This Charlotte bar and beer festival are ranked among the country’s best.
Charlotte has made its beer presence known in USA Today’s annual “best of” lists for all things beer, and you can still chime in.
Each year, a panel of beer experts selects 20 favorites from across the country. USA Today then opens the list up to popular vote to determine the top 10. The Queen City snagged nominations for Best Beer Bar (Salud Beer Shop), Best Beer Festival (Juicy Brews Balls to the Wall Craft Beer Festival) and Best Beer Scene (Charlotte).
Charlotteans, you have a chance to make your voices heard. Votes for who belongs in the top 10 can be cast once every 24 hours from now until March 17 at noon. Winners will be announced on March 27.
Best Beer Bar
After taking the No. 1 spot in 2019 and No. 5 spot in 2018, Salud Beer Shop is back at it. For the third year in a row, Salud is up for Best Beer Bar in America.
“We are honored to be nominated for a national award, and we love being able to promote how amazing the Charlotte Beer scene is in any way we can,” owner Jason Glunt said.
The bar and beer shop is known for featuring rare local and regional craft beer, as well as a huge selection of bottles and cans from around the world.
Best Beer Festival
After its first year ever, Juicy Brews Balls To The Wall Craft Beer Festival has been nominated for Best Beer Festival. The brainchild of Hop Culture founder Kenny Gould and Resident Culture Brewing founder and owner Phillip McLamb, the basketball-themed themed event emerged from their personal rivalry as Duke and UNC alums, respectively.
“Hop Culture throws a dozen events around the country every year, but there’s a reason we love coming back to Charlotte. The people, the weather and the beer really impress us,”Gould said. “For the Juicy Brews Balls To The Wall Craft Beer Festival next month, expect unlimited pours from some of the best breweries in the country, but also come supporting your favorite college team, and be ready for some NCAA trash talk and a full court basketball game.”
Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite basketball jerseys and enjoy beer from more than 25 breweries.The event takes place March 21 at Resident Culture Brewing at 406 N. Tryon St. Tickets are still available.
Best Beer Scene
For the first time, the Queen City has been nominated for Best Beer Scene in the country, and local brewers are excited to be getting some recognition.
“The beer scene in Charlotte has changed dramatically in the past 10 years. From a city speckled with clusters of craft beer fans who had a desire to see local craft options, to a city spilling over in adventurous and exciting breweries,” said Chad Henderson, head brewer and co-owner of NoDA Brewing Company. “You can’t seem to go a day without hearing of a new brew, new event or new brewery popping up just around the corner.”
This story was originally published February 25, 2020 at 5:40 AM.
