Here are 14 bottle shops in Charlotte where you can pick up drinks, snacks

Do you ever find yourself wondering where to grab a beer after a long day of working from home? Maybe you live in a house divided where no one can seem to agree on their favorite Charlotte brewery. Or maybe you would rather pour a beer into a frozen pint glass in the comfort of your own home (especially these days, thanks to COVID-19). Bottle shops could be your solution.

A bottle shop is essentially a convenience store for beer, wine and often other snacks and beverages with a similar atmosphere as a brewery. Thanks to bottle shops everywhere, the anxiety of missing a hot release or pressure to travel near and far to try different beers is diminished.

Being the beer city that it is, Charlotte does not lack in the bottle shop department. Below is a list of popular bottle shops to hang out at or stop by to take a six-pack home.

Note: As of Sept. 1, North Carolina moved to Phase 2.5, increasing the number of mass gatherings to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. Face coverings are still mandated in enclosed spaces and when unable to social distance yourself.

(1) Brawley’s Beverage

4620 Park Road

Brawley’s is a local favorite in Madison Park and has been serving up pints and selling an extensive selection of beer since the 1980s. The shop is praised for its laid-back atmosphere and overall great selection of craft beer on tap. It also sells a variety of six packs, kegs and bombers to keep on hand. The shop is currently open seven days a week from noon to 9 p.m.

(2) Bulldog Beer and Wine

1434 Winnifred St.; 2447 Park Road, Suite B

Bulldog Beer and Wine grew its roots in the mountains of Boone in 2008 and later closed its doors to re-open in Charlotte. At both the Dilworth and South End locations, Bulldog serves a variety of craft beer on tap (24 taps at South End and 18 at Dilworth) and sells a wide selection of bottles and cans, plus offers a full bar. Overall, this spot is known for having a relaxed environment, with free popcorn and, of course, dogs of all sizes and breeds. Both locations are currently closed on Mondays.

(3) Carolina Beer Temple

195 N. Trade St.; 2127 Ayrsley Town Blvd. Suite 101-B

Carolina Beer Temple, which merged with Temple Mojo, has a location in historic downtown Matthews and one in the Ayrsley shopping center. With over 25 taps to choose from at each location, there is something for everyone to choose from. Carolina Beer Temple is known for being a family-friendly craft beer store with local brews available on draft, along with a variety of international brands and a wide selection of bottles and cans to choose from.

(4) Craft Tasting Room and Growler Shop

1320 S. Church St., #100

Craft opened in South End back in 2014, and it has been a neighborhood favorite since. By serving a variety of craft beer and artisanal charcuterie, Craft opened with the idea of creating a welcoming environment where people can come together, enjoy a drink or small plate and spend quality time with one another. Additionally, the shop now offers online ordering for pickup.

(5) Common Market

2007 Commonwealth Ave.; 235 W. Tremont St.; 4420A Monroe Road

Common Market is nestled in three different Charlotte neighborhoods: Plaza Midwood (the OG location), South End and Oakwold, with a new Rock Hill, SC, location coming during the summer of 2021. This character-filled market puts an emphasis on supporting other local businesses, where 70 percent of beer sold is produced in North Carolina or South Carolina. Along with its wide selection of beverages, this spot is known for its eclectic ambiance, welcoming atmosphere and helpful staff.

(6) The Hobbyist

2100 N. Davidson St.

Located in Villa Heights, The Hobbyist provides a thoughtful selection of wines and craft beer that you wouldn’t normally find during your typical grocery store run. Overall, the atmosphere is cozy, but modern and industrial. Currently, The Hobbyist has about 30 percent of seating available and has live music on Fridays from 7 to 10 p.m. Beer and wine can also be ordered online for curbside pickup.

(7) The Hop Shop

818 Lamar Ave.

Known for its laid back, coffee shop-like environment, The Hop Shop is a great destination to enjoy a craft beer, kick back and relax. This watering hole is located in Plaza Midwood and has about 12 beers on tap along with a large retail selection.

(8) NoDa Company Store

3221 Yadkin Ave.

In NoDa, there is a yellow brick road that leads to a quaint yet spunky little house that serves a variety of canned beer, wine bottles, snacks and other grocery offerings. NoDa Company Store is known for its cozy interior and recently expanded patio, which makes social distancing easy.

(9) Pop the Top Craft Beer Shop

116 West Blvd.

Pop the Top is a craft beer shop located in South End that is currently open for retail and to-go orders and offers limited seating inside and outside. The shop’s owners personally drive to places all over the state to collect a great selection of beer to sell to those in Charlotte. Although Pop the Top is focused on providing a variety of craft beer around the Carolinas, it also sells snacks and gifts that are made by other small businesses, such as Carolina Kettle Chips and custom-made flight boards made by D2 Woodcrafting in South Carolina.

(10) Rhino Market & Deli

1500 W. Morehead St., #E; 420 Church St.

Part deli, part neighborhood market, Rhino Market has something for just about every type of customer. In addition to its delicious sandwiches from the deli, Rhino Market is also known for its great beer and wine selection. Rhino Market also supports local brewers from Charlotte and across North Carolina by stocking its shelves with local products.

(11) Salud Beer Shop

3306 N. Davidson St.

Salud Beer Shop is nestled in the heart of NoDa. What first started as a bottle shop that primarily sold local and regional craft beers has continued to grow into a shop that promotes craft beer cans and bottles from across the globe. Salud offers about 16 beers on tap, along with hundreds of bottles and cans for all types of beer lovers. Currently, Salud is offering delivery and takeout, and is offering limited seating on the outdoor patio.

(12) Stable Hand

125 Remount Road, Suite B

Stable Hand is an approachable and colorful coffee and bottle shop that was previously occupied by Good Bottle Co. and Hex in South End. Stable Hand sells a few carefully selected craft beers on draft, natural wines by the glass and a rotating selection of bottles and cans for purchase to take home to enjoy. Stable Hand is currently open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(13) Tip Top Daily Market

2902 The Plaza

Tip Top is a small bottle shop and market in Plaza Midwood that sells bottles, cans, beer on tap and other items and snacks. The beer and wine selection comes from regional and local breweries and wineries. Overall, this spot is known for being a casual neighborhood hangout or destination to grab a six-pack on your way home. Tip Top is currently open daily from noon to 8 p.m.

(14) Vintner Wine Market

8128 Providence Road

Located in The Arboretum Shopping Center, Vintner Wine Market is a neighborhood favorite. Don’t let the size of this store fool you. With about 1,500 wine bottles and 400 canned and bottled beer options, Vintner offers a wide beverage selection at various price ranges. Vinter also serves wine by the glass and has 16 rotating taps featuring local beers and a few from around the world.

This story was originally published September 15, 2020 at 3:05 PM.

Jennings Cool

The Charlotte Observer