By now you know there’s major buzz brewing about Charlotte’s exploding craft beer scene. Maybe you’ve even had the chance to experience the festivals, tastings and grand openings firsthand. Whether you’ve been waiting for your formal introduction to the Queen City’s best brew pubs (good news, this is it) or are looking for an update as to what’s new on the scene, our Scoop girl’s guide to Charlotte’s brew pubs has got you covered.
We’ll start our tour in South End, then head into Dilworth, NoDa, Plaza Midwood and circle back around. Sip at your own pace by creating your own brewery tour or hop aboard the Trolley Pub to pedal your way about town. Let get started:
South End
Sycamore Brewing
2161 Hawkins St.
Plan an afternoon filled with a few of our favorite things: live music, local brews and beautiful Carolina blue skies. Sycamore Brewing, which opened its doors in late 2014, has seamlessly integrated into the QC beer scene with its fitness classes and seasonal varieties that keep their huge patio packed each weekend.
What they’re pouring: Sycamore keeps the crowds coming back for more by turning out new beers what seems like every time we go. Favorites include the Charlotte Yacht Club, Vanilla Session and the Countryside IPA. The Salty Coconut Red Ale is a good try for new beer drinkers, and they also have champagne and wine on tap.
Need to know: Sycamore has been expanding into the food scene with their small in-house kitchen serving up pressed sandwiches Monday-Thursday. On the weekends, check out their food truck schedule to see what you can pair with your local crafted brew.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
4150 Yancey Rd.
Step into a traditional brauhaus in the heart of Charlotte at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (fondly referred to as OMB)’s new location. Hundreds find peace not only inside of the festhalle, but in the biergarten each Tuesday evening for OMB on Tap, a guided yoga class sprawling across the shady grounds.
What they’re pouring: Start off by trying one of three OMB beers available year-round: Copper, Capt Jack or the Southside Weiss. Then venture on to a seasonal pour, currently in the spotlight is Mecktoberfest.
Need to know: Sure, you can tell that the beer is good and the atmosphere is great by the biergarten. But did you know that OMB received the honor of “Best Brewery Tour” by USA Today? Experience it for yourself Saturdays & Sundays at 2, 3 and 4 PM. Registration is not required and no purchase is necessary to hop aboard the 40 minute tour.
Red Clay Ciderworks
245 Clanton Rd.
Not a fan of beer? No problem. Charlotte’s first cidery is shaking off the newcomer dust in their South End location. While the cider takes center stage, Red Clay also services up local beers on rotation and wine.
What they’re pouring: Sample a few of their favorites, and it’s not all apples here. There’s the Cherry Bobbin’ Trails made with Michigan cherries, the Nor’Easter infused with cranberry, the Hoppin’ Good Thyme and classics South End Sweet and Queen City Commons.
Need to know: Cider is naturally gluten-free! They are also pouring Cidermosas on some days. Keep up to date with their Facebook page.
Craft Tasting Room and Growler Shop
1320 S Church St. Suite #100
Plan a relaxed evening in the cozy atmosphere at Craft Tasting Room and Growler Shop. It’s here where you can shop your favorite small batch beers, get a growler filled or fill up on the spot with their huge menu of local and unique beers on tap. To sweeten the deal, they have food menu made up of charcuterie boards and flatbreads that will keep you there throughout the day.
What they’re pouring: Taps rotate, but with all of the choices you’re sure to find a new favorite and something worth coming back for.
Need to know: The cheeses that made up their mouth-watering boards are from local N.C. farms, and are even available to be ordered by weight to take home.
Unknown Brewery
1327 S. Mint St.
This industrial-style taproom and brewery is a must-stop on your South End beer tour. Enjoy live music in their open brewery or sample one of their seasonal brews. Unknown is a short walking distance to Bank of America Stadium, and their front porch beer garden makes this a tailgate favorite. Also check out their Bike & Brew Club Saturdays at 2:30 PM.
What they’re pouring: Unknown’s regular brews include the Over the Edge IPA, Pre Game Session Ale and their Ginger Wheat.
Need to know: Have a competitive friend? Bring them along on your trip to Unknown. The tables scattered throughout the taproom are covered in classic board games.
Good Bottle Co.
125 Remount Rd.
Drop in for a pour or to pick up your favorite brew at Good Bottle Co., where they feature different craft beers on tap and a whole store of you guessed it, good beer. If you’re new to beer, Good Bottle is a great place to start because of the variety offered and knowledge of its’ staff.
What they’re pouring: Stay up to date with what’s on tap on their website or Facebook page.
Need to know: Point your bike in the direction of Good Bottle each Wednesday night for their weekly Ride Club. You can also rise and shine at their #goodmorning breakfasts on Saturday mornings.
Triple C Brewing Company
2900 Griffith St.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy live music, catch the game or soak up some beautiful Carolina weather, Triple C has got you covered. Located steps away from the New Bern light rail station, this brewery offers plenty of homebrewed options in a laid-back atmosphere with a patio. Fido can join too!
What they’re pouring: Seven year-round beers including the award-winning 3C IPA and the knock your socks off Baby Maker Double IPA. They also currently have five seasonal brews on tap. Get the latest options here.
Need to know: Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Stay in the know with Triple C’s food truck schedule here.
The Brass Tap
1440 S Tryon St.
Can’t make up your mind? Visit our friend at The Brass Tap, where they’re serving up over 300 beers along with handcrafted bites. Located in the heart of South End, this is a great starting point to visit any other breweries or for a lunch and beer tasting.
What they’re pouring: Here, it really is your pick. Stop by for happy hour until 7 PM for food specials each weeknight.
Need to know: Think you have what it takes to become a member of the Brew Crew? Make it official with The Brass Tap’s challenge to try new beers and win rewards. Learn more here.
The Wooden Robot Brewery
1440 S Tryon St #110
Inspired by Belgian farmhouse brewing traditions, Wooden Robot brewery opened its doors in Summer 2015 to a thirsty crowd. Since then, Wooden Robot has stayed true to its roots down to the building; the Southend brick structure was remodeled to house cutting-edge brewing equipment.
What they’re pouring: The South End newcomer offers 12 craft beers including a Coffee Vanilla Blonde Ale, Sour Red Ale, Raspberry Saison and Sweet Tater Pie Red Ale.
Need to know: Happenings at Wooden Robot, including events and food truck schedules, can be found by following their Facebook page.
Lenny Boy Brewing Co.
2224 Hawkins St.
Try something different at Lenny Boy Brewing Company. Taste organic kombucha, gluten free wild ales, gluten-reduced beers, sours and traditional craft beer in his Southend favorite. Bring your four-legged friends! Their taproom is dog-friendly.
What they’re pouring: Local kombucha, unique ales, and sours alongside traditional brews.
Need to know: Don’t let the weekends slow down your healthy lifestyle. Relax and breathe with a one hour yoga class on Saturday and lace up for run club on Sunday at Lenny Boy.
Sugar Creek Brewing Company
215 Southside Dr.
What would you get if you combined a watchful Trappist Monk and nuclear engineer? Great beer. Sugar Creek Brewing Company’s beautiful and spacious taproom and happening patio make it a go-to for Belgian inspired beer lovers.
What they’re pouring: Regulars include the White Ale, Saison, Belgian Dubbel and Pale Ale. View all beers including seasonal on their website.
Need to know: From beer specials to trivia to live music and fitness classes, there’s something for everyone at Sugar Creek. Keep up to date with their online calendar.
Dilworth
Bulldog Beer and Wine
2447 Park Rd.
The beer shop nestled into the homes and businesses in Charlotte’s Dilworth neighborhood is has a lot to offer beer lovers. Think big bottles, small bottles, cans, growlers and 13 rotating craft beers on tap focused on hard to find and unique pours.
What they’re pouring: Anything you could think of. Tasted a beer that one time somewhere and can’t quite remember exactly what it was? Chances are, Bulldog can.
Need to know: Each Monday, Bulldog Beer and Wine invites their neighbors for the ultimate grill out party. Everyone brings their own meet and a side item, uses the community grills and drinks good beer. Not a bad Monday traditional at all.
Brawley’s Beverage
4620 Park Rd.
This taproom located right on Park Road offers a variety of craft beers and a huge patio perfect for sitting. Panther’s fans will also enjoy watching them take the field on their projection screen.
What they’re pouring: They pour a variety of different ales and brews. Your best bet is to follow along on Facebook.
Need to know: They offer an alcohol-free brew for dogs! The Boo’s brew supports a healthy coat and strong joints.
The Beer Growler
1427 South Blvd.
Before a big game or guests arrive, make a stop at The Beer Growler for some fresh beer. Here you can fill a 32 oz or 64 oz growler full of beer, enjoy it and then bring it back for a refill.
What they’re pouring: Choices vary, but there are 40 taps and so there’s always a good option. Check out their daily menu here.
Need to know: Satisfy your sweet tooth with a trip to The Beer Growler on Saturday mornings. The word is that Joe’s Doughs has been showing up with some yummy treats. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for the latest.
NoDa
Birdsong Brewing Co.
1016 N Davidson St.
They got so big, they’ve flown the the coop! Birdsong Brewing Co.’s new location is serving up the same brews you love with some weekly new additions. The folks at Birdsong are passionate about what they do and their beer, so don’t be shy to introduce yourself and learn about the beer making process.
What they’re pouring: All beer at Birdsong Brewing is made fresh and on-site. Favorites include Higher Ground IPA and Jalapeño Pale Ale
Need to know: Join them for THURSday THURSdays, where they release a new small batch beer for customers each week! They also have free tours on Thursday at 6:30 PM.
Free Range Brewing
2320 N Davidson St.
Two brothers set out to open a family-friendly brewpub earlier this year. With their designated kid’s area, art gallery feel among picnic tables and corn hole, they’ve definitely accomplished their mission.
What they’re pouring: Here you’ll find brews inspired by what’s in season, whether its a Pumpkin Porter or Farmhouse #2, a Carolina farmhouse aged on local, organic, fresh muscadine grapes.
Need to know: Breathe in and breathe out with their free yoga classes on Thursday nights. Check Facebook for the latest schedule.
Heist Brewery
2909 N Davidson St. #200
A far cry from its cotton mill days in the early 1900s, Heist is a thriving local hub for local brews, outdoor patio sitters and even brunch-goers. Not just for beer lovers, Heist offers a full lunch, dinner and brunch menu.
What they’re pouring: 10 handcrafted brews are available by the glass, flight or pitcher. Picks include the Mr. Benton, Whirlpool Willie and the Out to Pasture.
Need to know: Heist also offers wine, craft cocktails and beer cocktails. No matter what your crew is into, this is a happy hour spot we can all get behind.
NoDa Brewing Company
2921 N. Davidson St.
NoDa Brewing Company has seen their tried and true favorites catapult them into a second taproom location and canned beers found in local grocery stores. Spend a day in the sun at their new Tryon location and sample their award winning tastes. Since no food is allowed, they have rotating food trucks on-site, and beer drinkers are allowed to bring outside food in.
What they’re pouring: The award winning Hop Drop ‘N Roll IPA, along with the popular Jam Session and Coco Loco. Not fans of boring, theNoDa team roles out a new small batch beer each Tuesday in their Nodable series.
Need to know: Their new space includes a huge patio with community picnic tables and adirondack chairs, perfect for soaking up the Fall weather.
Salud Beer Shop & Nanobrewery
3306-B N. Davidson St.
A fun, laid-back beer shop and brewpub in NoDa’s main hub. Connected to FūD at Salud, this place is a one-stop shop for your favorite brew and a Waffle-Wich.
What they’re pouring: This is another place to go if you’re trying to hunt down a rare brew. They have a handful of taps and walls of bottles and cans. See the full list of what’s on tap by visiting their website.
Need to know: A 1-barrel system nano brewery is coming soon to the Salud Beer Shop. Selections will be sourced from local home brewer Denny Deaton. Get the latest info here!
Plaza Midwood
Legion Brewing (Coming soon!)
1906 Commonwealth Ave.
Help us welcome Legion Brewing into the Charlotte beer scene. As they get ready to open before Thanksgiving of this year, we’re daydreaming about the ideal location and American-style brews. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for updates and opening information.
Pint Central
1226 Central Ave.
This gem in Plaza Midwood has got it all. A full bar consisting of 34 taps and over 40 bottled beers, custom cocktails and wine. Sit out on the patio with Fido for a relaxing day spent overlooking the skyline. Getting hungry? Chow down on Pint Central’s full menu of appetizers and entrees.
What they’re pouring: With 34 beers on tap, you’ll be sure to find one you like. They update their website with any added to the list in the past 48 hours.
Need to know: Pint Central is active in the community. From Art Walks to specials on pumpkin beer, stay up to date on all of their events by liking their Facebook page.
