Five Outside

Where to grab a brewski outside Raleigh during NC Beer Month

Blackbird Brewery

WAKE FOREST

Kill two birds with one stone and fly by this craft-, chemistry- and community-focused passion project for local science-meets-suds in a lively taproom or the expansive patio and beer garden. Husband-and-wife duo Ian and Harmony VanGundy specialize in experimental blends fusing less-common traditional techniques and unique ingredients (think a thiolized hazy DIPA and a blue razz sour ale, aka “Barbie’s Dream”). Belly up with your buds for music bingo, run club, yoga classes and an array of other rotating events. Ready to take flight? blackbirdbeer.com

Carolina Brewery

CHAPEL HILL/PITTSBORO 

“The Carolinas are calling…” The oldest brewery in the Triangle, the OG Chapel Hill suds spot bowed in 1995—spawning its second restaurant and production biz in Pittsboro circa 2007. Hit up either location for the beer (natch) and stay for the scratchmade Southern cuisine (weekend brunch feat. chicken and waffles, tacos, and a better-than-Bojangles chicken biscuit are always the answer). And stay tuned for the brewpub’s relaunch of its popular Paddle Daze IPA and a November charity month with proceeds benefiting the NC Coastal Federation. Sip on. carolinabrewery.com

Local Time Brewing

HOLLY SPRINGS

Now’s the time to “go forth and beer happy” with bevs inspired by countries across the globe (think Venezuela, Germany and Vietnam) from this one-stop establishment—no plane ticket necessary. Blending worldly ingredients and techniques to create concoctions nodding to different cultures, the watering hole is born out of a love of travel, brews and camaraderie. And the taproom is further frothing up excitement via a lineup of events (think language classes and travel-planning workshops!) popping up soon. Essentially, it’s any globe-trotter’s—and beer lover’s!—paradise. localtimebrewing.com

Havoc Brewing Company

PITTSBORO

Escape the havoc of everyday life at this “devastatingly delicious” haven founded by two Navy veterans who first started the endeavor after toying with home-concocting sessions in head brewer Andy Smith’s garage. Cheekily dubbed pints draw you in (such as the Jamie Tartt sour—s/o Ted Lasso!), while the massive taproom and sprawling patio beg you to post up awhile. NTM games and a packed calendar feat. live music, trivia, rotating food trucks and more. So crafty! havocbrewing.com 

Fullsteam Brewery

BOXYARD RTP/DURHAM

Full steam ahead! “From plow to pint” is the MO of this distinctly Southern brewery highlighting the farm and food traditions of the American South. Incorporating locally malted corn, barley, wheat and/or oats, Full Steam’s brews reflect NC’s community, creativity and diversity—and make the perfect accompaniment to the Durham location’s sandos, snacks and salad, or the Boxyard RTP spot’s Detroit-style pizza (check Insta for specialty pies feat. seasonal ingredients!). We never met a beer + pizza outing we didn’t like! fullsteam.ag