Small but Mighty
Post by Scott - 9/26/2024
There’s something wonderful, almost nostalgic, about walking into a brewery and knowing that’s it. There’s no offsite production facility, brewpub on the other side of town or taproom at the airport. They’re not from Asheville or Atlanta, but literally right here. If you remember the original Birdsong or ever drank a Copper at the old Olde Meck, there are echoes of places like that in Charlotte. I love how big the Charlotte beer scene has become, but let’s shout out some small but mighty spots.
Special recognition to Birdsong, who has been killing it in this space for years. Though if they want to put a taproom in South Charlotte, I’m here for it.
Head to the east side of Charlotte to check out Vaulted Oak. This former bank still has the drive thru pneumatic tubes and a bank vault by the bathrooms. The backyard hosts an ever-changing array of yard games including a small putt putt course. Bring your own food, order from the food truck or play a little human Frogger across Monroe Road for delicious pizza from Sal’s Pizza Factory. Grab a C-Note American IPA or one of their refreshing sours and marvel at how much goes on in this one location. And, sidenote, since it’s a former bank, plenty of parking!
Stay on the east side and hop over to Edge City. This corner spot in a strip mall packs a punch. Every time I go here, I’m astounded by the quality of beer. Come on a Friday night and make it your official TGIF spot. There’s room to run, a cool, modern taproom, and plenty of food options around. It somehow feels both busy and chill. I usually drink a Foggy Bottom Boi hazy IPA, but the #Squadgoals Berliner Weisse hits the spot on a warm night.
This quirky taproom is a site to behold. Petty Thieves recently celebrated 4 years and continues to prove that weird can be wonderful. I want to do a scavenger hunt here, with taxidermy animals, shelves of books, vintage paintings, and even a secret room. The porch boasts one of the best skyline views at night. Bask in the glow of the city lights while enjoying a White Lotus Italian pilsner in the summer or a We Carry Knives stout when the weather finally cools down.
While LoSo seems like the land of the giants for Charlotte beer, Lower Left proves that bigger isn’t always better. Stop by and say hi to Iggy the dog. Hang out on the laid back porches. I get the Juicy McJuiceface, but I recently brought home the Juicier McJuiceface and man was that a smooth 9%! The Bodega food wagon comes every Friday and Saturday, so order a beer, sit down at a picnic table, and put the world on pause for a minute.
My very unscientific research suggests that Pilot Brewing is Charlotte’s smallest brewery. You can see the production facility from your barstool and practically touch the tanks. Serena herself might serve you Serena’s Beekeeper Ale. My go to move with Pilot is to order takeout from Calle Sol, Cheat’s Cheesesteaks, or Milkbread and enjoy it at Pilot with a rotating selection of beers. Bonus points for some of the coolest table games in town.
Vaulted Oak
Find the good pinball machines in the back.