A jaunt north on I-77 reveals a world of brew pubs from Huntersville to Mooresville. Next time you’re headed to Lake Norman, stop in for a pint at one of these beer-slinging joints. Go for a traditional Irish pub or opt for more contemporary American fare.
The Brickhouse Tavern
209 Delburg St, Davidson, NC 28036
The scoop: Set up in the refurbished, 120-year-old Davidson Cotton Mill, The Brickhouse Tavern offers up a unique gathering space. Order appetizers and traditional pub fare along a cold one from one of their 50 draft beers.
Worth the drive for:Â Pizzas, burgers and 50 beers on tap.
The Cork & Cask
9624 Bailey Road, Cornelius, NC
The scoop: Hang out in this low-key spot that just celebrated its third anniversary in September. Stop by for drinks and enjoy wine-by-the-glass or a beer and build your own cheese plate. Then, stay for some artisan Pub Grub: tacos, mac & cheese, sandwiches and flatbread pizza are all on the menu here.
Worth the drive for:Â Beer on tap or bottled, tacos and dessert pretzels.
Galway Hooker
17044 Kenton Dr, Cornelius, NC 28031
The scoop: This Irish pub was once located in Ireland. Yes, this pub was deconstructed and moved piece-by-piece to Cornelius. Come here for the Irish comfort food and a Guinness.
Worth the drive for:Â A look at its interior, shepherd’s pie and fish ‘n chips.
Duckworth’s Grill & TaphouseÂ
16609 Statesville Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
560 River Highway, Mooresville, NC 28117
The scoop: Two of this Charlotte standby’s five locations are near the lake, and both of them boast a large selection of draft beers, most of which are local and/or seasonal selections. Stop by to watch a game or pick up a growler and takeout to enjoy at home.
Worth the drive for:Â Cheesesteaks, garlic fries and iPads for drink menus.
Main Street Tavern
106 S Main St, Huntersville, NC 28078
The scoop: Seated in the heart of picturesque downtown Davidson — in the former Woody’s location — this bar is a private club. Grab a cocktail or a beer on tap and enjoy the dive bar atmosphere.
Worth the drive for: Games, outdoor patio and bartenders that know both your name and drink.
The Kilted Buffalo
8625 Townley Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
119 Landings Drive, Suite 101, Mooresville, NC 28117
The scoop: Get a daytime beer while your man gets a haircut. Yes, really. During the day, this Irish pub doubles as a men’s salon, so get buzzed while he does. Or come by later for a drink, live music and some bar games with friends.
Worth the drive for: Craft beer selection, haircuts and games like shuffleboard and cornhole.
Old Town Public House
21314 Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031
The scoop: Sit down and relax. Have a cold one at this chill hot spot in Cornelius and catch some live music. On the menu are local craft beers, wine and snacks like soft pretzels, jalapeño pimento cheese amongst other gourmet cheese and fresh-baked pizza.
Worth the drive for:Â Live music from local artists, bottled beer and Pure Intentions cold brew on tap.
The Harp & Crown
19930 W Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031
The scoop: Authentic food from the British Isles meets North Carolina craft beer. Sit on the patio if you can and order an old standby like fish ‘n chips or try something more contemporary like brisket mac and cheese or savory bread pudding and pair it with beers from NoDa Brewing, Mother Earth and Highland Brewing.
Worth the drive for: Curry fries, shepherd’s pie and bangers & mash.
Blue Parrot Grill
169 Pinnacle Ln, Mooresville, NC 28117
The scoop: Ride your boat right up to the dock at the Blue Parrot and enjoy stunning sunset views of the lake while you eat and sip on a cocktail or a beer on the patio. There’s an outdoor Tiki Bar, large-screeen TVs and live entertainment Thursday to Sunday.
Worth the drive for: A good place to watch the game, gator bites and Instagram-worthy views of the sun setting over the lakeside.
