Family Spotlight
Post by Scott - 12/5/2024
Axios Charlotte put out a list of the 12 best breweries in Charlotte. Lists and polls are clickbait and the second laziest trick on the internet to drive interaction. We will NEVER put out a list of our favorite breweries…unless we are looking for clicks and need to drive people to our social media.
The laziest trick on the internet? Commenting on someone else’s list! Emma Way! What are you talking about? I have opinions!
The list is fine. Some spot on, some missed, and some debate if Burial counts as a Charlotte brewery since nothing is brewed here. Still, this serves as a chance to spotlight the places they overlooked.
Some ground rules because someone will comment on our list about someone else’s list and then we’re through the looking glass here, people.
Charlotte proper only.
Some, but not all, brewing must be done in Charlotte.
There’s a difference between my favorite beer and my favorite brewery for my family. This list shouts out why this place is good for families.
The perfect spot for anyone with a gluten sensitivity or straight up allergy. My family goes on Food Truck Friday and grabs something great for dinner to enjoy with a Shake that Axe lager.
This place has it all, from cocktails to ciders to stouts to IPAs. With one of the best brewery kitchens in Charlotte, everyone leaves happy. My wife still thinks about a cinnamon bun stout she loved here 3 years ago.
Holiday Event - Not a holiday event, but Kids Eat Free on Sundays!
Did you go to Sycamore pre-kids? Go here. Bring in pizza from Hawthornes, donuts from OMG, or, for the very picky, McDonalds across the parking lot. Tons of room to run around and a great sour program for low ABV treats.
Edge City
For a full list of all the holiday goings on all around Charlotte, check out our full list. Hoppy Holidays!
Free Range is one of the reasons why this website exists. The first time I came here and saw the toy and game wall, I knew someone was thinking of families. I’m always up for a Therapy Session Hazy IPA and a board game.
With plenty of room inside and out and a great kitchen dishing out German classics and American favorites, the Charlotte outpost of this German institution is a welcome addition. Stick around for stein hoisting on Saturdays and watch those arms wobble.
Legion - Plaza Midwood/FreeMoreWest/SouthPark
All of these spots have their own personality and are always welcoming to families. The OG Plaza location features a great game cabinet. The FreeMoreWest site gives you plenty of room to move. The SouthPark set up includes a shuffleboard table upstairs and a nice lawn outside. That and a Juicy Jay define a great day.
Not everyone loves beer, so Lenny Boy makes it easy with cocktails and house-brewed Kombucha. Ferns dangle from the ceiling and succulents dot every shelf. There’s a calm here to take a breath and savor this moment. Bring plenty of crayons.
If I was selfish, I’d keep Lower Left to myself. It would just be us, hanging out on the back porch, playing Chutes and Ladders, drinking a Juicy McJuiceFace, ordering a pizza from Zepeddie’s, and soaking in a perfect day. Y’all should do the same.
We sat on the porch at Pilot, drinking an Island Hopper IPA, scarfing a Cheat’s cheesesteak, sharing a massive slice of Villani’s chocolate cake. Then we went inside and played table games at Pilot. It was a great day. Try it soon.
Holiday Event - (12/7) Holiday Market
My family probably goes to Protagonist more than any other brewery. The pizza is massive, there’s pinball upstairs and plenty of room outside. Sip a Mercury or a Dolly and soak it all in.
Holiday Event - (12/14) Holiday Market and a visit from The Grinch!
The South End location is fantastic for a Rail Trail bike ride, but the SouthPark spot screams family. It’s at the mall, has great food, beer, cocktails, coffee, and kids eat free on Sundays. Oh, it has a playground. Seriously. Can I live there?
Have you seen that huge 5 ton truck parked out front?! I think I have 2 pictures of my son at the beach and 100 of him on that truck. Order a Big O and have your own photo shoot with your truck obsessed kid.
Holiday Event - (12/14) Knit Happens Ugly Sweater Party with a visit from Santa!
Last visit, they had an honest to God petting zoo. I hope y’all were there. A snake named Chicken Nugget twisted around my daughter’s arm for an hour and she has never been happier. I just sipped a Hazy Behavior with a stupid grin on my face.
Holiday Event - (12/14) Holiday Market with a visit from Santa!
Triple C consistently has some of the best Christmas events of the season. The Santa last Sunday almost had me believing in Kris Kringle. Either that or I had one too many Babymakers. We’ll never know.
Holiday Event - (12/14) Christmas toy drive party with a visit from Santa!
The backyard of Vaulted Oak is the star of the show. Loaded with games, you could have a family Olympics here and then head inside to settle it over Mario Kart. Bring over a pizza from Sal’s, sample something from their sours, and play.
Holiday Event - (12/13) Back in My Day Holiday Market