Bierkeller Brewing Company
Exploring Bierkeller: Authentic German Beer and Food in Columbia
While exploring the Columbia area, we happened to stumble upon a couple of local breweries, but one in particular completely stole the show: Bierkeller Brewing Company. To be honest, this brewery is a total hidden gem – and I mean that quite literally.
It’s tucked away inside the Canalside Apartment Complex, right where it can overlook the beautiful Columbia Canal. Now, hanging out at a brewery located in the middle of an apartment community might sound a little bit unusual at first, but trust us on this one – you’re definitely going to want to make the trip!
The Best Brews: Our Personal Favorites
Bierkeller brings a slice of Bavaria to South Carolina as an authentic German brewery and biergarten. The day we dropped by, they had six different beers flowing on tap, though they also keep a nice selection of wine, cider, and non-alcoholic drinks on hand for anyone looking for alternatives.
I started off with the Kölsch, which was incredibly crisp, featuring just a subtle hint of fruitiness and an easy-drinking 4.8% ABV. Next up, I gave the Hellerbock a try. This one was a gorgeous pale beer with distinct notes of pear and a slightly heavier kick at 7% ABV.
Meanwhile, Jesse opted for the Fastenbier, a deeply smoky, reddish-brown brew sitting at 5.6% ABV. He followed that up with the Helles, a smooth, golden lager that brought some really lovely honey undertones to the table at 5.4% ABV. While every single one of the four beers we tried was exceptionally refreshing and clean, the Kölsch and the Hellerbock were hands-down our favorite picks of the day.
Outdoor Seating and Views Overlooking the Columbia Canal
Beyond the fantastic drink menu, the vibe here is incredibly welcoming. The brewery is completely family-friendly (and dog-approved!), plus they serve up a menu of traditional, hearty German food to pair with your drinks.
As for where to hang out, there is a ton of outdoor seating spread across the main biergarten area and along the back of the building. We decided to grab a spot right by the water, which offered peaceful views of the Columbia Canal. As a fun little bonus, it turned out to be an awesome spot for a bit of casual bird watching while we unwound.
Planning Your Visit to Bierkeller Brewing Company
If you want to stretch your legs before or after a couple of pints, Bierkeller is conveniently located just about 15 minutes away from the popular Timmerman Trail. Or, if you happen to be in town to explore the old-growth forests of Congaree National Park, you can easily drive over to the brewery in about 30 minutes.
When it comes to logistics, don’t worry about stressful city parking. There is plenty of free parking available inside the parking deck right on Canalside Street, and there are plenty of signs to guide you straight to the right spot. If you ever find yourself passing through Columbia, definitely don’t miss out on a visit to Bierkeller for a taste of authentic German beer culture!
Happy Trails,
Katie and Jesse
Bierkeller Brewing Company Information
- Address: 600 Canalside Street Suite 1009, Columbia S.C. 29201 (Google Map)
- Phone: 803-949-1869
- Website: bierkellercolumbia.com
- Hours:
- Tuesday – Friday: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Saturday: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Monday: Closed
Last Updated on July 16, 2026
