Dark and complex or light and smooth. Adults-only or perfect for the kids. Hoppy IPAs or tart ciders. In Charlotte, there’s a brewery for every palate and occasion. We know it can be hard to keep up with all of the options popping up around town, so we’ve rounded them up by neighborhood for easy exploring. Happy brewery hopping!
LOWER SOUTH END
Brewers at 4001 Yancey
4001-A Yancey Rd.
This joint craft beer venture from Southern Tier and Victory Brewing opened earlier this year. Beer-lovers can enjoy new offerings from both beer brands, a massive taproom and expansive outdoor area including a covered patio. A full chef-driven menu also boasts sharables like a pretzel with beer cheese and brewers wings, handheld burgers and sandwiches, salads, pizzas and entrees.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
4150 Yancey Rd.
Established 2009.
Step into a traditional brauhaus for one of three OMB beers available year-round: Copper, Capt Jack or the Southside Weiss. Then venture on to a seasonal pour in the biergarten; currently in the spotlight is Mecktoberfest. Experience one of Charlotte’s best brewery tours 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.
Sugar Creek Brewing Company
215 Southside Dr.
Established in 2014, Sugar Creek Brewing pours Belgian-inspired ales including their White Ale, Saison, Belgian Dubbel and Pale Ale plus seasonal rotations in a spacious taproom and newly expanded patio. View all options here. A scoop favorite is the pink-hued Raspberry White Ale.
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 events calendar.
Thirsty Nomad Brewing
4402 Stuart Andrew Blvd A.
Thirsty Nomad is all about creating a great space to enjoy great beer. Since 2016, they’ve been serving Saisons, Pale Ales, a Chocolate Stout and more in their laid-back taproom and patio. You can even view over 150 past beer recipes in a public Google doc folder. Don’t miss music bingo on Friday nights.
Three Spirits Brewery
5046 Old Pineville Rd.
In 2015, a former emergency medicine physician opened Three Spirits Brewery with the intention of creating an “upscale wine bar for beer lovers, but with coffee-shop coziness”. Sip multiple award-winning “comfort” beers like the Honey Porter, Southern Bliss and flagship Red Moon Rising.
Red Clay Ciderworks
245 Clanton Rd.
If cider is more your style, Charlotte’s first cidery has just the thing. 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. While the cider takes center stage, Red Clay also serves up local beers on rotation and wine. Go behind the scenes with a free cider tour Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. You can also stop in for trivia every Wednesday at 7 p.m. and brunch every third Sunday of the month from noon – 2 p.m.
GoodRoad CiderWorks
117 Southside Dr.
Another cidery serving a tasty beer alternative is GoodRoad CiderWorks. Since 2014, they’ve been crafting classic ciders made from pressed apples, including the Newtown Pippin, in which peach and pear complement the apple flavor, and the ginger-infused Waymaker. While it lasts, be sure to try the Avogardo’s Trail made with avocado blossom honey. Try a flight to find your favorite flavor.
NODA
Birdsong Brewing Co.
1016 N Davidson St.
Since opening in 2011, many Charlotteans have found their favorite brews at Birdsong Brewing. Try the Higher Ground IPA and Jalapeño Pale Ale, and don’t miss THURSday THURSdays, where they release a new small batch beer for customers each week. Keep up with their other events with their online calendar.
Bold Missy Brewery
610 Anderson St.
With brews inspired by legendary females, Bold Missy Brewery pours great beer with a side of girl power. Favorites include the Rocket Ride American IPA inspired by Sally Ride, Git Yer Gun Golden Ale inspired by Annie Oakley, Solo Flight English Brown Ale inspired by Amelia Earhart. Stick around to order from their food menu, which includes gourmet hot dogs, flatbreads, pretzels and more.
Divine Barrel Brewing
3701 N Davidson St.
A new brewery in town, Divine Barrel focuses on crafting wild and sour small-batch beers. Take your taste buds on an adventure with the Zest Intentions Sour Belgian Wit and Silk Sheets, which is reminiscent of drinking a smooth cup of coffee with cream.
Free Range Brewing
2320 N Davidson St.
In 2015, two brothers set out to open a family-friendly brewpub. With their designated kid’s area, art gallery feel among picnic tables and corn hole, they’ve definitely accomplished their mission. Here you’ll find brews inspired by what’s in season, whether its a cucumber brew with basil and ginger or Farmhouse #2, a Carolina farmhouse aged on local, organic, fresh muscadine grapes.
Heist Brewery
2909 N Davidson St.
Heist Brewery is a thriving local hub for local brews, outdoor patio sitters and even brunch-goers. Enjoy 10 handcrafted brews by the glass, flight or pitcher. Picks include the Citraquench’l IPA and Bananas Foster Flambé stout. Heist also offers wine, craft cocktails and beer cocktails.
NoDa Brewing Company
2921 N. Davidson St.
Since 2011, 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. Try the award winning Hop Drop ‘N Roll IPA, along with the popular Jam Session and Coco Loco. To keep fans on their toes, the NoDa team roles out a new small batch beer each Tuesday in their Nodable series.
Salud Cerveceria
3306-C N Davidson St.
The taproom upstairs at Salud is a perfect escape to enjoy local art, games, music and of course, funky craft brews. Try the Nativo Dry-Hopped Saison or the Morir Soñando Milkshake IPA with Orange and Vanilla. If you’re not into beer, be sure to try their nitro coffee and tea.
PLAZA MIDWOOD
Pilot Brewing
1331 Central Ave.
This brand new nano brewery offers experiential and small batch beers, sometimes featuring collaborations with local businesses and home-brewers. First time? opt for the cafe latte stout, a chocolate milk stout made with locally roasted Smelly Cat coffee. Find their current tap list here.
Catawba Brewing
933 Louise Ave.
Well-known for a variety of ales and IPAs, Charlotte’s Catawba Brewing location boasts a huge taproom with ample seating and a patio with an Uptown view. Food trucks frequent the parking lot, making it a one-stop-shop for a day of beer tasting.
Legion Brewing
1906 Commonwealth Ave.
Legion’s original location, which opened in 2016, is still home to favorites like Carolina Sparkle Party and Naughty By Nectar IPA. Plus, an evolving food menu and Sunday brunch features. A current seasonal option is Dough Boy, a pretzel ale brewed with pretzels from Queen City Pretzel and sourdough yeast from Old School Mill.
Resident Culture Brewing Company
2101 Central Ave.
Perfect for a sunny afternoon, resident Culture’s open taproom and expansive outdoor space is a beer drinker’s paradise. Try the Boy Dance Party IPA or the Lo-Fi Lager. Keep up with the brewery’s food truck schedule on Instagram.
SOUTH END
Hyde Brewing
2911 Griffith St.
Conveniently located along the rail trail at New Bern Station, Hyde Brewing and Suffolk Punch offer the perfect fusion of chef-driven small plates, a robust beer menu, cocktails and handcrafted coffee concoctions. Grab a spot on the shaded patio or inside the industrial-style taproom to enjoy a Lavender Skies Saison or an Alorah Maple Ale.
Sycamore Brewing
2161 Hawkins St.
Plan an afternoon filled with a few of our favorite things: live music and local brews. Sycamore Brewing, which opened its doors in late 2014, has seamlessly integrated into the Charlotte beer scene with its live music events and seasonal varieties that keep their huge patio packed each weekend. Favorite brews include the Southern Girl Blonde and the Countryside IPA. Also don’t miss the new line of Wild Blossom ciders.
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!
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.
Unknown Brewery
1327 S. Mint St.
The newly renovated Unknown Brewery has something for everyone. Enjoy live music from the open taproom downstairs, or sip the ginger wheat or featherlight beers with an Uptown view from their rooftop bar and patio. Hungry? Order a pizza from Passport Dough & Co.
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 built up a strong following with the help of favorite beers including the Good Morning Vietnam, a Coffee Vanilla Blonde Ale. Plus, stick around for a bite from their Gastropub food menu. Look out for a second location in 2019.
SOUTHPARK
Legion Brewing SouthPark
5610 Carnegie Blvd.
The first brewery in SouthPark offers an award-winning beer selection, a full food menu, stunning taproom and multiple spaces for your private events. Menu picks include the wood oven baked pizzas, meatloaf with Legion BBQ sauce, duck fat chicken wings and the brewer’s grain bowl with grilled trout.
UPTOWN
Rock Bottom Brewery
401 N Tryon St.
Since 1997, Rock Bottom’s Charlotte location has been brewing in Uptown. Take your pick from the 12 beers on tap, including Charlotte’s Gold, a German kolsch ale, and the Rocktoberfest, an amber Bavarian lager.
WESLEY HEIGHTS
Town Brewing
800 Grandin Rd.
Wesley Heights’ first brewery offers a large variety of beers, from IPAs to to sours, and a menu sourced by local and regional farmers. We can’t wait to try the pimento cheese toast, flatbreads and cauliflower gratin.
WEST END
Blue Blaze Brewing
528 S Turner Ave.
Founded by two home-brewers, Blue Blaze is located in the 100-year old Savona Mill along the Stewart Creek Greenway. Between sipping on one of their five flagship beers or a seasonal specialty, enjoy regular live music and rocking chairs on the patio.
AND BEYOND
Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Co.
7285 W Winds Blvd NW, Concord
Even when this Concord brewery isn’t hosting Food Truck Friday, it’s sure to be packed with patrons (plus their kids and dogs!). Try the 26 Union Street oatmeal stout or Flash Gourdon pumpkin and yam brew for a seasonal treat.
High Branch Brewing Co.
325 McGill Ave NW, Concord
Established in 2015, High Branch Brewing Co. features beers like the Pounder Pale Ale and Peanut Butter Murphy Road Milk Stout, plus a rotating display of local art. Come back on Thursdays for yoga and a beer for $8.
Cabarrus Brewing Co.
329 McGill Ave NW, Concord
When founders of Cabarrus Brewing Co. set out to invest in and with their community, they may not have imagined what the future would hold. Today, visit the brewery to enjoy the Cabarrus Cotton Blonde Ale, Reed’s Gold Ale or the Vanilla Coffee Blonde.
Ass Clown Brewing Co.
10620 Bailey Rd E., Cornelius
Since 2011, Ass Clown Brewing has grown from a garage brewery with a playful name to a fully operational taproom, still with a funny name. As you may expect from the name, you’ll never get bored with the beer options at this brewery, stay up-to-date with their beer list online.
Eleven Lakes Brewing
10228 Bailey Rd #201, Cornelius
Named for the 11 major lakes along the Catawba Basin, this Cornelius brewery crafts a variety of year-round and seasonal small batches. Fall favorites include the Lake James Brown and Dockside Brown.
D9 Brewing Co.
11138 Treynorth Dr., Cornelius
in 2014, two engineers and a doctor joined forces to start a brewery. Today, beer-lovers can enjoy year-round classics like the Swell Rider Tangerine Session IPA, Brown Sugar Brown Cow Mocha Brown Ale and more.
Primal Brewery
16432 Old Statesville Rd., Huntersville
Starter by two home-brewers, Primal Brewery has expanded rapidly since opening its doors in 2014. Favorite year-round brews include the Lemon Haze Pale Ale and Lucille Red Ale. Stay in-the-know with their live music and events calendar.
Ghostface Brewing
427 E Statesville Ave., Mooresville
In Mooresville, choose from up to 20 unique beers, meads and ciders to fit your unique style. A trip to Ghostface Brewing isn’t complete without taking a bite of one of their signature pizzas.
Legal Remedy Brewing Co.
129 Oakland Ave., Rock Hill, SC
South of Charlotte, Legal Remedy Brewing is a go-to for a full food menu, regular live music and weekly events. Try one of “the usual suspects” available year-round, or something new from the seasonal, barrel-aged or four series.
Dreamchasers Brewery
115 E North Main St., Waxhaw
In downtown Waxhaw, grab a pint of the Yard Breather or Foodbridge IPA at Dreamchasers Brewery. This time of year, sip on the Waxtoberfest, their take on an Oktoberfest/marzen style beer. Make note of their weekly events, including trivia, an open mic night and music bingo.
