2 Best Bars in The North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina

Six-packs of Boojum are ubiquitous in beer aisles across the region for good reason—they brew some of the state's most creative and flavorful ales. Their downtown taproom serves next-level pub grub, including vegetarian options like Korean BBQ maple-soy tempeh tacos. Downstairs, The Gem bar has pool tables and foosball, plus a weekly schedule of karaoke, trivia, and live music.

Name your brewery Innovation and you'd better hold yourself to high standards. This Jackson County staple exceeds expectations with seasonal delights like a beet and basil saison. There are three locations—Innovation Station in Dillsboro, the original brewery in Sylva, and an outpost in Cullowhee. In Dillsboro, the Tuckasegee River runs directly under the porch, so sipping comes with a view. There's usually a food truck in the parking lot.