Take the Grandparents!
Post by Scott - 8/15/2024
I love to show off Charlotte, but every visitor has different needs. You might love a brewery with a DJ and stacked menu of sours, but your mom refuses to get hearing aids and your dad wants beer that tastes like beer. Check out these spots to keep your parents happy while they quietly judge your parenting choices.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (LoSo/Ballantyne) - These places are built for taking the grandparents. Either spot, you can’t go wrong. With tons of seating inside and out, a full menu of German food with American classics and beer that is the basis for every macro lager or pilsner, OMB has it all. Sure your dad may quibble that his Captain Jack Pilsner doesn’t taste exactly like his domestic can of whatever, but then you get to tell him about German beer laws and he gets to tell you about the new World War II book he’s reading and everyone wins!
Brewers at Yancey (LoSo) - The best part about Brewers at Yancey is the variety and diversity, both in drinks and food. 5 different breweries under 1 roof means that Brewers at Yancey has something for everyone: lagers, IPAs, stouts, sours, and ciders. Heck, they even distill their own liquor! Check out the Victory Golden Monkey for a quality Belgian Tripel or one of the seasonal Southern Tier stouts. The full kitchen is stellar, often using their own beer as a key ingredient. I took my dad here for Father’s Day and everyone left happy.
Town Brewing (FreeMoreWest) - Eye roll at the name “FreeMoreWest”, but if it means I get to go to Town, I’ll allow it. The Spratt’s Premium Lager might as well be called Dad beer. It’s a solid lager that will have your dad saying, “now that tastes like beer!”. The Vuela Paloma is a great choice on a hot day and the RP-1 hazy IPA is my go to. The small but mighty kitchen makes great beer drinking food. Grab one of the sandwiches like the 6 Shooter chicken and hummus wrap and order the kids the pigs in a blanket. Bask in the calm of the taproom until your mom asks when you’ll have your next baby.
Legion SouthPark (SouthPark) - All the Legions have their own character, but this one screams “Brunch with the grandparents”. The high ceilings and abundant natural light walk that line between casual drinking and “should I have worn something with a collar?”. No worries, Legion will take you as you are! The Juicy Jay IPA is one of the most popular beers in Charlotte, but the Slainte Dry Irish Stout hits the spot. For the non beer drinkers, check out the Mimosa flight. Yes please! After brunch, take the grandparents over to the mall. The American Girl Doll Empire is built on grandmas spoiling their grandkids!
Free Range (Camp North End) - Are they cool grandparents? Take them to the Free Range at Camp North End. Grab a Camp Beer Carolina Lager or a Therapy Session IPA, pour it in a plastic cup and wander the massive facility. Check out the murals, admire the architecture, point out the history of this over 100 year old former factory. Then, head to the food stalls, pick up one of everything from the delicious spots, and take it back to Free Range to enjoy with another beer. Top it off with a sweet treat. By the time you leave, your parents will be planning next year’s family photo shoot at Camp North End.
Bees?
Free Range at Camp North End has great art (by Dustin Harbin) just like all of Camp North End.