Mountain Layers Brewing Company

Why go: Mountain Layers Brewing Company is an award-winning craft microbrewery on Everett Street with two taproom levels, a rooftop deck overlooking downtown Bryson City, and beer brewed with water drawn directly from Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

About Mountain Layers Brewing Company

Mountain Layers Brewing Company opened on Everett Street on March 31, 2017, founded by Kim and Mark Pettit, who moved from Minnesota to Bryson City after Mark’s 30-year career in public service. The name came from Kim’s observation about the depth of the place and its people: the mountain layers, the layers of community, and the many layers craft beer itself has to offer. The brewery uses water drawn directly from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in its beers, and incorporates locally sourced ingredients when possible to brew a rotating lineup of classic and cutting-edge styles.

The taproom spans two levels. The main floor wraps around the working brewhouse, giving guests a front-row view of the 7-barrel brewing operation. Upstairs, a second bar opens onto a rooftop deck with views over downtown Bryson City and the surrounding mountains. Inside, an Honor and Remember Wall pays tribute to military veterans and first responders, a reflection of Mark’s background in public service. The brewery also runs a Community Giving Program tied to its Beer of the Month, donating a portion of sales to one of six local nonprofits each month. The Rice Wagon food truck operates on site daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM for guests who want a meal alongside their pint.

Getting to Mountain Layers Brewing Company

Mountain Layers Brewing Company is located at 90 Everett St in the heart of downtown Bryson City, next to the Tuckasegee River. Everett Street is walkable from Main Street and the Bryson City Depot, and the brewery’s rooftop deck is visible from the street below, which is how more than a few visitors have discovered it while passing through. Street parking is available along Everett Street and on adjacent blocks.

Why Choose Mountain Layers Brewing Company

Mountain Layers is the original craft brewery in downtown Bryson City, and it has built a loyal following by doing the fundamentals exceptionally well: quality ingredients, a thoughtful rotating beer list, and a genuine connection to the community it operates in. The two-level taproom with rooftop deck gives it a physical presence that few small-town breweries can match, and the story behind the brewery, rooted in public service and love for the region, gives it a character that guests respond to.

• Award-winning 7-barrel craft microbrewery, open since 2017
• Water sourced directly from Great Smoky Mountain National Park, with locally sourced ingredients incorporated when available
• Two bar levels: main floor around the brewhouse, and an upstairs bar opening to a rooftop deck with downtown views
• Rotating tap list spanning multiple styles including lagers, ales, IPAs, stouts, porters, and seasonal releases
• Wine, hard ciders, hard seltzers, and non-alcoholic beverages available for non-beer drinkers
• Rice Wagon food truck on site daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Honor and Remember Wall honoring military veterans and first responders
• Community Giving Program donating to local nonprofits monthly
• Live music events held regularly; pet-friendly and family-friendly

Meet the Beers

• 1887 Amber Ale. One of the most frequently mentioned beers by name in reviews. A Czech Amber Lager style, smooth and malt-forward, and a reliable entry point for visitors who want something approachable and well-crafted. Named with a nod to local history.
• The Helles You Say. A crisp, clean American Lager drawing on the German Helles tradition. Light-bodied and refreshing, it is the pint for a warm afternoon on the rooftop deck. Consistently praised for being exactly what a good lager should be.
• Hazy IPA. At 5.6% ABV, this New England-style IPA sits in a drinkable range without sacrificing the tropical and citrus hop character the style demands. A strong choice for IPA drinkers who want something sessionable (drinkable over a longer period of time).
• Berry My Troubles in Cheesecake. A standout seasonal or specialty release that earns enthusiastic reviews by name. Fruit-forward and creative without veering into novelty, it represents the brewery’s willingness to push beyond the standard tap list.
• Seasonal Märzen. The Oktoberfest seasonal draws specific praise from reviewers who visit in the fall. Rich, malty, and well-timed for the autumn mountain setting. Worth planning around if you are visiting between September and November.

What to Expect

Mountain Layers is a genuine taproom experience: unhurried, community-oriented, and rooted in the place it calls home. The staff, particularly on the main floor, are consistently described as knowledgeable and welcoming, often helping visitors learn about the beers and the area in the same conversation. The rooftop deck is the seat to chase on a clear day, with views of downtown and the ridgeline beyond. Live music events draw a crowd and add to the atmosphere without overwhelming it.

Food is available from the Rice Wagon food truck, which operates on site daily. If you are planning to eat and drink, check that the truck is open before settling in. The brewery is open every day of the week, which makes it one of the more reliable stops in Bryson City regardless of when you are visiting. Canned beer is available to go for those who want to take a taste of the taproom back to the cabin or campsite.

Nearby Breweries and Restaurants in Bryson City

• Bryson City Brewing. A few blocks away with a sports bar atmosphere and a full kitchen offering everything from burgers and wings to filet mignon.
• Deep Creek Winery. Local winery overlooking Bryson City. Tasting menu with great mountain views. Adults only admission; 21+ years of age.
• Pasqualino’s Italian Restaurant. A few steps away, a downtown Italian staple serving hand-tossed pizza, giant calzones, and a standout blackened chicken pasta.

Explore More

• Food & Beverage Guide
• Attractions Travel Guide
• Outdoor Adventure Travel Guide