In Elizabeth City, we know that “having coffee” or “grabbing a bite” means so much more than the beverage or meal being shared. “Let’s have a beer” can mean anything from burying hatchets, reconnecting, celebrating, commiserating, or simply enjoying the company. The quality of the experience of literally having beer, however, leaves less for interpretation. An awesome experience only needs two things: quality beer and a quality place in which to have it. The folks at Ghost Harbor Brewing Company, Elizabeth City’s ever-popular microbrewery, offer several quality beers to be had on tap, a fun and inviting indoor and outdoor atmosphere, and don’t forget to grab a growler or 4-pack to take home! The decor of the tap room is comfortable and modern, belying its more humble early to mid-20th century “historic downtown main street” exterior appearance. Sturdy tables in cozy rows seat about three dozen guests comfortably with enough room for visitors to move in and out to visit friends as they enter or sit across the room. Elevated bar shelves surround the room providing additional seating space. Tables full of flighted beer samples and conversation fill the room on this particular evening, and as attractive as the internal renovations are, and as friendly and energetic as the staff are, the beer really is the star of the show! The taplist is everchanging to feature new brews and old favorites but just a few examples are: Eight Bells IPA, crisp and citrusy, Mulligan Dry Irish Stout, full-bodied and rich, and Not Forgotten Gose with notes of blueberry Greek yogurt and tart raspberry taffy. The beers are reasonably priced, interestingly flavored, and diversely offered, so there’s a beer for every palate. Ghost Harbor is a great new place for Elizabeth City to get together—to chew the fat, shoot the breeze, and yes, have a beer. Since their opening in 2017, the brewery has been so successful they are expanding in 2020! The new, remodeled tap room is right across the Alley from the existing location. The new location will allow double the production as well as accomodate private events. The grand opening of the new tap room has yet to be announced, but one thing is for sure; Ghost Harbor Brewing Company is here to stay in downtown Elizabeth City! While you’re in town, make sure you check out each of the awesome businesses that make up the Pailin’s Alley Collective in addition to Ghost Harbor: Hoppin’ Johnz, The Mills Downtown Bistro, and Coasters.The businesses of the Collective often hosts live music and trivia nights to really bring entertainment to Pailin’s Alley and give people a place to gather for a good time. Looking for more things to do and places to see in Elizabeth City? Check out our Insider’s Guide Blog for a local’s perspective on why EC is a great place to visit any time of year. Don’t forget to follow Ghost Harbor on Facebook and Instagram to see the latest updates on the new space and see what’s brewing. Cheers!
If you only have one evening in to spend in Elizabeth City, I suggest spending it at Ghost Harbor Brewing Company. Whether it’s a night of live music , trivia, or a just chatting with friends in Pailin’s Alley over a pint, you’re sure to have a great time.
