Raleigh is growing into a vibrant spot for drinking tours, especially for those who love combining good food with craft beer or hands-on culinary classes. Unlike some cities where drinking tours are heavy on pub hopping, Raleigh offers unique experiences like sushi making with local craft beers and pasta classes that emphasize fresh ingredients and authentic techniques. These tours stand out because they focus on interactive learning and quality ingredients, making your experience both fun and delicious. For example, the Raleigh: Sushi Making at a Local Craft Beer Bar is perfect if you want a mix of culinary skill and local brews, all in a relaxed setting.
While Raleigh has a lively brewery scene, these tours go beyond just sampling beers. They combine hands-on cooking classes with the brewery atmosphere, letting you take home not just memories but new skills. Whether you’re interested in homemade pasta or sushi rolling, these experiences promise a practical, enjoyable way to spend a few hours in North Carolina’s capital.
Quick Overview
This list features culinary and craft beer experiences that cater to different tastes:
– Sushi making classes that teach you how to roll California and veggie sushi with craft beer options. (See details)
– Pasta making classes, where you craft fresh pasta and sauces in a brewery setting.
– Both classes priced at $75 per person and lasting about 2 hours, perfect for a relaxed yet engaging experience.
1. Raleigh: Sushi Making at a Local Craft Beer Bar
At number one, this sushi-making class offers a perfect blend of culinary skill and local beer. Led by Chef Jenny, you’ll learn how to make sushi rice from scratch and roll two types of sushi — California and veggie rolls with mango, cucumber, and avocado. The class is hands-on, and you’ll use traditional sushi mats to roll your creations, which you then cut into bite-sized pieces.
What makes this class special is Chef Jenny’s focus on seasoned sushi rice, a crucial element often overlooked. You’ll enjoy your sushi with savory dipping sauces and a glass of wine or beer, making it an excellent choice for both sushi lovers and craft beer fans. With a duration of about 2 hours, it’s a manageable experience that’s perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
This tour’s strength lies in its interactive approach, giving you the confidence to recreate sushi at home. Plus, the relaxed environment of the craft beer bar enhances the experience. The price of $75 provides good value considering the skill learned and food prepared.
Bottom Line: If you want to learn sushi making with the added bonus of local craft beers, this class hits the mark. It’s a fun, interactive way to spend an evening in Raleigh.
$75 per person
2. Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Craft Beer Bar in Raleigh
At number two, this pasta-making class focuses on creating authentic Italian pasta from scratch, all set within a craft beer bar. Led by a talented chef, you’ll knead, roll, and cut your own pasta dough, then cook it al dente. The focus is on simple, fresh ingredients like flour, eggs, and olive oil, giving you a true taste of Italy.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of making pasta by hand and pairing it with a rich Alfredo sauce, which includes Parmesan cheese, milk, and seasoned chicken. During the class, you’ll master the art of rolling out pasta and creating noodles like fettuccine, then enjoy your dish with your classmates in the brewery atmosphere.
Although this tour currently has no reviews, the $75 price for a hands-on experience that includes both pasta and sauce preparation offers excellent value. It suits travelers wanting to learn practical cooking skills and enjoy a relaxed, social environment. Plus, the beer selection at the brewery adds a local flavor to the experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for pasta lovers eager to make their own noodles and sauces, this class combines culinary skill with a lively brewery setting.
$75.00 per person
3. Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Craft Beer Bar in Raleigh
Number three on the list is a second sushi class hosted at a local craft beer bar in Raleigh, also led by Chef Jenny. This class teaches you how to make two sushi rolls — a California roll packed with avocado, cucumber, and surimi, and a veggie roll with mango, avocado, and cucumber. You’ll start by seasoning sushi rice perfectly, then master the technique of rolling and slicing using traditional mats.
The charm here is the interactive demonstration combined with the brewery environment, which makes for a relaxed, enjoyable experience. You’ll be guided through assembling and rolling your sushi, gaining confidence to replicate it at home. The class includes sushi rice preparation, rolling techniques, and tasting your creations with sauces.
While reviews are not available, the consistent price point of $75 for a 2-hour class makes this a compelling choice for those who enjoy sushi and craft beer. It’s ideal for anyone wanting a learning-by-doing experience and a chance to enjoy fresh, homemade sushi in a laid-back setting.
Bottom Line: If you love sushi and want to learn the craft from scratch, this class offers in-depth instruction in a fun brewery environment.
$75.00 per person
4. Traditional Pasta Making at a Local Craft Beer Bar in Raleigh
Finally, the pasta-making class at number four allows you to craft fresh fettuccine from scratch with Chef Lucas. You’ll knead pasta dough, roll it out, and cut it into noodles, all in a relaxed brewery setting. The class also includes making a creamy Alfredo sauce with Parmesan, milk, and seasoned chicken, offering a full homemade pasta dinner.
What makes this experience distinctive is the focus on traditional techniques combined with a brewery atmosphere. During the class, you’ll learn how to knead and roll pasta, then prepare a complete dish. The class runs about 2 hours and costs $75 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the hands-on instruction and meal you’ll prepare.
While there are no reviews, the detailed focus on making pasta from scratch and the inclusion of a sauce makes this a good pick for foodies who want to learn a classic Italian skill. The relaxed setting of a craft beer bar adds a social element, making it suitable for small groups or couples.
Bottom Line: Best suited for pasta enthusiasts eager to master homemade noodles and sauces in a friendly, brewery environment.
$75.00 per person
How to Choose
When deciding between these drinking and cooking tours in Raleigh, consider your interests and how hands-on you want your experience. If sushi is your favorite, the sushi making class with Chef Jenny is a standout. For pasta lovers, the traditional pasta class offers authentic techniques with a relaxed vibe.
Budget-wise, all tours are priced evenly at around $75, but think about what you want to take away. If you enjoy making Italian dishes, the pasta classes deliver more technical skills, while the sushi classes excel at teaching rolling techniques and rice seasoning. The choice between a class focused on Asian cuisine or Italian fare depends on your taste preferences.
Timing-wise, these classes are about 2 hours long and work well for a midweek activity or a relaxing weekend outing. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel times or weekends, to secure your spot in these popular classes.
Final Thoughts
Raleigh offers some excellent options for culinary and craft beer experiences that go beyond simple pub crawling. Whether you want to learn how to roll sushi, make pasta from scratch, or pair your culinary skills with local beers, these tours provide authentic, participatory fun. The sushi classes are perfect for those seeking an interactive, skill-based experience, while the pasta classes appeal to foodies eager to master Italian classics.
For travelers looking for a mix of learning and leisure, the best advice is to consider your personal taste—whether sushi or Italian pasta—and your schedule. Both the sushi and pasta experiences are affordable, engaging, and a great way to deepen your appreciation for good food and drink. Remember to book early to ensure your place in these popular classes and enjoy a memorable meal in the heart of Raleigh.