Neighborhood Gem! Brier Creek Beer Garden

Rediscovery and Rebirth

We have lived within four miles of the Brier Creek Beer Garden (BCBG) for almost seven years, and we had tried them out early on but had not been back recently. No reason – just lots of things to see and do all around our beautiful new home state.

We did not realize what a gem BCBG had grown into until our recent visit. Some buddies and I had come by for some beers after a pickleball game and we were served by Hailey, one of the General Managers. I was impressed to find that they had 52 taps – most of which were NC craft beers. When Hailey discovered that my wife and I have an online magazine devoted to NC craft beer, she invited us to come back to meet her and Joe, the other GM, to talk about beer. Twist our arms!

The Basics

Location: 8521 Brier Creek Parkway, Raleigh, NC 27617

Parking: Plenty of shopping center parking

Website: briercreekbeergarden.com

Social media: facebook.com/briercreekbeergarden, instagram.com/bcbeergarden

Vibe/atmosphere: Inviting, casual, comfortable, diverse. Sports bar with patio seating.

Beers we tried: Mad Mole Fire in the Mole, Glass Jug Mignonette, Atomic Clock Atomichron, Cavendish Frye-Day Night Coffee Porter

Important NC Beer Explorer Tip: When consuming alcohol, always have a designated driver. Be safe out there, friends! Follow these simple tips for safer consumption.

Hailey greeted Rebecca and me on a chilly Friday afternoon, and we decided to talk out on the patio since a small but boisterous crowd had already trickled into the dining room and bar. She rounded up Joe, and they sat down with us to talk about how, in 2022, a new owner had entrusted both of them to put their stamp on the beer garden/restaurant. BCBG, founded in 2017 was already successful but new owner Siamak Elahi, along with Hailey and Joe, felt there was an opportunity to recreate BCBG as something beyond a shopping center restaurant. Their goal was to make BCBG truly a part of the community – a place that local people could view as their own.

Something Old, Something New

For the past five years, Hailey and Joe have reworked the menu, décor, seating, and beer selections to create an environment that feels comfortable for a wide range of patrons. With its many offerings, It is more than meets the eye: a hangout, sports bar, family-friendly restaurant, expansive NC Brewery-Centric taproom, and beer store. Also, it has one of the largest, most inviting patios in the Brier Creek shopping complex. But the most important feature they have added is the authenticity of their customer service atmosphere. The service we received from every staff member was unfailingly friendly and genuine.

Be sure not to sleep on BCBG’s food! They have a large and diverse menu with 15 appetizers, 12 burgers/handhelds and 9 entrees plus soups, salads, tacos and desserts. We asked for Hailey’s suggestions, and she steered us to her personal favorites: Mozzarella Risotto Balls, the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, and Honey-Fried Chicken.

The Buffalo Chicken sandwich at Brier Creek Beer Garden is a homerun!

There are plenty of seating options at BCBG, including an attractive bar that invites you to become a regular.

Come and Get Your Yum

We ordered a flight of beers but before we could start our tasting process, food began to arrive.

First up were the Mozzarella Risotto Balls. These delicate, crispy orbs with their layers of flavor and cheesy goodness instantly dazzled us. The crusty shell was dusted with shavings of parmesan cheese while inside, a creamy molten blend of mozzarella and risotto coated our tastebuds. The result was delicious – and lighter than expected.

The Honey-Fried Chicken was a generous pile of lightly battered and fried tenders accompanied by a tossed salad (there are other sides to choose from). The juicy tenderness of the fresh chicken glided through the light breading, and the drizzle of honey had just a dash of heat.

The Buffalo Chicken Sandwich was served with rustic potatoes – big, cave-man-sized chunks of baked/fried tatters! Yum! The sandwich was several levels above expectations. First, the chicken filet was tender and excellent in line with the Honey-Fried Chicken, and of course, there was the spicy buffalo sauce applied in the just-right amount. Balancing the heat was a mildly creamy coleslaw, its texture and taste providing a creamy, tangy counterpoint for the other ingredients. Topping it all was a bakery-fresh brioche bun which was soft, delicious and a little sweet.

All types of customers enjoy the scene at BCBG.

Make Yourself at Home

In short, we have finally found our “home bar” – a place we can easily come back to again and again, whether we want to just kick back and enjoy the cozy vibe, or treat out-of-town guests to a little Southern hospitality – and NC craft beer!

The food tastes exceptionally fresh and homemade.

NCBE's Beer Notes - Brier Creek Beer Garden

• Mad Mole - Fire in the Mole

  • Style: Italian Pilsner

  • ABV: 5%

  • Color: Straw, light haze, light, lacy head

  • Aroma: Light bready malt

  • Taste: bready malt, light bitter crispness, light sweetness

  • Mouthfeel: Crisp, light body, medium carbonation

  • Aftertaste: Finishes with sweet and light bitterness

  • Overall: Good summer-drinking beer

• Glass Jug – Mignonette

  • Style: Belgian Pale Ale

  • ABV: 5.6%

  • Color: Gold, light foam

  • Aroma: herbal, cardamom, orange

  • Taste: Orange, honey, light white pepper, balanced malt/hops

  • Mouthfeel: Medium body, low carbonation

  • Aftertaste: Orange, herbal, light hop citrus

  • Overall: A delicious, refined beer that paired well with our honey-fried chicken

• Atomic Clock – Atomichron

  • Style: New Zealand IPA

  • ABV: 6.3%

  • Color: Light gold, brilliant, light tan head

  • Aroma: Tart berry, tropical fruit, light pine, sourdough

  • Taste: Pineapple, “Fruity Pebbles”, light grapefruit

  • Mouthfeel: Full body, creamy

  • Aftertaste: Tropical fruit, lightly bitter

  • Overall: NEIPA with a New Zealand twist

• Cavendish – Frye-Day Night Coffee Porter

  • Style: Coffee Porter

  • ABV: 7.2%

  • Color: Black, medium beige head

  • Aroma: Coffee

  • Taste: Dry, coffee, baking spice, chocolate, vanilla, light smoke, roasted vegetable

  • Mouthfeel: Medium body, creamy, medium carbonation, dry

  • Aftertaste: Coffee fades to licorice

  • Overall: Nice complexity without overdoing any of the flavor notes. Highly drinkable.

What do you think about Brier Creek Beer Garden?