Belmont and Mount Holly
Post by Ben - 3/20/2025
Sometimes you need a small town. I don’t know why. Maybe you moved away from one and it reminds you of home without running into someone from middle school? Maybe you just like to pretend you live in Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls every so often? If you have lived in Charlotte or nearby for a while, you have had friends decamp Belmont or Mount Holly. Have you been meaning to visit those friends and reconnect? Do you just want to check out why so many people leave the city for these little towns? You ask a lot of questions. Maybe you just want some normal lunch after leaving the Whitewater Center? Here is a little rundown of what breweries are in Belmont and Mount Holly and how they might work for outings and families, and while they might share exits off of I-85, they are different enough to warrant individual trips.
Belmont
Located near the Catawba River between the lakes (like Mount Holly), Belmont is a beautiful little town with cool parks and playgrounds, little cafes, a bookshop (go here if you can - great spot for kids), and some little clothing boutiques. It’s a town built for a community who use the downtown, it’s not a fragile display. You will see biking groups, running clubs, families out for ice cream (Bumblebee Creamery), and dates going to the nicer restaurants (Kaya Gastrolounge, Marrelli’s, and Old Stone Steakhouse - out by the lake, there is Drift, too). Parking is free on the street and in the lots behind the main streets. The two breweries in town are both outposts of Charlotte regional chains, but both have unique spots that serve food and comfortable atmospheres.
Right off of Main Street in downtown, this taphouse, restaurant and steam-punk themed brewery (with locations in Waxhaw and Matthews, too) has a little bit of everything. A good stop for older kids who need a sit down lunch before hitting the shops or maybe a (little bit rowdy) dinner group before a street concert or event. They make their own beer, but have even more local beers on tap and with a full cocktail bar, they can make your party fun. Check out their seasonals (Irish Red for St Patty’s day this year) and you’ve likely had a Queen City Lager somewhere before.
A little bit out of downtown (a short walk if you took a rideshare from Charlotte, there is parking if you drove, not at the Post Office, though), this old warehouse is now a lively, chill brewery. With games for kids, a large outdoor patio with some shade, and a baked potato food counter newly opened (early 2025), this place is built for a fun little afternoon off the beaten Belmont path. They have lots of beers to suit every taste and regular event nights.
Notable Belmont Stops - These are not breweries, but these brewpubs, taprooms and old school bottle shops make Belmont a beer lovers destination.
The Station - This bar with cool grill food is in, well, the old train station and bike shop. A local hangout that should not be missed.
The String Bean - A restaurant, bottle shop, beer bar, and meat counter. Worth a stop.
The Jailhouse - Guess where this one is. Some beer, but the cocktails are the draw.
Mount Holly
North off of I-85 this time and even closer to the water, this little town makes a big impression. They have some cool little spots to eat, like JackBeagles and J.R. Cash’s by the lake, Bolton’s burger shop downtown, and BrightStar Grill, an old school diner, and a big dog bar. There is a quiet, easy vibe to this place (check out the bookstore here too). Take a walk down the railroad trail or down by the marina or all the way through the hilly neighborhoods. It is an enjoyable place to take a moment. Parking is free and plentiful.
A large brewpub right on Main St, and currently the only brewery in town, this place has a feeling of friendliness and distinctive character like a big Norwegian hug. It’s fun to see them experimenting with those different flavors from northern Europe and some comfortable pub eats. Cool beer, but a great cocktail menu and some hard seltzers on tap too.
Notable Mount Holly Stops - With only one brewery in town, here are some other stops.
The Summit Beer Shop - A beer haven with a great taplist, good coolers and even food. Look for this to be featured on our beer shop list soon.
My Brother’s Bottle - Cool, classic wine shop.
Smoke and Barrel - Whiskey, cigars, and music.
Traust Brewing
What’s up guys?