Flying Machine Brewing Company

Some breweries are built around one good idea. Flying Machine Brewing Company is built around a whole lot of them. Innovative beer, craft cocktails, locally roasted coffee, community giving, and a steampunk-inspired taproom decked out with antique flying machine parts on the walls and ceiling. Tucked off Randall Parkway in central Wilmington, this independent American brewery has quickly become one of the city’s most respected and beloved beer destinations since first opening its doors in 2018. Be sure to check out the pictures below to get a feel for the place before you go — or to relive the visit after.

A Brewery Built on “Audacious Innovation”

Flying Machine opened in November of 2018, founded on a philosophy of “audacious innovation with reverence for tradition” — a fitting motto for a brewery that blends old-world brewing techniques with new-world creativity. The result is a constantly evolving lineup of ales, lagers, and mixed-culture fermentation beers that draws serious praise from beer enthusiasts up and down the coast.

The Beer (and Then Some)

The taproom features 30+ taps pouring a rotating selection of around 20 house-brewed beers, plus a selection of ciders and a coffee program for the early starts and slow afternoons. Their lagers and heavily fruited sours have built a particularly loyal following, but the rotating menu means there’s always something new to try — from inventive small-batch experiments to barrel-aged stouts to easy-drinking flagships.

For non-beer drinkers, Flying Machine has built one of Wilmington’s most impressive cocktail programs. The cocktail menu ranges from carefully crafted classics like margaritas and daiquiris to genuinely original creations, with seasonally rotating signatures that take craft cocktail thinking to creative places.

More Than Just Beer

Where Flying Machine really sets itself apart is in how seriously the team takes its community. The brewery runs a quarterly $5,000 giving program to local nonprofits — recent recipients have included Nourish NC, which feeds hungry kids in New Hanover County, and Special Pedals, which provides individualized training and employment for adults with disabilities. Owners and team members regularly volunteer with these organizations as well. It’s the kind of locally rooted, community-first ethos that you can genuinely feel when you walk in the door.

The Space

The taproom itself is one of the most distinctive in Wilmington. The interior is built around a steampunk theme — antique flying machine parts adorning the walls, lighting fixtures, and even some of the tap handles, with a striking free-standing staircase as a centerpiece. High ceilings, both indoor and outdoor seating, and a constantly rotating slate of events keep the energy up without making the space feel overwhelming.

Food trucks rotate through regularly, so you can always grab a bite alongside your beer.

Good to Know

• Pet-friendly — leashed dogs are generally welcome in the taproom space.
• Coffee is served too — making this a viable stop for early starts, not just evening pours.
• Food trucks rotate at the brewery, so there’s usually something to eat alongside your beer.
• Live music and events are a regular part of the schedule, so check ahead if you want to plan around them.
• Family-friendly atmosphere — the taproom welcomes kids and groups of all ages.

A Wilmington Standout

Flying Machine Brewing Company is the kind of place that elevates the entire Wilmington beer scene. The beer is genuinely well-crafted, the cocktails are creative, and the people behind it clearly care about more than just selling pints. Whether you’re a serious beer enthusiast or just someone looking for a great place to spend an evening with friends, this is one of those breweries you’ll find yourself recommending to everyone who visits town.

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Flying Machine Brewing Company Website

Flying Machine Brewing Company Facebook

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