Blackbird Brewery — Restaurant in Wake Forest

You go to a craft brewery expecting good beer. Maybe a pretzel the size of your head. What you don’t expect is to meet bartenders like Darren and Kenne.

Together, they don’t just pour drinks; they orchestrate evenings. You can walk in after the kind of day that makes you wonder if humanity was a mistake, and by the bottom of your glass you’re laughing, talking to strangers, and remembering that maybe people aren’t so bad after all.

Darren pours a beer like somebody’s grading him from the shadows with a clipboard and a whistle. Kenne, meanwhile, has mastered the art of nodding wisely while you explain your life story after two hazy IPAs, then dropping a one-liner so sharp you forget what you were sad about. Don’t get me started on that lovely baritone voice of his… warms the soul.

The beer’s excellent, sure, but the real secret ingredient is whatever cosmic buddy-cop energy Darren and Kenne have going. Somebody should bottle that—though I’m not sure the world is ready.

It’s a strange thing when bartenders remind you that the world can still feel like community, that someone can hand you a pint and in the same motion hand you a little bit of hope. That’s not on the menu board, but it should be.

So yes, the beer’s fantastic. But it’s Darren and Kenne who will sneak up on you, make you laugh when you weren’t planning to, and maybe—just maybe—leave you a little misty-eyed on the way out.

Five stars. Would recommend for both the ambiance and the unexpected...

From the moment we walked through the door, Brad, Mindi, and Kenne made our visit unforgettable. Their energy, passion, and genuine hospitality set the tone for an exceptional experience. Brad's deep knowledge of the brews and his enthusiasm for sharing the story behind each pour made every sip more meaningful. Mindi's warmth and attentiveness made us feel right at home—she anticipated what we needed before we even asked, all while keeping the atmosphere lively and fun. And Kenne? An absolute gem. His charisma behind the bar and sharp eye for detail made the whole service seamless and personal. It’s rare to come across a team that works together so effortlessly while still making every guest feel like the center of attention. Brad, Mindi, and Kenne are not just great at what they do—they elevate the entire Blackbird experience. Can’t wait to come back and see them again!

And oh yeah the beer is...

I’ve been here quite a bit over the last couple of years and can’t believe I haven’t posted a review. Simply put this is one of the very best breweries in the central NC area. The brewer is extremely knowledgeable and understands a wide variety of styles. They make the popular styles but they also make lagers, European ales, and more. Great ambiance, great outdoor space, amazing staff - friendly and know the products. Food is nearby. The kids can be a bit much but the brewery does a good job of reminding parents to be responsible. They recently opened a cocktail bar next door in the same building and sadly due to how they originally built there’s no inside connection. The overly controlling ABC doesn’t allow you to bring beer or cocktails along the sidewalk between the two - absurd but NOT their fault. Check this place out and...