An Insider’s Guide

15 Best Breweries in Charleston

Charleston’s craft beer scene is thriving and plays a large (& thirst quenching) role in the destination’s acclaimed dining scene. Scroll on to discover our favorite breweries in the Lowcountry, then pull up a seat at the taproom and enjoy a refreshing pint, or two.

1 Low Tide Brewing

The name “Low Tide Brewing” was dreamed up while kayaking through the waterways on John Island. The Low Tide team’s aim is for their beer to reflect the “comfort, passion and creative spirit of the Lowcountry.” Head to the tap room and sip your way through a variety of unique brews, from the “Aloha Beaches” wheat beer to the “Basil Better Have My Honey Ale.”

2 Munkle Brewing

Munkle Brewing Co. was inspired by Owner Palmer Quimby’s uncle, who spent time at Benedictine monastery St. Gregory’s Abbey, where he began brewing beer and passed along his newfound passion. Quimby has sampled beer from all over the world, but gravitates toward mostly Belgian and German styles. “Hospitality, fun and great beer” is their motto, which we’re definitely on board with!

3 Cooper River Brewing Co.

Nestled in Charleston’s hip Wagener Terrace neighborhood, Cooper River Brewing is a fine craft brewery that prides itself in using a time-honored process to deliver consistent, bold and dynamic flavors. Experience their ales in their temperature controlled taproom overlooking the brewhouse Wednesday through Sunday afternoons.

4 Freehouse Brewery

Freehouse brews artisanal, organic beer on the banks of the Ashley River. Grab your crew and enjoy brew with a view. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a Charleston area food truck pop up while you’re there!

5 Commonhouse Aleworks

Commonhouse Aleworks originated via the friendship between Hank Hanna and Pearce Fleming, and through their love of craft beers, which were often shared amongst them and friends in what became known as "Back Porch Beer Sessions." Head to North Charleston's vibrant Park Circle neighborhood to sip a number of craft beers, including limited & seasonal releases.

6 New Realm Brewing Company

Head to New Realm Brewing Company for a handcrafted lineup of award-winning craft beers and limited specialty releases, only available locally. The scratch kitchen serves New Realm classics, such as the New Realm Burger, as well as locally sourced specialties.

7 Fatty's Beer Works

Fatty's Beer Works tells the story of the greatest time-traveling brewmaster the world has never known. Visit the taproom any day of the week and enjoy a pint with Fatty and friends.

8 Revelry Brewing

Revelry is one of our favorite spots for sunset watching and sipping! Whether you’re headed to the tasting room or rooftop bar, you’re sure to have a good time with buds and brew.

9 Rusty Bull Brewing Co.

Rusty Bull continually changes their tap list of up to 14 beers and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Be sure to check out their events page for fun happenings year-round!

10 Tradesman Brewing Co.

Tradesman Brewing Co. opened as the first brewery on James Island and quickly became a highlight of the booming brewery scene in Charleston. Their facility is capable of producing 2,500 barrels of beer annually. Visit their taproom beginning at noon any day of the week for a refreshing pint!

11 Edmund's Oast Brewing Co.

Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co. produces a variety of beers in cans, bottles and kegs. Head to the taproom and straight to the 65-foot bar, featuring 26 taps of house-brewed beers, wines and cocktails, to enjoy a sip alongside their Roasted Mushroom and Arugula wood-fired pizza or Reuben sandwich, among many other delicious bites.

12 Palmetto Brewing

Palmetto Brewing was the very first licensed brewery to open in the state of South Carolina since the fall of the Prohibition. Pull up a seat at the taproom bar, open seven days a week, and sample Palmetto’s mainstay year-round beers alongside exclusive small batch and experimental brews. Love what you’re sipping on? Ask about their selection of six and four packs available to-go!

13 Holy City Brewing

From Trivia Night to Pints for Preservation, there’s always something fun happening at Holy City Brewing! As if their refreshing brews weren’t enough to keep us coming back for more.

14 Frothy Beard

Visit Frothy’s state of the art taproom and sip on a pint, half pint or flight alongside a slice of pizza and breadsticks. Insider tip: try the ¡Andale!, a Frothy favorite.

15 Fam's Brewing Co.

This James Island award-winning brewery is your go-to spot for a cold brew alongside a piece (or three) of delicious pizza!

Explore What’s In This Guide

Holy City Brewing boasts a 20,000 square-foot brewhouse, taproom and kitchen. It sits on 4.5 acres of land next to Noisette Creek for guests to eat, drink and enjoy.

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Commonhouse Aleworks

A craft brewery located in historic Park Circle in North Charleston. With a beer garden vibe, food, live music, & outdoor seating, it’s a great spot to spend a day or evening!

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Edmund's Oast Brewing Co.

Edmund's Oast Brewing Co. is a 20,000 square foot brewery, restaurant, and taproom produces a variety of beers packaged in cans, bottles, and kegs for wide-reaching wholesale.

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Fam's Brewing Co.

Born from strong friendship, brotherhood, and a passion for pizza. With their 20+ years of pizza-making experience, they set out to create the best possible pizza.

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Fatty's Beer Works

We tell the story of our favorite beverage through the history of the greatest time-traveling brew master the world has never known. Taproom is open every day!

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New Realm Brewing Co.

Featuring a large outdoor patio, live music inside and out and an incredible selection of flavors from the wood-fired kitchen and our 27 taps. Relax and join us!

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Rusty Bull Brewing Co

The original brewery in N. Charleston offers a wide array of handcrafted beers; downtown, you’ll get the same quality brews & a full bar. Both locations also serve food.

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Explore What's in This Guide

Commonhouse Aleworks

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Edmund's Oast Brewing Co.

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Fam's Brewing Co.

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Fatty's Beer Works

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Frothy Beard

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Holy City Brewing

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New Realm Brewing Company

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Rusty Bull Brewing Co.

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