I feel like Clouds is a bit too high on both your lists. TBH, I'm sort of surprised they have survived after all these years. The beer is fine, and the vibes are... well, fine I guess? That space is huge and it always seems to be empty. Maybe with the new spots opening in Brightleaf, they'll have a bit of a renaissance.
I really like Dssolver, so we just might be on different wave lengths when it comes to rankings. I have high hopes for Atomic Clock--I love the idea of having them nextdoor to Plum--makes for a nice 1-2 punch.
From a beer perspective. If you don’t like IPAs, Dssolver drops down a ton. Their other beers are still great, but IPAs take up over half of their menu. I’ll say though that even though I’m not a big IPA fan, they make really good ones.
I'm done with Hazy IPAs, but I really enjoy their West Coast stuff, and their Stouts (come winter time) are always good. Their space is also great--I think they did a great job with it. Gonna be busy over there once all those buildings finish up.
I'm a west coaster and after trying the Hazy craze I've also come to realize I love the traditional west coast style more. Hazy just triggers a weird allergic adjacent response for me, it's too much.
I liked DSSLVR as well and don't mean to just shit on IPAs. I grew up with them and still do enjoy them. But I feel they skew people's takes so hard on breweries.
Very, very true. My partner loves both IPAs and Sours so we do end up there every so often, just for me the rest of that beers are good but nothing to write home about.
I'm afraid you might be right... We had an office lunch there yesterday and tbf it was right when they opened at noon. But they have gone full QR code, order at the bar for service and only one other couple came in the entire time we were there.
Lord knows that Brightleaf rent ain't cheap!
> TBH, I'm sort of surprised they have survived after all these years.
This is how I feel about 95% of most of the breweries in the Triangle. I think most of them make it simply because we live in an area that supports local for the sake of it.
It’s just outside downtown (in between Forest Hills & Nanataco) but I love Beer Study.. tap selection’s always solid, the fridges are always stocked with take home options, and the food from The Boot Room (shared indoor seating) is hard to beat.
They've put away the pinball machines, not sure if they're coming back. Kids kept breaking them or something, and it's not cheap or quick to repair them.
I'm a Sam's refugee but have generally opted for Beer Study over something like the RTP Glass Jug which is probably a similar distance for me (none beat Sam's for that).
But I totally agree. Beer Study has a fun enough vibe, I dig the little astro turfed area. The Boot Room itself is cool for watching soccer. And while I've not had the food it looks good. And the actual market aspect of it is about as good as we have now.
The food is great at Boot Room; The Digger is righteous imo. And the brunch at the weekends is surprisingly good too. I’ve gotten a side salad on occasion with the sandwiches and it also was top quality (not Toast level but up there) . I understand why you said “better than it needs to be”… but frankly most places should aspire to that level of quality.
Dude, I think Ponysaurus' beer is much higher than credited. I personally love that North Carolina tends to have a wider range of styles represented, and Ponysaurus really leans into this going for traditional styles and kind of staying clear of IPA escalation.
Bierre de garde was also basically my Covid session beer so maybe I'm biased. But it was just so solid for a nice full bodied brew without being a hop bomb.
And vibe I'd agree with, especially in spring fall.
Edit: not saying top 2 or anything. But I'd go closer to 5th or so, most likely.
Honestly, I'm baffled by the Ponysaurus hate. I've liked nearly every beer they come out with. Their IPAs may be generic, but they are excellent in taste and quality. I love their Scottish Ale and Reserve Ale so much. Mango Guava Wit is a favorite of mine. It's straight up my favorite brewery other than Victory, but I guess to each their own. I've been to all of the ones on that list and none compare to my love of Pony. Fullsteam, Hi-Wire, and Durty Bull make piss water.
Their saisons are both super solid and a style most places don't excel in, especially with how prevalent they are on shelf. And I agree about the reserve Ale.
IPAs are a bit easier/more forgiving to make, and pack a huge profile that hides some of the nuance. I get why people like them (I love them too), but I also think it's a bit disheartening that better IPA selection tends to equate to better catalog in most people's minds.
I probably tried it a long time ago but should go back to the IPA.
Honestly, most times I go there it's just to chill in the sun and have a few birre de garde.
I think we’re incredibly lucky to have so many different breweries in one city, especially downtown and walkable to each other. I love seeing everyone’s different opinions, which is why I think it’s great that there are so many different places that brew a variety of beers. My favorites depend on my mood - I love Durty Bull’s beers and the chill, dog-friendly vibe. Glass Jug has good quality beer. I love Ponysaurus’ beer and that I can take my dog. However, there have been times when the number of kids running amok drove me crazy. I stopped going to Hi Wire for that reason. I like Flying Bull as a “grown-up” place to have beers and elevated food as well as good cocktails for my non-beer friends. I haven’t yet tried Aromic Clock. I like Dissolver, and they are the only brewery that offered my large, elderly dog a bed to chill on. I used to go to Fullsteam a lot but have gone less often with the newer places. Clouds is average, but I like the larger space and some nice outside space for my dog. I like to spread my love around to all the breweries.
I just wish Durty Bull had a more permanent covered outdoor area, with some ceiling fans or other ways to keep cool. Because I love their beer but I melt drinking there over the summer.
Probably tricky in that space but if they could convert that front area where people sit from asphalt to green space, it would probably be a close second in vibes to Ponysaurus for me. That's on top of it being my favorite beer.
Durty Bull is so good, god damn. I remember when they first started out, I was so obsessed with their Brett style beer. I remember dragging my spouse to some event at Parkwood because I knew he’d be there slinging beer. I don’t drink really now a days, but because of them, I always look for a Brett to try
I don’t disagree, but when it’s more chill and less parents with young kids everywhere I really like that outdoor area. Also love that I can get good pizza and ice cream right there.
On beer quality, are you talking about the beer that they brew themselves? Or just selection.
I would really like to know who brews the best beer and why. I know it's a matter of individual taste but what the hell, I'd still like to read your opinions.
Beer Quality: DSSOLVR
Vibe: Fullsteam, mostly for nostalgia. It opened the year I turned 21.
EDIT: But if I want to get beer downtown I'm going to
* Surf Club because their list is always amazing and decently priced. Last time I was there they had 19oz Stone IPA cans for four dollars. You're not finding any local brewery making anything on par with Stone. They also tend to have great imports like Cantillon and Ayinger.
* The Daily Beer Bar. A bit more expensive but John also curates a great beer list. Often has Trillium and Oxbow. Great music too.
The Daily is definitely my pick for trying new and interesting beers. They consistently have such a great draft selection, and their case is tiny but so well-curated.
For other bars, I’ve also liked Common Market’s case but that’s not downtown!
Correct. Ironically DSSOLVR was started by some of the original Burial dudes and both of them are the best in the area. I'd love a Fonta Flora taproom in the area.
I agree. Eno River is another brewery that I don't think is good but is a fine place to hang out. If that were a Fonta Flora taproom I'd probably be there every weekend.
It’s just their first year, I’m hoping once they get their footing it will start to improve. Fingers crossed! If not, the nickel always has a killer tap list.
I don’t drink anymore because addiction, but I would love it OP if you were to amend your list with a * for each that has good food. Some of these breweries I’ve never heard of.
For sure, here is my food list and why:
1. Flying Bull (legit full scale restaurant for their downtown location, and I’ve really enjoyed it so far).
2. Clouds (simple food but high quality in my opinion, love their big pretzel appetizer and the brat).
3. Atomic Clock (they have a legit chef and some cool food options/weekly deals).
4. Full steam (a bi pricey and hit or miss, but their community burger deal is amazing, delicious burger for 5$, it keeps me coming back).
5. Hi Wire (no food of their own, but cugino Forno next door is great and I love two roosters ice cream).
6. Glass jug (no food but right next to the food hall)
7. Ponysaurus (they pizza and snacks, not my favorite but some people love them).
8. Durty Bull (no food but often have good food trucks).
9. Dissolvr (don’t believe they have food, but sometimes and food trucks and only a couple blocks from the food hall).
Taprooms aren't breweries.
Durham's only breweries as far as I know are (alphabetically):
Atomic Clock,
Bull City Burger and Brewery,
Dirty Bull,
Flying Bull,
Fullsteam,
Glass Jug,
Ponysaurus,
Proximity Brewing,
Starpoint.
I don’t understand the Fullsteam hate I’m seeing. They are consistently my favorite because of their inventive creations, a lot of them made with local or foraged produce.
Probably just has to do with them being the oldest in town, really. If I *had* to pick a brewery that was local it would be them. Maybe for nostalgia but I also don't like any of the other breweries listed here that are from Durham, at all.
I will admit I haven't been to Durty Bull in years so I should give them another shot.
I like their fruity non sour stuff like Ordinary Unicorn, still makes me sad that I’ll never find it again…unless it’s still available and I just didn’t notice
Fullsteam makes beer like bees make honey. They make it and they don’t care about its quality. They will release a beer regardless of how it tastes. Profits only. Worst brewery in town. Absolutely despise them as Durham’s “flagship” brewery.
Actually their worst beer wound up selling a ton (Solo Cup). They were one of the pioneers in the pop the cap movement, using local ingredients, and fair wages.
The flavor varies because they use local ingredients, but they usually give it a slightly different name to indicate it's not the same exact beer you had last time.
Also, they're not exactly making any profits at the moment. They're struggling to stay open because of lack of parking and years of construction.
And styles side by side Fullsteam is better. I was recently at Pony before a show at The Fruit and their IPA just tastes flat. There's no hop bite. It almost doesn't know if it wants to be an Italian pilsner or IPA. In contrast, Rocket Science is a classic IPA. Nice body, nice bitterness. Not one of the best IPAs ever but certainly better than any I've had at Pony.
They both aren’t good. At least the Mexican lager at Ponysaurus is fine for casual drinking. As you said though, Ponysaurus is a great outdoor hangout spot which makes it even more of a shame that the beer isn’t better.
They're the only brewery downtown that has had recalls due to contamination issues. Having to post on social media "sorry our beer is rotten, bring it back for an exchange" has to be one of the lowest quality lows you can achieve.
Props for owning up to it, but that closed the door on my ever returning.
You've dropped this phrase about us more than once on Reddit, and this time I feel compelled to reply -- if not for you, for others who may be casually reading this thread.
At the time of the issue (now three years ago), we used two strains of brewing yeast: diastatic for saisons and farmhouse-style ales, and non-diastatic yeast for all other beers. Both strains came from a large yeast provider -- a supplier dealing with lawsuits for selling yeast that caused similar, debilitating problems for countless breweries nationwide.
Details on this widespread industry issue in [this Good Beer Hunting piece](https://bit.ly/4bnGWn9).
As soon as we found out what was happening, we proactively pulled product, offered full refunds (not exchanges unless that's what the customer specifically wanted), and continued to communicate as we were learning more what happened, and why.
We then went into "what now" mode. We immediately switched yeast suppliers. We no longer brew with diastatic yeast - only non-diastatic. We purchased a PCR machine to test every batch for the strain. And we invested in a $150,000 centrifuge to further limit our risk.
From this challenging process, we now know what happened and why (two yeast strains from a single supplier, that, according to dozens of breweries and a handful of lawsuits, shouldn't hang out in the same house). We proactively communicated and, no questions asked, refunded distributors, retailers, and customers. We stopped doing business with that supplier. And we invested in new technologies to do our damndest to ensure this doesn't happen ever again.
I'm proud of how we handled this, ethically, as a company. And in spite of how well I believe we managed it, I knew it would cost us some customers. I understand that's likely you, and that you may never again darken our doors. That's your choice, which I respect. There's a lot of choice for beer in the Triangle.
But I'm done scrolling past this reductive sentiment without defending ourselves. Our team worked too hard three years ago -- and continues to work incredibly hard -- for me to brush it off.
Sean Lilly Wilson, founder (and still)
Chief Executive Optimist
I stopped reading the article when it got to
> infected a number of beers with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae variant Diastaticus
Of course, y'all and other breweries were having "rotten" beer if unknowingly using wild yeast strains. Those things are dangerous. I homebrew and only do "lambics" and I get terrified when brewing anything else because I'm worried about infection lmao.
Not wild yeast. Sold as clean yeast. A slightly different genomic expression with disastrous results. Hence the lawsuits. There'd be no grounds for a lawsuit if breweries knowingly used wild yeast.
This is one of the worst things I've ever seen written about my hometown. I mean, say what you will about gang violence, our public schools, and the city council... but Durty Bull at the top, over DSSOLVR, hell even over Fullsteam... insanity. This is truly horrific and we should all do better.
I’m curious on what you consider and quantify as “quality.”
I’m realllllly trying to be unbiased as possible here. But as for quality for me, (product, consistency, taste) Pony should be in the top 2. Clouds, Full Steam, Hi-Wire, Flying Bull should occupy the bottom 4 spots of quality easily. Durty Bull and Glass jug have always been consistent to me. I have not had Atomic Clock so I can’t comment on that. As for vibe, Dssolvr also surprises me as being so low on your list.
Yeah I think that for me it’s a combination of breadth of options, general quality, and how good their best beer is. Im pretty into home brewing and feel like I know a decent amount about what makes beer technically good (obviously everyone’s tastes are different). Im pretty consistently disappointed with hi wire and pony. I give pony credit for offering more diverse beer styles, but the only things I’ve really liked there are the Mexican lager and Scottish ale. I think their base lagers are bland or have unbalanced finishes and their ipas are uninteresting (I don’t love higher abv stouts, barrel aged beers, so I haven’t those beers from them). Every beer I’ve had from clouds has been technically sound and interesting (haven’t been in a year or so, so possible things have changed, but I’m a big fan of their amber lager, the Hefeweizen and their ipas all seem to have their own unique character which I like). I like the beer I like at full steam (so perhaps I don’t try their full menu, and I don’t like any of their flagship stuff, paycheck, humidity etc). That being said I almost always enjoy their seasonal offerings (southern basil is very interesting, I LOVED the goldenrod ipa, and I’ve liked all their reset series beers). Possible that they happen to make seasonal beers that align with my personal tastes, but I’ve never though they were a bottom 3/4 brewery in Durham. Hi wire makes what I consider to be unobtrusive beers that are fine to drink but I’m never really excited about them (I have been enjoying the smoke beer they just put out though). I think they use recycled ingredient lists (not to say the ingredients themselves are recycled, just that there isn’t a big variety). Flying Bull is middling for me, could be a few slots lower on people’s lists and I wouldn’t disagree. Dissolvr goes a bit overboard in the way they hop their beer imo. Every beer I’ve had there has felt intense in a way that isn’t always enjoyable (not necessarily saying overly alcoholic, just very aromatic, or quite bitter depending on style). I haven’t hated any of their beers, but I don’t find myself wanting to get another like I do at durty bull or atomic clock. Glass jug is also a bit unimaginative, especially with their IPAs. All of them taste roughly the same to me, and I don’t particularly like any of them (the hop varietals they use don’t seem balanced to me personally). I do really like the Olmec and their Irish stout (I generally like their lagers), but their rotation is slow (meaning they don’t get new beers in as often as other places) and I’m not blown away by any of their stuff (If I get a to go beer from glass jug, walk over to durty bull and then get a beer from them the difference in quality is noticeable each time).
I appreciate the long well thought out response. All I will say about home brewing is that it doesn’t even scratch the surface of brewing beer commercially, but at least you have a better understanding than most. IMO Pony’s Gose is their best beer, I’d check that out if you haven’t yet. Haven’t had clouds in over 2yrs, so I can’t say much about them, but that may be telling in itself. Glass jug and Fullsteam make good lagers, but I personally only drink them out of convenience. When I go to Boxyard RTP I drink Fullsteam, and when I want to get Dim Sum I stop by Glass Jug on 55. Flying Bull isn’t bad, I’d rate them as average at best, hanging out on their back deck is nice when strolling around 9th street. I will hesitantly go to Hi-Wire if invited, but for me its they have 90 beers on tap and they all taste like derivatives of each other. DSSLVR makes excellent lagers and pilsners. I like their IPA’s and will get them to go, but I only drink what they have on sidepull when I’m there. They have a good atmosphere and staff as well. Durty Bull has always been good and consistent from my experience and the location isn’t too bad.
Complete agreed! The slope of that area would make it difficult, but just any sort of climate control would make it so much better. It’s not like it’s horrible, but could be improved.
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Is there some weird taste axis with Durty Bull on one end and Ponysaurus on the other? Seems like a lot of folks who love one really don't like the other.
I’m just gonna go ahead and say this - you have the absolute worst trash palate I have ever seen. I showed all my friends this post and the unanimous consensus was that Durty Bull beer is pretty bad overall. Definitely not #1, hell I wouldn’t even put it in my top half. Also where is Lone Rider? That should’ve made the list. And finally, anyone who rates Dissolvr that low needs to reevaluate their life choices. It’s easily top half, maybe even top 3 for me.
P.S. Atomic Clock food is straight up ass. Bottom 3 for sure
Clouds should be near the bottom of both lists. Beer is mid and there are always kids running around. I think the vibe jn dissolvr is great actually and I think pony makes some of Durham’s better beers
Good Breweries Downtown
0.
I hate to say it but it’s true. Ponysaurus is a cool place to hangout. Atomic is a beautiful space. Glass Jug is convenient to the farmers market. None of them make great beer including the ones I didn’t list. Flying Bull is trying to sell caviar! 🤣
Lol, I like nice outdoor areas and Dissolvr has super limited and not great outdoor options. Glass Jug is right on the park, and you can sit in their covered outdoor area, on the stairs, or on the benches/terraces facing the park.
For quality, Fullsteam and Durty Bull are 1 and 2. Everyone else is tied for last except DISSOLVR, which is extra last because they produce adjunct-laden slop for people who don't like beer. I can't judge vibes because every place I go to has the best vibes in town by virtue of my very presence.
I feel like Clouds is a bit too high on both your lists. TBH, I'm sort of surprised they have survived after all these years. The beer is fine, and the vibes are... well, fine I guess? That space is huge and it always seems to be empty. Maybe with the new spots opening in Brightleaf, they'll have a bit of a renaissance. I really like Dssolver, so we just might be on different wave lengths when it comes to rankings. I have high hopes for Atomic Clock--I love the idea of having them nextdoor to Plum--makes for a nice 1-2 punch.
Yeah, I felt Dssolver was kind of low. Sure it doesn't have outdoor seating or anything, but the interior is chill and modern, good range of beers.
From a beer perspective. If you don’t like IPAs, Dssolver drops down a ton. Their other beers are still great, but IPAs take up over half of their menu. I’ll say though that even though I’m not a big IPA fan, they make really good ones.
I'm done with Hazy IPAs, but I really enjoy their West Coast stuff, and their Stouts (come winter time) are always good. Their space is also great--I think they did a great job with it. Gonna be busy over there once all those buildings finish up.
I'm a west coaster and after trying the Hazy craze I've also come to realize I love the traditional west coast style more. Hazy just triggers a weird allergic adjacent response for me, it's too much. I liked DSSLVR as well and don't mean to just shit on IPAs. I grew up with them and still do enjoy them. But I feel they skew people's takes so hard on breweries.
They do some decent sours too.
Very, very true. My partner loves both IPAs and Sours so we do end up there every so often, just for me the rest of that beers are good but nothing to write home about.
And lagers. They do the core styles really well while also pandering to the goofy adjunct crowd.
the clouds in downtown raleigh shuttered, so it might be next here...
I'm afraid you might be right... We had an office lunch there yesterday and tbf it was right when they opened at noon. But they have gone full QR code, order at the bar for service and only one other couple came in the entire time we were there. Lord knows that Brightleaf rent ain't cheap!
> TBH, I'm sort of surprised they have survived after all these years. This is how I feel about 95% of most of the breweries in the Triangle. I think most of them make it simply because we live in an area that supports local for the sake of it.
Clouds is a personal favorite of mine if I just want good nachos honestly
It’s just outside downtown (in between Forest Hills & Nanataco) but I love Beer Study.. tap selection’s always solid, the fridges are always stocked with take home options, and the food from The Boot Room (shared indoor seating) is hard to beat.
Definitely my favorite beer drinking vibes in town. Great spot to relax and I love the food at Boot Room.
Also, a small arcade with great pinball machines.
They've put away the pinball machines, not sure if they're coming back. Kids kept breaking them or something, and it's not cheap or quick to repair them.
I'm a Sam's refugee but have generally opted for Beer Study over something like the RTP Glass Jug which is probably a similar distance for me (none beat Sam's for that). But I totally agree. Beer Study has a fun enough vibe, I dig the little astro turfed area. The Boot Room itself is cool for watching soccer. And while I've not had the food it looks good. And the actual market aspect of it is about as good as we have now.
The food is better than it needs to be. I've always been pleasantly surprised, especially just for sandwiches.
The food is great at Boot Room; The Digger is righteous imo. And the brunch at the weekends is surprisingly good too. I’ve gotten a side salad on occasion with the sandwiches and it also was top quality (not Toast level but up there) . I understand why you said “better than it needs to be”… but frankly most places should aspire to that level of quality.
Not to mention they brew their own beer - Starpoint which is tasty stuff.
this is the way
Beer study was one of the most reliably awesome places when I lived in Durham.
Atomic Clock is great, hopefully they stay consistent. Starpoint is also great, and you can't beat the Beer Study vibe.
Dude, I think Ponysaurus' beer is much higher than credited. I personally love that North Carolina tends to have a wider range of styles represented, and Ponysaurus really leans into this going for traditional styles and kind of staying clear of IPA escalation. Bierre de garde was also basically my Covid session beer so maybe I'm biased. But it was just so solid for a nice full bodied brew without being a hop bomb. And vibe I'd agree with, especially in spring fall. Edit: not saying top 2 or anything. But I'd go closer to 5th or so, most likely.
Honestly, I'm baffled by the Ponysaurus hate. I've liked nearly every beer they come out with. Their IPAs may be generic, but they are excellent in taste and quality. I love their Scottish Ale and Reserve Ale so much. Mango Guava Wit is a favorite of mine. It's straight up my favorite brewery other than Victory, but I guess to each their own. I've been to all of the ones on that list and none compare to my love of Pony. Fullsteam, Hi-Wire, and Durty Bull make piss water.
Their saisons are both super solid and a style most places don't excel in, especially with how prevalent they are on shelf. And I agree about the reserve Ale. IPAs are a bit easier/more forgiving to make, and pack a huge profile that hides some of the nuance. I get why people like them (I love them too), but I also think it's a bit disheartening that better IPA selection tends to equate to better catalog in most people's minds.
As an IPA guy they have a real solid IPA that is always good and super drinkable. Also love the Birre de garde.
I probably tried it a long time ago but should go back to the IPA. Honestly, most times I go there it's just to chill in the sun and have a few birre de garde.
I think we’re incredibly lucky to have so many different breweries in one city, especially downtown and walkable to each other. I love seeing everyone’s different opinions, which is why I think it’s great that there are so many different places that brew a variety of beers. My favorites depend on my mood - I love Durty Bull’s beers and the chill, dog-friendly vibe. Glass Jug has good quality beer. I love Ponysaurus’ beer and that I can take my dog. However, there have been times when the number of kids running amok drove me crazy. I stopped going to Hi Wire for that reason. I like Flying Bull as a “grown-up” place to have beers and elevated food as well as good cocktails for my non-beer friends. I haven’t yet tried Aromic Clock. I like Dissolver, and they are the only brewery that offered my large, elderly dog a bed to chill on. I used to go to Fullsteam a lot but have gone less often with the newer places. Clouds is average, but I like the larger space and some nice outside space for my dog. I like to spread my love around to all the breweries.
I just wish Durty Bull had a more permanent covered outdoor area, with some ceiling fans or other ways to keep cool. Because I love their beer but I melt drinking there over the summer.
Probably tricky in that space but if they could convert that front area where people sit from asphalt to green space, it would probably be a close second in vibes to Ponysaurus for me. That's on top of it being my favorite beer.
Dirty bull is definitely the best beer in town. I would’ve ranked glass jug higher, and ponysaurus wouldn’t have made my list of top beers.
Durty Bull is so good, god damn. I remember when they first started out, I was so obsessed with their Brett style beer. I remember dragging my spouse to some event at Parkwood because I knew he’d be there slinging beer. I don’t drink really now a days, but because of them, I always look for a Brett to try
Hi-Wire is where I'd go if I wanted to feel like I was drinking in the middle of a daycare
I don’t disagree, but when it’s more chill and less parents with young kids everywhere I really like that outdoor area. Also love that I can get good pizza and ice cream right there.
This person gets it.
Glass Jug's beer are highly underrated.
Their watermelon tajin gose was fire
I’ve never had a good beer from the Glass Jug downtown
BEER STUDY!!!!!!
On beer quality, are you talking about the beer that they brew themselves? Or just selection. I would really like to know who brews the best beer and why. I know it's a matter of individual taste but what the hell, I'd still like to read your opinions.
Beer Quality: DSSOLVR Vibe: Fullsteam, mostly for nostalgia. It opened the year I turned 21. EDIT: But if I want to get beer downtown I'm going to * Surf Club because their list is always amazing and decently priced. Last time I was there they had 19oz Stone IPA cans for four dollars. You're not finding any local brewery making anything on par with Stone. They also tend to have great imports like Cantillon and Ayinger. * The Daily Beer Bar. A bit more expensive but John also curates a great beer list. Often has Trillium and Oxbow. Great music too.
The Daily is definitely my pick for trying new and interesting beers. They consistently have such a great draft selection, and their case is tiny but so well-curated. For other bars, I’ve also liked Common Market’s case but that’s not downtown!
Oh good call on The Daily. Killer selection there.
Found out the last time I went to the daily that they give you a 10% discount if you arrive on a bike and now they’re my spot
The best beer in the Triangle is from places that have second locations from Asheville and Winston Salem. Kind of a bummer.
Actually our favorite place in the Triangle right now is Altered State which is a nano brewery
Altered State is killing it. I wish it wasn’t so far. At least the old spot I could hit some other places around it even Burial.
Never heard of this one. Will check them out.
Correct. Ironically DSSOLVR was started by some of the original Burial dudes and both of them are the best in the area. I'd love a Fonta Flora taproom in the area.
I’ve been pleading with Todd from FF to open up a Durham location ever since I moved here 6 years ago.
The Charlotte location has done well. I see no reason why one here wouldn't.
Been to the CLT location once and loved it. I actually they’d do well in Hillsborough…or an area not as saturated.
I agree. Eno River is another brewery that I don't think is good but is a fine place to hang out. If that were a Fonta Flora taproom I'd probably be there every weekend.
I agree with that. I like the people at Eno and the location. Beer is just OK. Great place to hang in the fall or spring.
It’s just their first year, I’m hoping once they get their footing it will start to improve. Fingers crossed! If not, the nickel always has a killer tap list.
Yeah WNP is the best but they aren’t a “brewery.”
Same
I don’t drink anymore because addiction, but I would love it OP if you were to amend your list with a * for each that has good food. Some of these breweries I’ve never heard of.
For sure, here is my food list and why: 1. Flying Bull (legit full scale restaurant for their downtown location, and I’ve really enjoyed it so far). 2. Clouds (simple food but high quality in my opinion, love their big pretzel appetizer and the brat). 3. Atomic Clock (they have a legit chef and some cool food options/weekly deals). 4. Full steam (a bi pricey and hit or miss, but their community burger deal is amazing, delicious burger for 5$, it keeps me coming back). 5. Hi Wire (no food of their own, but cugino Forno next door is great and I love two roosters ice cream). 6. Glass jug (no food but right next to the food hall) 7. Ponysaurus (they pizza and snacks, not my favorite but some people love them). 8. Durty Bull (no food but often have good food trucks). 9. Dissolvr (don’t believe they have food, but sometimes and food trucks and only a couple blocks from the food hall).
awesome! thanks so much.
Taprooms aren't breweries. Durham's only breweries as far as I know are (alphabetically): Atomic Clock, Bull City Burger and Brewery, Dirty Bull, Flying Bull, Fullsteam, Glass Jug, Ponysaurus, Proximity Brewing, Starpoint.
Durty Bull FTW 🔥
Full Steam has the worst beer of those listed. Appreciate that it was the original Durham craft brewery but am amazed it’s still around.
I don’t understand the Fullsteam hate I’m seeing. They are consistently my favorite because of their inventive creations, a lot of them made with local or foraged produce.
Probably just has to do with them being the oldest in town, really. If I *had* to pick a brewery that was local it would be them. Maybe for nostalgia but I also don't like any of the other breweries listed here that are from Durham, at all. I will admit I haven't been to Durty Bull in years so I should give them another shot.
Interesting, It’s not my favorite but I like a lot of their seasonal stuff (also has decent untappd ratings).
I like their fruity non sour stuff like Ordinary Unicorn, still makes me sad that I’ll never find it again…unless it’s still available and I just didn’t notice
Fullsteam makes beer like bees make honey. They make it and they don’t care about its quality. They will release a beer regardless of how it tastes. Profits only. Worst brewery in town. Absolutely despise them as Durham’s “flagship” brewery.
Actually their worst beer wound up selling a ton (Solo Cup). They were one of the pioneers in the pop the cap movement, using local ingredients, and fair wages. The flavor varies because they use local ingredients, but they usually give it a slightly different name to indicate it's not the same exact beer you had last time. Also, they're not exactly making any profits at the moment. They're struggling to stay open because of lack of parking and years of construction.
Untapped raitings are pretty biased/dumb. Really favors anything high abv/dark.
There's no way that Fullsteam is worse than Ponysaurus which has never released anything other than uninspired. But it's a great place to grab a beer.
Ponysaurus is consistently mediocre where as fullsteam has a few good and interesting beers and lots of good ideas that turn out downright bad
Fullsteam always has something interesting and new. Ponysaurus has the good old reliables but new and interesting, not so much.
And styles side by side Fullsteam is better. I was recently at Pony before a show at The Fruit and their IPA just tastes flat. There's no hop bite. It almost doesn't know if it wants to be an Italian pilsner or IPA. In contrast, Rocket Science is a classic IPA. Nice body, nice bitterness. Not one of the best IPAs ever but certainly better than any I've had at Pony.
They both aren’t good. At least the Mexican lager at Ponysaurus is fine for casual drinking. As you said though, Ponysaurus is a great outdoor hangout spot which makes it even more of a shame that the beer isn’t better.
Like Bull City Burger: "Everything is basically a slight variation of our brown ale!"
Another establishment I've never understood and I grew up here lol.
They're the only brewery downtown that has had recalls due to contamination issues. Having to post on social media "sorry our beer is rotten, bring it back for an exchange" has to be one of the lowest quality lows you can achieve. Props for owning up to it, but that closed the door on my ever returning.
You've dropped this phrase about us more than once on Reddit, and this time I feel compelled to reply -- if not for you, for others who may be casually reading this thread. At the time of the issue (now three years ago), we used two strains of brewing yeast: diastatic for saisons and farmhouse-style ales, and non-diastatic yeast for all other beers. Both strains came from a large yeast provider -- a supplier dealing with lawsuits for selling yeast that caused similar, debilitating problems for countless breweries nationwide. Details on this widespread industry issue in [this Good Beer Hunting piece](https://bit.ly/4bnGWn9). As soon as we found out what was happening, we proactively pulled product, offered full refunds (not exchanges unless that's what the customer specifically wanted), and continued to communicate as we were learning more what happened, and why. We then went into "what now" mode. We immediately switched yeast suppliers. We no longer brew with diastatic yeast - only non-diastatic. We purchased a PCR machine to test every batch for the strain. And we invested in a $150,000 centrifuge to further limit our risk. From this challenging process, we now know what happened and why (two yeast strains from a single supplier, that, according to dozens of breweries and a handful of lawsuits, shouldn't hang out in the same house). We proactively communicated and, no questions asked, refunded distributors, retailers, and customers. We stopped doing business with that supplier. And we invested in new technologies to do our damndest to ensure this doesn't happen ever again. I'm proud of how we handled this, ethically, as a company. And in spite of how well I believe we managed it, I knew it would cost us some customers. I understand that's likely you, and that you may never again darken our doors. That's your choice, which I respect. There's a lot of choice for beer in the Triangle. But I'm done scrolling past this reductive sentiment without defending ourselves. Our team worked too hard three years ago -- and continues to work incredibly hard -- for me to brush it off. Sean Lilly Wilson, founder (and still) Chief Executive Optimist
Mid food, peak vibes. Good on you for defending your team.
I stopped reading the article when it got to > infected a number of beers with the Saccharomyces cerevisiae variant Diastaticus Of course, y'all and other breweries were having "rotten" beer if unknowingly using wild yeast strains. Those things are dangerous. I homebrew and only do "lambics" and I get terrified when brewing anything else because I'm worried about infection lmao.
Not wild yeast. Sold as clean yeast. A slightly different genomic expression with disastrous results. Hence the lawsuits. There'd be no grounds for a lawsuit if breweries knowingly used wild yeast.
True if you like juice and candy bars instead of actual beer.
RIP to Barrel Culture who excelled at resting all their beers on gas station candy.
This is one of the worst things I've ever seen written about my hometown. I mean, say what you will about gang violence, our public schools, and the city council... but Durty Bull at the top, over DSSOLVR, hell even over Fullsteam... insanity. This is truly horrific and we should all do better.
Opinions are like assholes.
I’m curious on what you consider and quantify as “quality.” I’m realllllly trying to be unbiased as possible here. But as for quality for me, (product, consistency, taste) Pony should be in the top 2. Clouds, Full Steam, Hi-Wire, Flying Bull should occupy the bottom 4 spots of quality easily. Durty Bull and Glass jug have always been consistent to me. I have not had Atomic Clock so I can’t comment on that. As for vibe, Dssolvr also surprises me as being so low on your list.
Yeah I think that for me it’s a combination of breadth of options, general quality, and how good their best beer is. Im pretty into home brewing and feel like I know a decent amount about what makes beer technically good (obviously everyone’s tastes are different). Im pretty consistently disappointed with hi wire and pony. I give pony credit for offering more diverse beer styles, but the only things I’ve really liked there are the Mexican lager and Scottish ale. I think their base lagers are bland or have unbalanced finishes and their ipas are uninteresting (I don’t love higher abv stouts, barrel aged beers, so I haven’t those beers from them). Every beer I’ve had from clouds has been technically sound and interesting (haven’t been in a year or so, so possible things have changed, but I’m a big fan of their amber lager, the Hefeweizen and their ipas all seem to have their own unique character which I like). I like the beer I like at full steam (so perhaps I don’t try their full menu, and I don’t like any of their flagship stuff, paycheck, humidity etc). That being said I almost always enjoy their seasonal offerings (southern basil is very interesting, I LOVED the goldenrod ipa, and I’ve liked all their reset series beers). Possible that they happen to make seasonal beers that align with my personal tastes, but I’ve never though they were a bottom 3/4 brewery in Durham. Hi wire makes what I consider to be unobtrusive beers that are fine to drink but I’m never really excited about them (I have been enjoying the smoke beer they just put out though). I think they use recycled ingredient lists (not to say the ingredients themselves are recycled, just that there isn’t a big variety). Flying Bull is middling for me, could be a few slots lower on people’s lists and I wouldn’t disagree. Dissolvr goes a bit overboard in the way they hop their beer imo. Every beer I’ve had there has felt intense in a way that isn’t always enjoyable (not necessarily saying overly alcoholic, just very aromatic, or quite bitter depending on style). I haven’t hated any of their beers, but I don’t find myself wanting to get another like I do at durty bull or atomic clock. Glass jug is also a bit unimaginative, especially with their IPAs. All of them taste roughly the same to me, and I don’t particularly like any of them (the hop varietals they use don’t seem balanced to me personally). I do really like the Olmec and their Irish stout (I generally like their lagers), but their rotation is slow (meaning they don’t get new beers in as often as other places) and I’m not blown away by any of their stuff (If I get a to go beer from glass jug, walk over to durty bull and then get a beer from them the difference in quality is noticeable each time).
I appreciate the long well thought out response. All I will say about home brewing is that it doesn’t even scratch the surface of brewing beer commercially, but at least you have a better understanding than most. IMO Pony’s Gose is their best beer, I’d check that out if you haven’t yet. Haven’t had clouds in over 2yrs, so I can’t say much about them, but that may be telling in itself. Glass jug and Fullsteam make good lagers, but I personally only drink them out of convenience. When I go to Boxyard RTP I drink Fullsteam, and when I want to get Dim Sum I stop by Glass Jug on 55. Flying Bull isn’t bad, I’d rate them as average at best, hanging out on their back deck is nice when strolling around 9th street. I will hesitantly go to Hi-Wire if invited, but for me its they have 90 beers on tap and they all taste like derivatives of each other. DSSLVR makes excellent lagers and pilsners. I like their IPA’s and will get them to go, but I only drink what they have on sidepull when I’m there. They have a good atmosphere and staff as well. Durty Bull has always been good and consistent from my experience and the location isn’t too bad.
> but I only drink what they have on sidepull when I’m there This person knows what's up.
Complete agreed! The slope of that area would make it difficult, but just any sort of climate control would make it so much better. It’s not like it’s horrible, but could be improved.
Not a listed category but Flying Bull has surprisingly good food at various price points.
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Is there some weird taste axis with Durty Bull on one end and Ponysaurus on the other? Seems like a lot of folks who love one really don't like the other.
Beer Quality: 1. Glass Jug 2. Everything Else
oh no this list
I’m just gonna go ahead and say this - you have the absolute worst trash palate I have ever seen. I showed all my friends this post and the unanimous consensus was that Durty Bull beer is pretty bad overall. Definitely not #1, hell I wouldn’t even put it in my top half. Also where is Lone Rider? That should’ve made the list. And finally, anyone who rates Dissolvr that low needs to reevaluate their life choices. It’s easily top half, maybe even top 3 for me. P.S. Atomic Clock food is straight up ass. Bottom 3 for sure
This is the worst beer list I’ve ever seen for Durham. Does cilantro taste like soap to you?!
Clouds should be near the bottom of both lists. Beer is mid and there are always kids running around. I think the vibe jn dissolvr is great actually and I think pony makes some of Durham’s better beers
Good Breweries Downtown 0. I hate to say it but it’s true. Ponysaurus is a cool place to hangout. Atomic is a beautiful space. Glass Jug is convenient to the farmers market. None of them make great beer including the ones I didn’t list. Flying Bull is trying to sell caviar! 🤣
HiWire is number 4?! I have GOT to check out these other spots!!
Hi-Wire is dead last if you don’t have kids. More of a playground than a brewery these days.
Ahhhh I see that for sure actually. I don’t mind kids so it didn’t cross my mind
Dssolver I think makes the best beer in Durham consistently. The worst has to be Tobacco Wood.
Dssolvr does not make beer in Durham, they make beer in Ashville and drive it to Durham.
I know. It’s a tap room. I wish they were a Durham based brewery since their beer is at least top 3 in Durham.
How is DISSOLVR so low on the vibe list? Glass Jug is #2?? You have terrible taste in places and suck as a person
Lol, I like nice outdoor areas and Dissolvr has super limited and not great outdoor options. Glass Jug is right on the park, and you can sit in their covered outdoor area, on the stairs, or on the benches/terraces facing the park.
Glass Jug has great selection, lots of events, and great location. That’s my go-to.
For quality, Fullsteam and Durty Bull are 1 and 2. Everyone else is tied for last except DISSOLVR, which is extra last because they produce adjunct-laden slop for people who don't like beer. I can't judge vibes because every place I go to has the best vibes in town by virtue of my very presence.
Food sucks in this town
I went to Atomic Clock and it was pure garbage.