Fullsteam Brewery

Love this place! Great beer!-Dog friendly, interesting building and fun games and bands. I could do without the church breaking out on Sundays though :). Only in the South.

I love, love, looooove their Beasley’s honey white. It’s a little peppery and spicy like my favorite Belgian beers (Duvel is an old favorite) but really light, smooth, and drinkable.
I also love the food trucks parked outside. If you’re around for lunch and want to pick up a sandwich at King’s, you can bring it over to Fullsteam and eat it there with a beer because they allow outside food. Or you could get food delivered too. I think Fullsteam might be in Heavenly Buffaloes range. Wings and beer, what could be a better combo!
This brewery is kid friendly. There was a cute toddler running around. They have board games and arcade and pinball machines. There was also a dad with the cutest, smiliest, happiest baby that gave us a little wave. Dog friendly too! If you’re allergic, maybe that’s a problem for you but oh man, I have never met a dog I didn’t want to pet.
I also like that they took a stand against HB2. It makes for a very welcoming environment, and you don’t have to worry about being discriminated against based on your gender identity and sexual orientation. I know trans and gender non-​conforming people who have been denied access to bathrooms based on their gender identity in local triangle businesses DESPITE the fact that HB2 only affects bathrooms in government owned buildings (public schools and universities, state owned museums, legislative buildings, courthouses, etc) and NOT private businesses. So it’s important to me to support great local businesses that support equality for all! Thanks, Fullsteam!

Fullsteam is one of the gems. They provide unique beers that hug the curve of the farm to table movement while also making mainline traditional beers that are among the best in the region. I’ve had everything here from Fruitcake beer and a cheerwine based beer to their regular old lager (which is exceptional) and have rarely been disappointed. Some of their more unique flavors may be better for a half pour, but I don’t think you’ll regret any choice. All the beers are well crafted and flavorful.
The brewpub is a great space and usually has food trucks on site for those that need a nosh. They have ping pong and games, as well as indoor and outdoor seating. Perfect place for a nice afternoon.

Can’t beat the laid back atmosphere. Relaxed bar perfect for hanging out with friends any night of the year. There always seems to be an awesome food truck parked out front. The best part is the free ping pong but beware your pong skills will quickly fade after a few of their craft beers.

Fullsteam is what Durham is all about. I can’t believe it took me this long to finally make it over to have a beer. The first time I came to Fullsteam was actually to hunt down the Porchetta food truck a few years ago. Fullsteam does a great job of inviting food trucks to their venue and the rotation is phenomenal. On Mondays it is called Bolly Mondays because of the Indian food set up by Suman Catering. Pair a pint with some spicy cuisine from 5−8pm and you are in another world.
We went on Saturday night to celebrate a friend’s birthday. I love the atmosphere of the beer hall. As soon as you enter, the front room has board games and arcade style games and tables to sit. The mail hall is dimly lit with brick walls and a retro-​feel. I love the German-​style picnic benches and the illuminated star in the corner. There were all kinds of guests from toddlers to adults to 4-​legged friends. It is really a destination for all and the atmosphere is very relaxed and inviting. The main bar has all of the Fullsteam taps on display with the board listing all of the beers and ABV on the right. I also love their logo and swag (t-​shirts, caps, etc) hanging on the walls for sale. There is also a dart room that is glassed off and you can see through the glass doors and see flying darts and happy guests playing a game in the sealed off area. Behind the hall and dart room is where all the magic happens and you can see all of the big beer tanks.
Now on to the beer… we started with the Stagsville Sour Wit, a perfect combination of wit beer with the tartness of a sour. This was a refreshing intro so we decided to sip on a flight. You can pick 5 pours in the flight and I love how they are pout in a wooden holder the shape of North Carolina. Very fitting for Cackalacky and you have to try this signature Ginger Pale Ale.
We tried these 5 brews and loved them all.
1)Demoiselle (dry hopped saison) — ABV 6.8
2) Beasley’s Honey White (wit with black pepper ABV 5.1– Beasley comes from AC’s restaurant in Raleigh with the famous fried chicken– smooth beer and very refreshing
3) Cack-​a-​lacky (Ginger Pale Ale, ABV 5.8) Signature beer with stars on the cans
4) Rocket Science IPA — ABV 7.8, IPA
5) Stagville– Sour wit– ABV 5.0– yummy
Our birthday group had a fantastic time and it was really a perfect evening to sit and talk with friends over a pint or two and enjoy food truck food. The owner was even there and congratulated Greg on his birthday. I can see why Fullsteam is so successful and you can find their beers all over the Triangle and in restaurants and can also pick up a growler to take home. I would also check on Fullsteam’s website to check their events calendar with food trucks and follow their social media. Fullsteam is fantastic and be sure to check them out when in Durham.

Fullsteam has it all — great beer and plenty of space to enjoy it. I tried Cack-​A-​Lacky, and I really enjoyed it. Next time I’d love to try the Iced Coffee Porter, so we’ll be back for sure!

This awesome brewery serves up a great selection of beers in a cool setting, just a short walk from downtown Durham. Their Rocket Science IPA and Cack-​a-​lacky Pale Ale are two of the best brews in North Carolina, and the Carver Pumpkin beer was the perfect selection on the chilly winter evening I dropped by. Try a flight if you’re overwhelmed by the extensive selection, or ask one of the friendly staff to recommend a beer that suits your palate. Either way, you can’t go wrong.
There’s no food on the menu, but a food truck was outside both nights I visited, and there’s a great selection of local restaurants along the same block. The brewery boasts a small arcade, some game tables, and a music stage, making it a great spot to meet up with friends, or to just pop in on your own to sample some of the Triangle’s finest beer.

This brewery had a nice atmosphere. It was very large, so plenty of room to spread out. It had a wall full of board games, which I think is pretty awesome. The bartenders weren’t very attentive and ignored me for a little while before acknowledging that I was there and they would be with me shortly. The beer selection was good! A lot of strong choices which is always a plus. A little pricey though!!! I would def go back.

Full steam ahead!
When you walk in, there’s a mini arcade and a lot of steam gauges. There are also lots of long benches, which were especially crowded on trivia night. As Sam R. very rightly mentioned, it’s the perfect opportunity to go dog-​watching.
There’s a wide variety of beers on tap. However, even when the crowds were huge, the bartenders were calm and collected and got everybody’s drinks quickly.
We also had a ton of fun playing darts just outside the bar area.
Very positive experience here!

Great beer.
So that’s good.
I typically lean towards the hops, so if you’re the same, go with the Rocket Science. BUT! If you’re feeling boozy, branch that beer belly out and give the Sweet Potato Lager a sip. My personal fav of the evening.
This was my first time here, but my local bud said she often comes to work. Weird, but makes sense. The big warehouse is stacked with tables and relatively quiet. Who doesn’t love a cold beer with their emails?
Staff is knowledgable and very friendly!

I’m going to write this review from a different perspective. I’m not a beer drinker — at all. I don’t like beer. Period. I came here with my brother who loves beer and owns a brewery in Florida. I did not interview my brother about his experience, but overall he had a great time and enjoyed his beer. I’m writing this really for people like myself who might not go because they are not drinkers (or beer drinkers). if your friends are going to Fullsteam, you should go to. You’ll have fun.
Why?
Well, first they have a ton of games. I actually had a card game in the car so we got that out and played it while my brother enjoyed a few beers. I had a pitcher of water that I was working my way through. It was fun to hang out and play cards in a place that was not my house. It didn’t bother me that I wasn’t drinking.
The space is cool and, as you know from the other reviews, has some video games, tvs, darts, and allows dogs. They also had a food truck on hand that evening. I think they do most nights. We went during the week, and it wasn’t crowded.
I have always declined to go hang out at Fullsteam in the past because I don’t drink beer — big mistake. You can have a ton of fun here even if you don’t drink.

Awesome brewery and hangout spot in downtown Durham. They only serve their beer, but this still makes for a big selection of awesome beers from plain lagers, to some far out there ones with ingredients like basil, chocolate, and jalapenos
There is plenty of seating outside and in. corn hole, foosball, and quite a few other games are also available. Food trucks are often parked out front, which you are allowed to bring inside, as they only offer a very limited list of snacks.

Great place !!! LOVE food trucks !! Tonight they had pie pushers.
We had a great slice of pizza and a great brew. SO MANY brews to choose from. They are more than happy to let you try as many as you want.

I’m not a particularly big drinker, but there’s something charming about a brewery that puts in a lot of effort to make good beer.
Generous samples — seriously, I had about 4 4-​ounce samples — half pints (buy ALL the beers), and patient employees really make the experience top-​notch.
I came on trivia night (Thursday) and had a blast with my friends even though we joined in a round late (there’s 3, FYI). There’s games galore (board games, ping pong, darts, etc), and perhaps best of all, Fullsteam is dog-​friendly! And I won’t get weird looks for touching strangers’ pets!
Obviously, don’t be too creepy, now.
Definitely worth visiting once — if not, multiple times!

Fullsteam is the perfect hang out spot in Durham — seriously, whatever the weather it’s serving up great beer and tasty snacks, it’s dog and kid friendly, and it has a wide array of games and activities to keep you entertained for hours. I’ve never actually seen a show there or done a brewery tour but they always have a lot going on. The vibe is laid back and basically I don’t know how you can make a trip to Durham without a stop at Fullsteam. With Motorco, food trucks, and The Pit nearby — it’s pretty darn magical.

One of my favorite breweries I’ve ever been to! Their Paw Paw beer was one of my favorite beers I’ve very tasted. I also loved the honey brew and both basil ones. Who knew beer with basil was incredible?
The atmosphere is lively and fun. Many people brought their dogs, groups were playing board games, everyone seemed to be having a great time.
They had over 40 board games to choose from, so I selected settlers of catan and had a great time enjoying a flight while playing. They also have a ping pong table, wide screens, and retro arcade games!
I wish I lived in Durham so I could visit this brewery every weekend. It was incredible!

I’m obsessed with this place. It’s awesome. Beer, board games, big screen TV, arcade games, darts and ping pong. Seriously? It doesn’t get any better.
They have some interesting brews on tap that are pretty tasty (and a couple weird ones that weren’t as tasty).
This is a kick ass place to go grab a beer and hang out. Got a baby? OK. Got a dog? OK. Awesome. I’m a fan.

I was across the street at Parts & Labor and partner really wanted to check out this brewery. They open at 4 and we waited patiently for their doors to open.
It was worth the wait. There are a few picnic benches right outside, but when you walk inside, there are vintage arcade games, foosball, and ping pong. Behind a wall of meters is more space and vintage board games. The back area is where the magic is made. Off to the right is the entrance to more patio space. Off to the right, behind closed doors, is the air-​conditioned bar.
We had a great time trying out flights and tasters while playing Scrabble. They serve their flights in a wooden board in the shape of the state. A massive downpour occurred and people came together to shut the front doors and calm the dogs. We put in a few quarters for a ping pong ball stamped with the brewery’s logo and went for a few rounds.
Great spacious atmosphere, friendly people, nice bartenders. Accepts credit cards. Dog-​friendly. Fun, chill place to hang out.

Came in last week for a couple beers with friends and had a blast. The beer selection is fantastic and the bartenders are great. They will give you recommendations, let you try things, and don’t turn their nose up at you if you say one isn’t your style. There is a ton to do here, too. Trivia, ping pong, arcade games, foozball, pinball… and of course conversation with people from all over! My favorite thing: the dogs. Tons of people had their dogs inside (!!!), which I loved! We didn’t bring ours because we wanted to feel it out a little, but we will definitely return with our furry friend!
The only thing: these guys don’t serve food. Don’t let that be a deterrent though. It’ll give you a chance to try some of Durham’s fantastic food trucks that are always outside!

Fullsteam is a Durhamites staple, it’s an evening destination not a bar crawl location, serving average beer but a charming location. Fullsteam carries a lot of nostalgia for me, bringing back memories of me as a little tot (twenty-​three year old), having just moved to Durham, trying to meet new people, getting a job, experiencing food trucks for the first time and taking in the beautiful North Carolina weather. Fullsteam is a destination spot for locals and tourists alike; whether you want to enjoy some NC tunes, participate in trivia night (or grab a board game off the shelf for you and your friends to play), join one of their weekly runs, try a flight of beers or just grab a pint, check out the food truck scene or try your hand at some classy video games or darts, Fullsteam is well packed for an evening of fun.
If you’re looking to experience the true essence of Durham, Fullsteam will give you a great picture. They bring in pint and paint nights weekly, host charity and local events, and don’t be surprised if you see families enjoying the space – and LOTS of dogs, especially in the summer time. While the location and atmosphere deserves a five start rating, the beer is questionably great (more of a 2.5−3 star rating for me). I remember when I first moved to NC, not having a lot of beer tasting experience, and I would’ve argued that the beer is good. However, the triangle is a beer lovers paradise, and after living here for three years and discovering my beer pallet, Fullsteam just doesn’t measure up with my newfound standards. My go-​to beer at Fullsteam is the Rocket Science IPA, but even so, it won’t blow you away.
Things to note for the locals: this is a great location to host a birthday party as there’s plenty of seating. They DON’T sell pitchers (**my mistake – see owners note below, I tried to order a pitcher back in January 2013, must’ve not been the case or people on staff didn’t know, they DO now offer pitchers!!**) and DON’T make the mistake of ordering a growler and opening it on site, they’ll make you dispose of it immediately. If you want to make new friends, sit at the bar and get your chat on. Look for the FREE arcade game and try NidHog for a wild time. Wine and cider is also available for the non-​beer drinker.