From hazy IPAs to barrel-aged stouts, here's a inside guide to the top beers at Winston-Salem breweries, picked by local experts.
Maybe you've been there before — you walk into a new brewery, scan a tap list full of clever names and unfamiliar styles, and suddenly have no idea what to order. With so many strong options in Winston-Salem’s downtown beer scene, choosing a starting point can feel like guesswork. So, we asked the people who know it best. We polled breweries, local homebrewers, beer shop owners, and dedicated fans — with one rule: no picking your own beer. The overlap gave us a smart, well-rounded shortlist worth exploring.
Here’s a roundup of beers Winston-Salem does best, organized by brewery.
What to Drink in Winston-Salem
Foothills Brewing
Founded in 2005, Foothills blazed the trail as the first craft brewery in Winston-Salem and remains a must-visit for beer fans. The brewery has two locations in town — the original Fourth Street location includes a full restaurant menu and sidewalk seating, while its Tasting Room off Stratford Road anchors the brewery’s production facility, featuring a lively taproom, yard games, and behind-the-scenes views of the operation.
Must-Try Beers
• Jade IPA – A bright, citrus-driven West Coast IPA with a crisp, clean finish that showcases balance over haze. One of Foothills’ longtime best-sellers, it remains a benchmark for the classic, hop-forward style.
• People’s Porter – Smooth and chocolate-forward with a roasted backbone, this approachable porter delivers depth without heaviness, making it especially satisfying as temperatures begin to drop.
• Sexual Chocolate (Seasonal) – A winter heavyweight, this famed imperial stout is layered with deep chocolate, roasted malt, and subtle espresso notes. Rich and full-bodied, it’s one of the city’s most decorated beers and anticipated seasonal releases.
• Oktoberfest (Seasonal) – Brewed in the traditional German Märzen style, this amber lager layers toasted malt sweetness with a clean finish, making it a fall favorite that returns each year with reliable balance and depth.
Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing
Located in a historic tobacco warehouse, Fiddlin’ Fish pairs easygoing charm with social energy and one of downtown’s best covered patios. Winner of our 2025 Craft Draft Showdown, the brewery pours classic styles alongside inventive seasonals, with flights served on wooden fish trays. Family-friendly and always lively, it’s one of the best places in town to catch a game.
Must-Try Beers
• That Fish Cray (IPA) – Hazy, citrus-forward, and soft on the palate, this signature New England-style IPA delivers juicy hop character without overwhelming bitterness and has become a staple on the tap list.
• Cool As The Appalachians (Light Lager) – A clean, crisp light lager with smooth drinkability and refreshing balance, this easy-going flagship was repeatedly recommended as a go-to pour with friends or family.
• Pilsner – Bright and easy-drinking with a subtle hop snap, this German-style pilsner keeps things simple in the best way. It’s perfect when you want something clean and classic.
• Ass Over Tea Kettle (Seasonal) – Bold and hop-heavy with a clean finish, this imperial IPA brings elevated intensity while maintaining clarity and structure.
Wise Man Brewing
In a 1929 Industry Hill warehouse, Wise Man offers one of the city’s deepest tap lists. Family- and dog-friendly, it hosts frequent live music and food trucks, pairing quality beer with a welcoming, mural-covered atmosphere.
Must-Try Beers
• Angelo’s Pils (Pilsner) – Recommended by the crew at Fiddlin' Fish (who know their way around a good pilsner), this Italian-style pilsner is crisp and easy-drinking, with subtle hop character that adds flavor without overpowering.
• Tropical Shirts (Sour Ale) – When the Incendiary team visits nearby breweries, they make a point to sample the sours. Their top pick? This bright, fruit-forward ale that balances tartness with juicy character and a clean finish, making it one of Wise Man’s most sought-after warm-weather pours.
• Scoop Dogg (Seasonal) – A light, smooth summer ale with gentle sweetness and subtle hop brightness, this was several people's go-to brew for patio sipping on warm summer days.
• BBA Merry World Breakfast (Seasonal) – Released each holiday season, this barrel-aged stout features notes of coffee, chocolate, and gentle bourbon warmth, designed for slow sipping.
Incendiary Brewing
Set inside the historic Bailey Power Plant, Incendiary blends industrial architecture with standout IPAs and a sprawling shared patio nicknamed the "Coal Pit." Grab wood-fired pizza next door and settle in beneath the smokestacks.
Must-Try Beers
• Ritual Pilsner – Clean and refreshing with crisp malt and balanced bitterness, this pilsner highlights precision and restraint in a deceptively simple style.
• SHIfT Series (Hazy IPA) – A rotating hop series that consistently delivers expressive aromatics, juicy texture, and thoughtful balance from batch to batch.
• Shade of Lies (Seasonal) – Rich and layered with chocolate and roast, this specialty imperial stout finishes with gentle warmth and lingering depth.
Small Batch Beer Co.
Across from the Benton Convention Center, Small Batch is a nano-brewery with neighborhood pub energy. A cozy interior, concise tap list, and full kitchen make it a compact but spirited downtown stop. It also doubles as a soccer bar, where Premier league fans gather to watch matches.
Must-Try Beers
• Mr. Lemon Man (IPA) – Bright and citrus-forward without tipping into sour territory, this approachable IPA offers refreshing hop character that appeals to both newcomers and longtime IPA fans.
• Percolator (Coffee Stout) – Roasty and smooth with pronounced coffee aromatics, this stout delivers depth and balance without excessive sweetness.
Joymongers Barrel Hall
Tucked in the Historic West End, just outside downtown, Joymongers specializes in barrel-aged and flavor-infused beers. The industrial taproom, lively patio, and suspended Mighty Mouse statue make it a memorable detour.
Must-Try Beers
• Brux IPA – Juicy yet balanced, Joymongers' flagship IPA showcases fruit-forward hop flavor while maintaining structure and drinkability.
• Hefeweizen – Bright and classic with banana and clove character, this wheat beer finishes crisp and refreshing, making it an easy choice year-round.
Radar Brewing Co.
Housed in a former NASCAR storage building in downtown’s Industry Hill neighborhood, just steps from Wise Man, Radar opened in 2020 and entered a new era under fresh ownership in 2025. With an award-winning head brewer now at the helm, the brewery is turning out inventive small-batch beers. A window into the fermentation space and a relaxed patio add to its approachable, distinctly local feel.
Must-Try Beer
• Europa (Hefeweizen) – Lively and refreshing with classic banana and clove notes, this wheat beer stays crisp and light, making it a natural patio choice.
• Reflection (IPA) – Piney, clean, and firmly bitter, this West Coast IPA leans traditional rather than hazy, delivering straightforward hop character.
Lesser-Known Beer Co.
In West Salem, just south of downtown, Lesser-Known focuses on meticulously crafted lagers inspired by German and Czech traditions. Expect fresh tank pours, extended lagering, and a quiet taproom prized by serious beer fans.
Must-Try Beers
• Lunar Handshake (Dark Lager) – With subtle roast and a clean finish, this dark lager delivers depth without heaviness. It was one of the most consistently recommended beers in our polling.
• Four Meters (Helles Lager) – Crisp, clean, and remarkably drinkable, this flagship helles showcases precision and balance, proving how compelling a well-executed “simple” beer can be.
More Great Forsyth County Breweries
Downtown Winston-Salem anchors our Craft Draft Crawl, a self-guided, walkable tour of more than half a dozen breweries, but it’s far from the only place to find a well-crafted pint.
Brouwerij DuBois | Winston-Salem
The city’s newest brewery, this cozy taproom on the city’s western outskirts pairs a farmhouse-ale focus with relaxed, home-style charm. Dog- and family-friendly, often with food trucks and events.
• Must-Try: Farmhouse Saison – Classic Belgian-style saison with spicy, peppery notes and a dry finish.
Gypsy Road Brewing | Kernersville
A lively brewery with abundant indoor and outdoor space, plus regular live music, seasonal celebrations, and food trucks. It’s as much a social destination as it is a place for well-crafted ales.
• Must-Try: Gypsy Juice (Hazy IPA) – Juicy, fruit-forward IPA with citrus and tropical hop character.
Little Brother Brewing | Kernersville
A boutique Main Street brewery with a strong community heartbeat. It's known for its small-batch beers and slew of events, from live music to music bingo to a Homebrewer Spotlight series.
• Must-Try: Small Fires (American Lager) – Award-winning, crisp, light lager with subtle malt sweetness.
Other Side of the Moon | Clemmons
Clemmons’ only brewery operates inside Full Moon Oyster Bar, blending nautical style with easy-drinking ales designed to pair beautifully with seafood.
• Must-Try: Moonshine Kölsch – Crisp Kölsch-style ale with light fruit and subtle malt.
Who’s Your Favorite? Let Us Know.
Our annual Craft Draft Showdown is back, and once again, you decide Forsyth County’s favorite craft brewery. Now in its second year, the March Madness-style competition features breweries from across the county competing in a head-to-head bracket.
The showdown gets underway Feb. 18 with a qualifying round to narrow the field, followed by weekly matchups beginning March 2. Voting resets each round, and you can cast one vote per day for your favorite. A champion will be crowned March 31.
Best of all, every vote enters you to win a prize package featuring brewery gift cards, mugs, merch, and Visit Winston-Salem swag. Head to our website using the link above, pick your favorite, cast your vote, and let the showdown begin.
*Editorial note – Our thanks to the local experts who helped shape this list, including Fiddlin’ Fish, Incendiary, Wise Man, Radar, and Foothills Brewing, along with Brewer’s Kettle, the Lowe’s Foods and members of the W-S Wort Hawgs brewing club. Their input, along with staff input, helped create a well-rounded shortlist worth exploring.