Touted as the Queen City to pay homage to British King George III, Charlotte is a bustling city with over 800,000 people. It is considered one of the largest cities in the United States as well as North Carolina. While Charlotte thrives in economic development, transportation, and housing, the city also takes pride in its breweries.
For the last decade, Charlotte, North Carolina, has seen a spike in breweries all over the city. And this business boom dates back to a legendary local figure Captain James Jack. Since the first brews, Charlotte hasn’t stopped concocting the most uniquely flavored craft beer. A society was formulated all because of Charlotte’s love for beer brewing. It was named the Brew Pub Poets Society.
Jack Dillard established this group in 1991 while doing a marketing campaign for the Dilworth Brewing Company. To become a member, all you have to do is write and recite a poem about beer. But enough about Charlotte’s beer history, let’s get down to the breweries in Charlotte that’ll make your time worthwhile. Here are the top seven.
1. NoDa Brewing Company
If you’re craving Mexican spread and beer, then visit NoDa Brewing Company. Not only do they serve fantastic quesadillas, tacos, and sliders, they also concoct the best brews that earned them a few awards. For instance, the Hop Drop ‘N Roll IPA earned them gold in the 2014 World Beer Cup competition. Other popular brews are the Coco Loco Porter, Brizo seltzers, or the Jam Session Pale Ale. If you want to enjoy it at outside, then take home four-pack cans or a growler.
Why come here:
If you like to enjoy regular events while drinking your booze, then NoDa Brewing Company is the place to be. They host craft nights, charity events, or run club campaigns.
2. The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
One of the first well-known brewpubs in Charlotte, The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery was founded in 2009. Since then, the beer brewing scene in Charlotte has drastically improved and impressed a lot of hopheads in and outside Charlotte.
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is a German-inspired brewery sitting on a huge eight-acre Biergarten. This brewhouse is a perfect place to dine and drink with friends, family, and even your leashed furry companions on a sunny afternoon. Some favorites are German-inspired beers like Captain Jack Pilsner and Copper Altbier. You may also order bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzel, and other Deutsch-inspired dishes.
Why come here:
People come to The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery for its chill and vibrant atmosphere. Even your kids will enjoy celebrating their birthdays here!
3. Catawba Brewing Co.
Launched in 2017, Catawba Brewing Co. is undeniably one of the breweries in Charlotte you must visit. It is located in a hectic area called Hub 933, where all other business establishments are located. Some are co-working spaces, bars, coffee shops, to name a few. If you also want to enjoy an excellent view while sipping your brew, then come to this place.
They serve new brews every year to excite your palate. But some year-round favorites are the Farmer Ted Cream Ale, White Zombie White Ale, and the Peanut Butter Jelly Time Brown Ale.
Why come here:
Book this place if you want your birthday or other events held here. They have an overlooking patio and a 4,300-square-foot room for your private events.
4. Brewers at 4001 Yancey
This brewery is Artisanal Brewing Ventures’ headquarters. Brewers at 4001 Yancey also owns three other distinct breweries. They are Southern Tier Brewing, Sixpoint Brewing, and Victory Brewing. This brewery boasts over 120 tap handles and more than 40 rotating beers any time!
It’s also a brewery innovation lab, where expert brewers concoct unique flavors and serve them in their other three entities — if it passes the standards. Some of the most popular hits are the Cloud Walker, Golden Monkey, and a range of gins and whiskeys.
Why come here:
If you want a full-on experience in a brewery with shareable small plates, come to Brewery at 4001 Yancey. You can also come between 11 AM to 4 PM from Mondays to Fridays for special deals like $13 for a beer and sandwich.
5. Triple C Brewing Company
Three people founded Triple C Brewing Company, hence, the name. They are Chris Harker, Chris Murphy, and Christina Murphy. To date, Triple C Brewing Company is still going strong, earning some awards along the way. Some of their brew favorites are the Baby Maker IPA, 3C IPA, and Zest-a-Peel, which landed them bronze medals during the Great American Beer Festival.
Why come here:
If you’re a beer buff and sustainability advocate, then visiting Triple C Brewing Company is a must. They take pride in stringent recycling methods, and they host workout sessions every Thursday.
6. Wooden Robot Brewery
The Wooden Robot Brewery is a favorite among locals because they offer a whole range of gluten-reduced beers. On top of that, the Wooden Robot Brewery also provides a welcoming vibe. You’ll instantly feel cozy with its long tables and comfortable couches and nooks.
They also serve the most uniquely flavored beers — from a Saison, sour, or an IPA. As for the food, they partner with Twisted Eats, a food truck service that offers flatbreads, spinach, artichoke dips, sandwiches, and the best for pairing your craft beer — chicken wings!
Why come here:
If you’re trying to watch your diet, visit the Wooden Robot Brewery for its gluten-reduced beer offerings.
7. Heist Brewery
Heist Brewery has something to offer for every hophead. Sports fanatics can enjoy the space, the geeks can join trivia nights, and the business people can hold their team retreats in the taproom. You can order Heist Brewery’s signature IPA CitraQuench’l, Hive Fives, Cataclysm III, and more.
For their menu, pair your beer with delicious stir-fry veggies, burgers, chicken wings, or flatbreads. They also have an all-you-can-eat offer on the weekends at $19!
Why come here:
If you don’t come here for the all-you-can-eat brunch, come for diverse events and exciting private parties.
