Sunday 28th of December 2014 11:26:02 AM

link
In North Carolina's steep foothills, the town of Morganton has two brewpubs. Catawba Valley is a one story steel and brick building painted black and blue. Parking is free along the street. In back is their tall corrugated steel grain silo, with an auger pipe running into the building. In front they have a concrete patio area with a few wooden picnic tables. Inside are several high top tables and an awkward chest-high 12-stool bar. The place has a stark industrial atmosphere with concrete floor and high metal beam and wood construction. On the right is a space for live music. Behind the bar is the spacious brewery floor with their midsize stainless steel brewing vessels in the back left corner. On the right is a farm of midsize stainless steel fermenters and racks of barrel aging beer. Chalkboards list their 10 house brews on tap. These are good, better than average, and I recommend asking for a sampler flight to try them all. My favorites were their red and black IPAs. They also serve pints, growlers, and six-pack cans of their beer. They do not have a kitchen, so eat before you visit! The service is adequate and cordial but can be slow when they are crowded. The place has a nice camaraderie and is loud with many conversations. It is worth a visit.