Explore Downtown Winston-Salem on a Craft Beer Crawl
In town for a conference, meeting, or event? Explore Winston-Salem’s walkable downtown breweries, conveniently located near the Benton Convention Center and convention hotels.
The best meetings leave room for connection beyond the conference table. In Winston-Salem, a walkable downtown and welcoming craft beer community helps attendees make the most of their experience discovering the city after business wraps for the day. That means your group can move naturally from the meeting room to the taproom, with no complicated transportation plan required.
Grab a pint for an informal networking stop, gather with colleagues for a post-session drink, or simply take advantage of a memorable way to explore the flavor of Winston-Salem. Build a full Craft Draft Crawl or choose one well-timed stop into a chance to experience more of the city.
Why Craft Beer Works for Meetings
Downtown Winston-Salem offers more than 1,200 hotel rooms, with many accommodations and after-hours experiences within walking distance of the Benton Convention Center. For meeting planners, that convenient layout can simplify logistics while giving attendees the flexibility to explore on their own.
Depending on the group’s timing and starting point, several breweries can be connected on foot, while others are an easy rideshare away.
Downtown Breweries Worth a Stop
Foothills Brewpub
Foothills Brewing opened its downtown brewpub on Fourth Street in 2005 and helped put Winston-Salem craft beer on the map. Its full food menu and broad beer selection make it an easy choice for dinner with colleagues a few blocks from the convention center..
Small Batch Beer Co.
Just across Fifth Street from the Benton Convention Center, Small Batch brews its beers one barrel at a time. The brewpub also offers cocktails, wine, and a full food menu, making it a convenient stop as soon as sessions wrap.
Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Co.
Fiddlin’ Fish takes its name from the childhood summers two of its founders spent fishing and listening to mountain music in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Trade Street taproom pours classic styles, seasonal releases, and one-off brews, with a spacious covered patio for gathering outside.
Wise Man Brewing
Set in a renovated warehouse near the Downtown Arts District, Wise Man pours a rotating lineup of craft beers. Food trucks and live music are regular features, so check the brewery’s calendar if you’re picking a night for an informal meetup.
Southern Drift Brewing Co.
Look for the Ninth Street water tower in Industry Hill. Formerly Radar Brewing, Southern Drift has an airy taproom and a spacious patio nearby, with beers ranging from IPAs and lagers to more experimental styles. Planners can inquire about reserving space for a group or booking the full taproom.
Incendiary Brewing Co.
Incendiary’s downtown taproom is housed in the former Bailey Power Plant in Innovation Quarter. It opens onto the Coalpit, a large shared courtyard with outdoor seating. Try a beer from the rotating tap list and make an evening of it with dinner nearby.
Joymongers Barrell Hall
Joymongers’ Winston-Salem taproom occupies a restored 1920s garage in the historic West End neighborhood. Its rotating beer lineup includes styles such as IPAs, lagers, stouts, and sours, with wine and cocktails also available. Pair a visit with dinner or a stroll through the neighborhood.
Lesser-Known Beer Co.
Just south of downtown in West Salem, near Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Lesser-Known specializes in lagers inspired by German and Czech brewing traditions. Its screen-free tasting room and two patios make it a good fit for a small group looking for a quieter place to talk.
More Breweries Around Town
If you have time to explore beyond downtown, head to Kernersville for Gypsy Road, a family-owned brewery with a beer garden, or Little Brother Brewing’s downtown taproom along North Main Street. On the western edge of Winston-Salem, Brouwerij DuBois offers a cozy neighborhood taproom. In western Forsyth County, Incendiary Lewisville has a taproom, a full bar, and outdoor space on the grounds of a former winery.
These stops can round out a preconference outing, an activity for guests, or an extended stay.
Turn Downtime into Destination Time
Planning a meeting or convention in Winston-Salem? The Visit Winston-Salem team can help you find venues, connect with local partners, and put together an itinerary that gives attendees a reason to arrive early or stay an extra day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Small Batch is across Fifth Street from the Benton, and Foothills Brewpub is a few blocks away on Fourth Street. If you’re adding more stops, check the walking route from the convention center or your hotel.
Downtown has paid street parking, public parking decks, and surface lots. Check posted signs for rates and time limits. If your group is arriving by motorcoach, confirm drop-off, pickup, and parking arrangements in advance.
Foothills Brewpub and Small Batch both have full food menus. Other taprooms may host food trucks or allow outside food from nearby restaurants. Check the brewery’s website or social channels for current options.
Many welcome groups, and options vary by taproom. Contact the brewery with your headcount and preferred time, and ask about reserved seating, private space, food options, and accessibility.
Browse the shops and galleries along Trade Street, catch a live show, or make dinner plans downtown. If you have a free afternoon, leave time to explore Old Salem Museums & Gardens before stopping at nearby Lesser-Known Beer Co.
Late afternoon or early evening is a natural fit after a day of sessions. Check taproom hours before heading out, especially early in the week. The brewery’s calendar can help you plan around live music, food trucks, or special events.
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