Discover the 10 most beloved dishes at Hillman Beer as recommended by staff and loyal customers. From the famous grass-fed Patty Melt to seasonal specials, these are the meals you can’t miss at this family-owned brewery.
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10 Must-Try Dishes at Hillman Beer: Staff & Customer Favorites

When you visit Hillman Beer, you’re not just coming for the award-winning brews. This family-owned brewery has created a food program that rivals their exceptional beer lineup. We’ve asked the people who know best—staff members and regular customers—to share the dishes that keep them coming back. Whether you’re visiting the original Asheville location or their spacious Old Fort brewery, these are the plates you simply can’t miss.

The Top Food Picks at Hillman Beer

The Hillman family approaches food with the same philosophy they bring to brewing: quality ingredients prepared with care, never sacrificing substance for flash. Their scratch kitchen focuses on locally-sourced ingredients and honest comfort food that pairs perfectly with their balanced, approachable beers.

1. The Grass-Fed Patty Melt

Ask any Hillman regular about their favorite menu item, and the Patty Melt will likely top the list. Made with locally-sourced grass-fed beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions on perfectly toasted bread, this sandwich strikes the ideal balance between familiar comfort food and elevated pub fare. Staff members recommend pairing it with their ESB (Extra Special Bitter), which won Silver and Gold medals at the Great American Beer Festival.

2. House-Made Falafel Wrap

A surprising favorite among both meat-eaters and vegetarians alike, the Falafel Wrap showcases Hillman’s scratch-kitchen approach. The falafel is made in-house, never frozen, and wrapped with fresh vegetables and a light tahini sauce. Its flavors complement the crisp, clean notes of Hillman’s Kölsch beer—a pairing that the brewery staff swears by.

3. Buffalo Chicken Wrap

This isn’t your average buffalo wrap. Hillman’s kitchen makes their buffalo sauce from scratch, striking the perfect balance of heat and flavor without overwhelming your palate. Wrapped with fresh greens and house-made ranch dressing, it’s a staff pick for customers who want something with a kick. Try it with the Hazy Half Back IPA for a combination that regulars call “unbeatable.”

4. Seasonal Farm-to-Table Special

While not a permanent menu item, the rotating seasonal special often becomes the talk of the brewery when it appears. These dishes highlight western North Carolina’s incredible farms, with ingredients often harvested just days before serving. The kitchen team’s creativity shines through these limited-time offerings, which might include anything from summer vegetable flatbreads to hearty winter stews.

5. Soft Pretzel with Beer Cheese

Sometimes the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. Hillman’s soft pretzel arrives warm and pillowy, served alongside their famous beer cheese dip made with their ESB. It’s the perfect shareable starter and a favorite among groups visiting either brewery location. The family recipe for the beer cheese has remained unchanged since they opened in 2017—proof that some things don’t need improvement.

6. Beer-Battered Fish and Chips

A pub classic done right, Hillman’s fish and chips feature fresh fish in a light, crisp batter made with their Old Fort Original gold lager. Served with hand-cut fries and house-made tartar sauce, it’s comfort food that pairs wonderfully with several of their beer offerings. Regular customers at the Old Fort location particularly champion this dish.

7. House-Smoked Wings

These aren’t rushed bar wings from a freezer. Hillman’s kitchen smokes their wings low and slow before finishing them to crispy perfection. Available with various house-made sauces, the most requested by regulars is their Carolina BBQ—tangy, slightly sweet, with just enough heat to keep things interesting.

8. The Hillman Burger

While the Patty Melt might get more attention, staff members insist the classic Hillman Burger deserves equal praise. Using the same quality grass-fed beef, this burger comes with all the traditional fixings on a locally-baked bun. What makes it special is the attention to detail—each component is thoughtfully prepared and balanced, much like their award-winning beers.

9. Loaded Nachos

A shareable favorite that regular customers often order as soon as they sit down. Hillman’s nachos feature house-made chips, locally-sourced cheese, and toppings prepared fresh daily. The portion is generous enough to satisfy a group, making it perfect for those community tables designed for connection and conversation.

10. Seasonal Dessert

Rounding out the list is whatever seasonal dessert the kitchen is featuring. Often incorporating local fruits or house-made ice cream, these desserts change regularly but maintain the Hillman commitment to quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Staff members particularly recommend trying these with one of their darker seasonal offerings like their winter porter or stout.

Come Hungry, Leave Happy

Just as Hillman Beer has created gathering spaces rather than just places to drink, their kitchen has created a dining experience that goes well beyond typical brewery fare. Their approach to food mirrors their brewing philosophy—quality over novelty, with a focus on bringing people together around tables filled with honest, delicious food.

Whether you’re visiting the creek-side setting of their Asheville brewery or enjoying the more spacious rural atmosphere of Old Fort, these ten dishes represent the heart of what makes Hillman special. The Hillman family remains actively involved in both the brewing and food programs, ensuring that every plate lives up to the same standards as their award-winning beers.