RJ Rockers Brewing Company in Spartanburg — Craft Beer and Live Music in a Historic Mill
What RJ Rockers Brewing Company offers
RJ Rockers Brewing Company is a craft brewery in downtown Spartanburg housed in a restored 1920s textile mill. The brewery produces its own beers on-site, operates a taproom where you can order pints and flights, and hosts live music most weekends. The space combines industrial architecture — exposed brick, high ceilings, original mill beams — with a working brewery visible from the bar, so you watch the brewing process while you drink.
The brewery's beer lineup changes seasonally but typically includes year-round offerings like their flagship IPA alongside rotating seasonal and experimental brews. You can order by the pint, by the flight (a sampler of smaller pours), or take home growlers and cans. The taproom also serves food from a rotating menu of local food trucks and partners, so you can eat without leaving the space.
Live music is central to the experience. The brewery hosts bands, solo performers, and DJs most Friday and Saturday evenings, and occasionally on weeknights. The schedule appears on their website and social media, so you can plan around specific performers. The atmosphere is casual — you can sit at high-top tables, stand at the bar, or claim a spot on the patio when weather permits.
Key Takeaways
- RJ Rockers is located in a restored 1920s mill building in downtown Spartanburg and produces beer on-site that you can watch being made.
- The taproom serves pints, flights, and growlers of rotating craft beers, with food available from local food trucks and partner vendors.
- Live music happens most Friday and Saturday evenings, with the schedule posted on their website and social media accounts.
- The space is free to enter, and you pay only for what you order — there is no cover charge for most shows.
The brewery's location and what surrounds it
RJ Rockers sits in downtown Spartanburg on Main Street, within walking distance of other restaurants, shops, and galleries. The building itself is part of Spartanburg's textile heritage — the city was built on cotton mills, and many have been converted into restaurants, studios, and cultural spaces over the past two decades. The brewery's location puts you in the middle of that revitalization, so you can walk to dinner elsewhere, browse nearby galleries, or explore the downtown before or after your visit.
Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. The taproom is accessible from street level, though the building's age means some areas have steps or uneven flooring — call ahead if you need to know about specific accessibility features.
What to order and what the beer selection looks like
RJ Rockers brews a range of styles across different alcohol levels and flavor profiles. Their year-round beers typically include an IPA, a lighter ale or lager, and a darker option like a stout or porter. Seasonal releases rotate with the calendar — spring might bring a lighter wheat beer, summer a crisp pilsner, fall a spiced ale, and winter a heavier imperial stout or barleywine. Limited-release and experimental brews appear regularly, so the full menu changes from visit to visit.
If you are new to craft beer or unsure what to order, ask the bartender for a recommendation based on what you usually drink. Flights are designed for this — you get four or five small pours of different beers, so you can taste several without committing to a full pint. Growlers (refillable bottles) let you take beer home, and cans are available for purchase to go.
The food situation depends on which food truck or vendor is scheduled that day. The brewery's website or social media usually lists who is coming, so you can check before you arrive. Options range from barbecue to tacos to pizza, and they change regularly.
Live music schedule and what to expect
Live performances happen most Friday and Saturday evenings, typically starting around 8 or 9 p.m., though start times vary. The brewery also occasionally hosts weeknight shows, especially during special events or festivals. The lineup includes local and regional bands, solo acoustic performers, and DJs. The brewery's website and their social media accounts (Facebook and Instagram) post the schedule in advance, so you can plan around specific performers.
There is no cover charge for most shows — you simply pay for your beer and food. The space is first-come, first-served for seating, so arriving early on busy nights gives you a better spot. The sound system is designed for the space, so the music is loud enough to enjoy but not so overwhelming that you cannot talk at your table.
Hours, contact information, and how to plan your visit
RJ Rockers is open most days of the week, though hours vary by season and day. The taproom typically opens in the afternoon and stays open into the evening on weekdays, with extended hours on weekends. The brewery's website and phone number provide current hours, which is important because they occasionally close for private events or adjust for holidays.
You can reach them by phone to ask about current beer selection, confirm the live music schedule, or inquire about food truck partners for a specific date. Their website and social media are the best places to see photos of the space, read recent reviews, and check the upcoming events calendar.
Visiting with groups and special events
RJ Rockers accommodates groups and can reserve space for private events like birthday parties, corporate outings, or celebrations. If you are planning a group visit, contact the brewery in advance to discuss your group size, preferred date, and whether you want a reserved area. They can often work with you on timing and may have special pricing for larger parties.
The brewery also participates in Spartanburg's downtown events throughout the year — beer festivals, art walks, and seasonal celebrations often feature RJ Rockers as a stop or vendor. Following their social media keeps you informed about these opportunities and special releases.
Why the mill building and brewery culture matter to Spartanburg
RJ Rockers represents a broader shift in Spartanburg's identity. The city's economy was built on textile manufacturing, and when those mills closed or moved, downtown struggled. Over the past 15 years, property owners and entrepreneurs have converted mill buildings into restaurants, breweries, apartments, and studios. RJ Rockers is one of several breweries in the area, and together they have become part of what draws people back to downtown — a reason to spend an evening, eat, drink, and hear live music in a space with real history.
The brewery also connects to South Carolina's growing craft beer scene. The state has dozens of breweries across the Upstate, Lowcountry, and Midlands, and Spartanburg has become a destination for beer tourism. Visiting RJ Rockers puts you in conversation with that broader culture while experiencing a specific place shaped by the city's past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cover charge for live music?
No, there is no cover charge for most shows. You pay only for the beer and food you order. Occasionally, special events or touring acts may have a small cover, so check the brewery's website or call ahead if you are concerned about a specific show.
Can I bring food from outside, or do I have to buy from the food truck?
The brewery partners with food trucks and vendors, so you are not required to buy from them. However, outside food policies vary, so call ahead if you want to bring your own meal. Many people come for the beer and order from whatever food partner is scheduled that day.
What if I do not drink beer?
RJ Rockers is primarily a brewery, so beer is the main focus. Some taprooms offer non-alcoholic options or can make simple drinks, but selection is limited. Call ahead to ask what non-beer options are available on the day you plan to visit.
Can I tour the brewery and see how beer is made?
The brewing equipment is visible from the taproom, so you can watch the process while you sit at the bar. Formal brewery tours may be offered on certain days or by reservation — contact the brewery directly to ask about tour availability and whether you need to book in advance.
Is the brewery family-friendly, or is it adults-only?
RJ Rockers is a bar and brewery, so it is primarily an adult space, especially during evening hours and live music events. Some breweries allow children during daytime hours, but policies vary. Call ahead if you want to bring children and ask about the best time to visit.