Discover the perfect pairing of craft beer and craft burgers in Asheville’s brewery scene. Our guide rates the top brewery burgers including Hillman Beer’s renowned grass-fed beef patty melt.
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Craft Beer & Craft Burgers: Rating Asheville’s Best Brewery Burgers

In Asheville’s thriving beer scene, the marriage of craft brews and handcrafted burgers creates an experience that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Local breweries have elevated pub food beyond basic bar snacks, with many now featuring scratch kitchens that rival dedicated restaurants. From juicy grass-fed beef to creative vegetarian options, Asheville’s brewery burgers offer the perfect complement to your pint. We’ve sampled our way through the city’s top brewery kitchens to bring you this honest rating of where to find the most satisfying burgers alongside your favorite local brews.

Hillman Beer: A Family Tradition of Flavor

When the Hillman family opened their brewery near Biltmore Village in 2017, they brought more than just award-winning beer to the table. Their scratch kitchen honors the same principles that guide their brewing: quality ingredients, traditional techniques, and flavors that bring people together.

The star of Hillman’s food menu is undoubtedly their grass-fed beef patty melt. This isn’t your standard brewery burger—it’s a thoughtful creation that showcases locally-sourced beef on grilled sourdough with caramelized onions and melted cheese. The rich, clean flavor of grass-fed beef pairs beautifully with their ESB (Extra Special Bitter), creating a combination that’s both comforting and complex.

What sets Hillman’s approach apart is their commitment to locally-sourced ingredients. Just as their beers reflect traditional craftsmanship with subtle personal touches, their food program balances pub-style comfort with quality that exceeds expectations. Whether you’re enjoying this delicious sandwich at their creekside patio in Asheville or their spacious Old Fort location, you’re tasting the Hillman family’s dedication to authentic food and drink.

Top Contenders: Asheville’s Other Notable Brewery Burgers

While Hillman’s patty melt deserves its stellar reputation, Asheville offers several other noteworthy brewery burgers worth sampling:

The downtown brewing scene features several standouts, where brewers pair their signature styles with burger creations that complement their beer profiles. Some focus on classic American burgers with creative toppings, while others incorporate international flavors that reflect Asheville’s diverse culinary landscape.

West Asheville’s brewery corridor offers more casual options where unpretentious burgers shine alongside experimental brews. These spots often feature walk-up food windows or food truck collaborations that allow small culinary teams to focus on perfecting their burger craft.

The River Arts District brings artistic flair to both beer and burger creations, with several breweries featuring open kitchens where you can watch your meal being prepared while sampling a flight of house beers. These locations often experiment with unexpected ingredients and presentation styles.

What Makes a Great Brewery Burger?

After sampling burgers throughout Asheville’s brewery scene, we’ve identified the qualities that separate the good from the great:

Quality beef is non-negotiable. The best brewery burgers start with thoughtfully sourced meat, often from local farms practicing sustainable methods. Hillman’s commitment to grass-fed beef exemplifies this approach.

Complementary flavors matter. The most successful brewery kitchens create burgers with flavor profiles that enhance rather than compete with their beers. This thoughtful pairing elevates both the food and drink experience.

Balance of comfort and creativity distinguishes memorable brewery burgers. While innovative toppings can make a burger special, most successful brewery kitchens understand that executing the basics perfectly matters more than novelty for novelty’s sake.

Community atmosphere completes the experience. Sharing good food and beer at community tables—like those found at both Hillman locations—adds an intangible quality that enhances everything on your plate and in your glass.

Come Taste for Yourself

Whether you’re a longtime Asheville resident or visiting our beer-loving mountain city for the first time, we invite you to experience the perfect pairing of craft beer and craft burgers. Start your journey at Hillman Beer’s welcoming spaces in either Asheville or Old Fort, where a seat at the family table awaits you. Try their grass-fed beef patty melt alongside an award-winning ESB, and discover why simple food made with care creates the most satisfying brewery dining experience.

We’ve saved a seat for you at the table—come hungry, leave happy, and join the community of food and beer lovers who make Asheville’s brewery scene truly special.