Makai Brewing Company

MakaiBrewing.com

5850 Ocean Highway West #1 Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469 910-579-2739

Highlights: Island-Themed, Great Beer Selection, Friendly Staff

Just north of the Grand Strand, about 10 miles past the S.C./N.C. border, you will find Makai Brewing Company, a great island-themed brewery located in Ocean Isle Beach, N.C.

Since opening its doors in 2017, this award-winning brewery has become one of the north end’s hidden gems, thanks to its laid-back coastal vibe and a selection of unique brews that are second to none. The taproom itself is small and homey, but there’s plenty of fun to be had, from board games for the kids to an outdoor patio for soaking in the sun, and events including trivia nights, live music, and more.

Best Brews

Makai’s small-batch system allows the team to be creative with fun, fresh brews for each season. Along with flagship options like Carolina Tropical IPA, Fire Knife Double IPA, and Mango Reef Blonde Ale, you’ll also find creations like Kamanawanalei’ya New England IPA, Humuhumunukunukuapua’a Pale Ale, and What the Fuggle! Oatmeal Stout.

Best Bites

Though the brewery itself only serves basic snacks, it is located next to an excellent deli called The Butcher of Brunswick. Makai welcomes guests to bring in their sandwich from next door — or any outside food for that matter. The brewery also invites food trucks on a regular basis.

+100 pts. FEATURED STOP

Tidal Creek Brewhouse

TidalCreekBrewhouse.com

3421 Knoles St, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

843-839-0959

Highlights: Large Backyard, Dog Park Area, Events, Great Food

Located in the Market Common district, Tidal Creek Brewhouse is known across South Carolina for its locally-crafted beers, fresh-brewed coffee, a friendly atmosphere and a calendar full of fun events.

Opened in 2020, Tidal Creek is a taproom-focused brewery, coffee roaster and chef-run kitchen with a variety of areas to enjoy including its bar, a taproom, an outdoor patio, a dog run and a large beer garden with an outdoor bar, firepits, games and live music.

Not only is it one of the top breweries, but Tidal Creek is also known as one of he beach’s best spots for brunch and has great food all day long.

Best Brews

With more than a dozen house-brewed beers on tap, the selection runs the gamut. Try a Libertore Italian Pilsner, named after the brewery’s owner, or opt for popular choices like Harmonic Hefeweizen, Grand Strand IPA or Breezy Blonde.

Best Bites

Enjoy the Shrimp & Grits or a Creek Omelette for breakfast, a brewmaster burger, fish & chips or the house-smoked pork and wings for lunch, go international with a Brat Platter or Freedom Pierogis for dinner or just stop in to enjoy Tidal Creek’s famous Coastal Pretzels for Happy Hour — you really can’t go wrong with the food here.

+100 pts.

Winyah Bay Brewing Company

BuzzsRoost.com/winyah-bay-brewing-co/ 911 Front St, Georgetown, SC 29440 843-545-1595

This hidden gem is located in the historic port town of Georgetown, South Carolina, about 30 miles south of Myrtle Beach. Located along the beautiful Harborwalk, this nanobrewery is inside Buzz’s Roost, a long-time local sports bar and restaurant. The atmosphere here is inviting, with spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas, leaving plenty of room to gather with friends and enjoy a cold beer with stunning views of Winyah Bay.

Winyah Bay Brewing Company also has plans to expand and will be opening a dedicated taproom facility later this year.

Best Brews

Winyah Bay offers a fantastic selection of beers, with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients. Check out refreshing choices like the Blueberry Wheat and White Boots Pineapple Ale, or hop-forward selections like the “Hop”sewee IPA — named after a nearby historic plantation.

Best Bites

Buzz’s Roost is well-known locally for its delicious menu of Southern-inspired dishes with a focus on fresh seafood. You can’t go wrong with hearty options like Low Country Boil and Shrimp & Grits, sandwiches filled with Mahi, Flounder, and Grouper or great snacks like Buzz’s famous Crab Balls.

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