The under-21 policy is divisive but there are plenty of good nearby places to bring kids (Bend, OTP, etc...) They don't regularly have food so confused why you'd bring small kids anyways. I like the atmosphere. It feels like a casual bar and for that alone it's worth going to. And even when they allow kids during the days they have a section that prohibits them which is surprisingly relaxing. Nice to sit with our dog and relax. Beers are decent. Some are a little spendy but I once you get used to the specials the prices are more than reasonable. Sundays are awesome. read more

Outer dunes brewing is very unassuming on the outside. I drive by it often and think it looks rather boring. Looks can be deceiving! The grounds are immaculate with beautiful trees and plantings everywhere. There are picnic tables and a fire pit with seats around it a stage for a performer. Inside is a lovely three sided bar with happy bartenders and beers, wine and cocktails of your choosing! There are even some Games like cornhole and Connect Four outside to play. We went on a Sunday and the mimosas were only $4 and were served in a mason jar which was so cute! Definitely will go again! read more

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Beer was great and so was the ambiance but we quickly had one beer and left as we felt unwelcome outside with our 1 and 3 year old as we approached the 6pm time they wouldn't be allowed. I can understand why this might attract some people to this place but it's completely excluding a whole group of people who might be able to go out without their kids. Not everyone has babysitters or would love to go out with their whole family as a unit. Also what if you're meeting a friend group that doesn't have kids and you can't come in because you have a child? Having young kids can feel difficult enough but taking away a space where they can be safe in an open green area while you can enjoy other adults and a nice beer is just hurtful. Also they often say come back in the afternoon but most parents with young kids know that's when they nap. read more

5 stars for this policy alone- breweries are for adults people- not kids! Thank you!! Their spacious backyard Beer Garden can comfortably hold 100 guests in a variety of seating arrangements. The space is equipped with umbrellas for sunny days and heat lamps for chilly nights. BEaUTIFUL large tree is the centerpiece providing plenty of shade- it's like sitting in another world. The bar is set up outside as well for convenient ordering! You can bring your own music or they play their own, but it's a great space for live acoustic bands and mellow get togethers. The location could not be more central and parking is a breeze! The beers were great as well, especially the IPAs and the staff was very beer-knowlagable read more

Outer Dunes Brewing - 5 stars JUST for this policy alone- who cares what their beer taste like - Breweries Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Lovely outdoor ambience and a nice selection of local craft beers. I met several friends there and went back a few weeks later. The only bummer about the place is that when rain is predicted, they have to cancel the band. read more

Venue was nice for a wedding, service another issue, little or no communication from organizer. The "decor packages" were left overs from other events and not worth the charge, we had to add our own flowers as the ones included were fake. Charges changed from the time we signed the contract. Overall the price was probably acceptable, you get what you pay for. read more

Just flew in to see my son from California and new Brewery's in Wilmington NC. Outer Dunes was the First to see, Joe was great to talk to about beer and the grounds were Beautiful! read more

We had our daughter's baby shower at the Outer Dunes. It was a perfect location- everyone had a wonderful time! Both Ellie and Joe helped make it a success with all their help! We will come back often and will host any future events here! read more

We like the feel of this place! Chill. Calm. Cool. The inside is a bit dark but it's nice and very clean. The outside area is the reason to go here! There aren't many places in this area where you can sit among trees (yes, I'm a legit tree hugger) but this place you can. And it is lovely! Bring your friends! Bring your dogs! Bring your adult family! But, don't bring your kids because no one under 21 is allowed. No one. Find a different brewery to let your kids run wild because this isn't allowed here. The name "brewery" is misleading though as they only have a few of their own on tap. This could be good or bad depending on your taste. Personally, I like having other choices Food trucks come often and regularly. read more

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Good beer and enjoyed the food truck they had outside. We sat inside, which felt very warm and welcoming. Will keep coming back.

What a clean, friendly brewery! The staff(Holly and Summer) are very knowledgeable about beer. We decided to get a flight of beers to share and they were all created here. All the beers were yummy and delicious. They had live music and we were allowed to bring our dog in with us. What a wonderful discovery! We will be back to enjoy Outer Dunes Brewing the next time we are in town. read more

Outer Dunes Brewing - A draft beer flight - Breweries Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

My wife and I visited Outer Dunes for your Oktoberfest (2025). It was our first time there and we had a good time. Your garden is a great place to enjoy a brew, a sandwich (or similar) and relax while listening to music. Your place is very well maintained and everyone there seemed to be enjoying themselves. We are looking forward to coming back for another event at Outer Dunes. read more

Really cool hang out spot. Mostly outdoor seating with lots of space, shade, and pretty views. They are dog friendly, and have water bowls throughout the campus. Only 5 of their own brews on tap, but they are really good beers! And then they have guest beers as well. Service is very friendly. Definitely will return! read more

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Outer Dunes Brewing was a fun spot to grab a beer at. They had a live band with a good amount of outdoor seating available when we visited but we chose to sit inside to watch basketball. I was disappointed that they only had two of their own beers on tap so I went with a guest tap instead. I did try a sample of their coconut IPA but that is not my style. Check out their website and/or social media pages for the live music, entertainment and food truck schedule. read more

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We just had an event at Outer Dunes Brewing, and we couldn't have asked for a better venue and staff. The place is very charming specially af night. Communication with host was extremely easy and the staff was very welcoming and efficient. I recommend this place for your event and we'll definitely use it again next year. Thank you guys for helping make this event a success! read more

The outdoor beer garden is one of the best I have ever experienced. They have games, plenty of tables and chairs and a nice stage with live music. The outdoor lighting is just right. They have a wide selection of craft beers along with domestic beers and domestic seltzers which is nice for when you're not feeling that craft beer vibe. Service was great. The staff was very friendly. Just an overall great experience. Thank you read more

Pretty good beers in a nice dark wood indoor space with a great Biergarten under an awesome tree. read more

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This bar replaced Liberty Tavern on Market. The entrance sneaks up on you so be careful! There's plenty of parking and a really cool outdoor space. My only complaint is no fire pits. The night we went was a little chilly so we hung out in the semi outdoor bar that is covered and had heaters. There was live music and Wheelz Pizza food truck. Beer was great! Will definitely be back. read more

Outer Dunes Brewing - Breweries Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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Nice little place for adults only. No kids unless at a private event. Beer is good and tastes fresh. Quiet even for being right on 17. No food, but sometimes food trucks. Give it a try read more

Outer Dunes Brewing - The outside seating - Breweries Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

This brewery is top notch. And we travel throughout the country year round as full time van lifers, so we know!. Found it via Harvest Host. So many great things aside from the great beer.(I especially loved the Más Elote with Tajin rim and a lime). Immaculate bars indoors and out, amazing outdoor space with lawn seating, heaters (if needed) and games, and a beautiful separate event space, The Beach House. They obviously work to be a true community gathering pub space with tons of events all week long, and clearly a local following. They were having a book swap in the Beach House while we were here (gave us a couple books so we could participate) as well as Trivia night. Lots of board games to play inside, and a full weekly schedule of events. Oh! And food trucks too! If I lived here, I'd be a very regular regular!!!!! Thanks Ellie and Phil (the owners) from Lynda and Phil from AZ. Amazing. read more

We actually stayed here overnight through Harvest Hosts. Such a great location with friendly hosts. Quiet overnight and easy to find with a great brewery to grab a drink after long day. We didn't need the RV hookups they have, but they offer cheap, convenient hookups. Would definitely recommend this brewery! read more

I was most Impressed with the staff. They all spoke very highly of the Owners and gave the highest quality service. Unfortunately this is not the norm in our society, so thank you. See you all soon! read more

Outer Dunes is not kid friendly. This previously was our favorite little neighborhood hangout but not any longer now that they are over 21 only. This is sad because the area is really cool with an amazing outside garden and by making it 21+ they are losing a huge clientele base and either don't realize it or don't care. We stop by still on occasion but it's to grab food from the food trucks only. read more

This place is set up pretty much to be kid friendly but they do NOT allow kids. It is the most ridiculous thing.

Great location, rained the night we were there so couldn't take advantage of the outside beer garden. Full selection of drafts and canned beers to go also. Friendly staff, would return when in the area! read more

My wife and I have been to Outer Dunes Brewery (ODB) about a dozen times, and we normally ride our bikes there since it's at the entrance to our neighborhood. If you read all the reviews obviously there's some drama regarding kids at the brewery which I address at the end of my review. The first thing you notice is the beautiful beer garden. It's so relaxing to have a beer under the huge live oak trees. The covered outdoor bar is a nice place to hang out for trivia or if the weather turns bad. Finally, you can go inside to their fully indoor taproom (which looks more like a whiskey bar at the moment. Would love to see more light in there and lose the dark-bar vibes). Nice draft and can beer selection with something for any taste. They also have wine, cider, and hard kombucha. You get a fresh cold glass for every beer too. Can't wait for brewing operations to ramp up so there's more than 1 ODB brew on tap. I love the option of grabbing some food truck food with rotating trucks Thursday thru Sunday (usually). End of review right? Well... no because ODB had a rule that states: 21+ after 8pm, and when there are kids they need to be at the table with parents. Not using the beer garden as a play-place. This is where things get complicated. I have been on both sides of this issue. As of this weekend the rule is now changed to 21+ at all times at ODB. So, as the rule sheet literally states "please don't be the family that ruins it for everyone" I'm willing to bet some of these reviewers who wanted to let their "children play in an outside area" are the ones who ruined it for everyone. BREWERIES AND BOTTLE SHOPS SERVING ADULT BEVERAGES ARE NOT YOUR KIDS' PLAYGROUND. That's what McDonald's play place is for. read more

This is my first time visiting this local brewing and I must say it's fabulous! I injured my foot and was on a knee scooter ugh lol but nevertheless this place is accommodating. Nice selection of beers and also the food trucks rotate so you have the opportunity of trying different food trucks each time when you go. Beautiful scenery and the employees are all helpful should you need to know something about a specific beer.The outside area is fabled during the fall months crisp and cool to enjoy beer. Heck it's nice any time of the year. I do recommend Outer Dunes Brewery and if you are visiting make sure you place this gem on your list of to dos! Slainte! read more

Outer Dunes Brewing was the perfect place to host our event! MissionFit hosted a Friendsgiving Chili Cook-Off and everything was perfect! The patio area is so cozy and clean, the staff was so helpful, and the atmosphere was amazing. Thank you so much Outer Dunes! I highly recommend having an event here! read more

Loved this venue. Their own beer is okay, but they carry a lot of other good ones to enjoy. They have the most beautiful beer garden anywhere. I loved to go with my family whenever they have a food truck we liked, or music playing and let the our 2- and 4-year old make everyone laugh with their goofy dancing. But since they have gone 21+ we can't go anymore. It's sad because our neighborhood behind it in Marsh Oaks had a cult following of hundreds of families, but we we'll have to go to one of the other places we have to drive to. It's probably for the best because now that I read the other reviews, it sounds like the owners really berate kids anyway. It's a shame because as soon as the daycare is built behind it, it's going to be just as loud with kids anyway. Maybe someone better will buy it up then and make it family friendly like every other brewery in town. read more

I really enjoy Outer Dunes Brewing, especially for their outside area. We have been with our daughter and just for a date night and both times we sat outside. They also are slowly rolling out their own beers which is awesome. They have drafts and bottle/can selections. I know that they also have food trucks throughout the week if you want to grab a bite to eat but normally we just go for some beverages. When you sit outback, you do not feel that you are right across from a Walmart, or near a busy area of Wilmington. It feels very Charleston-like with the big trees and beautiful landscaping. read more

Outer Dunes Brewing - Breweries Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Love the food truck rotation though I wish there was more than one at a time for some variety. Great place for beer and live music. Hard cider selection could be expanded. If you don't drink beer there's not a wide cider selection though there is always one it seems. Love that outside is dog friendly but when we went everyone was inside and there were no outside heaters. read more

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One bartender tried to short me 5 change on one beer. The discussion did not show any level of commitment to customers. Will never go back

Yeah so here is the thing after three visits to this place. I don't get it. I will see if it grows on me but I hope not like a disease. The restroom is a single occupancy. It seems that they need help keeping up serving drafts, bottles, and cans. Like I said, I will see if it gets better. It is a nice place, with a dirt path around it. Maybe under construction. read more

Outer Dunes Brewing - Breweries Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

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I love this place! It is so inviting and relaxing. The outdoor space is absolutely divine. I love their beer selection as some of it is local and some is from other brewers in the US. They frequently change out the beers they have on draft so you constantly have a new selection! The staff is also very attentive and friendly! They also feature live music, food trucks and other events. Perfect for the family or a friendly outing! Outer Dunes is one of my favorite hidden gems of Wilmington!! read more

Outer Dunes Brewing - Outdoor seating area & stage - Breweries Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Been a couple times and have had an alright experience. Went today and were informed they're 21 and older (which applies to inside as well as outside, and goes so far as to include infants)... The whole place is pretty much dead to us as a result which is a shame since it's bike riding distance from our house. We won't be setting foot there again as long as that's the case. I'd urge the owners to reconsider the policy and either restrict it to 21 and older only during peak "party" hours if they're worried about kids interfering with that or adjust their policy in some other more family friendly way. Gotta give it 2 stars for squandering the otherwise great family friendly venue with that sort of restriction. read more

I'm so upset that this place is no longer family friendly. It's a great spot but not being able to bring my 1 year old on a weekend afternoon is such a bummer. The waitress was super nice about it and felt bad asking us to leave. My business will be going to other places in the future. So sad. read more

Couldn't go in with our 6 week old INFANT who was asleep. Not even be outside. We've been wanting to come here for weeks but no longer on our list. read more

Never been to brewery that has no kids allowed. Very disappointed. Was going to support food truck but told can't have kids on property. Have no problem spending money at a competitor. read more

great beer, fabulous ambience and super nice people! We are so glad we found this place! We highly recommend

This is by far the most relaxing brewery in all of Wilmington - exactly because of their 21+ policy. Per a previous reviewer ... just because a place "looks" like kids would love it doesn't mean kids should be there. Adults also appreciate the trees, games, and spaciousness of the property - and we appreciate it even more because it isn't overrun with kids like other breweries in town. It's awesome that adults can have their own garden oasis here. The weekly music and great bar staff also add to why this is a treasure in our own backyard! read more