Southern Hops Brewing Company in Summerville

What Southern Hops Brewing Company offers

Southern Hops Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Summerville, South Carolina, about 25 miles northwest of Charleston. The brewery produces its own beers on-site and operates a taproom where you can order flights, pints, and growlers to take home. The space functions as both a working brewery and a gathering spot—you'll see the fermentation tanks and brewing equipment while you sit at the bar or at communal tables.

The brewery focuses on a rotating lineup of styles, from IPAs and pale ales to stouts and seasonal offerings. Because they brew in-house, the selection changes based on what's currently in the tanks. The taproom also typically stocks a small selection of local snacks and sometimes hosts food trucks on weekends, so you can eat while you drink without leaving the property.

Key Takeaways

• Southern Hops is a working brewery with a taproom in Summerville where you can watch the brewing process while you drink.
• You can order beer by the flight, pint, or growler, and the menu rotates based on what's currently being brewed.
• The taproom has communal seating and sometimes hosts food trucks on weekends for meals.
• Summerville is about 25 minutes from downtown Charleston, making it an easy day trip or stop on a brewery tour.

Hours and location in Summerville

Southern Hops is located in Summerville's downtown area, a walkable neighborhood with other shops and restaurants nearby. Hours vary by season and day of the week, so checking their website or calling ahead before you visit is the safest approach. Many craft breweries adjust their taproom hours based on foot traffic and events, so what's posted online may shift.

Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. If you're planning to visit on a weekend, arriving earlier in the day typically means easier parking and shorter waits at the bar. The taproom is generally casual—no reservations needed for regular visits, though large groups sometimes call ahead to give the staff a heads-up.

What to order and how the taproom works

Most craft breweries, including Southern Hops, let you start with a flight—a set of small pours (usually four to six) so you can taste several beers without committing to a full pint. This is the best way to explore if you're new to the brewery or unsure what you like. Each glass in a flight is typically 4 to 5 ounces, letting you sample the range without getting too full or spending too much.

If you find a beer you like, you can order a full pint. Growlers are large glass jugs (usually 64 ounces) that you fill at the brewery and take home—they keep beer fresh for a few days if sealed properly. Some breweries also sell cans or bottles to go, though this varies by location and licensing. Ask the bartender what's available on the day you visit.

Prices for flights, pints, and growlers are typical for South Carolina craft breweries, though exact costs depend on the beer style and size. IPAs and seasonal brews sometimes cost slightly more than standard pale ales. The bartenders can recommend beers based on what you usually drink, so don't hesitate to ask if you're uncertain.

Summerville's brewery scene and nearby options

Summerville has become a small hub for craft beer in the Lowcountry, with several breweries within a short drive of each other. This makes it possible to visit multiple breweries in one afternoon if you're interested in a brewery crawl. Southern Hops fits into that landscape as a production brewery with a strong local following.

The town itself is worth exploring beyond the brewery. Summerville's downtown has antique shops, restaurants, and galleries, and the area is known for its tree-lined streets and historic homes. Many visitors combine a brewery visit with lunch or dinner at one of the nearby restaurants, or browse shops before or after drinking.

Events and seasonal activities

Craft breweries often host events like trivia nights, live music, or special beer releases. Southern Hops may run seasonal promotions or limited-edition brews, particularly around holidays or local festivals. The best way to learn about upcoming events is to check their social media pages or website, where they typically post announcements a few weeks in advance.

If you're visiting during a festival season—Summerville hosts events throughout the year—the brewery may be busier than usual. Spring and fall tend to draw larger crowds, while summer afternoons can be quieter. Weekday visits are generally less crowded than weekends if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.

Getting there from Charleston and the Lowcountry

From downtown Charleston, take US-17 North or I-26 West toward Summerville. The drive is roughly 25 to 30 minutes depending on traffic and which part of Charleston you're starting from. Summerville is also accessible from other Lowcountry towns like Goose Creek and Moncks Corner, making it a reasonable stop if you're exploring the region.

If you're planning to drink beer, arrange a designated driver or use a rideshare service. South Carolina's drunk driving laws are strict, and the drive back to Charleston or other towns isn't short enough to risk. Many visitors make Southern Hops part of a larger brewery tour or day trip, visiting multiple breweries with a driver who stays sober.

What to know before you visit

Southern Hops is a casual, family-friendly space during the day, though it's primarily a bar and brewery—the atmosphere shifts in the evening toward adult drinking. If you're bringing children, an early afternoon visit works better than evening hours. The taproom is indoors, so weather isn't a factor, though some breweries have outdoor seating when available.

The brewery is cash-friendly but also takes cards. If you're buying a growler to take home, bring it with you or ask if they sell empty growlers on-site. Some breweries require you to bring your own growler or buy one from them; policies vary, so ask when you order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food to Southern Hops?

Most breweries allow outside food, and Southern Hops typically does as well. However, policies can vary, so it's worth asking the bartender when you arrive. Many breweries partner with food trucks or allow you to order from nearby restaurants for delivery, so you have options even if you didn't bring food.

What's the difference between a flight and a pint?

A flight is a set of small pours (usually 4 to 6 ounces each) that lets you taste multiple beers. A pint is a full 16-ounce glass of one beer. Flights are cheaper and let you explore; pints are better if you've found a beer you want to enjoy fully.

Do I need to be 21 to enter the taproom?

Yes. South Carolina law requires you to be 21 or older to drink alcohol. Some breweries allow minors in the taproom if accompanied by an adult during daytime hours, but policies differ. Call ahead if you're unsure whether you can bring children.

How far is Southern Hops from downtown Charleston?

Southern Hops is about 25 to 30 minutes from downtown Charleston by car, depending on traffic. It's close enough for a day trip but far enough that you'll want to plan your visit rather than stopping by on impulse if you're staying downtown.

Can I buy beer to take home?

Yes. You can fill a growler at the brewery to take home, and Southern Hops may also sell cans or bottles depending on their licensing. Ask the bartender what options are available on the day you visit.