Natty Greene's Pub & Brewing Co.

Natty Greene's Pub & Brewing Co.Natty Greene's Pub & Brewing Co.
Natty Greene's Pub & Brewing Co.Natty Greene's Pub & Brewing Co.
Brewery, Bar, Eatery, Beer-to-go

505 W. Jones St.
Raleigh, North Carolina, 27603
United States

// CLOSED //
BEER STATS
Average:
3.7
Beers:
18
Ratings:
0
PLACE STATS
Average:
3.99
Reviews:
17
Ratings:
40
pDev:
4.76%
View: Beers | Place Reviews
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Rated: 3.91 by stevejjune

Jun 28, 2015
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Reviewed by jjboesen from Maryland

4.08/5  rDev +2.3%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25 | food: 3.75
A somewhat recent entry to the Raleigh beer scene, Natty Greene's is located in the former home of the Raleigh Power Company. Inside, one finds a rather sprawling place, with much wood and brickwork, one where many folk can spend a nice evening. There is a large bar area with formal dining room; in the back, a game room and separate bar..

On tap were four regulars along with eight rotating drafts; my choices: Imperial Pilsner, a dry-hopped ale, an Azacca hopped ale and a decent dry stout. Excellent food and attentive service makes Natty's just one more place that makes Raleigh an up-and-coming beer destination.

UPDATE: I now have learned that they will close August 1, 2015. A shame.
May 29, 2015
 
Rated: 3.9 by Cacibajagua from North Carolina

May 17, 2015
 
Rated: 3.72 by dailyminefield from North Carolina

Feb 13, 2015
 
Rated: 4.3 by Trevnug25 from North Carolina

Jan 22, 2015
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Rated by SFNC from North Carolina

3.46/5  rDev -13.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.25 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3.25
See "run of the mill".
Jan 17, 2015
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Rated by STBbrewing from Ohio

4/5  rDev +0.3%
Good beer good food with a southern feel. Not amazing but good.
Sep 29, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by qcghost from North Carolina

Sep 26, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Soto from North Carolina

Sep 23, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by styleisking from Michigan

Aug 28, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Highbury09 from North Carolina

Aug 19, 2014
 
Rated: 3.88 by dbosshard7

Aug 19, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by Sicem99 from North Carolina

Aug 11, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by MalibuKenny from North Carolina

Aug 07, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by jak from North Carolina

Aug 01, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by SmellsofMahagony from Texas

Jun 26, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by woodchip from North Carolina

Jun 25, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by Hop-o-saurus from California

Jun 12, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by HuntDaddy540 from District of Columbia

Apr 28, 2014
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Reviewed by HopintheSouth from North Carolina

4.13/5  rDev +3.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4.5
One of my favorite breweries and restaurants in town. You can't beat their usual beers for $3 a pint everyday and a good seasonal rotation. The food is excellent, everything I've had is good and the burgers are awesome. I've been coming here since they opened in 2010 and they haven't increased prices once. The atmosphere is awesome, old 'warehouse' style red-brick building with hardwood floors in downtown Raleigh. You can't go wrong with a pint, good food and a round of shuffleboard. If you're new to Raleigh or passing through, please stop by!
Apr 09, 2014
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Reviewed by GarthDanielson from Virginia

3.98/5  rDev -0.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3.75
Great atmosphere when you walk in, right off the bat. Clear view of the brewing area, with a huge, high ceiling bar area in dark wood tones with a few televisions playing the surrounding colleges given sports at the time. Walk through the bar and there is another huge seating area with more of a family feel. The staff was very helpful and knowledgeable about the beers, and they were prompt and friendly the entire time, and it was packed while we were there. Very impressed. The food was great...gastropub style, but with a few unique things here and there. They carry their normal flagship brews on-tap, but they also had about 8 "seasonal" offerings that I don't believe get bottled and distributed. Prices were very reasonable for food and beer, and they do have beer to go in 6 packs and growlers. Can't wait to go back.
Feb 14, 2014
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Reviewed by bigkingken from North Carolina

3.2/5  rDev -19.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 3 | service: 3.5 | selection: 2.5 | food: 3.5
Based on my previous experience with the Natty Greene’s in Greensboro, I wasn’t expecting very much from the downtown Raleigh location. And while it’s certainly not a terrible option for those in the area, it doesn’t stand out in any way either.

The best part of the whole shebang is the location. It’s in a beautifully restored brick building right next to the train tracks slightly southwest of downtown. There’s a couple of separate rooms – one more of a bar with games (including the rarely located full-length shuffle board) – and the other more of a dining room. There’s a lot of brick, not just on the walls, but in room dividers as well, and the woodwork throughout is a great touch.

In all, the restaurant itself is open, lively, but still a place you could take your family. It works to fill its function extremely well. And in what must be an old, reclaimed building, they’ve certainly got this part of the brewpub equation down pat.

The menu is everything I’ve come to expect from large-scale breweries that have opened multiple locations. They try to appeal to the masses by having pretty standard American fare options, and while it all seems pretty fresh and decently prepared, it does lack a little something-something in execution.

I typically head right for the sandwich section, and today was no exception. My wife and I split two – one a traditional ribeye Philly with sauteed veggies and provolone, the other a pressed pork sandwich smothered in barbecue sauce. That last bit was sort of weird. What’s the point of pressing a sandwich if you’re going to smother it in sauce, forcing someone to use a knife and fork to eat it anyway? It was still tasty, just sort of weird. Anyway, the Philly blew the other sandwich away. The side of black-eyed peas with bacon, however, did not. Blech.

The beers are also everything I’ve come to expect from large-scale breweries that have opened multiple locations; they try to pander to the Bud-drinking crowd. All of their year-round options and most of their seasonals are extremely mild and boring. Of that group, the pale is the most worth your dollar; they don’t even have a regular IPA.

The seasonals don’t fare much better. A smoky porter and brown ale were pretty flat in both profile and depth. A “stronger” pale ale was actually pretty okay, but still fell well short of my go-to American pale’s like Dale’s or Stone. The winterfest Munich dunkel was malty and smooth – actually a good option. And a double American witbier was exactly what you’d expect – sweet and malty and more like a Cobra than I’d care to drink on a regular basis.

There were two additional options that actually sounded promising – a double amber ale and an “experimental” IPA with rare Aztec hops and a definite citrus profile – according to the description. Unfortunately, they were out of both. My guess is that whenever they come out with anything that is even slightly bolder than their moderate norm, it gets lapped up like a dog drinking water after crossing the Mohave.

The service on my visit was exceptional – I will say that. I camped out for 2+ hours, tried all the beer, had lunch with my wife, and never went thristy for a minute. She was very much on top of my wants and I never had to ask for anything.

In any case, there aren’t a lot of breweries in Raleigh that serve food. And until there are, this remains a decent option.
Jan 28, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by leftstagebrew from North Carolina

Jan 17, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by Packlifenc from North Carolina

Jan 08, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by dbrauneis from North Carolina

Dec 09, 2013
 
Rated: 5 by BigGingDrinker from North Carolina

Nov 28, 2013
 
Rated: 3 by jessehd09 from North Carolina

Oct 15, 2013
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Reviewed by TheMadJack from Virginia

4.05/5  rDev +1.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
Was in Raleigh on a grey and rainy weekend and made a point of visiting Natty Greene's. We arrived just after 2pm on a Saturday and it seemed sufficient to miss the lunch rush. There were quite a few open tables in both the bar area and the restaurant. Music was classic rock kept at a muted volume. Both the bar and the restaurant were spacious and had plenty of room between tables. The restaurant was much brighter and that's where we opted to take our meal. My only complaint about the atmosphere was that the room was kept rather cool. It's understandable, given that weather is still closer to summer than winter here; it wasn't exactly a relief coming in from the rain though. I'm not docking them any points for it, just stating what was. Overall, the establishment presented very well on both aesthetic and utilitarian fronts but there was nothing striking about the decor or design, hence my withholding a 5.0.

My girlfriend and I were seated quickly by a friendly waitress. Looking back, I think we interacted with three different members of the staff throughout the afternoon. It seemed one took our order, then one would deliver it, another would come by and see how everything was, etc. It might be the way they divide labor there or it might have been that things were slow and they were all looking for something to do. Service hit that great middle ground I'm always looking for - they were attentive but not obstructive.

I ordered the American Strong Ale after seeing that the Ryes weren't on the menu (I had been especially looking forward to sampling them, such are the risks of a rotating selection) and that they were fresh out of Stout. Overall, they advertised about ten beers on the menu and had sold out of two, which is still a reasonable selection. The brew was served in a pint glass at an appropriate temperature and with no apparent spillage. I didn't have any paper on hand and so did not review the beer, but it hit all the qualifications and my sense of it was it would probably have scored in the high-3's/low-4's had I been prepared.

For food we both decided on sandwiches with the home-made chips on the side. My partner got a turkey sandwich with cranberry mayonnaise and was pleased. It reminded her of a sandwich special that she's fond of from a place called Baggin's in Arizona. I had one of the cheesesteaks and enjoyed it. Portions were good and not oversized and the food was hot, with the chips still sizzling a bit when the plates were set down. Chips were lightly salted and crisp, which is something that many places who fry their own chips can't seem to accomplish. Overall, food was good but unimaginative, but then again, what do you want? It's a brew pub and the food showcases the beer, not the other way around.

Check arrived without us feeling rushed or having to wait/ask for it and the price was very reasonable. For a beer and two meals we paid right around $20. I'll be going back when I'm in Raliegh again and looking forward to seeing what new beers are on tap.
Oct 01, 2012
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Reviewed by Cylinsier from Pennsylvania

4.45/5  rDev +11.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Had a few different brews at this place with a late lunch.

It's a bigger open place, good size tables with good space between them and you can see some brewing vessels in the middle of the restaurant, although I'm not sure if they actually use them or if they are just for show.

The beer was good, the food was good. Service was fast and friendly. The menu was pretty diverse. The beer is just their stuff, but they have a lot to offer, 5 regulars, a seasonal, some other experimentals and even a couple high gravs from time to time. Reminded me of a smaller scale DFH.
Jan 02, 2012
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Reviewed by tdm168 from Pennsylvania

3.73/5  rDev -6.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
I've been here several times over the past year or so. The atmosphere is light. They have a room with a few games in it, a separate bar area with tables and bar seating, and a separate dining room area. The menu is great. The food may be the best part about this place. My wife and I always end up sharing an appetizer and then a burger or sandwich. Though this is a brewpub, they offer a full bar which means my wife will be able to enjoy herself too without her pesky gluten allergy interfering. The beers that they keep on tap rotate often and there's always a seasonal to try. Any of the beers that are now Natty Green's staples (and get bottled in Greensboro) are on draft such as the Southern Pale Ale and Buckshot Amber. They always have a number of different styles to try as well. In the times I've been here I've had a marzen, IPA, Belgian Pale, Belgian Strong, Stout, Witbier, Pale Ale, and an Amber to name but a few. The beer itself is mediocre (maybe a B at best), but the atmosphere is fun and the food is great. This is definitely a place worth checking out even if it's only for dinner.
Oct 02, 2011
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Reviewed by jwhancher from Pennsylvania

3.41/5  rDev -14.5%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
A large cavernous brewpub. Prices were reasonable. Beer selection was quite long but most of the beers I tried were average at best. Didn't have the food. Service was quite quick & attentive. I was expecting a much more intimate brewpub but got what seemed to be some sort of chain to be, or a business with a lot of money-eager investors. In other words, the overall quality didn't 't seem to be quite there for a craft brewpub. Overall profits appeared to be the motive, not the willingness to make great beer. More for the masses, not the indie favored palate. Should be fine for those new to craft beer, but likely not for the experienced craft beer drinker.
May 05, 2011
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Reviewed by blackie from Oregon

3.95/5  rDev -1%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
located in a large, spacious brick building next to the railroad tracks that was once - at least within my range of reference - Southend Brewery, then some garbage ultra-trendy sushi hole, and now Natty Greene's

The interior of the building is huge, cavernous even. Lots of dining space and a bar room with a big spread of wide round tables that seat 8 comfortably. To the side is a separate bar room with a few pool tables and shuffleboard. Good coverage of flat screen tvs around the bar area - seems like a great place to watch a game, actually. Brewing equipment encased in glass in the center of everything.

Pretty solid draft selection: at the time of my visit this was listed as 6 year-rounds, 6 seasonals, and 2 high gravity bottles, though they had actually run out of a couple. I had the Regulator Doppelbock, LightHorse Belgian Pale, and Southern Pale. Everything fresh and tasty, served in a shaker pint

Service was quick and efficient but not worth much comment otherwise.

Had a wide spread of appetizers to snack on with our large group. It's clearly bar food, but better than average, at least. Didn't much care for the artichoke dip, and the crab was over-cheesed. Wings were good.

Would have no problem returning here.
Feb 04, 2011
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Reviewed by slowbie from North Carolina

4.1/5  rDev +2.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4.5
For those that don't know, this is one of two Natty Greene's brewpubs and it is not the original. I've been to this one a few times and have only been to the one in Greensboro once. However, based on that brief experience and what the website seems to say, the Raleigh brewpub seems a little bit nicer.

This place plays up the historical theme but in a rather modern way. Pretty modern decor consisting mainly of stained hardwood everything. There is a big glass room in the middle of the place that separates the bar and dining room and holds the brewing system and a fermenter or two.

The food I've had has all been pretty good and reasonably priced. I've had a burger and a barbecue sandwich when I went and both were good. I've found it hard to find a truly good burger since moving to the area but theirs is as close as I've come so far.

Waitstaff are reasonably knowledgeable about the beer without being beer geeks about it, and have done a good job of taking care of a big group when I went with a bunch of people.

Last but certainly not least: the beer. All their beer that I've tried is at least decent. They have a good mix of styles, and quite a few unique ones that you don't often see from American brewers including doppelbock, dunkelweizen, and weizenbock. Not all their beers are German influenced though. I've had their Amber and Brown as well, and both were good beers. I haven't had anything that blew me away, but there are only a handful of restaurants in the area that have food and beer that are both this good, and all the rest are pricier.
Jan 12, 2011
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Reviewed by DiverJon from North Carolina

4.15/5  rDev +4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4.5
Greene's location in downtown Raleigh is withing walking distance to the museums and surrounded by other eating/drinking pubs/restaurants. Inside the predominant decor is wood and high ceilings. There is a bar, many tv's turned to sports and a backroom with a shuffleboard, 2 pool tables and 2 dartboards with an auxiliary bar for large crowds. Saturday about noon it was uncrowded. The waitress was pleasant and provided great service. Not hovering but coming back at regular intervals to make sure all was good. Time between ordering food and getting it about one glass of beer which was just right allowing you to settle in and talk a little without waiting forever or feeling rushed. The food was pub-type with a slight twist. Hot, homemade potato chips were great. Pastrami sandwich was very good and wings plus fries were also good with the amount more than we could eat at a fair price. No complaints there. The beer selection was not huge but had an example of enough types to please everyone I think from lager to stout and a saison. I tried the saison which was quite good and the dopplebock was also good. A sampler menu is available for $1.50 but I tried a brown ale and was not charged which was good because it was thin and uninspiring. Overall I was quite pleased and will return. I can certainly recommend this place as a stop for lunch, while touring downtown or on a "beer tour".
Jan 09, 2011
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Reviewed by devilben02 from North Carolina

3.98/5  rDev -0.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
My first impression was that this place is massive. I visited with friends as part of a weekday tour of Raleigh's breweries, so the place seemed especially cavernous, but the emptiness didn't make the place seem cold. Rather, the ample amount of wood used in the architecture makes it feel more like a comfortable saloon that we just happened to visit at an off-peak time. The TVs scattered around the bar area helped us keep up on the day's sports action, and the massive bar tables easily accommodated a big group.

The beer menu was extensive, especially considering that is was limited to the house-made beers. The sampler size glasses provided more than just a few sips, which made them a great way to sample a variety of the styles offered at a decent value. Of the beers I tried, they all seemed solid yet unremarkable. Overall, I would certainly be interested in returning to sample the food as well (along with a few more beers).
Jan 03, 2011
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Reviewed by LordOfTheBeer from Oklahoma

4.14/5  rDev +3.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
Visited Natty Greene's late on a Wednesday night. This place is really spacious inside with a very good brewpub vibe. The brews created onsite are quite good. They would be outstanding if their ABV were a little higher. The pale, IPA and brown (closer to a porter) were unique enough to differentiate themselves. The Belgian Pale was a little out of balance. The hop/malt ratio was a little high on the hop side and fermented at a temperature that didn't let the yeast be itself. Service was very good at the bar. I love going to brewpubs for the first time and tasting all that they offer. The availability of tasters/flights is always appretiated. I will definitely go back and try their food and play some shuffleboard.
Oct 07, 2010
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Reviewed by gixxerman from Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev +3.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
The first thing I noticed is how large this space is. I counted at least 3 large areas, plus an outdoor patio. I did not see any brewing equipment, they may brew elsewhere. I picked the room with a bar and sat there.

Freedom American IPA was available so I started with it, very good, not over the top, but hopppy enough to satisfy me.

My server was really on the ball, no complaints at all.
An order of crabs cakes, collards, and slaw <- all very good, and a Stamp Act Rye later and I was very full and satisfied.

Don't hestitate to bring a large group of friends here, they have the space and staff to handle it. The beers are fresh and they menu has enough items to please anyone.
Aug 04, 2010
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Reviewed by Yetiman420 from Ohio

4.05/5  rDev +1.5%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Stop #180 on my quest to visit all quality brewpubs/breweries in North American and beyond.

My friend and I were in town to see a Phish show and I chose this as our post-show stop for a beer and a bite to eat. The other brewpub in town was not committed to being open this late and did not have a late night menu.

It was a strange dynamic. Us in t-shirts, shorts, unshaven, and probably a bit stinky vs. a packed house of young southern preppies enjoying $2 pints. No big deal as we found two seats at the bar and kept to ourselves.

Service was good considering the crowd. I had a pale ale and my buddy had the same along with a Belgian blond which I had a sip. Beers were good and I wish I could have sampled a couple.

Late night food menu had about 12 items. We went with the chili nachos wich were a bit spicy for my friend but fine with me.

Really nice large, open atmosphere in what appears to be some old historic building.
Jul 06, 2010
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Reviewed by GJ40 from North Carolina

4.1/5  rDev +2.8%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4 | food: 4
I've made a few trips to Natty Green's now. My wife really likes eating there. The atmosphere is outstanding. They made great use of an old building and kept a lot of its charm while updating it nicely. It's got lots of open space with high ceilings, exposed brick walls, wide plank hardwood floors, a tiled entryway and great wood trim throughout. It's a big place. There are a few different rooms including one for dining, a main bar area and a back bar area with pool and darts. There are lots of TVs for sporting events. One of our visits happened to be just before St Patrick's Day and on the night of an NC State ACC tournament game so the place was packed and the crowd was buzzing.

The beer selection is pretty extensive with about 12 of their own on tap. It includes several year-rounds and several seasonals. The year-rounds are a little on the boring side but the seasonals provide a little more spark for the craft beer fan. I've had four of their beers now and they're good but not outstanding. I especially enjoyed the Freedom American IPA.

The food is very good pub fare with burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. The menu has a lot to choose from and I look forward to exploring it a little further. I thought the Southern Salad was very good.

Natty Green's is a welcome addition to the Raleigh craft beer scene. It's fun place to go out for a beer and a bite to eat.
Mar 14, 2010
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Reviewed by beer2day from North Carolina

4.13/5  rDev +3.5%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Located in the former Southend Brewery location just off the Glenwood South district of Raleigh. Parking garage behind the pub provides convenient access.

They opened up the bar area and put in lots of extra seating. Wood, wood, and more wood. Large bar in the front and smaller bar in the now open back room. Decent outside seating section beside the main bar.

13 beers on tap, but all trucked in from Greensboro for the time being. Vienna Lager just put in the tank and should be ready in 8 weeks. Spring Rye was pretty tasty, but no IPA's present on the very nicely produced beer menu.

Not too crowded, given the ACC tourney being on, but I think they are still somewhat soft in their opening.

Food and obviously the beer is very reminiscent of the Greensboro location. Above to way above average pub food. Nice sandwiches, burgers, apps, and passable kids menu. Their tuna sandwich is especially generous.

Well worth a stop on your Glenwood South crawl.
Mar 13, 2010
Natty Greene's Pub & Brewing Co. in Raleigh, NC
Place rating: 3.7 out of 5 with 40 ratings