It was taboo in the movie “Sweet Home Alabama” but it’s not so unusual in Charlotte where there are a number of family-friendly breweries.
My husband and I started to frequent Birdsong when it was in its original location behind Extravaganza Depot. We loved the 6 owners that started it and LOVED the beer. Since then we have made it our mission to check out all the local breweries.
I often see my real estate clients at breweries with their little ones. The relaxed atmosphere makes for a stress-free outing for everyone. Many breweries set up games or offer open spaces to occupy the tots while parents sample local brews. Some even give out free snacks. Nothing entertains a kid like free snacks. That’s a win-win.
Play dates at parks are so 2016. Ok, seriously. Don’t stop taking your kids to the park. But it’s fun to meet up with another family or two at a brewery.
Here are a few family-friendly breweries to check out:
RESIDENT CULTURE
2101 Central Ave (Plaza Midwood)
This is the hottest new brewery and super kid friendly in one of Charlotte’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods. The brewery is located right next to what used to be Tommy’s, one of the best dive bars in Charlotte. Tommy’s was torn down but it was well loved and my bet is Resident Culture will be well loved too. The kids are sure to have fun hanging out on the wraparound patio with communal tables and lounge chairs.
Hours Monday-Friday 3p-10p.Saturday 12-11p. Sunday 12-8p.
THE OLDE MECKLENBURG BREWERY
4150 Yancey Road in LoSo (Lower South End)
This place is HUGE. It has a large outdoor area with picnic tables, space to play, games and kid-friendly food. Weekend afternoons are popular with families. They open at 11am every day and have diverse craft beer selection.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11a-10p. Friday-Saturday 11a-11p. Sunday 11a-10p.
LEGION BREWING
1906 Commonwealth Avenue in Plaza Midwood.
This place has a neighborhood bar feel. It’s the kind of place where everybody knows your name. You might find me and my hubby having a beer here. We can walk from our house!
Check it out on Sundays at 12:30 for Namastay (that’s how they spell it) Yoga and a brew. It’s $7 for an hour of yoga and a pint of beer. They even serve a breakfast stout.
While Legion doesn’t serve much kid-friendly food, you can pick up something at nearby Diamond or Common Market and bring it in. They also have an outdoor area and some games for the kids.
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 2p-10p. Thursday-Friday 2p-11p. Saturday 12p-11p. Sunday 12p-8p.
BIRDSONG BREWING
1016 N. Davidson Street in NoDa
Free peanuts! This is a family-friendly, pet-friendly hang-out in one of Charlotte’s coolest neighborhoods.
Birdsong offers more than 12 beers on tap with a strong selection of IPAs and pale ales. Saturday and Sunday they open at noon so take the kids and the dog for a walk and have a pint. They have a selection of games and a decent outdoor space. They don’t serve food (other than the free peanuts) but they often have food trucks on site. You can also bring your own eats.
Hours: Closed Monday. Tuesday-Friday 3p-10p. Saturday 12p-10p. Sunday 12p-8p.
FREE RANGE BREWERY
2320 N. Davidson Street in NoDa
There’s kid-friendly and then there’s this place. It actually has games, a magnetic board and art supplies to keep your little one occupied. That will give you time to relax and sample some of the quirky-named brews made with local ingredients. They have food your kids will eat and they are a block away from Amelie’s. Score. I’m a faithful member of Sustain Charlotte which meets for monthly mixers at the brewery.
Hours: Closed Tuesday. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 5p-11p. Friday, Satuday 12p-11p. Sunday 12p-9p.