The craft beer explosion that started in Asheville and Charlotte has finally made its way across the Catawba River into Gaston County. With an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the area, Gaston is the perfect setting for embracing the brewpub culture, and visitors will find several taprooms where they can taste award-winning beers from across the county. So after you’ve spent time paddling, biking, or hiking, discover what’s brewing with this guide to Gaston County’s top spots for craft-made beer.
Ole Dallas Brewery
Gaston County’s first brewery, Ole Dallas, is truly a homegrown operation. What started as a homebrewing hobby for five friends who grew up together in Dallas, North Carolina, is now a seven-acre production facility and taproom. The sprawling grounds are perfect for events you don’t typically find at urban breweries. Drop by for the pro wrestling tournaments in the parking area, a haunted trail at Halloween, and a vintage antique market on weekends. The partners are eyeing ambitious growth opportunities down the road, including a brewhouse expansion, a restaurant, a private event space, and an outdoor concert venue for weekend festivals.
Rivermen Brewing Company
An old mill in downtown Belmont has been artfully restored with reclaimed wood and glass to house the Rivermen Brewing Company, which includes a brewery, taproom, and a full-service restaurant. There’s always a half-dozen seasonals and one-offs flowing from 20 taps, like the popular Almond Joygasm, a delicious play on its Peel Out Porter with coconut, chocolate, and almond notes. Guest ciders and proseccos round out the taproom offerings.
Sandwiches, flatbreads, and salads are the mainstays of the pub dinner menu, while Sunday brunch beckons with treats like the Cinnamon Porter Pancake Stack. An outdoor patio is the perfect setting for a pint and pretzel or cupcake from the in-house bakery.
York Chester Brewing Company
Every pint in the taproom is served with a side helping of history, building on its location along the Catawba River. They’ve established a local following by hosting regular community events like weekly yoga, art classes, and live music on the weekends. Usher in springtime at the annual oyster roast, with fresh seafood, new beer releases, live music, and plenty of Carolina sunshine on the banks of the Catawba.
Cavendish Brewing Company
Leading the revitalization of downtown Gastonia, the Cavendish Brewing Company is a 16-tap brewhouse that’s located in a former Studebaker dealership. You’ll find a rotation of saisons, sours, and seasonals. The brewery aims to be Gaston County’s locally owned and locally brewed neighborhood alternative to driving into Charlotte for craft beer. The food is another enticement to visit, as the kitchen serves up paninis, soups, and chili both inside and on the patio.
District 8 Beer Company
District 8 Beer Company is capitalizing on the county’s rapid growth to become the neighborhood pub and bottle shop of choice in Belmont’s South Fork Village. Drawing young families, mill retirees, and everyone in between with food trucks, board games, and cornhole, it plans to build a community around craft beer made just up the hill from the South Fork River. In fact, you can paddle the South Fork Blueway and, in the next few months, walk the South Fork Greenway from McAdenville for your pint.
Growler USA Gastonia
The Growler USA brewpub in Gastonia is part of the growing trend across the country to match great craft brews with excellent food. In fact, the restaurant features Cicerone Certified Beer Servers—think somaliers for beer—to help you chose the craft beer to pair with what you’re eating. You might need the help—Growler USA features 104 taps, with creative craft beers, wine, and ciders all available.
By Ann Gibson for RootsRated Media in partnership with Gaston County Gov.
Gaston County offers visitors a variety of attractions to enhance your trip dining and entertainment parks, art and history and more. www.gogaston.org