It was big news this summer when North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed a new law once again allowing dogs in breweries and taprooms.
But a lot has changed since late 2016, when four-legged guests were last permitted to pull up a chair indoors. A number of new breweries have opened, and some that did allow dogs inside several years ago have since introduced on-site kitchens, which means, even with the new law, dogs have to stay outside.
It can get a little confusing, so we’ve rounded up the latest dog policies at 30+ Charlotte craft beer spots. While we were at it, we also asked about other dog-friendly brewery perks like treats, water bowls and dog-focused events.
We’ll roll out the list by neighborhood during the next few weeks. First up: South End and LoSo.
Brewers at 4001 Yancey
Dogs allowed inside? No
Dogs are welcome outside at the Charlotte home of Southern Tier, Sixpoint and Victory brewing companies. The sprawling space features both covered and uncovered patios as well as an enclosed dog run where taproom dogs can run and play off-leash.
Lenny Boy Brewing Co.
Dogs allowed inside? No
There’s ample space and seating on Lenny Boy’s two dog-friendly patios to grab a beer or kombucha with your pup. Snag a table with an umbrella and a water bowl for your four-legged friend – just note dogs aren’t allowed inside due to the on-site kitchen.
Lower Left Brewing Co.
Dogs allowed inside? No
Indoor space is limited at Lower Left, so this cozy LoSo brewery asks canine visitors to enjoy the experience on two outdoor patios. Choose from high-top tables flanking the garage doors out front or picnic tables and Adirondack chairs with some shade cover out back.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
Dogs allowed inside? No
There’s plenty of room for your four-legged friends to tag along outside at Charlotte’s oldest and largest brewery. Enjoy German-style beer in Olde Meck’s spacious wooded setting that includes the largest biergarten in the Southeast, plenty of shade and a limited outdoor food menu.
Suffolk Punch
Dogs allowed inside? No
Bring your dog for brunch or drinks with friends on the dog-friendly patio at Suffolk Punch. Though they’re not allowed inside, dogs are regulars on the turf patio, which also features a shade canopy and plenty of water bowls.
Sugar Creek Brewing Company
Dogs allowed inside? No
Sugar Creek prepares food on-site, which means canine craft beer fans are limited to the outside. Luckily, the brewery offers a full-service patio bar, plenty of outdoor seating, fire pits and string lights – all the makings of a delightful afternoon or evening with two- and four-legged friends.
Sycamore Brewing
Dogs allowed inside? No
Yelp reviewers fondly refer to Sycamore Brewing as a dog-lovers’ heaven. Dogs aren’t allowed inside here, but that hardly seems to matter. The sprawling beer garden is regularly filled with pups of all sizes at all times of day.
Thirsty Nomad Brewing
Dogs allowed inside? No
Your dog can join you on the covered patio at this LoSo nanobrewery. There might even be treats for canine visitors at the bar. Thirsty Nomad also serves a small selection of wine, cider and soda as well as freshly baked pizza.
Triple C Brewing Company
Dogs allowed inside? Yes
This South End Charlotte brewery welcomes dogs inside and on its patio. Look for big red water buckets on the patio and beers named after brewery dogs Maggie and Barley on the tap list. You can also spoil your pooch with a Triple C leash or dog collar, or a King of Pups frozen treat.
Unknown Brewing Co.
Dogs allowed inside? Yes
Dogs are allowed on the patio and in the taproom, but not in the brewhouse. The brewery often has free treats at the taproom bar for four-legged friends. Unknown also hosts a Sunday morning dog walk (excluding Panthers home game weekends). A $5 fee covers the walk, a treat from Calvin’s Craft Cookies for your dog and a pint of beer for you.
Wooden Robot Brewery
Dogs allowed inside? No
This South End hot spot serves food, which means canine craft beer fans have to stick to the front and side patios. Order through the patio pass-through window and you don’t have to leave your dog alone outside. Wooden Robot also offers all-natural, spent-grain dog treats from Calvin’s Craft Cookies.
You know your dog best. Consider your four-legged friend’s comfort around crowds, noise and other dogs – and remember not all humans are as eager to say hello as your dog can be. All brewery-going canines should be leashed, friendly and vaccinated unless otherwise noted.
