Lena CaldwellLocals will tell you that if you leave Charlotte without visiting at least one brewery, you haven’t truly experienced the Queen City.
Brewery is not just a trend here. It’s practically part of the city’s economy and tradition.
For decades, Charlotte’s brewers have been perfecting the art of pouring tradition and creativity into every glass of beer they serve.
Whether you are a traveler or just someone who’s curious about the breweries in Charlotte, here is the list of the top breweries in the city you must visit!
1. Hi-Wire Brewing Charlotte
Media credit: hirewirebrewing_clt
Website: https://hiwirebrewing.com/charlotte/
Address: 340 W. Tremont Ave, STE
Phone: (704) 980-9910
Business hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 2:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday – 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Hire-Wire Brewing is not just your average brewing spot – it’s a full-on experience, and trust me, it’s one you won’t want to miss.
Tourists usually go to their taproom, as this is one of their famous and most in-demand spaces to chill.
Well, the question is – what makes it stand out? For first-timers, I’m sure you’re going to appreciate the natural light as you enter the place.
There are these big windows that make the entire space feel bright and welcoming. You’ll also see two separate bars, open for anyone who wants a casual drink and to relax.
The place is absolutely massive with over 300 seats, and you’ve got a ton of interactive games like soccer pool, table tennis, and shuffleboard.
Another thing that I love about this place is that they are pet-friendly. This means you can bring your furry friends, along with your family and friends.
Pro tip:
If you’re there with a group, check out their large covered patio for a laid-back vibe.
2. Legion Brewing Company
Website: https://legionbrewing.com/#custom_html_6
Address: 1906 Commonwealth Ave
Phone: (844) 467-5683
Business hours:
- Sunday to Monday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Visiting Legion Brewing Company should absolutely be on your list! I recently had the chance to check it out, and let me tell you – it was an experience I cannot forget!
They have the brand-new Braukon brewing system, which has taken their brewing game to the next level.
Aside from the brews, you’ve got to taste their pretzel. It had the perfect balance – crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. It’s not too sweet, maybe because it was topped with the right amount of salt.
Also, the mustard mixed with the beer cheese adds a nice tangy kick. To be honest, the beer cheese is so good!
If you’re sitting outside, the sunny weather and good beer make the perfect combo for chilling out.
Pro tip:
The beer cheese and whole grain mustard are great, so don’t miss out on those!
3. Divine Barrel Brewing
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Website: https://divinebarrel.com/
Address: 3701 N. Davidson St. – Suite #203
Phone: 980-237-1803
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 12:00 to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
What I love about this place is the perfect mix of its rustic charm and modern ambiance. This gives me a chill, cozy vibe while sipping my beer and enjoying my food.
The staff here are very welcoming and approachable. In fact, I ended up having a fun little chat with one of them, and we got into the story behind its business name “Divine” – which means “unusually lovely”
To share it with you, the reason behind such a name is a crazy combination of brewing prowess, ingredients, oak, and some divine intervention from outside forces. All of these things come together to create beers that are “unusual, lovely” but truly special.
Divine Barrel also knows how to keep things interesting. They host events, and there’s almost always a food truck parked out front serving their delicious food.
We ordered their famous Lunchbox Confidential – it was tangy and perfectly balanced! Also, I like their seltzers and my friends love their IPAs and porters.
What stood out about this place was the vibe – warming, welcoming, and relaxing. You’ll see other people having deep conversations, playing board games, or just enjoying a solo drink.
So, if you’re looking for a nice place to unwind, Divine Barrel Brewing is your spot.
Pro tip:
You need to try a flight of beers first. Start with a sour, then mix in an IPA or one of their other specialties.
4. Wooden Robot Brewery
Media credit: woodenrobotbrewery
Website: https://woodenrobotbrewery.com/location/the-chamber/
Address: 1440 South Tryon Street, Suite 110
Phone: 1 (980) 938-6200
Business hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday – 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday – 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Wooden Robot is a mix of traditional Belgian farmhouse brewing with American craft beer. They use 100% local malt, fresh fruits, herbs, and even foraged goodies, so you can literally taste the Carolinas in every sip.
During my visit, I grabbed a crisp farmhouse ale and occupied their taproom. I really love the vibe for its rustic and modern design.
Another thing that I like is their food. The pretzel with beer cheese is top-tier, and second on my taste buds are their crab cakes.
And if you’re more of a coffee person, I’m sure you’re going to enjoy their wide range of coffee options.
Some reviews say that the cappuccino and cortado are so good, so you better try them!
I won’t forget how welcoming and friendly their staff are. They chatted with us about the beers, recommended their favorites, and seemed always excited to share the Wooden Robot experience.
Pro tip:
Their beers are seasonal and experimental, so go and order something you wouldn’t normally order. You might discover your new favorite!
5. Resident Culture Brewing
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Website: https://residentculturebrewing.com/
Address: 2101 Central Avenue
Phone: 1 (704) 333-1862
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday – 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
As soon as I walked into Resident Culture Brewing, I felt the good vibes coming from the people. The space is big and cozy, and it’s cool without being too fancy.
There’s indoor and outdoor seating – perfect for small or larger groups, chill music, and vibrant lights.
I tried their Italian Pilsner, a DIPA, and a super crisp lager – all highly recommended, and honestly, they didn’t disappoint.
The Pilsner was light and refreshing and the DIPA had a balanced flavor. These are very well suited for all first-timers, so you should try them!
I also appreciate their seasonal drinks here. They are teaming up with other local breweries and always putting out new flavors of their drinks.
So, you will never experience the same thing twice – unless you want to order your ultimate favorite drinks.
Pro tip:
Grab a lager if you want something light, and go bold with one of their IPAs, especially if you want a little extra aroma.
6. Sycamore Brewing
Media credit: sycamorebrewing
Website: https://www.sycamorebrew.com/
Address: 2151 Hawkins St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: + 1 980-201-3370
Business hours:
- Sunday – 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Monday to Wednesday – 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday – 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday – 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM
The ambiance in Sycamore Brewing is clean, open, and welcoming – even to pets! When we visited, we even had a couple of furry friends with us, enjoying the calming vibes and warm energy.
If we’re going to talk about their beers – the selection here is solid. I’m not going to deny it, but their beers are more favourable to light drinkers like me.
I tried a couple of their light brews and was honestly impressed by their flavor.
Of course, they also have beers and other drinks for hard drinkers, and non-alcoholic options for anyone in the group who isn’t drinking.
As for the food, it’s a self-service setup, filled with typical bar fare. There’s nothing mind-blowing, but it’s good.
Another thing that I appreciate about this place is their massive outdoor area, where you can talk in depth with your friends or family. We’re also lucky to catch some live music, which makes our experience more memorable.
Pro tip:
Go here early on weekends, especially if you’re with a group. The outdoor tables fill up fast. So, if you want to reserve a good spot, head here as early as you can.
7. The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
Media credit: oldmeckbrew
Website: https://www.ombbeer.com/our-story/
Address: 4150 Yancey Road
Phone: +1 704-525-5644
Business hours:
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Monday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11:00 Am to 11:00 PM
Did you know that the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is the oldest brewery in Charlotte? I didn’t either, until I went to this place.
In fact, the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is still following the world’s oldest beer purity law, where beers are made with just four ingredients – water, malt, hops, and yeast. No preservatives at all.
Additionally, the beer lineup is somehow traditional. They offer lagers, pilsners, altbiers, and a few seasonal brews.
I tried the Copper and followed it up with Captain Jack Pilsner – these are perfect combos!
It’s also best to try their food selection, such as brats, schnitzels, and their giant pretzels. While their pretzels were a little dry, the beer cheese totally saved it.
If there’s one thing that’s unique about this place, it’s their famous biergarten. This area is very spacious, which can accommodate small to large groups of people.
Pro tip:
They often host fun events like beer fests, live music, and themed weekends. Plan around one of these for a better experience! Also, don’t forget to invite your family or friends.
8. NoDa Brewing Company
Media credit: nodabrewing
Website: https://www.nodabrewing.com/
Address: 150 W 32nd St. Charlotte
Phone: 704-900-6851
Business hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday – 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Noda Brewing Company is one of the pioneers of Charlotte’s craft beer scene. It offers a spacious taproom, perfect for hanging out with your family or friends.
Once you enter the place, you’re going to see lots of local art, chairs, brick walls, and their cozy wood-paneled bar. If you go outside, there’s a large, shaded patio where you can enjoy games with friends.
The Hop Drop ‘N Roll IPA, which won a gold medal at the 2024 World Beer Cup, is a crowd favorite. But if you want something more adventurous, the Jam Session Pale Ale and the Coco Loco porter are must-try beers because of their rich chocolate notes.
If you are looking for food, you can go to their food truck stationed there, which serves up delicious tacos, quesadillas, and sliders. Such food will make your experience unforgettable, especially if you match them with your beer.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to check out their events calendar. There’s always something fun happening, such as charity partnerships and NoDa Run Club.
