the perfect spot to grab a pint often means looking for a place that serves a great meal too. Hendersonville, NC, has grown into a premier destination for craft beer lovers, offering a variety of unique locations that pair local brews with delicious food.
In this guide, we highlight standout breweries we have personally visited, ranging from downtown taprooms to scenic farm settings. Whether you are looking for a post-hike snack or a full smokehouse dinner, these spots offer some of the best flavors in the Blue Ridge.
Read on to discover our favorite local picks and what makes each one a must-visit destination for your next trip to Henderson County.
There are many great places to grab a drink in the area, but we only recommend the ones we have actually spent time at ourselves. We have listed these in alphabetical order so you can easily find what you are looking for, rather than ranking them by preference. Each of these spots offers a different vibe and menu, so we honestly don't have a specific preference. It all depends on what you're looking for. They are all fantastic!
Oklawaha Brewing Company
Located just a block off Main Street, Oklawaha Brewing Company is a staple of the downtown scene. The name itself is a tribute to local history, named after the Oklawaha Creek that runs through downtown.
Owner Joe Dinan took over the brewery in 2020, bringing experience from heavy hitters like Goose Island and Wicked Weed. Joe’s focus has been on making Oklawaha a "community-first" hub, and you can really feel that when you walk in.
The beer program here is impressive because of its commitment to local ingredients. They source about 50% of their barley from River Bend Malthouse in Asheville, ensuring the beer has a true Western North Carolina flavor. They are best known for their German-style lagers and hop-forward IPAs.
When Jenn and I stopped in during one of our Hendersonville adventures, we really enjoyed the location and the live music. We heard from quite a few locals that this is their go-to hangout because the vibe is upbeat but still casual.
Oklawaha is very welcoming to families and even keeps board games, coloring books, and chalk on hand to keep the kids entertained. While the "Sunflower Kitchen" presence means dogs aren't allowed inside the taproom, they are warmly welcomed on the patio. They even keep dog bowls and treats behind the bar—just ask the bartender!
Packa's Place - The BARn
Located out in Horse Shoe, Packa's Place is a relatively new addition that has quickly become a community favorite. "The BARn" is their on-site beer garden, and the family behind it saw a real need for a space where the community could gather and enjoy the natural beauty of the Hendersonville area. It has a very relaxed, rural feel that makes it a great alternative to the busier downtown spots.
While they are a beer garden rather than a full-scale brewery, they pride themselves on a carefully curated selection of local craft brews, ciders, and seltzers. It’s a great place to sample several different Henderson County beers in one spot. They host rotating food trucks to provide a variety of dining options, but we always recommend checking their social media for the day's schedule. It is the kind of place where you can really slow down and appreciate the mountain scenery.
This location was designed specifically with families in mind. The BARn is an open-air space that allows kids to enjoy the outdoors while parents relax. It is also very dog-friendly, making it a popular weekend destination for locals who want to bring their pups along for some fresh air and a cold drink.
Southern Appalachian Brewery
Southern Appalachian was one of the first breweries to help build the craft beer scene here, opening its permanent Hendersonville home in 2011. Founded by husband-and-wife team Andy and Kelly Cubbin, the brewery actually started in Rosman back in 2003 before moving to the historic Seventh Avenue District. Being one of the "pioneers" in town, they’ve maintained a loyal local following for over a decade.
Their brewing philosophy centers on high-quality, small-batch ales. You’ll always find their staples like the Copperhead Amber Ale and the Black Bear Stout, which are known for being consistent, clean, and flavorful. We visited during our feature on the Winter Ramble when Darren Nicholson was performing. The brewery is small, but it feels intimate and friendly. The night we were there, it was standing room only because of the music!
This brewery is very family-oriented and dog-friendly. You will often see well-behaved dogs on leashes in their spacious outdoor courtyard. They also sell soda and bottled water for the under-21 crowd and non-drinkers, making it a comfortable spot for everyone to hang out while enjoying the rotating food trucks.
Trailside Brewing Co.
Trailside Brewing Co. is located in the Lennox Park area and is one of our personal favorites. The building itself is a piece of Hendersonville history—it was originally a hosiery mill built in 1915 and later served as the town’s first Lowe’s hardware store. Owners David and Colleen Schnitzer have done a beautiful job "breathing new life" into the old factory space, preserving the industrial character while making it a vibrant community hub.
The beer at Trailside is made with a lot of intention, focusing on clean, classic styles. They also have a fantastic cocktail program for those who might want something other than a pint. It is located right alongside the Ecusta Trail, making it a fantastic stop for food and a cold beer after you have been out walking or biking. We attended a fantastic craft show here during one of our visits and really enjoyed the layout.
Trailside is both pet and family-friendly, with plenty of room in their large indoor and outdoor seating areas. While they don't have playground equipment, it is a very common spot for families to bring a board game and hang out by the fire or enjoy the live music. It’s a great, low-stress environment for both kids and dogs.
Bonus: Jeter Mountain Farm - No Beer but fantastic Ciders
If you want to head out into the country, Jeter Mountain Farm is a spot we always enjoy, especially during the harvest season. This property has a deep history, with the Hunsader family bringing over 150 years of farming experience to these 400 acres. What started as an equestrian farm was transformed starting in 2005 into the massive orchard and destination it is today. You can still see the history in the architecture—the taproom and market are housed in beautifully renovated barns that once served as horse stalls and haylofts.
While they don't brew beer, they are famous for their small-batch hard ciders made from apples grown right on the property. Their cider-making process is truly "field to pint," with the juice pressed in their own on-site facility. They offer a range of flavors, often mixing their base cider with other fruits grown on the farm, like blackberries and grapes.
When Jenn and I visit, we usually head straight for the 1813 Smokehouse located inside the market. The pulled pork and brisket are excellent, and there is plenty of room to sit and enjoy the mountain air. It is a true farm experience that feels like a real getaway from the hustle of downtown.
This is one of the most kid-friendly spots in the county. They have a massive indoor playground area that is a huge hit with families. For your furry friends, pups are welcome on the farm grounds on a leash. However, keep in mind they aren't allowed in the orchards, on the wagons, or inside the buildings, so plan accordingly if you are bringing your dog along.
