Carolina Brewery is a cool, two-story brewpub right off of Franklin St. in downtown Chapel Hill. I think they're more dedicated to the brewing side of things than some other brew-pubs in the area.

The beer is great. Their amber is good and the Firecracker Pale Ale is very tasty.

A lot of other restaurants in Chapel Hill carry their beer because it is so popular.

Over, the food is good. I suggest getting a burger.

reviewed on: 2009-10-27 01:32:26

I visited on a slow, rainy, mid-week evening.

They had about six brews on tap - nothing particularly interesting, but the usual amber ale, IPA, etc., that most brewpubs have. I tried the brown ale. Very good, hoppy enough to stand up to the chicken quesadilla that the server recommended, and a little malty as well. From the signage, it appears that they often do have more interesting beers available, so maybe I picked the wrong time to visit.

Service was pleasant, not particularly efficient or attentive. I had to try a couple times to get a second glass, as my server was handling tables upstairs as well as downstairs where I sat.

Atmosphere was sports bar, with about 4 TVs downstairs all tuned to one game or another.

Food was decent, but the bone in my chicken quesadilla was unnecessary.

reviewed on: 2008-08-29 11:53:02

Launched in February of 1995, Carolina Brewery was voted Best Brewpub in the Southeast by Brewpub Magazine, and serves up a wide selection of tasty beers and splendid food in Chapel Hill, one of the dandiest little college towns around.

On my most recent visit, I sampled six beers: Sky Blue Golden Ale (kolsch), Copperline Amber Ale, Downtown Trolley Brown, Flagship IPA, Old North State Stout and Old Familiar Barley Wine. And other times—two words—Funky Monk. Following the signing of House Bill 392, brewer Jon Connolly re-tooled this Belgian-inspired nectar to amazing (and a little higher alcohol) results. I love that beer. I never tire of the dry stout when it’s in season.

A Franklin Street fixture since 1995, in a town where even the fire trucks are painted Carolina Blue, CB is proudly owned by University of North Carolina graduate Robert Poitras. The atmosphere is a blend of copper tanks and beer, juxtaposed against a love of Chapel Hill’s athletic heritage. The contemporary American cuisine here is excellent, supported by Culinary Institute of America graduate, Chef Andrew Forster. Carolina Brewery holds incredible beer dinners, sometimes inviting other North Carolina brewers along for the wonderfully delicious ride—just the kind of synergizing camaraderie that makes the world of craft beer such a beautiful place to be.

Carving out such a successful brewpub has put a strain on the brewery’s small system. With draught accounts and growlers sold throughout Chapel Hill and neighboring Carrboro, the need for expansion has arrived. Currently in the works is a second location being built in Pittsboro. This brewery will service both locations and potentially help widen distribution, a welcome development for Triangle beer enthusiasts, and all of North Carolina.

reviewed on: 2007-07-24 09:56:55

If you must visit a brewpub in Chapel Hill, this is the one to try. The food is American style, with burgers, chicken sandwiches, pizza and a NC style pulled pork barbeque on the menu. I seem to find myself ordering a burger or the turkey bacon wrap quite often. The service is usually pretty consistent.

There is a downstairs bar where I usually end up when I am visiting. There are usually 6 or 7 beers available on tap. Of them, the IPA is almost always available and well worth a sample.

One of the coolest things about this place is their commitment to UNC athletics. If you are catching a home game either basketball or football, hit the Brewery an hour or two before the game. If you buy anything (even just one beer) they will give you a ride to the event on a bus that travels to the game and back. You don't have to worry about parking and riding. And you have a sober driver!