The Southern Growl Beer Company: Greer's Craft Brewery Worth the Drive

Some places grow into something bigger than what they started out to be. The Southern Growl Beer Company in Greer, South Carolina, is exactly that kind of place. What began in 2014 as a small craft beer taproom has expanded into a full brewery, craft kitchen, and community hub that locals genuinely love. A decade in, it is still family-owned, still independent, and still exactly the kind of neighborhood spot the Upstate needed.

If you are new to Greer or thinking about moving to the area, this is one of the first places you should know about.

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The Story Behind the Brewery

Matt and Anna Bowes opened The Southern Growl in 2014 with a simple idea. Build a place where people could enjoy great craft beer and good food without any pretense. They added a craft kitchen in 2016, moved into a larger building in 2019 to brew beer in-house, and added a new brewery and patio space in early 2022.

What sets The Southern Growl apart from the beer itself is the level of expertise behind the bar. Both Matt and Anna hold the Advanced Cicerone certification, which is the second-highest level in the Cicerone Certification Program, the beer world's equivalent of a wine sommelier. Their head brewer, Jason Azbell, is a Certified Cicerone as well, and the level of beer knowledge runs throughout the entire staff. When someone on the team recommends a beer or a pairing, they know exactly what they are talking about.

The brewery is certified by both the Brewers Association as an Independent Craft Brewery and as a Certified Malt Brewery, two recognitions that reflect the commitment to quality and independence that have defined the place since day one.

The Beer

This is the heart of everything at The Southern Growl. The taproom pours from 70 taps, featuring more than 24 beers brewed in-house on their 10-barrel brewhouse, along with ciders, meads, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. The range of styles is one of the things that sets this place apart. There is genuinely something for everyone.

Beer Styles You Will Find on the Menu:

Light and easy-drinking options include the Left Dog Lager, an American Lager at 4.7%; the Growl Kolsch, a German-style Kolsch at 4.9%; the Purr Pils, a German-style Pilsner at 5.0%; and Kamp Jam, an American Light Lager at 4.0%.

For hoppy beer lovers, Bury Me in Strata is the standout Southern IPA at 7.2%, built around the Strata hop that Matt Bowes himself has called a personal favorite. Tiki Tailwagger is a tropical Southern IPA with passionfruit, orange, and guava at 7.2%, and Hop Flower Super Power brings a West Coast IPA style at 6.5%.

The malty and dark category includes the Deepwood Grizzly Imperial Stout at 8.8% and the Nitro Irish Stout at 4.0% for those who prefer something smooth and sessionable. Barrel-aged options rotate and include standouts like the 2025 Czar of the South Bourbon Barrel Stout at 9.0% and the 12th Anniversary Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout at 14.0%.

For sour fans, Radiant Positivity is a Dry-Hopped Sour at 6.0% brewed with passion fruit, grapefruit, and peach notes, and Tropical Sauce offers a Spicy Sour at 7.2% for those who like some heat with their tartness.

Belgian styles include the Southern Sanctum American Tripel at 8.5% and Earl of the Abbey, a Belgian Tripel brewed with Earl Grey Tea at 8.0%.

Many house beers are also available in 16-ounce cans to go, and pitchers are available for most house beers at the bar. TSG beer is also distributed across craft beer shops in South and North Carolina for those who want to take some home.

If you are not sure where to start, just ask. The staff is trained to guide you and offer samples before you commit to a full pour.

Cocktails Worth Trying:

The cocktail program is made fully in-house with fresh ingredients, and several are served directly from a tap.

• Old Fashioned: Bulleit bourbon, house simple syrup, maraschino cherry, bitters, and a dehydrated orange wheel at $12.50
• Margarita: Corazon Silver Tequila, Triple Sec, house-juiced lime and orange, agave syrup, and a Tajin salt rim at $12, with spicy or pineapple upgrades available
• Old Pal: Montelobos Espadin mezcal with grapefruit, lime, watermelon syrup, and coconut water at $14
• Superbloom: St. Germain, Aperol, peach syrup, grapefruit juice, and rosé at $13.50
• The Calm Before: A non-alcoholic mocktail with chamomile tea, peach puree, lemon, ginger beer, and fresh mint at $9

During Saturday and Sunday brunch, the Bloodhound Bloody Mary is available for $12.50, made with house-infused herb-and-garlic Tito's vodka and house Bloody Mary mix.

The Food

The craft kitchen at The Southern Growl was designed with one purpose in mind: to pair perfectly with beer. The menu rotates seasonally and focuses on sandwiches, shareables, and desserts, all made completely from scratch. Every bun and loaf of bread is baked fresh each day in the in-house bakery using spent grain flour from the brewery itself. That detail matters. It is the kind of thing that separates a place that cares from one that does not.

The kitchen always keeps vegetarian and vegan options available. Gluten-free options are labeled on the menu, though the team is transparent that their in-house bakery and brewery mean they cannot guarantee a fully gluten-free environment for those with severe sensitivities.

The kitchen closes one hour before the taproom each day.

The Space

The Southern Growl was designed with every kind of visit in mind. The indoor dining room has the full food and drink menu available with 70 taps. The covered outdoor patio has its own bar serving 10 house brews, and it is heated, which means it is usable year-round. A large open lawn gives families room to spread out, and there is a dedicated area called the Pack Yard for kids to play. There is also a quieter adults-only section for those who want to enjoy a drink without the noise of a full house.

Dogs are welcome outdoors, which has made The Southern Growl a regular stop for pet owners across the Greer and Greenville area.

Thinking about exploring neighborhoods near Greer? Check out our handpicked Top 10 Greer, SC Neighborhoods to see what the community around this brewery looks like.

Events and Community

The Southern Growl has built something rare. It has become a genuine community gathering place, not just a bar. The event calendar runs year-round and includes something for almost every interest.

Monthly trivia night is hosted by owner Matt Bowes himself, starting at 7 pm with no reservations required. The winning team takes home a $50 gift card and two packs of TSG beer. Annual events include Growlfest, their Oktoberfest celebration held each year on the same Saturday as the opening of the Munich Oktoberfest, the Anniversary Party in April, and the Tropical Party in summer. Live music is booked for major events and also on a couple of Saturdays per month throughout the year. The brewery also hosts a disc golf league in partnership with Another Round, a board game night with Boardwalk, Silent Book Club events, and a regular Blood Connection blood drive every eight weeks.

Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, and often features live bluegrass music, brunch cocktails, mimosas, and food specials.

Hours and Location

The Southern Growl Beer Company is located at 155 North Buncombe Road in Greer, SC 29651. The phone number is 864.655.7444.

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday through Thursday: 11 am to 10 pm
• Friday: 11 am to 11 pm
• Saturday: 10 am to 11 pm, with brunch from 10 am to 2 pm
• Sunday: 10 am to 10 pm, with brunch from 10 am to 2 pm

Kitchen closes one hour before the taproom each day. Walk-ins are welcome. No reservations are needed for most visits.

For anyone relocating to the Greenville and Greer area, The Southern Growl is the kind of local spot that makes you feel like you belong here. One visit and you will understand why it has stayed packed for more than ten years.

Review Summary

Google: 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 1,921 reviews, confirmed from the Google Maps listing provided. This is an exceptionally strong rating for a restaurant and brewery at that review volume.

Thinking about making Greer or the greater Greenville area your next home? Our team at The Whaley Group knows every corner of the Upstate. Reach out today and let us help you find the right neighborhood to match the lifestyle you are looking for.