Gizmo Brew Works: Where Innovation Meets Community in Raleigh's Craft Beer Scene

Nestled in the Umstead Industrial Park at 5907 Triangle Drive, Gizmo Brew Works has been a fixture of Raleigh's craft beer landscape since 2013. What began as one of North Carolina's smallest production breweries—inheriting a modest 2-barrel brewhouse—has evolved into a beloved community hub where experimental brewing, live entertainment, and neighborhood camaraderie come together under one roof. With locations now spanning Raleigh and Durham, Gizmo has built its reputation on variety, creativity, and a welcoming atmosphere that draws everyone from beer connoisseurs to families looking for a fun outing.

The Origin Story: From Passion Project to Triangle Staple

Gizmo Brew Works was born in April 2013 when a group of former customers bought out the previous brewery that had operated in the space. The name "Gizmo" pays homage to the thinkers, tinkerers, and inventors who populate the Research Triangle Park and the industrial area the brewery calls home. Despite starting with one of the smallest brewing setups in the state, Gizmo's fierce ambition and quality product quickly carved out a place in North Carolina's competitive craft beer market.

The brewery's growth trajectory has been impressive. In 2015, infrastructure upgrades brought larger tanks and a new 7-barrel brewhouse. By 2019, Gizmo embarked on a major expansion, quadrupling brewing capacity and opening a satellite taproom in Chapel Hill. A Durham location followed in 2022, bringing the total to three Triangle taprooms. Today, Gizmo produces over 2,000 barrels annually and distributes packaged beer to retail shops and restaurants throughout North Carolina—a far cry from those early 60-gallon batches.

The Beer: An Experimentalist's Paradise

What truly sets Gizmo apart is their commitment to variety and innovation. In a typical year, Gizmo produces over 50 distinct beers, ensuring that repeat visitors always have something new to discover. The brewery operates two separate brewhouses, allowing them to maintain flagship offerings while constantly experimenting with taproom-only small-batch releases.

The Flagship Lineup:

Raleigh Red: A red ale that has become synonymous with the Gizmo brand
Carolina Pine IPA: A hop-forward tribute to North Carolina's state tree
Deep Blue Sea: A funky farmhouse saison with blueberry notes, inspired by chess computers and Samuel L. Jackson movies in equal measure
Alternating Current Altbier: A smooth, malt-focused German-style ale that offers refuge from aggressively hopped IPAs
Palisade Wasp IPA: Named after folk singer Sufjan Stevens, featuring unique Palisade hops with floral and tangerine aromas
Queen Bee: An imperial hefeweizen aged in charred Kentucky bourbon barrels with 60 pounds of orange blossom honey
Forgeworks Porter: A smoky, full-bodied porter that's a staff favorite

The Experimental Side: Beyond the regulars, Gizmo's rotating tap list might feature barrel-aged experiments, milkshake IPAs, sours, fruited wheat ales, and seasonal specialties. Their "Born to Bee" utilizes wild yeast harvested from local hives, while collaborations with Raleigh's Videri Chocolate Factory have produced rich chocolate stouts with cocoa nibs and vanilla beans.

With 20 rotating taps in the Raleigh taproom, there's always something for every palate—from crisp pilsners and helles lagers for the light beer crowd to imperial stouts and double IPAs for those seeking bold flavors. Not a beer drinker? Gizmo keeps hard seltzers on tap and stocks bottled hard ginger beers and ciders to ensure everyone finds their perfect pour.

Open Mic Sundays: A Stage for Every Voice

Every Sunday from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, Gizmo's beer garden transforms into an inclusive performance space for the Open Mic Night. Whether you're a seasoned musician, an aspiring poet, a comedian testing new material, or someone who just loves to sing, this weekly event provides a supportive platform for local talent of all levels.

Interested performers can secure their spot by emailing [email protected] in advance. The laid-back atmosphere—combined with fresh craft beer and whatever food truck happens to be parked outside—creates the perfect environment for both performers and audience members. It's become a Sunday tradition for many in the community, drawing regulars who come as much for the sense of connection as for the entertainment.

A Full Calendar of Entertainment

Gizmo doesn't stop at Sunday open mics. The brewery has cultivated a robust events calendar that gives patrons something to look forward to every night of the week:

Music Bingo Tuesdays (7:00-9:00 PM): Host Jimmy brings the tunes while participants compete for prizes every round. It's the perfect mid-week social activity that combines the fun of bingo with the nostalgia of identifying your favorite songs. Plus, Tuesdays feature $2 off all 4- and 6-packs to-go.

Hammered Trivia Wednesdays (7:00-9:00 PM): Grab your crew for some friendly competition in the beer garden. Test your knowledge across various categories while sipping on Gizmo's rotating tap list. It's consistently one of the most popular nights of the week.

$5 Pint Night Thursdays: Five select brews for just $5 each—the perfect opportunity to sample different styles without breaking the bank.

Bricks & Brews: On the second-to-last Thursday of each month, adulting takes a backseat as patrons bring their favorite LEGO sets to build while enjoying craft beer. It's quirky, nostalgic, and surprisingly popular among the 21+ crowd looking for creative, screen-free entertainment.

Live Music in the Beer Garden: Throughout the week, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings, local musicians take the stage in Gizmo's spacious outdoor area. Recent performers have included Proton Jones, JD Ross, and Cosmic Superheroes. The mix of acoustic sets, full bands, and everything in between keeps the calendar fresh. Most live music runs from 5:00 or 6:00 PM until 8:00 or 9:00 PM.

Vinyl Night: On select Thursday evenings, DJs spin vinyl records, creating a nostalgic, audiophile-approved soundtrack to your beer-drinking experience.

Special Events: Gizmo goes all-out for annual celebrations like Oktoberfest, featuring traditional German food trucks, contests, yard games, and live music all day long.

The Space: Industrial Charm Meets Beer Garden Bliss

The Raleigh taproom embodies the perfect brewery aesthetic—industrial-chic inside, relaxed beer garden outside.

Inside the Taproom: The interior features polished wood accents, ample seating, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The bar showcases those 20 rotating taps, while the brewery equipment visible from the taproom reminds you that the beer you're drinking was crafted just steps away. Games including darts provide entertainment between pints.

The Beer Garden: This is where Gizmo truly shines. The expansive outdoor space features picnic tables, deck chairs, and plenty of room to spread out. String lights create ambiance as the sun sets, and the stage area hosts musicians throughout the week. It's dog-friendly and family-friendly, making it a genuine community gathering space rather than just another bar.

Tour the Brewery: For those curious about the brewing process, Gizmo offers Saturday brewery tours at 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. These 30-minute explorations walk guests through the beer-making process, from grain to glass, offering insight into how ancient craft meets modern technology in the Umstead Industrial Park.

Food: Rotating Trucks, Consistent Quality

While Gizmo doesn't have a kitchen, they've partnered with an impressive rotation of local food trucks that park outside throughout the week. Recent vendors have included:

Tacos Los 2 Garcias: Tacos, burritos, and Mexican specialties (frequently on Tuesdays)
Let's Eat NC: Southern comfort food with fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese
Mr. Wingz and Mrs. Thingz: Wings and sides
NC Death Taco: Creative taco concepts
Beef Street and a Pig: BBQ and grilled specialties

The food truck schedule varies, so checking Gizmo's social media (@gizmobrewworks on Instagram and Facebook) is the best way to see who's serving on any given day. This rotating model means you're never eating the same thing twice and always supporting local food entrepreneurs.

The Vibe: Laid-Back, Inclusive, and Authentically Local

With over 7,000 followers on both Facebook and Instagram, Gizmo has built a strong online community that mirrors the welcoming atmosphere inside the taproom. Their social media presence is active and engaging—they post the week's food truck schedule, announce new beer releases, promote upcoming events, and share photos of the community enjoying themselves.

The clientele is refreshingly diverse: craft beer enthusiasts analyzing hop profiles, families with kids running around the beer garden, groups of friends playing board games, first-time brewery visitors sampling their first flight, and regulars who know the bartenders by name. Dogs are welcome (and plentiful), and the staff is known for being friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they pour.

There's no pretension here—just good beer, good people, and good times. Whether you're a BJCP-certified beer judge or someone who "usually just drinks light beer," you'll find your place at Gizmo.

What They Offer Beyond Pints

Beer To-Go: You can purchase cans, bottles, and 32-ounce crowlers of many beers directly from the taproom. Want to bring Gizmo to your own gathering? Kegs can be reserved right from their website.

Merchandise: Show your Gizmo pride with t-shirts, hats, bottle openers, and other brewery swag.

Private Events: The taproom is available for larger groups, birthday parties, and other celebrations. Just send an email to the team, and they'll help coordinate the details.

Distribution: Can't make it to the taproom? Over 20 packaged varieties of Gizmo beer can be found at retail shops, bottle shops, and restaurants throughout North Carolina.

Becoming a Raleigh Institution

Since opening in 2013, Gizmo has become deeply embedded in Raleigh's food and beverage scene. They participate in major local festivals like Brewgaloo and Hickory Hops, collaborate with other Triangle businesses (like Videri Chocolate Factory), and consistently support local musicians and food entrepreneurs.

The brewery's commitment to experimentation means even longtime fans always have something new to try. Their ability to produce 50+ distinct beers annually—while maintaining quality across such a wide range—speaks to the skill and passion of the brewing team. From wild yeast experiments to bourbon barrel aging to creative hop combinations, Gizmo pushes boundaries while respecting traditional brewing methods.

Weekly Events:

Sunday: Open Mic Night (3:00-6:00 PM)
Tuesday: Music Bingo (7:00-9:00 PM)
Wednesday: Hammered Trivia (7:00-9:00 PM)
Thursday: $5 Pint Night
Monthly: Bricks & Brews (second-to-last Thursday)
Check calendar for live music schedule

Features: 20 rotating taps, brewery tours (Saturdays at 2 PM & 4 PM), food trucks, dog-friendly, family-friendly, beer to-go, kegs available, private events, outdoor beer garden, games