Tap and Bottle Shops to Love
Post by Ben - 1/23/2025
Here at Hops and Highchairs we love local beers and breweries. That’s why we made this site (well, we are still holding out for fame and money). But we have left out an important part of the local beer ecosystem over the last year; the bottle shop and taproom that makes it comfortable to sit with your family and try good stuff from all around Charlotte and North Carolina (and Beyond!). There are a lot of these little places, all with their own personalities, favorite styles of beer, and atmospheres. I am going to list a few of my favorites to take my family and relax (and indulge my wife’s beer bro phase lately). Here is a little preview of what is coming to our website in a few months:
The Summit Beer Shop - Mt. Holly, NC
This place is one of those Cheers spots that also feels like you see someone you know even if you haven’t been for over a year. Just a cozy little spot right down town – they have a nice patio, regular food trucks, a fun wine selection, and plenty of options in the cases if you don’t see your faves on tap. It’s a great place to hit after a nice afternoon at the Whitewater Center or heading home from Asheville. Or you know what? You can go to Mt. Holly on purpose. Gaston County isn’t going to hurt you.
Regularly voted one of if not the best bottle shop in the country, it’s no wonder that we love it. My wife and I went there for years before we had a child. We still go, although not so much for a night of hitting every big barleywine on the menu, these days it’s mostly for pizza and a quick Rothaus, a great bottle of wine for later, or something we have never heard of because who can keep up with trends anymore (the Salud people absolutely can) while our kid watches a little soccer or football on the TVs. I have said this before, but every baby born in Charlotte meets your childless friends at Salud and they should have some sort of special bottle service for new parents here.
Back to Gaston County and this time we are in the Hallmark movie town, but instead of all that cocoa and eggnog (who can handle that much dairy?) they have a really great beer shop. A locals driven taplist (you can tell their clientele and ownership have harmonious and wildly divergent tastes at the same time – always a good thing). Grab a beer (or two) and hang out in the tap room. Then take a break to get some dinner or go to Two Scoops or walk to see the ducks or go to the little playground or go to the little record shop and then go back, it’s so much fun to do. You can go all year long, not just December. In fact, I will say it, it’s more fun when it’s not Christmas.
This place is hidden away down Lamar on the other side of the railroad tracks. A secret spot for you and your family to grab some cans for the weekend or enjoy an after work or pre dinner beer. The Hop Shop has been around a while and has a beautiful selection of great beers from around the city and state and one of the most generally welcoming places in all of Charlotte. I am a very infrequent customer, but I always feel comfortable amongst the regulars. A great place to relax and enjoy a beer. What more could you ask for?
Coming Soon to a Bottle Shops Section on this here website.
Carolina Beer Temple - New location soon, same great selection and fun times.
The Vault - A beer shop in rural South Carolina that absolutely rules? YUP!
Common Markets Galore!
And so much more.
Downstairs at Salud
I miss the Nintendo. I never played it. I always meant to, I just got distracted by beer and MF Doom posters.