In modern times, the craft beer industry is at an all time high – with more and more independent breweries opening their doors every year.
One of the best states for beer production is South Carolina, with the city of Columbia being more prominent than most. But what are the best breweries in Columbia, South Carolina, and what makes them so special?
Where Is Columbia?
Not to be confused with the South American country of the same name, Columbia is the capital city of South Carolina, and is the second largest city in the state, with a population of over 136,600 at the 2020 census.
While there might be links drawn between the country of Columbia and the city, the name ‘Columbia’ is actually a poetic name used to describe the United States – taking inspiration from explorer Christopher Columbus.
Also known as ‘soda city’, due to the common abbreviation for Columbia as ‘cola’, Columbia played a pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War, and the American Civil War, and is now known for its historical sites, its artistic and cultural attractions, and its areas of natural beauty that keep tourists returning year after year.
The 10 Best Columbia Breweries
Now that we know a little more about Columbia, South Carolina, and the things that make it such a popular and highly visited state, it is now time for us to take a closer look at some of the best breweries in the city, and what makes them so special.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
1. Columbia Craft Brewing Company
First on our list, we have Columbia Craft Brewing Company – an understated, charming little brewery that offers everything from hazy IPAs, ales, lagers, sours, and numerous barrel aged beers.
This is a prime example that, in the craft beer game, you don’t need to be the flashiest to make a big impact – especially not when your product is as good and well loved as Columbia Craft.
With friendly staff, and plenty of seating indoors and outdoors, this is a great example of how wholesome, community hang out spots are becoming characteristic of the craft beer industry.
Address: 520 Greene St, Columbia, SC 29201
2. Bierkeller Columbia
Next on our list, we have Bierkeller Columbia – located right on the waterfront, and offering one of the best places in the city to kick back, relax, and immerse yourself with good company and even better beer.
Definitely one of the most inviting places on this list, Bierkeller really has it all – charming decor, friendly staff, plenty of cozy seating, and some of the best beer in the city.
What more could you possibly ask for?
Address: 921 Brookwood Dr, Columbia, SC 29201
3. River Rat Brewery
With the feel of a proper, rural dive bar, River Rat Brewery prides itself on its style, its beer, and the legacy that it helps to keep alive – bringing together plenty of traditional southern charm, with a sense of modernity that is both refreshing and inviting.
Offering a whole range of craft beers produced on site, as well as some of the best southern cooking in the city, River Rat really hits the sweet spot – giving you everything you could ask for in a small, community bar.
And that’s what this place really feels like – a community. And after all, isn’t that what we’re all looking for?
Address: 1231 Shop Rd, Columbia, SC 29201
4. Twisted Spur Brewing
Next on our list, we have Twisted Spur Brewing – a brewery that prides itself on the strength and flavor of its beer.
Located right in the heart of the city, this building feels like it has been there forever – packing in all the industrial gimmicks that you can expect from a modern craft brewery, albeit with a hint of traditional charm that really makes this place the real deal.
Perfect for stopping in and having a cold one at the end of a long day, it isn’t hard to see why Twisted Spur is one of the most popular spots in town.
Address: 705 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201-3049
5. Hunter Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse
Rustic is the name of the game at Hunter Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse – offering up a heavy industrial vibe that is both tasteful, charming, and authentic.
But more importantly, this is passed onto their beers too – all of which are sourced from local ingredients, and brewed on site, where they are served from cask to pump to glass in no time at all.
As well as great beer, Hunter Gatherer also prides itself on its barbecue – offering up some of the best southern cuisine in the city, and giving you the perfect place to kick back, enjoy some good company, and indulge your two great loves.
Address: 900 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201
6. Steel Hands Brewing
Located in the district of Cayce, South Carolina – right outside of Columbia – Steel Hands Brewing is another great example of the kind of rustic charm that people love to see in a craft beer establishment.
This place almost feels like a factory – and in a sense that’s what it is – albeit with a great, welcoming taproom right in the middle, and all the tools of the brewing trade adorning the outer space of the room.
For those looking for great beer, great food, and even greater company, this is certainly the place to check out!
Address: 2350 Foreman St, Cayce, SC 29033
7. Angry Fish Brewing Co.
Next on our list, we have Angry Fish Brewing Co. – located just outside Columbia in Lexington, South Carolina, and offering some of the best local craft ales in the state.
Angry Fish might not have all the panache of some of the other breweries on this list – at least not in the sense of providing a traditional taproom – but it is dedicated to the thing that really matters, the beer.
And dedicated they are, producing a whole host of beers, ales, lagers, and IPAs – many of which have become firm favorites within the city itself. For the real deal, why not go and check them out?
Address: 106 Fabrister Ln Ste C, Lexington, SC 29072
8. Peak Drift Brewing Company
Next we have the Peak Drift Brewing Company, located right in the heart of Columbia.
Taking inspiration from the crisp, pure, goodness of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Peak Drift seek to inject this level of freshness and clarity into all of their beers.
For a real taste of the southeast, this really is one of the best places to check out!
Address: 3452 N Main St, Columbia, SC 2901
9. Salvage Craft Ale Works
Offering one of the best places in town for fine beer, great food, and live music, Salvage Craft Ale Works is certainly one you won’t want to miss.
Injecting a little rock n roll style into the craft beer scene, Salvage is the community hub for west Columbia – offering everything you could ever need to kick back, enjoy the atmosphere, and sample some great beer.
Why not head down and check them out?
Address: 430 Center St, West Columbia, SC 29169
10. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
Last on our list, but by no means least, we have BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse – offering up some of the best southern cooking in the city of Columbia, as well as their own line of craft beers that are both delicious and well loved within the fabric of the city’s craft beer scene.
With a charming roadhouse style, and plenty of room to kick back, have a cold one, and enjoy some fantastic grub, BJ’s really is a fine example of what breweries can make of themselves when they have just enough passion, hard work, and sense for what the people want.
Address: 148 Harbison Blvd, Columbia, SC 29212
Final Thoughts
And there we have it, everything you need to know about Columbia, South Carolina, and the best breweries in the region.
It is certainly true that the craft beer industry is booming in recent times – with more and more independently owned breweries popping up every single year.
However, as this list shows, there are some breweries that do things just a little better than the rest.
So if you want to find the best breweries in Columbia, South Carolina, then be sure to check out these great spots. Something tells me you won’t be disappointed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we know a little more about the best breweries in Columbia, South Carolina, it is now time to examine some frequently asked questions that you might be interested in.
There are many reasons why craft beer is so popular – and they more than likely vary from person to person – however, generally speaking it is due to the artisanal production, the variation in styles, and the variety of flavors.
Generally speaking, craft beer is more expensive due to the fact that they use higher quality ingredients, less automated production methods, and incur more cost to the producers – leading to higher prices.
Inspired by my love for brewing, I started this site with my friend Derek. We travel, discover unique beers, and share our experiences and recommendations. Join us in exploring our favorite beers and breweries. Enjoy our site as we share our passion with you!
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