Cheers, and drink local!
Charlotte has a plethora of breweries making stellar IPA’s, sour beers, barrel aged specialty beers, unique and rare bottle releases. Most of our breweries offer weekly fitness classes like yoga or running, even pilates. They also host trivia nights and have live music on a regular basis. Several have pretty awesome patios with city views and scenic beer gardens.
With all of the new people coming to the QC we thought it would be a good idea to share all of our amazing craft beer spots, by neighborhood, including tour times and a bit about what they offer. Every owner and brewer is proud of their business and excited about the beer they’ve created. We recommend taking a tour, so they can tell you all about their journey.
We also wanted to include the areas just outside of Charlotte as well. There is so much to see, and drink, within a 50 mile radius around the city. Plan a Saturday to get out of the city and visit these breweries. They are worth the short trip, so make a day of it and visit a few!
South End
Hyde Brewing | Est. 2017
A fusion of craft beer, craft coffee, living art, and a modern food menu created by Suffolk Punch, all occupying the same cohesive space. Located on the Rail Trail at New Bern Station.
Open every day. Tour times will be offered soon.
Sycamore Brewing Co. | Est. 2013
Carolina roots, family-owned, independent company. Easy drinking and award winning craft beer. Food Truck Friday’s and seasonal festivals throughout the year. Host of weekly fitness classes on site.
Open every day. Tours upon request.
Lenny Boy Brewing Co. | Est. 2011
Certified Organic, traditional kombucha, craft beer and wild ales. A Bao Time food truck is often on site, now serving up Brunch on Sunday’s. Host of weekly fitness classes on site.
Closed Monday & Tuesday (until Sept 19th, first Tuesday open!). Tours upon request.
Triple C Brewing Co. | Est. 2012
Recently celebrated their 5 year anniversary with a block party and specially brewed beer called Crane City, fitting for our Queen City these days. Host of weekly fitness classes on site.
Closed Monday. Tours upon request.
Wooden Robot Brewery | Est. 2015
Founded by two best friends from Middle School, lovers of Farmhouse Ales and specialty sour beers. Bartenders throw chocolate candies at you (in a very nice way!). Twisted Eats created a beer-infused menu and now has a permanent space in the taproom.
Closed Monday. Tours upon request.
The Unknown Brewing Co. | Est. 2014
Curators of Charlotte’s own Craft Ginger Ale. Channel your inner adventurer and “step into the Unknown”. Host of weekly fitness classes on site. Bike & Brew every Saturday at 2:30pm.
Closed Monday. Tours are Wednesday & Friday 6:30pm.
Lower South End
Sugar Creek Brewing Co. | Est. 2014
Belgian style beers, beautiful taproom with shipping ropes hanging from the chandelier. Host of weekly fitness classes on site.
Open every day. Tours upon request.
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery | Est. 2009
Charlotte’s only local brewery when they first opened. Home of Yoga on Tap. A gorgeous 8-acre German Style Biergarten and in house restaurant. Host of Seasonal festivals throughout the year.
Open every day. Tours upon request.
Three Spirits Brewing | Est. 2015
Microbrewery creating unique unfiltered craft beer.
Closed Monday & Tuesday. Tours upon request.
Thirsty Nomad Brewing | Est. 2016 | Small but mighty, independent brewery. Host of “geeky” trivia nights and small bar bites. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday. Tours upon request.
Uptown
Rock Bottom Brewery | Original location Denver, CO Est. 1991, Charlotte, NC Est. 1997
Over 30 restaurant/breweries across the U.S. Only brewery in Uptown Charlotte. The restaurant has an open floor plan with the brew rooms on display.
Open every day. Tours upon request.
West End
Blue Blaze Brewing Co. | Est. 2016
The only brewery located on the West Side of Charlotte. Founded by two neighbors who became home-brewing friends.
Closed Tuesday. Tours are Wednesday 5:30pm, Thursday 6:30pm, Saturday by appt only 12:30pm.
NoDa
Heist Brewery | Est. 2012
Contemporary food menu for lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch. High demands for special bottle releases such as Cataclysm, which had its 3rd rendition this year.
Open every day. Tours upon request.
NoDa Brewing Co. | Est. 2011
Founded by homebrewers, created a “Nodable” series to brew a new small batch beer every Tuesday. Host of weekly fitness classes on site.
Open every day. Tours are Thursday & Friday 6:00pm, Saturday 4:00pm, Sunday 3:00pm.
Salud Cerveceria & Taproom | Est. 2017
Salud is a specialty beer and bottle shop with an in-house waffle sandwich menu named Fud at Salud. The new taproom is located upstairs and offers a wide range of entertainment. Music, art gallery, games, coffee, and of course funky cool craft beer.
Open every day. Currently brewing their beer at Heist Brewery, no tours at this time.
Free Range Brewing | Est. 2015
Founded by brothers raised in Eastern NC and have a wonderful slogan “Let Your Tastebuds Roam”. Host of Order/Fire series on Sundays and weekly fitness classes.
Closed Tuesday. Tours upon request.
Bold Missy Brewery | Est. 2017
An American “strong female (and male) lead” themed brewery with beer names “Get Yer Gun”, “Rocket Ride” and “Solo Flight” is inspiring to say the least.
Closed Monday. Tour times will be offered soon.
Birdsong Brewing Co. | Est. 2011
Founded by husband and wife team. Known for their specialty beers, unique herb blends, sour beers, and barrel aged brews. A food truck is usually on site.
Closed Monday. Tours upon request.
Plaza Midwood
Legion Brewing Co. | Est. 2016
Their slogan “Friends and Beer” pretty much sums up the Charlotte social scene, especially with it being in the heart of Plaza Midwood. Host of weekly fitness classes.
Open every day. Tours upon request.
Resident Culture Brewing | Est. 2017
Opened their doors in early September in one of the most walk-able and eclectic neighborhoods in Charlotte. Starting off with a few beers under their belt to start, they will increase styles as time goes on, as well as a sour beer program.
Closed Monday. Tour times will be offered soon.
Catawba Brewing | Original location Morganton, NC Est. 2009, Asheville, NC Est. 2015, Charlotte, NC Est. 2017
Huge taproom, known for crisp ales and IPA’s and the ever so unique Peanut Butter Jelly Time Brown Ale.
Open every day. Tours upon request.
Surrounding Areas
North of Charlotte
Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Co. (Concord, NC) | Est. 2016
While they brew a few staples, they like to change their tap list each month. Host of Food Truck Friday.
Open every day. Tours upon request.
High Branch Brewing Co. (Concord, NC) | Est. 2015
Cabarrus County’s first brewery and family run focusing on Belgian inspired style beers and hop forward ales. Tap list changes every week or so to keep you on your toes.
Closed Monday & Tuesday. Tours upon request.
Cabarrus Brewing Co. (Concord, NC) | Est. 2016
Fueled by history, a business idea and passion for craft beer lead to this new venture. Brewing most every style of beer, there seems to be something for everyone.
Open every day. Tours upon request.
Commoners Brewing (Concord, NC) | Est. 2017
Garage doors that open up makes for a beautiful taproom anywhere you put it. They add a lot to the community in Concord for craft beer lovers and live music in historic Concord.
Closed Monday through Wednesday. Tours upon request.
Red Hill Brewing Co. (Concord, NC) | Est. 2016
In the heart of downtown Concord. Created by three very different men, one does cross-fit, one makes icecream and the other a homebrewer.
Closed Sunday through Tuesday. Tours upon request.
Ass Clown Brewing Co. (Cornelius, NC) | Est. 2011
From garage brewery to fully operational tap room, a fun name and a rotational menu of beers is enough to peak interest. With claim to the largest selection of beers around, there’s really no reason to go visit.
Open every day. Tours upon request.
Bayne Brewing Co. (Cornelius, NC) | Est. 2014
Family owned micro-brewery, stemming from one of seven children trying to turn his hobby obsession into a profession. Host of a variety of events, some weekly and some seasonally. Be ready for a good time here in their taproom.
Closed Monday & Tuesday. Tours upon request.
Eleven Lakes Brewing (Cornelius, NC) | Est. 2017
Producing year round favorites and seasonal beers based on a homebrewer background.
Closed Monday & Tuesday. Tours upon request.
D9 Brewing Co. (Cornelius, NC) | Est. 2014
Started by two engineers and a doctor. Great recipe for craft beer right? Actually, yes. One of their sour beers, Systema Naturea won the gold medal at the 2016 Great American Beer Festival.
Open every day. Tours upon request.
New Sarum Brewing Co. (Salisbury, NC) | Est. 2016
Salisbury’s first brewery. They are very methodical in their history research on each style of beer to create something new from something old.
Closed Monday. Tours upon request.
Primal Brewery (Huntersville, NC) | Est. 2014
Founded by homebrewers, With almost 3 acres, they can accommodate large live music events. Host of weekly fitness classes. Brew beer to bring people together.
Open every day. Tours upon request.
Ghostface Brewing (Mooresville, NC) | Est. 2016
Featuring up to twenty different beers and meads at any given time. Unique to them is that they brew gluten-reduced beers.
Closed Monday. Tours upon request.
East of Charlotte
Barking Duck Brewing Co. (Mint Hill, NC) | Est. 2014
With 5-6 beers on tap on a regular basis in a small town, one of them is for you. These guys aren’t afraid to try new and unique recipes, like ones with sriracha!
Closed Monday through Wednesday. Tours upon request.
Sweet Union Brewing Co. (Indian Trail, NC) | Est. 2017
Indian Trail’s first brewery, founded by a Union County Native and businessman from Oregon. Up to twelve beers on tap at any given time. Claim to the freshest IPA’s as they are brewed in small batches.
Closed Monday & Tuesday. Tours upon request.
Southern Range Brewing Co. (Monroe, NC) | Est. 2017
Located in the heart of walkable downtown Monroe, it’s their first brewery. Offering up a decent selection of beers, live music and games, very kid friendly.
Closed Monday. Tours upon request.
South of Charlotte
Legal Remedy Brewing Co. (Rock Hill, SC) | Est. 2015
A neighborhood brewery with food, live music and host to weekly fitness groups. A theme based on the owners jobs, a lawyer, two bankers, a landscape architect, and a computer guy. Started in homebrew competitions, now a brewery.
Closed Monday. Tours upon request.
Benford Brewing Co. (Lancaster, SC) | Est. 2016
All began with a brew kit as a holiday gift. Their 35-acre farmland offers up pure well water, with which the beer is brewed with. Continuing to grow and expand their space as they are currently only open on Saturdays from 2:00pm-7:00pm.
Full Spectrum Brewing Co. (Fort Mill, SC) | Est. 2015
Started by college roommates in Montana. They want to create a beer for everyone on the spectrum. A perfect slogan for brewers looking to challenge themselves with creativity and skill. Offering up craft coffee and fresh deli sandwiches.
Closed Monday & Tuesday. Tours upon request.
Dreamchasers Brewery (Waxhaw, NC) | Est. 2016
Located in the heart of downtown Waxhaw alongside the railroad tracks and overlook bridge. Known for their IPA’, recently began canning, and new renditions of their regular beers keeps customers on their toes. Host of live music and a food truck on some days.
Open every day. Tours upon request.
West of Charlotte
York Chester Brewing Co. (Belmont, NC) | Est. 2016
Uses ingredients like local honey in their beer recipes, most recently their Kolsch.
Closed Monday through Wednesday. Tours upon request.
Cavendish Brewing Co. (Gastonia, NC) | Est. 2017
Gastonia’s first brewery, opened in a neat old car dealership with goals to ramp up the neighborhoods social scene. Host of weekly fitness groups and live music, along with small bar bites.
Closed Monday & Tuesday. Tours upon request.
Newgrass Brewing Co. (Shelby, NC) | Est. 2015
Located in the heart of downtown Shelby. Awarded NC Brewery of the Year by Gravity Magazine and NC Brewers and Music Festival.
Closed Monday. Tours upon request.
Hoppy Drinking Y’all! Comment below if I missed one of your favorites.
Written by Jessica Moore @finicklylady | blog
Lover of good food, craft beer and Seinfeld.
