Where to take your parents when they visit

My dad likes beer. But not in the same way you and I like beer. More in the old school, grab-a-case-of-light-beer-on-a-Friday-afternoon-to-drink-that-weekend kind of beer fan. I once heard him say that a regular strength Budweiser was ‘a bit much’ for his Bud Light adjusted palate.

So when my parents come to town and we want to find an activity to get us out of the house on a Saturday afternoon, what are we supposed to do? While I might want to check out the new sour with six different kinds of tropical fruit at Salud, or the latest IPA at Resident Culture, I’m not exactly sure my dad would have much to enjoy at either place. A Haze Bro he is not.

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

OMB is the OG of Charlotte breweries and is still the go-to when you need to please a crowd. From the traditional German beers, to the wide variety of food options, to the ultra-authentic German Biergarten outdoor atmosphere, everyone will have something to enjoy here. Grab a pretzel and a few liters of Captain Jack and you’ll have a happy crowd.

Best bet for non-beer drinkers - they have wine!

Best bet for macro-only beer drinkers - Captain Jack Pilsner or Hornets Nest Hefeweizen

Best time of day - just about anytime it’s not too hot to sit outside

Heist

Located on the southern edge of Noda’s main stretch, Heist can be a great place to begin (or end) your tour of Charlotte’s alternative neighborhood. Although their beer line-up changes on a regular basis, you will usually find something like a pilsner or blonde ale if someone wants to keep it simple. If your mom is ready to try to step up her beer game, the fruity and floral notes of Citraquench’l might just get her on the craft beer train.

Best bet for non-beer drinkers - they have a full bar!

Best bet for macro-only beer drinkers - any pilsner or blonde ale

Best time of day - Sunday brunch!

Middle James Brewing Co.

Middle James might be the perfect spot for an afternoon with your parents. Located in the same building as Golf Village, a driving range and Par 3 course. Grab a bucket of balls, hit the range and then grab some lunch and beers at Middle James.

The food at Middle James is the usual mix of bar/brewery food, but they do it incredibly well. Grab a burger, grab your parents a Czech pilsner, and grab yourself one of the many IPAs they do very well. Keep in mind that Middle James has a ton of TVs showing sports, so plan to catch a college football game to keep the whole family happy.

Best bet for non-beer drinkers - cider from Red Clay on tap

Best bet for macro-only beer drinkers - Czech Pilsner or Kolch

Best time of day - weekend afternoons