This guide shares details about the best breweries in Columbia, SC. It also highlights breweries in West Columbia and even a few in Lexington, SC.
There are several great breweries in Columbia and a few more just across the river in West Columbia. You’ll find everything from an old converted airport hangar to breweries with fantastic rooftop bars.
This list highlights the top breweries and includes information about brews, food, outdoor seating and more.
What You’ll Find In This Article
Map of breweries in Columbia, SC
We always like to start our guides with a map of the spots mentioned. Oftentimes it’s easier to see what’s near you or near the area you’ll be so that you can easily make a decision.
The Best Breweries In Columbia and West Columbia
Downtown Columbia, SC brewery with excellent fare
If you’re looking for a low-key place to stop for excellent beer and food in downtown Columbia, head to Hunter-Gatherer Alehouse. It’s a cool brewpub in a historic building with old exposed brick and timber.
Hunter-Gatherer is a Columbia institution– they are credited with introducing the craft beer movement to the city in 1995. They keep it simple with a hazy IPA, golden ale, amber ale and lager but do add a twist with their raspberry sour as well as other seasonal beers.
Along with their great beer, Hunter Gatherer serves delicious appetizers and entrees. Some of our favorites include the ESB Beer Cheese Spread appetizer, the HG Smoked Brisket Plate and the Baked Mac and Cheese.
1402 Jim Hamilton Boulevard | Rosewood
Kid-friendly brewery in Rosewood in a converted hangar
Hunter-Gatherer opened a second brewery location in 2018 at the Owens Field Municipal Airport. And it’s by far one of the coolest buildings in Columbia!
The old abandoned hangar was built in 1929 and has been repurposed into a state-of-the-art brewery and taproom.
The Hunter-Gatherer Hangar offers its full range of beers on tap as well as appetizers, pizzas and sandwiches. It’s actually one of our favorite places to get pizza in Columbia, and they offer gluten-free crust and vegan cheese.
In addition to the impressive space inside the hangar, they have a great outdoor area. You’ll find picnic tables around the property and a rooftop patio. The rooftop area originally served as the hangar’s flight observation deck!
Bierkeller Brewing Company opened in August 2023
German-style beers and Biergarten on the river
Bierkeller Brewing Company offers a taste of Germany on the banks of the Congaree River. It’s modeled after a biergarten and features several German-style beers, with options like kellerbier, rauchbier, and weissbier
From schnitzels and sausages to classic sides, Bierkeller offers a full spread to complete your Bavarian experience.
Don’t forget to grab a giant pretzel – it’s the perfect companion to any of their beers!
2350 Foreman Street | Cayce
Brewery in Cayce with live music on the weekends
Steel Hands Brewery is across the river from Columbia in Cayce, SC. There you’ll find a spacious taproom, outdoor seating, and a wide selection of beers including classics and seasonal flavors.
The outdoor space has picnic tables, umbrellas, and an open-air stage that features great live music on weekends. Check their website for the latest event schedule.
Steel Hands has a full menu with burgers, salads, and weekend brunch.
430 Center Street | West Columbia
West Columbia brewery with great outdoor seating and food
Savage Craft Ale Works is an awesome brewery in West Columbia. They are located in the beautifully renovated Brookland Fire Station and City Hall building.
They brew refreshing and unique beers including IPAs, pilsners, sours and others.
Their food menu boasts impressive dishes like wild boar shank and Nashville hot chicken, alongside bar snacks and a dedicated brunch menu.
There are three distinct areas at Savage Craft: the rooftop bar, jailhouse taproom, and outdoor beer garden. There is plenty of space to spread out and enjoy some fresh air.
Local brewery with rotating food trucks
The award-winning Columbia Craft Brewing Company is one of Columbia’s brewery gems. It’s located on Greene Street– just one block from Huger Street on the south end of The Vista.
They have 16 selections on tap, including ales, lagers, IPAs, sours and barrel-aged beers. We love that they aren’t afraid to experiment with hop and flavor combos and there is always something new to try with their small-batch brews.
As far as food goes, Columbia Craft recently announced plans for a permanent kitchen for Parabellum. The food truck was a vendor at Columbia Craft before this change was announced in March 2024.
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant opened in June 2023
945 Sabal Street | BullStreet District
Craft brewery and pub fare in the BullStreet District
Iron Hill Brewery, a Delaware-born chain with over 20 locations across five states, opened a Columbia location in June 2023.
While their larger-scale production happens in Exton, PA, Iron Hill Columbia features a dedicated in-house brewery.
The atmosphere has a classic sports bar atmosphere, with a large bar, numerous TVs and high-top tables. They also have outdoor seating.
They have an on-site kitchen and a diverse menu ranging from ribeye steaks and burgers, to pizzas, salads and even Moroccan salmon. You can also get brunch there on the weekends.
Breweries In Lexington, SC
Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Columbia is the smaller town of Lexington, SC. There are a few breweries located in Lexington that are worth a mention on this list.
Old Mill Brewpub
Located inside Lexington’s historic Old Mill, the Old Mill Brewpub brews a handful of solid beers. They also offer an extensive pub menu that pairs well with their beer. Overall it’s a great atmosphere in a historic building.
Hazelwood Brewing Company
Hazelwood Brewing Company is located on the other side of Lexington’s Old Mill from Old Mill Brewpub in the mill’s old boiler room.
They brew some of the best beer in the midlands with a focus on sourcing local ingredients (including from their own farm!) They’ve done an awesome job renovating the boiler room and have a great vibe inside and outside with patio seating.
Other Spots in Columbia for Beer Lovers
Craft and Draft
Beer shop and taproom on Devine Street
While not a brewery, Craft and Draft knows its beer! Located on Devine Street just down the road from Five Points, they offer 12 beers on tap and a wide assortment of canned beers for sale in their market.
Weco Bottle and Biergarten
West Columbia’s Weco Bottle and Biergarten offers a space to try out great beer in a classic beer garden atmosphere. They also have a food truck on-site every day so be sure to check out their food truck schedule!
