January 27, 2011
This was near the end of our Raleigh brewery tour, so we didn’t stay here long, but this looked like the kind of place I’d love to hang out at if I lived closer. It’s a self-aware dive bar above a warehouse district brewery. There are a bunch of little rooms, some with just a couple couches, one with a crappy pool table and ping pong table, I think I saw one with darts and maybe shuffleboard? The rooms were decorated with beer related trash, things like empty grain bags, beer bottles, old signs. I love the vibe. I like their beers, especially the seasonals. Pints were decently priced (though not particularly cheap) and the bartender was quick enough, although there wasn’t any service beyond that. Perfect hangout spot if you like craft beer and a super casual atmosphere.

October 15, 2010
I stopped here during a recent visit to the area. It is set up a a small, kind of dingy bar above the brewery. Many of their beers were on tap, but no guest taps. Sixers were available for take-out, as well as growlers and kegs. A few t-shirts and other stuff available for sale also. No food. All service was at the bar. The bartender was very attentive during my visit. Their beers are pretty good and most were only $3.50, so I would recommend stopping here.

January 1, 2010
If you want a good beer in Raleigh you must stop in. Always something very good on tap.

September 14, 2009
This listing should probably be combined with the Big Boss listing. Dark and dingy upstairs bar. It had a cozy feel but looks like its probably bigger than it seems. Small bar with 8 taps and enough seating for a decent crowd, which I imagine they get on the weekends. The clientele was obviously dominated by regulars. I sat at the bar. Bartender was helpful as he had to be. Parking was actually kinda tricky but might be better later in the evening when the martial arts school next door is not having classes. The beers range from very good to very mediocre. Growler fills are available but expensive. Pints are $3.50 for regular beers and $5.00 for seasonals. I imagine there would be live music from time to time. I would be very surprised if there was any kind of food here.

August 6, 2009
This place isn’t much for ambiance. Dirty, dark lighting, sticky tables. Quite the little hole. Staff were okay but in no hurry to serve you. They ran out of a couple things we were hoping to try. Prices seemed a wee bit on the high side for a brewery. Couple that with two of their beers that I thought might be infected. This place could use a maid.

May 3, 2009
Beer was good, service was good, ambiance.... hmmm... kinda sparse and dirty, more like a clubhouse. Cool bottle collection lines a shelf near the roof. Clean this place up, guys!

July 27, 2008
Was at the brewery on a Sat. morning for the free bewery tour and just poked my head into the tavern upstairs. Tavern was dark and not too clean. The brewery is inside a big warehouse - they would have plenty of room to expand if they wanted to. I don’t think I’ll go back too often unless they have something special on tap

April 7, 2008
Big Boss Brewery is downstairs, and the tavern upstairs feels sort of like an afterthought. Big Boss serves only its own brews, all of which are ales. The closest thing to a pilsner is their Angry Angel Kolsch. The seasonals that they put out are sometimes the best they have to offer. They make a great pumpkin ale, and a coffee stout that is brewed with locally roasted coffee beans. The Big Boss IPA, which used to be year-round, has become seasonal thanks to the hops shortage. Overall, good beer in a dank place. But thanks to no advertising and an out of the way location, there is never a too-huge crowd. There’s also free pool, ping-pong, and darts.

December 19, 2007
April 2007 - Stopped by for a couple pints en route to the World Beer Festival in the spring. The upstairs bar is a little dank and unkempt, but they poured a couple decent-enough beers. Pleasant enough visit, but don’t expect much.

September 12, 2007
Horniblow’s Tavern is upstairs and attached to the brewery. No food but you can bring in or get delivered whatever you want which is nice. Service was great. They have their full complement of their beer on tap nice and fresh. Could have been cleaner and was not in the nicest part of town but nonetheless I had a great time there. The rating is lower than maybe it would be if it was just rated as a brewpub minus the expectation of a restaurant and a selection beyond their own beers.