Field Trip! Wye Hill Kitchen and Brewing

The Basics

Location: 201 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603

Website: https://wyehill.com/

Vibe/Atmosphere: Upscale, industrial style restaurant and taproom. Chill atmosphere on a Tuesday afternoon.

Beers We Tried: Luminous Beings, Skyline, Sea Change, Daydream, Opal Skulls, When There Are Nine

Parking: Nearby parking is a bit scarce, unless you pay to park in one of the adjacent lots. Try using an app like SpotHero to save on parking.

Important NC Beer Explorer Tip: When consuming alcohol, always have a designated driver. Be safe out there, friends!

We visited Wye Hill on what we like to call “2 Fun Tuesday” — it’s a day we allocate for playing tourist in our home territory. All corniness aside, we claim Tuesdays as a day for having fun. We can, and so we do! Wye Hill is are located in the historic Boylan Heights neighborhood, which is known for its historic charm, vibrant community, and artistic atmosphere. The approach from the parking lot included a mural that exemplified these qualities.

They are known for an iconic view of downtown Raleigh from its expansive patio. But they are much more than that. They have won high profile awards for both their beer and their food.

I “gobbled” up the Turkey Burger with brie, cranberry mayo, arugula along with a side of something they call “Beer Chips” with their incredible Scallion Ranch sauce (so good, I’d probably eat a houseplant covered in it). Rebecca opted for a healthy Black Rice Grain bowl with grilled chicken, which she also polished off without hesitation.

The food was truly amazing, but of course, we wanted to try the BEERS. So, we ordered a flight of five.

Justin of Wye Hill was kind enough to give us a quick “elevator pitch” about what makes this brewery special.

Justin was a “natural” on camera and full of good intel. We were on a roll, and lucky for us, Andi behind the bar was willing to share her viewpoint.

We had been wanting to visit Wye Hill for a long time and — I must admit — with all the awards they’ve won and their reputation for distinction, we were expecting a place that was a little over-proud of itself. Our experience was just the opposite. The service was friendly and attentive and the food was elevated, delicious, and reasonably priced. The wait staff and bartenders were all knowledgeable and passionate about their beers. All-in-all, a very positive experience!

Ben's Beer Notes

• Luminous Beings – Wye Hill Brewing

  • Style: Pale Ale – New England/Hazy

  • ABV: 5.0%

  • Color: yellow, yeast cloudy

  • Taste: grapefruit, fruit, honey, guava

  • Mouthfeel: foamy, bitter dry, medium-full

  • Aftertaste: sourish

  • Other: Gold Medal Winner, Great American Beer Festival; Pride Month Selection

• Sea Change – Wye Hill Brewing

  • Style: IPA, American

  • ABV: 6.9%

  • Color: cloudy, golden

  • Taste: citrus, grapefruit, bittery

  • Mouthfeel: medium body, astringent, balanced

• Skyline – Wye Hill Brewing

  • Style: Ultra Session Ale

  • ABV: 4.0%

  • Color: clear, gold, fine bubbles

  • Taste: apple, fruity, not bitter

  • Mouthfeel: foamy, balanced, crisp

  • Aftertaste: malty sweet

• Daydream – Wye Hill Brewing

  • Style: Kolsh

  • ABV: 5.0%

  • Color: clear, gold, fine bubbles, sparkling

  • Taste: bread, toast, fruity, orange, hop bitters

  • Mouthfeel: medium body, bubbly, balanced

  • Aftertaste: bitterish

• Opal Skulls – Wye Hill Brewing

  • Style: Dark Lager

  • ABV: 4.7%

  • Color: brown, coppery

  • Taste: malt bitters, chicory bitters, coffee, smoked

  • Mouthfeel: full-bodied

  • Aftertaste: long flowing, bittery

Tells what you like about Wye Hill.