Have a cold one at these breweries, bottle shops and local beer spots across Pittsboro and Siler City

Thirsty Skull Brewing

Thirsty Skull Brewing was founded in 2018, with the main brewery operation on Second Avenue in Siler City and a second taproom in Pittsboro on West Street. Father-son duo Steve Russell and Brandon Russell teamed up with brewmaster Eric Stevens and operations guru Christopher Hackney with a vision to create a haven for those who appreciate fresh, unique, high-quality beers. Many ingredients are locally sourced, and Thirsty Skull thrives in the hazy, pale and citrus arena. They also know a good thing when they have it; though experimental brews often rotate through the taps, the team takes the time to perfect – and punch up – their standbys. The “Pittsboro Pilsner,” for instance, comes in both a regular and lime-infused version, and the “Pressure Drop” IPA is available as both a standard New England-style ale, or fruited with juicy mango. Enjoy a pint outside the Pittsboro location, where regular events include live music, yoga and meetups of four-legged friends.

House of Hops

House of Hops blurs the boundaries among taproom, bottle shop and community gathering space, boasting 24 rotating taps and hundreds more options lining its shelves at the Mosaic at Chatham Park location. As the name implies, devoted hop heads have no shortage of selections thanks to a handful of ever-present IPAs and pale ales on draft. Taps also feature sours, ciders and more, and nonalcoholic options are available in the fridge. Recurring events like run club, music bingo, trivia night and live music make House of Hops an ideal place to hang with friends on weeknights – plus, it’s within walking distance of a variety of restaurants.

580 Craft

No matter the season, you can count on 580 Craft Beer to provide a full range of draft beer options rotating through its 12 taps. If for some reason you’re craving a dense, chocolatey porter in the dead of summer or a bright, sour fruit beer on a cold January day, this is the place to find it. 580 was the first craft beer shop to open in Pittsboro, as well as Thirsty Skull owners Brandon and Steve Russell’s first foray into the local beer market, and it reflects their passion for variety. The bottle shop stocks craft beers from both North Carolina and other states in equal measure – look for seasonal brews from Charlotte’s NoDa Brewing Company or Burial Beer Co., which has locations in Asheville and Raleigh, as well as standbys like California’s Stone Brewing IPA, or the “Bomb!” imperial coffee stout by Oklahoma’s Prairie Artisan Ales. 580 Craft also stocks Grimm Artisanal Ales, a Brooklyn, New York-based specialty brewer whose eclectic, oversized bottles and cans feature colorful labels and make great gifts.

Red Moose Brewing Company

German-style beer fans can find their own personal hop heaven at Pittsboro’s Red Moose Brewing Company. Ales, lagers and Kölsch are typically present on the menu. The “Kinda Sexy” Berliner Weisse is a nod to the classic beer style with a sour twist, striking a delicate balance between its tartness and refreshing, full flavor, while the “Beach Bum” wheat beer is the quintessential companion for an idyllic afternoon spent lounging on the brewery’s sunny back patio. The Red Moose team has worked to cultivate a community atmosphere since opening its doors in 2021, welcoming folks to family-style happenings including weekly open mics and potluck dinner trivia nights. The brewery converted a retired fire truck into a mobile “emergency taproom” earlier this year, expanding its ability to serve its signature beers at events across the Triangle.

Havoc Brewing Company

Havoc Brewing Company is the new kid on the Chatham beer scene but has already made quite a splash on Hillsboro Street. The central downtown Pittsboro location – with its ample seating and regular events that include live music, food trucks and trivia nights – make it a pleasant place to unwind with friends and family. The brewers take a global approach to the tap list, from the “Hey Bonnie!” English brown ale to the “Havoc Actual” Mexican lager. But on a warm day, nothing beats the “A Thousand Haze to Die” juicy tropical IPA. Not a beer person? Try the housemade fruity “Circle City” hard seltzers or one of the meads, ciders or wines on offer. Bonus: The brewery is ultra dog-friendly and even has treats available for your four-legged drinking buddy.

Carolina Brewery

As the oldest craft brewery in the Triangle and fifth oldest in the state, Carolina Brewery is a major part of North Carolina’s rich and vibrant beer history. The inviting taproom on Lowes Drive in Pittsboro celebrated its 16th anniversary in August and boasts a diverse array of expertly crafted beers, all of which are based in the brewery’s core philosophy of meticulous attention to detail. Each sip originates from a pure water system, which acts as a canvas for the very specific amounts of added minerals and both domestic and European malts that converge to craft an impeccable drinking experience. The pH levels are vigilantly monitored throughout the intricate brewing process, and each beer undergoes a three- to seven-day fermentation period to reach the ideal flavor profile. If you want to take more brew with you, the on-site canning room ensures that every drop of “Sky Blue” Kölsch, “Costero” Mexican lager and “Fin Chaser” pale ale tastes the same at home as it does in the taproom, says head brewer Nate Williams. And don’t skip the food menu – the blackened fish tacos and sweet potato fries pair perfectly with the seasonal “Dogwood” citrus wheat.

BMC Brewing

For John and Carmen Rice, founders of BMC Brewing at The Plant in Pittsboro, the pursuit of excellence extends beyond crafting exceptional brews. With a commitment to sustainability deeply ingrained in their business ethos, they sought innovative ways to repurpose the byproducts of their experimental brewing process. Rejecting conventional disposal methods, they discovered a unique avenue for the spent grain – transforming it into delicious cookies. These delectable treats not only tantalize the taste buds but also serve as the inspiration behind the brewery’s moniker, BMC, which cleverly stands for ‘bite my cookies.’ In addition to their delectable creations, the microbrewery champions environmental responsibility by harnessing solar power to fuel their operations, and John and Carmen prioritize sourcing their ingredients locally, further reducing their environmental footprint. Visit BMC Brewing and indulge in a sensory experience that marries brewing, baking and sustainable practices.

Hops & Berry

Pay-by-the-ounce taproom Hops & Berry boasts 80 rotating self-pour taps and an outstanding cocktail menu. The locally-owned establishment is located at Mosaic at Chatham Park and offers a wide selection of craft beers, ciders and wines. Hops & Berry provides a welcoming atmosphere and has a focus on supporting North Carolina breweries, featuring a variety of regional craft beverages, plus seasonal options. The taproom also hosts regular events, such as trivia nights and live music, making it a popular gathering spot in the community.