Sipping Local: Our Family Visit to Magnetic South Brewery in Greenville, SC

 I’ll be honest — I’ve got a soft spot for breweries. There’s just something about the smell of hops in the air, the sound of glasses clinking, and that low hum of conversation that makes me feel right at home. Breweries are my kind of hangout spot — casual, welcoming, and always an excuse to try something new.

On a recent afternoon, my wife and I stopped by Magnetic South Brewery in Greenville, SC, and it didn’t take long for us to settle in.

What We Drank

I started off with the Triple Hitman, and wow — this one packs a punch. It’s a big beer, the kind you notice as soon as it hits the glass. At first sip, it came through with a strong malt backbone layered with resinous hops. Think caramel sweetness up front, followed by citrus and pine bitterness that lingers just long enough to remind you who’s in charge. Despite its high ABV, it stayed surprisingly smooth and drinkable. If I had to pair it with food, I’d say it would be killer alongside a steak or even a plate of spicy wings — something hearty enough to stand up to its intensity.

From there, I shifted to the Oktoberfest. Malty, crisp, and balanced, it had all those cozy fall notes of toasted bread and caramel sweetness with a clean finish. This one felt like fall in a glass — the kind of beer you can drink by the pint and never get tired of. Pair it with a pretzel and mustard, roasted chicken, or just a cool afternoon outside.

Since the season was calling for something darker, I also tried The Raven. Now this is my kind of fall and winter beer. Dark and roasty, with chocolate and coffee notes up front, it carried just enough bitterness to keep things balanced. Smooth, velvety, and warming, it felt like the kind of pint you’d want by a firepit or after a long day. I could see it pairing beautifully with barbecue, smoked meats, or even a rich dessert like chocolate cake.

My wife, meanwhile, went for the pineapple cider, which was bright, tropical, and refreshing. Light enough to sip all afternoon, it had just the right balance of sweet and tart. She loved it — and I’ll admit, I snagged more than a couple of sips. Pairing-wise, it would shine with tacos, grilled chicken, or even something spicy to play off the fruitiness.

The Atmosphere

What really set this visit apart was the family-friendly setup. Magnetic South sits right next to Play Café, and here’s the best part — you can actually take your beers with you while the kids play. That turned the afternoon into a win-win. Our kids were happily climbing, sliding, and burning off energy, while my wife and I got to sit back, relax, and enjoy our drinks together.

Inside, the brewery had that warm, communal feel I always look for — long tables, friendly staff, and a mix of locals and newcomers. It struck that sweet balance between family-friendly and adult hangout, which isn’t easy to do, but Magnetic South pulls it off naturally.

Why I’ll Be Back

Between the bold punch of the Triple Hitman, the cozy comfort of the Oktoberfest, the seasonal richness of The Raven, and my wife’s refreshing pineapple cider, Magnetic South delivered a lineup that impressed both of us. Add in the ability to
bring our drinks into Play Café while the kids played, and it made for one of the most relaxed brewery experiences we’ve had as a family.

Breweries for me are about more than just beer — they’re about creating moments. And this trip gave us exactly that: great drinks, happy kids, and a little time to slow down together.

So if you’re in Greenville and want a brewery that balances craft beer with family-friendly ease, do yourself a favor and stop by Magnetic South Brewery.