FULLSTEAM BREWERY

4 minutes | .3 Miles Away

FULLSTEAM BREW // DURHAM, NC

A celebration of craft and culture - Fullsteam Brewery in Downtown Durham epitomizes the best of Southern-born cuisine and brew. 

It's a time tested theory that quality ingredients lead to quality products, and the drafts at Fullsteam are no exception. We will dive deeper into the superior selection later, but let's just say, they've got a few stars in their lineup - some with national recognition. But even after ten years, the fame hasn't gotten to their head - or the consistency of their success. Patrons can rely on classics done consistently, new favorites to be regularly introduced and to fall in love with something new every single visit. 

Sitting adjacent from MotorCo. Music Hall, next to The Pit and blocks from the heart of Bull City's center, the Fullsteam family has been a staple of West Geer street since 2010. The large warehouse opens into a full bar, two separate entertainment areas, a small stage and a separate outdoor patio. Light wood finishes, and red-brick envelop the space in a warm, welcoming glow. The high, industrial ceilings allow laughter to echo through the rooms. Scattered picnic tables, glowing pinball machines, and empty barstools are ready to attract patrons' attention. Simply put? This is your new favorite place to relax with friends, play a few board games or trivia and enjoy a great beer. 

FULLSTEAM MENU // DOWNTOWN DURHAM

Speaking of, let's crack open what goes into the brew. 

Their saying "plow to pint" rings true in every aspect of their mission and dedication to their community. The artisans at Fullsteam buy and brew local understanding of the importance of fortifying local agricultural economies. By sourcing as many of their ingredients directly from small farms as possible, these expert draft-craftsmen (or draftsmen ba dum tss) ensure that the flavors are bold, poignant, and mouth-wateringly good. In fact, on every beer page on their website as a "% Local" (%L) highlighting the local farms that make the beer. It's not just good beer, it's beer that you feel good about. 

But where to start? Well, consider this your virtual flight. 

First, you've got to know the basics. Fullsteam prides itself on three main categories of brew: classics, limited/seasonal releases, and farmer's edge/foraged beer. You can't go wrong with what you pick, and luckily, the experts behind the bar are more than happy to walk you through the flavor profiles of each pitcher before you settle on what you're sippin' on. If it was us? We'd say try one of the summer refreshers that have been available on tap as of late. We recently tried the Afar 2, one of the 2020 summer releases, and wow! This fruit beer is rooted in local ingredients while your taste buds take off on a tropical world tour thanks to embedded notes of peach + papaya. Simply put, Afar 2 is the stamp on your palette-passport you've been dreaming of. 

Prefer something more classic? You can't go wrong with their famous Southern Basil Farmhouse Ale. Their "most popular summer beer ever" Southern Basil has become a staple of the selection at Fullsteam. The flavor evolves over the season, as the locally-sourced basil matures and temperatures rise. Complimented by a Saison yeast that thrives in hot Raleigh summers, you are bombarded with a "punch of peppery, vibrant flavors." Once you try it, you'll fall in love, and you won't be the only one! After taking home a Good Food Award in 2019 and multiple Southern Living Food Awards in the last years, the Southern Basil has become a time-tested favorite. 

In all actuality, it doesn't matter what you choose because you'll be back. With the wide selection, incredible locale and friendly faces, Fullsteam has become the epitome of a neighborhood bar in the best way. While COVID-19 has posed challenges for many small businesses, this Bull City Brewery has doubled down on its commitment to its guests. Fullsteam strives to provide a safe experience, recognizing the importance of supplying patrons with resources and expectations before their arrival. (A full list of measures that the staff has taken to safely serve are online for you to review before you stop in.) 

After you review, cheers! Meet you at Fullsteam Brewery.