Discover the perfect blend of craft beer and live music in Asheville, with Hillman Beer leading the way as a family-owned brewery offering award-winning brews in a welcoming atmosphere.
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Asheville’s Ultimate Brewery and Music Guide: Why Hillman Beer Tops the List
When locals and tourists alike search for authentic Asheville experiences, they’re looking for that perfect combination of exceptional craft beer, great food, welcoming atmosphere, and vibrant music. In a city with more breweries per capita than almost anywhere else in America, one family-owned gem consistently rises to the top of the list – Hillman Beer.
Ask any Asheville beer enthusiast where to start your brewery adventure, and you’ll likely hear “Hillman” mentioned within the first breath. Their award-winning traditional styles paired with locally-sourced pub fare create an experience that captures everything special about Asheville’s craft culture – quality without pretension, community-focused spaces, and a genuine love for bringing people together.
This guide will take you through everything you need to know about experiencing the best of Asheville’s renowned beer and music scenes, with Hillman Beer as your perfect starting point.
Table of Contents
- Hillman Beer: Asheville’s Family-Owned Craft Beer Haven
- Beyond Hillman: Asheville’s Must-Visit Craft Breweries
- Asheville’s Iconic Music Venues Worth Your Time
- Perfect Pairings: Where Great Beer Meets Live Music
- Planning Your Asheville Beer and Music Adventure
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Visitors Say About Hillman Beer
- Your Asheville Adventure Awaits
Hillman Beer: Asheville’s Family-Owned Craft Beer Haven
The story of Hillman Beer begins not in a corporate boardroom but in Brad Hillman’s Brooklyn apartment back in 2006. What started as a homebrewing passion eventually brought Brad to Asheville in 2015, where he joined forces with his brother Greig and Greig’s wife Brandi. Soon, weekend brewing sessions in the family garage evolved into something special – their first creation, the Dingaudamnit Dunkelweisen.
In April 2017, the Hillman family opened their doors near Biltmore Village, bringing their vision of “the pub style to the brewery experience” to life. Their philosophy centered on four simple principles: quality, service, comfort, and community. Three years later, in July 2020, they expanded to Old Fort, creating another welcoming space for beer lovers and families alike.
What sets Hillman apart in Asheville’s competitive brewing landscape is their focus on well-executed traditional styles rather than chasing fleeting trends. This commitment to quality craftsmanship has earned them impressive industry recognition, including multiple Great American Beer Festival medals – Bronze for Four Fat Baby (2017), Silver for their ESB (2018), and Gold for the same ESB (2019).
Hillman’s Award-Winning Beer Portfolio
When you visit either Hillman location, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of beers that showcase brewing traditions with just the right amount of creative touch:
The ESB (Extra Special Bitter) stands as their crown jewel, earning both GABF Gold and Silver medals. This perfectly balanced British-style ale offers a harmonious blend of malt character and hop bitterness that keeps locals and visitors coming back.
Four Fat Baby, their GABF Bronze-winning brown ale, delivers a malt-forward experience with notes of chocolate and toasted nuts that’s perfect for Asheville’s mountain evenings.
Their Kölsch provides a crisp, clean German-style option that appeals to those seeking lighter fare, while the Old Fort Original gold lager balances malty body with subtle hop character.
Seasonal rotations keep the menu fresh throughout the year, from Oktoberfest Märzen and winter porters to spring wheat beers and summer session IPAs. Whatever the season, you’ll find something that perfectly complements both the weather and Hillman’s exceptional food offerings.
A Cut Above: Hillman’s Food Experience
Unlike many breweries that focus solely on beer or offer limited food options, Hillman operates with full kitchens at both locations. Their locally-sourced, scratch-made comfort foods have developed a following all their own.
Signature items like grass-fed beef patty melts, house-made Reubens with hand-carved turkey, falafel wraps, and fresh kale salads showcase their commitment to quality ingredients and careful preparation. The Wednesday Burger Specials at the Asheville location have become a weekly tradition for many locals.
What truly sets Hillman’s food program apart is their thoughtful approach to dietary preferences, with vegetarian options and gluten-free alternatives available for many menu items.
Two Unique Locations, One Hillman Spirit
The Asheville location on Sweeten Creek Road offers a creekside dining experience with both indoor and outdoor seating options. The community-style tables foster conversation between groups, creating the kind of spontaneous connections that define Asheville’s welcoming culture.
Their Old Fort location on Catawba Avenue provides a more spacious setting with scenic views and a relaxed atmosphere. Both venues maintain the same commitment to quality and community that defines the Hillman experience.
What truly makes both locations special is the family’s hands-on approach – when you order a beer, you might be served by one of the family members who created it, a personal touch that’s increasingly rare in today’s craft beer world.
Beyond Hillman: Asheville’s Must-Visit Craft Breweries
While Hillman Beer provides an exceptional starting point for your Asheville brewery adventure, the city’s rich brewing landscape offers many other noteworthy destinations. Known affectionately as “Beer City USA,” Asheville’s craft brewing scene has exploded over the past decade, with over 30 breweries now calling the area home.
Highland Brewing stands as Asheville’s original craft brewery, founded in 1994 when the concept of craft beer was still foreign to many Americans. Today, their expansive facility features multiple live music stages, making it a perfect destination after visiting Hillman. Their rooftop bar offers stunning mountain views alongside flagship beers like Gaelic Ale and seasonal specialties.
The South Slope district has emerged as Asheville’s brewery district, with notable spots like Burial Beer Co., whose experimental offerings and unique aesthetic (think vintage farm equipment and hand-drawn artwork) create a distinctly Asheville experience. Their Surf Wax IPA and Skillet Donut Stout have developed cult followings among craft beer enthusiasts.
Wicked Weed Brewing’s original brewpub location showcases their innovative approach to Belgian-style beers and sours, while their Funkatorium in the South Slope specializes exclusively in wild and sour ales – a perfect contrast to Hillman’s traditional approach.
Smaller gems like Zillicoah Beer Company in Woodfin offer riverside seating and exceptional lagers, while Archetype Brewing in West Asheville combines Belgian brewing traditions with American creativity in a neighborhood-friendly setting.
What makes Asheville’s brewing scene special isn’t just the quantity of breweries but the quality and diversity of approaches – from Hillman’s perfect execution of traditional styles to the wild experimentation happening at places like Burial and Wicked Weed.
Asheville’s Iconic Music Venues Worth Your Time
Asheville’s reputation as a music destination rivals its brewing fame, with venues ranging from intimate listening rooms to larger halls that attract national touring acts. The city’s musical identity blends Appalachian traditions with indie rock, electronic, jazz, and everything in between.
The Orange Peel stands as Asheville’s most renowned music venue, earning recognition from Rolling Stone as one of the top rock clubs in America. This former skating rink has hosted everyone from Bob Dylan and Lauryn Hill to The Flaming Lips and Sleigh Bells. With a capacity of 1,050, it strikes the perfect balance between intimacy and the energy of larger venues.
The Grey Eagle, Asheville’s longest-running music hall, offers a more intimate experience with exceptional sound quality and an attached taqueria. Known for showcasing rising indie acts alongside established performers, it’s a favorite among music aficionados who appreciate being close to the artists.
For those seeking authentic Appalachian and bluegrass traditions, Isis Music Hall in West Asheville features local and regional talent in a restored theater with dining options. Their Wednesday bluegrass sessions provide an accessible entry point to the region’s musical heritage.
Downtown’s Asheville Music Hall and The One Stop downstairs host everything from funk and jam bands to electronic producers and hip-hop acts, with many shows featuring late-night performances that keep downtown vibrant into the early morning hours.
What makes Asheville’s music scene special is its accessibility – on any given night, you can find quality live music, often with no cover charge, at smaller venues and breweries throughout the city. This creates a musical ecosystem where both established and emerging artists can thrive.
Perfect Pairings: Where Great Beer Meets Live Music
The intersection of Asheville’s craft beer and music scenes creates some of the city’s most memorable experiences. Several venues have mastered this combination, offering the chance to enjoy quality beverages while discovering your new favorite band.
Highland Brewing’s event stage hosts weekend performances ranging from Americana and folk to rock and jazz, all while serving their award-winning beers. Their outdoor space accommodates larger crowds during warmer months, with food trucks providing diverse dining options.
Eulogy, located at Burial Beer Co.’s Forestry Camp property, combines craft cocktails, an exceptional beer selection, and intimate performances in a historic building that once housed workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps. The thoughtfully restored space creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Asheville.
New Belgium Brewing’s riverside location features outdoor concerts during summer months, with their Liquid Center taproom providing a year-round space for smaller acoustic performances. Their large lawn becomes a gathering spot during warmer weather, hosting everything from local bands to nationally touring acts.
Hillman Beer itself offers regular live music at both locations, with the Old Fort venue particularly known for showcasing regional talent in a family-friendly setting. Their creekside outdoor space in Asheville creates a perfect backdrop for acoustic performances on weekend afternoons.
Asheville Brewing Company combines craft beer, pizza, and entertainment with their Merrimon Avenue location offering outdoor movies alongside live music during summer months. Their downtown location provides a convenient stop between exploring the city and catching shows at nearby venues.
The beauty of these beer-and-music pairings lies in their casual nature – there’s no need for advance tickets for many performances, allowing for spontaneous discovery as you explore Asheville’s vibrant scenes.
Planning Your Asheville Beer and Music Adventure
Creating the perfect Asheville itinerary means balancing your brewery visits, music experiences, and the city’s many other attractions. Here’s how to make the most of your time in this mountain brewing and music mecca.
Consider timing your visit around Asheville Beer Week (typically late May/early June), when special releases, brewery tours, and collaborative events showcase the best of the city’s brewing culture. The week culminates in the Beer City Festival, featuring unlimited samples from dozens of regional breweries alongside live music.
For music lovers, checking the schedules for The Orange Peel, Grey Eagle, and Isis Music Hall before your visit allows you to secure tickets for larger shows while leaving room for spontaneous discoveries at brewery stages and smaller venues.
Transportation planning is essential for brewery hopping. The Asheville Ale Trail offers self-guided tours, while services like Asheville Brewery Tours provide guided experiences with transportation included. For those preferring to explore independently, ride-sharing services are readily available, and the downtown area is pedestrian-friendly.
Weather considerations should factor into your planning, especially if you’re hoping to enjoy Asheville’s numerous outdoor drinking and music spaces. Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and spectacular scenery, while summer provides the fullest calendar of outdoor events despite occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
Accommodations near your primary destinations can enhance your experience. Hotels in downtown Asheville or Biltmore Village put you within walking distance of multiple breweries and music venues, while rentals in West Asheville offer a more neighborhood feel with easy access to that area’s growing brewery scene.
Most importantly, build flexibility into your schedule. Asheville’s charm often reveals itself in unexpected ways – whether it’s a surprise performance by local musicians at a brewery or a recommendation from a friendly bartender about the next spot to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Hillman Beer different from other Asheville breweries?
Hillman Beer stands out in Asheville’s competitive brewery landscape through their focus on perfectly executed traditional beer styles rather than chasing trends. As a family-owned and operated business, they bring a personal touch to every aspect of the experience. Their award-winning beers (including GABF medals in 2017, 2018, and 2019) paired with full kitchen operations offering locally-sourced pub fare create a complete experience that many other breweries don’t match. Their commitment to “bringing the pub style to the brewery experience” creates welcoming spaces where quality, service, comfort, and community come together.
What’s the best way to experience both beer and music in Asheville?
The ideal strategy combines planned visits to major venues with spontaneous exploration. Start by checking schedules for The Orange Peel, Grey Eagle, and other major music venues to secure tickets for any must-see shows. For breweries, begin with Hillman Beer for their award-winning traditional styles and quality food, then explore South Slope breweries like Burial and Wicked Weed, which are within walking distance of each other. Throughout your visit, remain open to recommendations from locals and fellow travelers. Many breweries host live music without advance tickets, allowing you to discover new artists while enjoying exceptional craft beer. Consider using brewery tours or ride-sharing services if you plan to visit multiple locations in one day.
When is the best time of year to visit Asheville for beer and music?
Asheville offers exceptional beer and music experiences year-round, but certain seasons provide unique advantages. Late spring (May-June) features Asheville Beer Week and Beer City Festival, with special releases and events throughout the brewing community. Summer brings the most outdoor concerts and brewery events, though hotel rates tend to be higher. Fall combines brilliant foliage with harvest-themed beer releases and comfortable temperatures for outdoor venues. Winter sees fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates while still maintaining a strong calendar of indoor performances. For the perfect balance of pleasant weather, reasonable rates, and active calendars, consider visiting during May, early June, September, or October.
What Visitors Say About Hillman Beer
“What a great place, especially if you have a dog. Burger was awesome, turkey Ruben had have carved turkey!! A little light on the dressing but good overall. IPA was delish and the ginger beer was also very good.”
“Oh this place is a gem! Our team came out upon recommendation to Hillman’s and we weren’t disappointed. Great selection beer that folks enjoyed….. but the food was SO DELICIOUS. The chicken sandwich was fabulous. Nice crispy breading with succulent chicken…so much better than expected. Lot’s of seating for big groups. Plenty of shaded seats outside. In the back of the building there is seating next to a stream for a quieter, relaxed spot to enjoy beverages and food.”
“Hillman Beer on Sweeten Creek Road in Asheville is one of our favorite places to stop in whenever we’re visiting Western North Carolina. The atmosphere is casual and inviting (and dog friendly!), the staff are very friendly, the beer selection is great, and the food is fantastic. Our most recent visit was on a Wednesday. Hubby enjoyed the Wednesday Burger Special (burger, choice of side, choice of beer) and I had the Rice Bowl with grilled chicken. As usual, everything was great.”
“We drove 2.5 hours to get to Asheville and after reading through all the options, we landed at Hillman’s to start our adventure. It was exactly what we wanted. Super good atmosphere, really good food and super good beer! We had the Octoberfest, Hazy IPA and the IPA and all three quenched the thirst! There is plenty of seating in the front, but the back with the picnic tables was were we chose to enjoy our food and drink. Dogs are allowed and many were with the human friends during our time there on a Wednesday afternoon. Will certainly return!”
Your Asheville Adventure Awaits
Asheville’s unique blend of award-winning craft breweries and vibrant music venues creates an experience that keeps visitors returning year after year. Starting your adventure at Hillman Beer introduces you to the heart of what makes this mountain city special – authentic family-owned businesses creating quality products in welcoming spaces where everyone can feel at home.
From there, the city unfolds with possibilities. Whether you’re sampling experimental brews in the South Slope, catching a national act at The Orange Peel, or discovering your new favorite band at a brewery taproom, Asheville rewards those who come with open minds and curious palates.
What sets Asheville apart from other beer and music destinations is the genuine connection between these scenes and the community that supports them. When you visit breweries like Hillman, you’re not just consuming products – you’re participating in a culture that values craftsmanship, creativity, and coming together.
So raise a glass of award-winning ESB, find your spot at a community table, and let the sounds of Asheville’s diverse music scene wash over you. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning an extended stay, the combination of exceptional beer and unforgettable music creates memories that will draw you back to these Blue Ridge mountains time and again.
Contact Hillman Beer to start planning your visit or to learn more about their award-winning beers and locally-sourced food menu. Your perfect Asheville beer and music adventure begins here.
