You’re walking down Greene Street in Greensboro and you see it. The building looks like it has stories to tell, and it does. Most people just call it One Thirteen. This place isn't just another dark hole-in-the-wall where you grab a cheap domestic and leave. One Thirteen Brewhouse and Rooftop Bar has basically become the anchor of the downtown nightlife scene, but honestly, it’s the layout that trips people up the first time they walk in.
It’s huge. Four floors of space.
Most bars in North Carolina pick a lane. They’re either a dive, a fancy cocktail lounge, or a brewery with industrial lighting and metal chairs that hurt your back. One Thirteen tries to do all of it at once. Sometimes that feels chaotic, but usually, it just means you can find a corner that matches your mood. If you want to disappear into a leather booth with a heavy stout, you go to the basement or the main level. If you want to see the skyline and pretend you’re in a much bigger city, you head up.
The Architecture of a Greensboro Staple
The building itself is a piece of history. It’s the old Greene Street Nightclub location, which lived many lives before becoming what it is now. When the owners took it over, they didn't just slap a coat of paint on it. They leaned into the verticality. You’ve got the Main Level, which feels like a classic urban taproom. It’s got that "I’m here to actually taste the beer" vibe. Then you have the Mezzanine, which is more of a transition space, often used for private gigs or just escaping the crowd on a Friday night.
But let’s be real. Nobody is talking about the mezzanine when they tell their friends to meet them at One Thirteen Brewhouse and Rooftop Bar.
They are talking about the roof.
The rooftop is the largest in Greensboro. It’s partially covered, which is a lifesaver when those random Piedmont thunderstorms roll through at 6:00 PM. It’s got its own bar, plenty of high-top seating, and a view that makes Greensboro look way more cosmopolitan than it probably is. There is something about being four stories up with a cold drink while the sun sets over the city that just hits different.
What’s Actually On Tap?
If you call yourself a "brewhouse," you better have the goods. One Thirteen keeps a rotating selection that leans heavily on North Carolina’s massive craft beer scene. You’ll see the heavy hitters from Asheville and Charlotte, but they also give plenty of love to local Triad breweries.
The tap list isn't static. It changes faster than the weather in March. You might find a heavy, chocolatey imperial stout in the winter, but by the time the rooftop weather hits, the taps are dominated by hazy IPAs, sours, and crisp pilsners. They also do a full bar. This is a crucial distinction. A lot of breweries in the area only serve what they ferment. If your friend hates hops but loves a solid vodka soda or a bourbon neat, they aren’t going to feel left out here.
One thing that surprises people is the cigar lounge aspect.
Yeah, you can actually get a cigar here. They have a humidor and a dedicated space for it. It gives the place a slightly "old world" feel that contrasts sharply with the DJ sets that happen on the upper levels later in the night. It’s a weird mix, honestly. You’ve got college kids from UNCG and Elon dancing on one floor and guys in their 50s talking business over cigars on another. Somehow, it works.
The Atmosphere: Expect the Unexpected
Don’t come here expecting a quiet library. On a Saturday night, One Thirteen Brewhouse and Rooftop Bar is loud. It’s high energy. They bring in live music—everything from solo acoustic acts during the afternoon to full-blown bands and DJs when the moon comes out.
The demographic is a total melting pot. Because it's right in the heart of downtown, you get the after-work happy hour crowd, the pre-dinner cocktail seekers, and the late-night party-goers. It’s one of the few places in Greensboro where you can wear a suit or a t-shirt and not feel like the odd one out.
- The Basement: Often overlooked. It’s darker, cooler, and perfect if you’re trying to actually have a conversation without shouting over a speaker.
- The Rooftop Fire Pits: Absolute gold in October and November.
- The Staff: Usually pretty fast, but let’s be honest—when that rooftop is at capacity, you’re going to wait a few minutes for a drink. That’s just the reality of a popular spot.
Is it "touristy"? For Greensboro, maybe a little. But it’s touristy for a reason. Local residents actually go here. It’s not a trap; it’s just where the people are. If you’re looking for a secluded, "I discovered this first" secret spot, this isn't it. This is where you go to be in the middle of the action.
Navigating the Logistics
Parking in downtown Greensboro can be a nightmare if you don't know the trick. Don’t bother circling Greene Street for forty minutes looking for a parallel spot. There are several parking decks within a two-block radius, including the Greene Street Deck. It’s usually free for the first hour and cheap after that, and it saves you the headache of trying to squeeze into a spot on the street.
Also, check the schedule before you go. They do specific events, like trivia nights or specific "tap takeovers." If you show up during a private event, you might find certain floors closed off.
One thing to keep in mind: the dress code is generally casual, but as the night progresses, people tend to dress up a bit more. It’s not "clubby" in the sense that you need a blazer, but you might feel a little underdressed in gym shorts after 9:00 PM.
Practical Insights for Your Visit
If you want the best experience at One Thirteen Brewhouse and Rooftop Bar, you have to time it right. Don't just wing it.
Arrive early for the roof. If it’s a beautiful Friday evening, the rooftop will hit capacity by 8:00 PM. If you get there at 6:00 PM, you can snag a prime spot by the edge and watch the city come alive.
Explore every floor. Don't just settle for the first bar you see. Every level has a slightly different drink menu or vibe. Sometimes the line at the main bar is twenty people deep while the mezzanine bar is virtually empty. Use your eyes.
Watch the weather. While the rooftop has covered sections, a sideways rain will still get you wet. If the weather looks iffy, the basement is the move. It’s cozy and stays dry.
Eat before or after. They focus on the drinks and the atmosphere. While they sometimes have food trucks nearby or small snacks, this is a "drinking and socializing" establishment, not a full-service restaurant. Luckily, you’re in the middle of downtown Greensboro, so you’re surrounded by places like M'Coul's or Natty Greene's if you need a full meal.
Go for the view. Stay for the variety. Just make sure you’re prepared for a climb—those stairs are no joke after a couple of craft IPAs. Luckily, there's an elevator, so use it if you need it. One Thirteen isn't trying to be a fancy five-star lounge; it’s trying to be a high-energy, multi-layered experience that captures the spirit of Greensboro. And for the most part, it nails it.