I absolutely love this brewery. Walking distance to my house for one. Most importantly though the owners and employees are amazing. They have always been great to me. Now yo what you're here to read about.. The beer! It's fantastic!! Even the beers I'm not a fan of such as ipa's are enjoyable to me from these guys. Also delicious food. Just stop by. You won't regret it. read more

The beer is still very good but the food is just not beer food. We've tried the food three times and all three times we were disappointed. Canton Bearwaters used to have some tasty choices but that's gone and the prices seem a bit high for us. Our little group used to enjoy stopping here for lunch but no more. There are other places in Haywood County. read more

Such an awesome find! We spent the day hiking in the Shining Rock Wilderness, and passed this place on our way back to Asheville. The vibe is so awesome. Very modern meets rustic. Outdoor seating (dog friendly outside only), with fire pits, tetherball, corn hole, and a river view! The beer is good (I had an IPA) and the food was just what we needed post-hike (pulled pork sandwich with thick, wedge potato fries). Seriously cannot wait to come back. read more

I just heard that the current food supplier will be replaced by the Grey Eagle's Mexican food. This is not a good thing. Before, we had a variety of different types of food. Everyone I have talked to about this is in agreement not to switch or get someone in there with variety. We have gone to Grey Eagle for comedy shows and the food is not good, in fact we eat before we get there. There would have been 5 stars if this was staying the same. 80% of the time we eat and have a few bears. Without the (right) food, it looks like Southern Porch. read more

Bearwaters has an amazing space and is very worth checking out. The absolute biggest complaint I have as a beer geek who travels the world for craft beer is the lack of flights or small tasters. Management needs to change this policy ASAP if they want to really turn the corner with beer enthusiasts! That being said when we visited the bar tended allowed us basically unlimited tastings to pick our pints but your millage may vary. To be honest we visited largely because a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville was closed so we had to take I-276. The space is very open and is a converted tire shop so there is lots of glass. The beer selection had some interesting options like a smoked beer that was pretty good. There is a restaurant inside that has some really good pub food to pair with the beer. read more

Craft brews are good, the food was surprisingly good. Hot wings are much better than we expected, steak sandwich and fish & chips were very good. Entertaining place, friendly staff, fire pits on the waters edge are a relaxing place. read more

Talk about a hidden gem...! This brewery was definitely an unexpected surprise. My partner and I had a particularly unique experience because we both tried (and liked!) two beer styles that we don't traditionally go for. John is not a huge fan of stouts because he doesn't like coffee but BearWaters' stouts didn't use a burnt or heavily roasted hops so it was super smooth and enjoyable; I'm not a barrel aged fan because I don't like bourbon, but we learned that BearWaters actually barrel ages their brews (instead of using bourbon extract or flavoring, which is apparently what happens with a lot of "barrel aged" beers) so the bourbon taste was a bit more mellow. Don't let the drive up to BearWaters fool you (it looks like you're about to visit someone's house, not a brewery!) -- it's nestled in this old, open-air sort of warehouse and is worth stopping by. Their slogan - "go with the flow" - really sets the tone for the entire visit; it's super laid back. It's also a family friendly brewery that allows dogs too, which is something you don't see every day. The most impressive thing about the entire visit was the knowledgeable staff (namely Jenna). She was so friendly and very open to helping a couple of craft beer novices learn how to taste beer, recognize different subtleties, identify unique traits, etc. It was really cool too because she wasn't just knowledgeable about the BearWaters brews but beer in general: for example, she started talking to us about things like the familia that hops come from, which signaled to us that she really knows beer. read more

We are brewery people. We travel all over the nation visiting breweries and this was one that I will definitely come to visit again. The atmosphere was on point. The food was delicious, and the beer was good. All around good find. read more

Great low key micro brew. Picnic tables in a converted garage create chill place to hang and have some great brews. Love the paddle flights and the Stiffpaddle IPA is a must. read more

Such a great place! Serena (Selena?) was an amazing bartender, super friendly, and really knowledgeable! Amazing beer, good live music, great company! read more

Live in Nashville but travel to Waynesville frequently and this is always a must stop. One of my favorite breweries anywhere. Excellent craft beer and excellent, friendly staff! read more

Great beer! Great food from the pigeon river grill inside! Very dog friendly. Huge porch and lots of indoor and outdoor seating.

Took bus tour to Headwaters yesterday. Very impressed with the beer, all were very good with my favorite being the Paddle IPA. Friendly and helpful brewer and taproom attendant. Definitely going back for a longer visit! read more

Tough to find, but well worth the effort. Nice lineup that is bound to appeal to everyone from the hop-head to dark beer fans to non-beer drinkers (ciders). The pale ale was nicely balanced & tasty and the stout was excellent. I wasn't as big a fan of the IPA (too malty) and the porter (a chocolate & pepper version), but others in my group really enjoyed those as well. Overall a nice place to enjoy some unique beers. read more

Had a great time here last night, awesome owner, great brew at least 10 choices. Datel pepper IPA was awesome. Great entertainment from a local couple and cool peeps hanging out. Off the grid in a warehouse area so you will probably need your gps unless your a local. Will be back next visit. read more

Amazing place!!!! Love love love!!!! Great beer, great atmosphere and the people are so friendly!!!! Jenna, the main bartender, is super sweet and is always helpful and patient to explain about new beers. Owners are super cool as well!! The bands they book to play here are amazing. Too great a place to miss if you are stopping to sample all the great Waynesville beer!! Top choice for sure!!!! read more

Met family for lunch today ! A spacious new brewery with plenty of seating. We like the beer and wine selections . There is also a varied menu with delicious hamburger, chicken , salad and the best fresh cut fries I have ever eaten! Aioli sauces and fish and chips was excellent. Hats off to the chef and management. Keep it up. read more

Stumbled upon this gem on a glorious afternoon in the mountains just west of Asheville,NC. There were several choices of tasty brews and taste tests were offered and encouraged. These are our five greats: beer, food, service, atmosphere and music (in no particular order). We instantly felt welcomed and chose the outside tables over the spacious inside seating. The service from the staff was prompt and friendly. We will definitely return next time we're in this area. read more

Love their dry rub wings and the side salad is a decent size. Good atmosphere and friendly staff.

Dogs. Children.Warm glasses. Dart boards are a joke. Beer 5.00 per glass not real cold and soon warm. A stinking paper mill across the street still dumping horrid water into the Pigeon river 50 yds. down stream from the brewery. Amazed that animals and children are allowed in a bar. Have seen mom & dad drink then get in their car and go down the road children in tow. DO NOT drink and drive w/kids in a car. They claim the get their water from a spot that the forest service won't even let you walk on. How do they truck water from there. You can't eat the fish from the river from the brewery to the Tenn. state line (30 miles). Service is fair at best! And for a poor paper mill town it ain't cheap brother. Will go back one more time to take an old (84) friend there and after that he is on his own read more

One of my favorite local breweries. I always get the cider on tap and the sliding rock. I love to try the sours but the alcohol content is a bit high for my BMI. Great atmosphere, with wonderful staff. There's an arcade inside and it's definitely kid friendly. In the summer the outdoor games are always entertaining. I recommend it to everyone. read more

Went there yesterday (10/29/15) and got the same crappy treatment from the same female bartender/owner that my wife and I received about six months ago...I know, fool me twice, right? But I gave them a second chance because we have some good friends who rave about how nice and friendly the staff are and how great the beer is. I must not be in the clique, because her customer service SUCKS! The bartender working that day has no clue how to treat paying customers. Basically, if I have to engage the bartender in conversation to get a beer, than she don't know jack about bartending. I was the only one sitting at the bar. She saw me walk in and sit down. She went to the bar, turned her back on me, and started washing dishes. When I asked if the taps were up and running she said, "Just order when you're ready". No "how ya doin?" or "what'll ya have"...NOTHING!! What a shame, because the IPA was pretty good and the place is pretty nice inside. They just lost a potential loyal regular customer who tips WAY more than he should! Guess I'll be spending my money at Boojums, cuz at least they are professional and courteous. Good job Bearwaters, I won't be coming back, and hopefully when people read this, they'll choose another place...unless they're masochists and enjoy being treated like dirt. read more

We have stopped in a few times, coming from West Asheville so you know it's worth the trip. The variety of beers and the quality are unmatched. My husbands favorite has been Greenman Porter for many years, but the Milk Stout served at BearWaters might be his new favorite. In addition to the quality beers, the menu offered is delicious. From the nachos to the daily soups or sandwiches, all are first rate. Plus, the staff is do friendly and welcoming. Looking forward to our next trip a few miles South. read more

Great brewery but the food service is unacceptable. Today they stoped taking food orders at 2:00 pm for period of time due to not being able to make it. If you have a food service "inside" your Brewery you cannot say they are not part of the experience. Lots of WNC Brewerys can do both. We left to go to another one that can do both food and beer. Sad they can not get their act together. read more

Found this wonderful micro brewery in Canton NC. The food is delicious, the Shrimp Po Boy had fresh large, cooked to perfection shrimp with toppings that enhanced the shrimp, but not overdone. The Steak and Cheese was generous and so tender tasty. BUT THE FRIES!!!! OMG they are Side Winders, different and just SOOOO good. We will be back and bring friends, great place to just sit and view the world! Oh and the staff really care about everything and the beers are fantastic too! read more

Great variety of brews, food and plenty of space. It's a great home town family style place for summer leisure time eating out.

This is just what Canton has been needing. We are part-time residence and have never had a great place near by to just go and have a beer and relax. BearWaters fits the bill on all points.....relaxing, friendly, good food, good people. Their brews are EXCELLENT!! Very rare we find a brewery that my husband and myself BOTH find beers that suit our tastes - BearWaters has accomplished that difficult if not impossible feat. Keep up the good work. read more

Love this place! Excellent beer and a very friendly staff! It's a little difficult to find but well worth it! Check it out if you are in the area! read more

This is my favorite brewery in Waynesville. The owner and staff (especially the beertender) are all friendly and knowledgeable. It's off the beaten path, so it isn't usually so packed with tourists that you can't get a drink. Everything you need to know about the beers on tap is on the chalkboard above the bar. Simply read from left to right for ABV, IBU, and tasting notes. They are also pet friendly, which is a plus. read more

Best selection and overall beer experience in the area! My wife and I stopped in and were very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the beers. We ended up taking several of their growlers back to friends. This is what good craft beer should be! Don't miss it if you are in the Waynesville area. read more

Beautiful setting. Great views and atmosphere for a brewery. Everything else was horrible. Pet friendly. Had to get by two pit bulls that were pulling on their leashes. Was given a bad attitude by the female bartender when asked about a menu. Since there is not a waite staff, you must order at the window. Would have been nice to have a menu handy to figure out what we wanted to order. After ordering and finding a table, we went to get our eating utensils but no napkins, no ketchup, no lemon. Someone was finally able to find us both of these, still no lemon. Burger was taste less, might try seasoning it before cooking. Chicken and dumplings were luke warm and the cook coped an attitude when asked for hot food. Love food that is cooked in a microwave. When finished, you clean your own table. No trash bags to put the garbage in, trash can yes. Not much of a difference than eating at home. What ever happened to customer service? read more