Craft beer enthusiasts who are constantly on the hunt for new taste experiences should look no further than Columbia, SC. As the capital city of South Carolina, Columbia boasts a vibrant and diverse brewery scene, guaranteed to satisfy every palate.
Be it hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, fruity sours, or crisp lagers, Columbia promises an array of options to quench your thirst.
In this guide, we’re going to introduce you to the 11 top-rated breweries in Columbia, SC. We’ve handpicked these based on ratings, reviews, and their unique offerings.
Not only will we discuss what you can drink at these breweries, but we’ll also provide information on their locations, operating hours, food options, and even a website link for your convenience.
This will ensure that when you visit Columbia, you’ll know exactly where to go for your craft beer fix.
1. The River Rat Brewery
Renowned for being one of the most sought-after breweries in Columbia, River Rat Brewery is more than just a place for beer. This brewery carries a piece of the city’s history, named in honor of the three rivers flowing through Columbia and the hardworking laborers who constructed the canal back in the 19th century.
Having opened its doors to the public in 2013, River Rat has consistently brewed top-tier beers.
Their signature brews include the robust 803 IPA, the smooth American Kolsch Story, the rich Broad River Red Ale, and the refreshing Twisted Lemon Wheat. They’re not just about their classic selection though. River Rat continually adds seasonal and limited releases to their lineup, like the warming Winter Warmer Ale, the festive Oktoberfest Lager, and the bold Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout.
But River Rat is more than just beer. Their spacious taproom includes both indoor and outdoor seating and an upper-level bar that provides an impressive view of the Columbia skyline. For those who love the outdoors, they offer a sizeable beer garden complete with fire pits, picnic tables, and games for all ages.
And let’s not forget their kitchen that serves a variety of dishes such as burgers, salads, wings, and nachos. River Rat also hosts live music events, trivia nights, yoga classes, and fascinating brewery tours.
The River Rat Brewery is open from Wednesday to Sunday, with varying hours. Check their website for more details and to place an order online.
Address: 1231 Shop Rd, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 724-5712
2. The Columbia Craft Brewing Company
The Columbia Craft Brewing Company has quickly made a name for itself in the Columbia brewery scene since its inception in 2017. A brainchild of a group of friends passionate about craft beer, Columbia Craft has stirred both local and national beer circles with its inventive and award-winning brews.
Their core beers include the vibrant Famously Hop IPA, the unique Alien Hat Watermelon Sour Ale, the classic Lagerithm American Lager, and the delicate Carolinian Blonde Ale. For the adventurous drinker, they also feature experimental and seasonal beers on their rotating taps, such as the Pineapple Milkshake IPA, the tart Cranberry Gose, and the bold Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout.
To complement their excellent beer selection, Columbia Craft offers a welcoming taproom with both indoor and outdoor seating options, and a patio complete with umbrellas and heaters for year-round enjoyment. While they do not have their own kitchen, food trucks visit daily to serve a variety of cuisines.
You can also bring your own food or order delivery from nearby restaurants. To keep the fun going, they host events like bingo nights and live music performances.
The Columbia Craft Brewing Company is open from Monday to Saturday, with varying hours. For more details and online orders, visit their website.
Address: 520 Greene St., Columbia SC 29201
Phone: (803) 799-6027
3. Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse
The Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse stands as one of Columbia’s oldest and most beloved breweries. Kevin Varner established this iconic venue in 1995, marking the dawn of craft beer in South Carolina. It’s no wonder that it has become a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.
Hunter-Gatherer prides itself on offering signature beers like the balanced ESB (Extra Special Bitter), the crisp Wheat Ale, the bold Pale Ale, and the hearty Porter. Seasonal and special releases, such as the comforting Pumpkin Ale, the rich Scotch Ale, and the potent Barleywine, are also available for those seeking to try something different.
Hunter-Gatherer operates two locations in Columbia, each offering a unique experience. The Main Street location provides a classic pub-style alehouse ambiance with a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Here, you can enjoy meals like burgers, pizzas, and salads straight from their kitchen while taking part in a game of darts or enjoying sports and movies on their projector screen.
Their Hangar Street location offers a more modern and industrial vibe, featuring a 17-barrel brewhouse, a bottling line, and a barrel-aging room. It also offers a spacious taproom with a long bar, a cozy fireplace, and a stage for live music.
Food options include snacks, charcuterie boards, and flatbreads. Don’t miss the stunning view of the city and the airport from their rooftop terrace!
Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse is open from Monday to Saturday, with varying hours depending on the location and day. Visit their website for more details and to order online.
Address: 900 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201 (Main Street) / 1402 Jim Hamilton Blvd, Columbia, SC 29205 (Hangar Street)
Phone: (803) 748-0540 (Main Street) / (803) 661-4628 (Hangar Street)
4. Twisted Spur Brewing
Twisted Spur Brewing, established in 2016 by Chris Baldwin, offers more than just a beer experience. This brewery and gastropub located in the heart of the Vista district
aims to bring together craft beer, artisan cocktails, and gourmet cuisine under one roof. Their staple beers include the rich SS Lawshe Stout, the fruity Strawberry Kiwi Blonde Ale, the hopped-up Siren of Vista IPA, and the smooth Twisted Red Ale. They also offer rotating seasonal and limited release beers, such as the hearty Oktoberfest Marzen Lager, the zesty Citrus Zinger Saison, and the complex Single Malt Scotch Ale.
Beyond beers, Twisted Spur features a full-service restaurant offering upscale dishes like shrimp and grits, short ribs, flatbread pizzas, and salads. They also have a full bar serving wine and handcrafted cocktails. Their happy hour deals are popular, and they host special events like trivia nights and football watch parties.
Twisted Spur Brewing is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with varying hours. Visit their website for more information and to place an order online.
Address: 705 Gervais St Suite A, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 764-0203
5. Hazelwood Brewing Company
Located in the suburb of Lexington, just a short drive from Columbia, the Hazelwood Brewing Company is a hidden gem. Named after the owner’s late grandfather, Hazelwood pays homage to the values of hard work and dedication.
Since its opening in 2019, Hazelwood has made a name for itself in the South Carolina beer scene. Their core beers include the refreshing Sublime Keylime Gose, the smooth Lazy Day Lager, the hop-heavy Bobber IPA, and the robust 63 American Stout. Seasonal offerings like the cool Summer Saison, the comforting Fall Festbier, and the indulgent Salted Caramel Stout keep the lineup interesting.
Although located in a warehouse, Hazelwood’s taproom provides a cozy atmosphere with an outdoor patio for enjoying the South Carolina weather. Food options are available via food trucks that visit regularly, serving up a variety of tasty bites. They also host events like trivia nights, painting classes, and live music performances.
Hazelwood Brewing Company is open every day of the week. Check their website for more details and to place an order online.
Address: 711 E Main St, Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: (803) 728-3235
6. Savage Craft Ale Works
Columbia’s craft beer scene marries history and innovation in a captivating way, nowhere more evident than at Savage Craft Ale Works. Jason Compton’s brainchild, this unique brewery, found its home in 2021 within a revamped historic building that wore many hats in its previous life – a fire station, a city hall, and even a police station. As a nod to this storied past, fire-themed elements such as hoses, hydrants, ladders, and helmets are cleverly woven into the taproom’s design.
Savor the delightful taste of their eclectic range of beers, from the Firehouse Red Ale and the Smoke Jumper Smoked Porter to the Backdraft IPA and the Firefighter Blonde Ale. Seasonal offerings like the Peachy Keen Sour Ale and collaboration beers like the Thin Blue Line Pilsner keep the experience fresh and invigorating. And it’s not just about the beers.
At Savage Craft, you can lounge in the multi-level taproom, pick an indoor or outdoor seating option, or head to the rooftop bar. With panoramic city views and a fire pit, the rooftop bar serves as an enchanting spot, not unlike the lunch spots in Columbia, SC that are famous for their scenic settings. Also, make sure to sample their appetizers, sandwiches, pizzas, wings, and more from the in-house kitchen.
Whether you fancy karaoke nights, painting classes, beer festivals, or fundraisers, their events calendar will not disappoint. Check their website for more details, including opening hours and online ordering.
Address: 430 Center St., West Columbia SC 29169
Phone: (803) 939-2589
7. Swamp Cabbage Brewing Company
Next on our list is the Swamp Cabbage Brewing Company, another taproom that captures the essence of South Carolina. Established by brothers Doug and Ed Boyd in 2014, Swamp Cabbage pays homage to the sabal palmetto tree, the state tree symbolizing resilience and strength. Much like the state’s diverse flora and fauna in places like the Riverbanks Zoo, the range of beers here is also impressively diverse.
From the Sabal Palm Blonde Ale and the Bald Cypress Porter to the Harvest Amber Ale and the Swamp Thing IPA, the choices are delightful. Seasonal and specialty beers like the Cranberry Wheat Ale, Chocolate Cherry Stout, and the Peach Berliner Weisse further up the ante.
The taproom, with its rustic charm and cozy ambiance, offers both indoor and outdoor seating options. Similar to the inviting bakeries in Columbia, SC, Swamp Cabbage’s welcoming vibe makes it a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike. Although they don’t serve food from their kitchen, food trucks set up shop during weekends and special occasions. You’re also welcome to bring your own food or order delivery from nearby restaurants.
Swamp Cabbage’s events calendar boasts of yoga classes, trivia nights, paint nights, and live music performances. Check their website for more details, including opening hours and online ordering.
Address: 921 Brookwood Dr., Columbia SC 29201
Phone: (803) 939-2589
This brewery exploration is only just beginning. Join us as we continue this intoxicating journey into Columbia’s vibrant brewing scene in the next installment of our brewery guide.
8. CottonTown Brew Lab
Residing in the historic district of Cottontown, the CottonTown Brew Lab wears its heart on its sleeve. Established by Zack Jones in 2016, this brewery celebrates Columbia’s illustrious cotton milling history. The branding of their beers also reflects this nostalgic theme, with their brews named after historical events or iconic symbols of the local community.
CottonTown Brew Lab’s beer list is quite a spectacle. The Tropicarolina, a mango and passionfruit-infused IPA, is a crowd favorite. The Luminalt, a luminous malt beverage, and the Stumphouse Stout, a robust stout featuring hints of chocolate and coffee, further enrich their beer repertoire.
This brewery takes pride in its taproom, characterized by its rustic charm and community vibe. With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, it replicates the welcoming ambiance you’d typically find in the best lunch restaurants in Columbia, SC. And while they don’t have their own kitchen, they frequently host food trucks and invite guests to bring their own food or order delivery.
CottonTown also hosts numerous events, such as trivia nights, live music, and beer festivals. Check their website for more details, including opening hours and online ordering.
Address: 1223 Franklin St., Columbia SC 29201
Phone: (803) 602-2434
9. Peak Drift Brewing Company
The final pit stop in this brewery tour is the Peak Drift Brewing Company, a beacon of ingenuity in the Columbia beer scene. Established by Matt Whitehead in 2019, this brewery’s adventure-themed branding showcases the spirit of exploration and the thrill of discovery in every pint.
Peak Drift’s beer roster is as thrilling as an excursion in the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina. With classics such as the Vista View IPA, Summit Stout, Trail Mix Brown Ale, and Campfire Amber Ale, your taste buds are in for an adventure. Seasonal and experimental brews like the Pumpkin Pie Porter, Pineapple Coconut IPA, and Chocolate Cherry Stout push the boundaries of brewing creativity.
Much like the tranquillity of a hike in the wilderness, their taproom, adorned with indoor and outdoor seating options, offers a cozy, rustic ambiance. Their patio, equipped with umbrellas and heaters, allows for year-round enjoyment. While they don’t serve food from their kitchen, they host food trucks on weekends and special occasions. You can also bring your own food or order delivery from nearby restaurants.
Peak Drift also hosts a variety of events such as bingo nights, painting classes, beer festivals, and fundraisers. Check their website for more details, including opening hours and online ordering.
Address: 931 Senate St., Columbia SC 29201
Phone: (803) 764-0203
10. Steel Hands Brewing
Columbia’s diverse beer landscape continues at Steel Hands Brewing, a homage to the city’s rich industrial history and the craftsmanship of its local community. This unique brewery with its beautiful beer garden is located in Cayce and spans an impressive 4 acres.
Steel Hands brews tap into the heart of American craft beer traditions, with a focus on quality, community, and character. Its wide array of beers includes the robust Coffee Lager, the malty Steel Hands Stout, the crisp American Lager, and the deeply hopped Industrial IPA. These signature brews, along with their seasonal offerings, are sure to satisfy both new and seasoned beer lovers.
The taproom’s ambiance is just as delightful as the beer. You’ll find plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, reminiscent of the cozy lunch spots in Columbia, SC. It also features live music performances, making the experience all the more enjoyable.
As for food, the Steel Hands Kitchen offers delectable bites to pair with your drink. Don’t miss their popular wood-fired pizza, burgers, or the smokehouse specials.
Address: 2350 Foreman St., Cayce SC 29033
Phone: (803) 708-9864
11. Conquest Brewing Company
When talking about Columbia’s beer scene, it’s impossible to leave out Conquest Brewing Company. As Columbia’s first production microbrewery, Conquest has been serving its signature beers to the city’s inhabitants since 2012.
With a name inspired by their dedication to exploring the world of beer, Conquest offers a wide array of brews that live up to its adventurous spirit. Signature beers such as the Artemis Blonde, the Sacred Heart IPA, and the Medusa Stout are fan favorites.
The taproom, which offers both indoor and outdoor seating options, exudes a cozy and inviting atmosphere. While they don’t serve food directly, food trucks are frequent visitors to the brewery. You’re also welcome to bring your own food, making it as customizable an experience as visiting the versatile bakeries in Columbia, SC.
Check out their website for more details, including opening hours and special events.
Address: 947 S Stadium Rd., Columbia SC 29201
Phone: (803) 728-9864
Conclusion
Whether you’re yearning for traditional German brews, American innovations, or something in between, you’re guaranteed to find it in one of these best breweries in Columbia, SC. Each brewery offers its unique personality, charm, dining options, entertainment, and events to keep you satisfied and entertained.
Grab your friends, family, or your date and visit one of these magnificent breweries for an unforgettable time.
Explore Columbia, SC’s vibrant craft beer scene, and let these breweries guide you to some memorable moments over a pint (or two). As they say in Soda City, ‘Here’s to good times and great beer!’
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are these breweries family-friendly? Yes, many of the breweries in Columbia, SC, welcome families and have designated areas for children. However, it’s always a good idea to check with the specific brewery regarding their policies and any age restrictions for certain areas, such as the taproom or outdoor seating.
2. Can I bring my own food to the breweries? Most breweries allow you to bring your own food, especially if they don’t have an on-site kitchen. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a picnic-style meal while savoring your favorite beer. Some breweries also host food trucks on certain days, providing additional dining options.
3. Are the breweries pet-friendly? Some breweries in Columbia, SC, are pet-friendly and allow well-behaved and leashed dogs in designated areas, such as outdoor seating or beer gardens. However, it’s best to check with each brewery’s policy before bringing your furry friend along.
4. Do these breweries offer tours? Yes, several breweries in Columbia offer tours to provide visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at their brewing process. The tours often include insights into the ingredients, brewing techniques, and the history of the brewery. Check each brewery’s website or contact them directly for tour availability and booking.
5. Can I buy beer to take home from these breweries? Yes, most breweries offer packaged beers for purchase, allowing you to take home your favorite brews. You can usually find a selection of their beers in cans, bottles, or even growlers. It’s a great way to enjoy their offerings at home or share them with friends.
6. Do the breweries host private events or parties? Yes, many breweries in Columbia, SC, offer spaces for private events, parties, and gatherings. Whether you’re planning a birthday celebration, corporate event, or wedding reception, these breweries can provide a unique and memorable venue. Contact the breweries directly to inquire about their event options, capacities, and any special packages they offer.
7. Are the breweries accessible for individuals with disabilities? The breweries strive to provide accessible experiences for all visitors. They typically have accessible entrances, ramps, and designated parking spaces. However, it’s advisable to reach out to the specific brewery beforehand to ensure their facilities meet your specific accessibility needs.
8. Can I purchase merchandise or souvenirs at the breweries? Yes, many breweries have merchandise shops where you can purchase items such as t-shirts, hats, glassware, and other brewery-branded memorabilia. It’s an excellent way to show your support for the breweries and take home a memento of your visit.
Remember to check each brewery’s website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information regarding their policies, events, and offerings.
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