It’s no secret that Cola has a large beer scene (and it’s growing as we speak). Whether you’re new to the city or have visited our local breweries many times, the options for where to grab a brew can be overwhelming.

From juicy, hazy IPAs to light lagers and tart sours, there are options for just about every taste throughout the Midlands. We’ve put together a guide with each of the Columbia-area breweries to hopefully make your decision-making a little easier. Plus, keep an eye out for our editors’ picks.

Columbia

Bierkeller Columbia, Pop-up brewery

Bierkeller brews exclusively German beers + you’re likely to spot the pop-up brewery at multiple locations and events around town. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates on their whereabouts.

Columbia Craft Brewing, 520 Greene St.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHwYIDSnapn/

Aside from the local brews, Columbia Craft frequently hosts local food trucks and events like trivia and music bingo. The brewery is also currently undergoing an expansion project that will add additional work space + a rooftop patio.

🍺 Editor pick: Lauren’s favorite local brew is Columbia Craft’s Alien Hat — a watermelon sour ale.

Cottontown Brew Lab, 1223 Franklin St.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5WnNxgp2eX/

Like the name implies, this brewery and beer garden is in the heart of the Cottontown neighborhood. With flavors like coconut birthday cake, banana-rama smoothie, and peanut butter and jelly, the atmosphere isn’t the only fun thing about this one. #ProTip — currently, only the beer garden is open so check the weather before you head over.

Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse, 1402 Jim Hamilton Blvd.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGoCE8qh3Yl/

The Main Street location is temporarily closed. Situated in the middle of the Rosewood neighborhood in the old Curtiss-Wright hangar, Hunter-Gatherer offers local brews, handcrafted pizzas + plenty of airplane takeoff and landing views from the Jim Hamilton - LB Owens Airport.

River Rat Brewery, 1231 Shop Rd.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CLiNOs4A-yT/

As one of the original Columbia breweries, River Rat offers indoor, outdoor, and rooftop spaces and plenty of events (like weekly trivia). #ProTip — the smoked wings are a can’t miss menu option.

🍺 Editor pick: While Intern Hope isn’t big on brews, she loves River Rat’s frozen Moscow mule.

Swamp Cabbage, 921 Brookwood Dr.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BevpT4unRgM/

Located near Williams-Brice Stadium, Swamp Cabbage has a dog-friendly outdoor patio + hosts weekly social-distanced trivia and larger events that you can keep an eye on here.

Twisted Spur, 705 Gervais St. A

Situated right in the middle of the Vista, Twisted Spur is a microbrewery with specials throughout the week, including $1 oyster night on Mondays and Sunday brunch.

Cayce/West Columbia

Savage Craft Ale Works, 430 Center St., West Columbia

As Columbia’s newest brewery, Savage Craft just opened in the heart of West Columbia. The space features an indoor bar and seating, outdoor biergarten, and a rooftop patio with views of the skyline. Local brews, multiple menus + Sunday brunch are an option here.

Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St., Cayce

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIa0DfuHZQ1/

Steel Hands has one of the largest brewery spaces in the Midlands and a permanent stage that frequently hosts live music from local artists. With a putting green, fire pit, and Sunday brunch, there’s a lot to enjoy at Steel Hands.

Lexington

Angry Fish Brewing Co., 106 Fabrister Ln. C, Lexington

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGEEuEjnciV/

Angry Fish popped up in Lexington in 2018 as the first commercial brewery in the area. With a large, rotating tap list, bi-weekly trivia, and a food menu that changes weekly, there’s always something new to try here.

Hazelwood Brewing Company, 711 E. Main St., Lexington

Hazelwood Brewing | Image via COLAtoday team

Hazelwood is a family owned and operated brewery and often brews their beer with hops grown on their own farm. The brewery boasts a large outdoor space and frequently hosts live music.

🍺 Editor pick: Jess’ favorite local brew is Hazelwood’s Indo/Outdo — a New England IPA.

Old Mill Brewpub, 711 E. Main St., Lexington

Right next door to Hazelwood, the Old Mill Brewpub is located inside Lexington’s historic old mill. The brewery offers daily and weekly menu specials.