Sometimes, it's not just about the brews. It's about what you pair with them.
Some of Charleston's craft breweries have excelled in devising a kitchen menu that highlights what's on tap, pairing beers with boiled peanuts, burgers and beyond.
For the drinker who wants a snack with her pint, we've got some good ideas.
And if you're looking to bring your whole family along, including some hungry non-imbibers, these options might satisfy both your and their needs.
Here are some of Charleston's best breweries with beer and food on tap.
Editor's Note: If you're missing a few major names on this list, check out our roundup of some of Charleston's best breweries, which includes more of the area's favorite craft beer locations.
Holy City Brewing's large indoor and outdoor venue is located in North Charleston. File/Sally Rainey/Special to The Post and Courier.
Holy City Brewing
1021 Aragon Ave., North Charleston
Holy City is at the top of the Charleston area's brewery list for many reasons, but one is the delicious menu served alongside some quality beers. In addition to classics like the Washout Wheat, Pluff Mud Porter and Holy City Pilsner, the menu is full of the perfect snacks to pair with a pint.
There are $5 boiled peanuts and soft pretzels with beer cheese, along with smoked wings, three different burgers, a reuben, a Philly cheesesteak, fried shrimp and even a loaded salad. For the kids, there's a hot dog, cheeseburger or grilled cheese with fries.
That's not to mention the atmosphere, which boasts a huge indoor space and sprawling outdoor space as well, with DJs spinning beats on Saturday afternoons and live music spattered throughout the week.
Commonhouse Aleworks
4831 O'Hear Ave., North Charleston
This brewery, like most, was created with friendship in mind, which is why it's so good at bringing people in Park Circle together for some good pints and good times. Kid-friendly Commonhouse has a large outdoor space for the whole family to enjoy, kids playing with toys in the garden while a permanent outdoor stage offers the soundtrack. Pair a Park Circle Pale with the totchos or beer cheese mac for a tasty treat, or opt for the buffalo cauliflower, crispy brussel sprouts or Nashville hot chicken sandwich. The kids' menu features a cheeseburger, chicken tenders and a grilled cheese.
A blackened catfish sandwich, served with pickled peppers and a side of creamed corn, at Edmund's Oast Brewing Co. File/Staff
Edmund's Oast Brewing Co.
1505 King St., downtown Charleston
Edmund's Oast is always a great choice for a happy hour, and the newer brewing company offers a more laid-back and kid-friendly option to the Morrison Drive dining room. There's a big fake turf space nearby for kicking around the soccer ball, and the expansive patio wraps around the surrounding buildings at Workshop. On the brewery's menu are pork-fried egg rolls, blackened Mahi and a roasted mushroom and arugula pizza, in addition to pasta salad and garlic pickles on the side.
Fam's Brewing Co.
1291 Folly Road, James Island
Beer and pizza combine at this restaurant-brewery with a lovely outdoor patio for a tasty time — and one that's family-friendly. Get ready to sip on the Problem Child or Business Lunch and then clock out with the Folly Peach and Wanderlust Hefeweizen. Indulge in a full meal alongside your beer choices, from the meatball Parmesan sub to a build-your-own pizza. Wigs, calzones, burgers and salads also make the menu, along with a three-layer chocolate cake or tiramisu for dessert.
Frothy Beard Brewing Co. has a family-friendly site with activities including Jenga, along with pizza to go with the beer. File/Edward Brantley/Special to The Post and Courier
Frothy Beard
1401 Sam Rittenburg Blvd., West Ashley
Pizza and beer is a tried-and-true match, and nobody does it quite like Frothy Beard, with its built-in Zombie Bob booth for ordering giant slices along with your Tangalorian Sour or Andale Pale Ale. Seriously, those slices are bigger than your face. Frothy Beard also offers games like Jenga on the patio and a kids' corner inside with some toys for the tots. There's sometimes live music, bingo and trivia.
New Realm Brewing
880 Island Park Drive, Daniel Island
New Realm, which originated in Atlanta, just opened a Charleston area location in the old Dockery's and is continuing on the tradition of beer, delicious food and live music, comedy and entertainment. The 11,000-square-foot space has cornhole on the patio, a large stage inside and a big wraparound bar in addition to a spacious kitchen.
On the menu are a Southern Tee Sour, Acai and Blueberry Hard Seltzer and Hoplandia IPA in addition to a Bavarian pretzel, BBQ shrimp tacos, cheddar-crusted mac and cheese and a hand-pressed Cuban. For the kids, there's a burger, cheese or pepperoni pizza, chicken fingers, grilled cheese and pasta.
Rusty Bull Brewing offers a menu full of favorites in addition to its beers. File/Michael Wiser/Special to The Post and Courier
Rusty Bull Brewing
3005 W. Montague Ave., North Charleston
Attached to Chuck Town Axe Throwing is this brewery that expands outside onto a patio, where live music often entertains. The Free the Trippel, Berry Stomp and Juice Juice are reasons enough to come drink at Rusty Bull, but the menu is another. The kitchen serves up a pickle platter, a hot honey chicken sandwich and beer-infused hot dogs, among other bites. The brunch menu then includes a fried chicken biscuit, breakfast tacos and a fried green tomato BLT.
Brewlab
2200 Heriot St., downtown Charleston
Fairly new to the scene is this downtown addition to the Brewery District. Brewlab has been constantly developing new brews to try on tap. The result is a lot of experimental options that often stick around to join the 30+ beer list, hence the scientist logo with a measuring cup of beer. Some of those options are the Grandma's Cobbler and Coconut Colada Sours and Say It Ain't So Saison. The food menu features fried dumplings, edamame, empanadas and street tacos, quesadillas and burritos. There all also hibachi and poke bowls, in addition to a Philly with fries. It's a real mix of flavors.
