Sugar Creek Brewing Company — Restaurant in Charlotte

My girlfriend and I had entered Sugar Creek during the LoSo Block Party at approximately 6 PM. We were accompanied by one of my girlfriend's friends, also a woman. We made our way to the first bar in the back, the one that runs perpendicular to the windows facing the brewery. The bar was packed, but the bartenders seemed to be serving everyone at a brisk pace. As we approached that part of the restaurant, I turned and asked my girlfriend and her friend what they wanted and then I made my way to the bar while they stood my behind me and chatted. 3 bartenders were working there and then-- 2 women and a bearded man with a tattoo on his calf who responded to "Bradley."

Over the next 20 minutes I was ignored by all 3 of them even though I made eye contact and did not do anything obnoxious that bartenders hate, like waving for attention or shouting out. I stood and waited patiently for 20 minutes as the 2 girls on my right were served, and then the dude on my right, and then the dude on my left, and so on... for 20 minutes.

10 minutes in my girlfriend comes up and asks me "They haven't served you yet...?"

At first I thought that they were making a point to serve the ladies first but sure enough, they were serving men to the left and right of me as well. Finally, my girlfriend and her friend decide to approach the bar from behind me and stand next to me. Within 30 seconds Bradley came forward, addressed them, and asked them what they wanted. My girlfriend asked me to remind her of my order and she passed it on. I paid the bill and I left the following tip: "This is the worst service that I have had here." I have enough friends in the restaurant industry that I typically tip at least 20-25%. I know very well that the struggle is real. But this was something else.

On our way out of the brewery, my girlfriend, her friend, and I discussed our observations together-- we had all noticed that I was the only person of color standing at that bar and that I was consistently ignored by the bartenders while all of the other men and women around me were getting addressed and served by the bartenders within one minute of approaching the bar. For reference, I am an Indian-American man with brown skin. My girlfriend and her friend both had lighter, whiter skin. They happen to be Turkish-Americans, for what it's worth. From our collective observations of the events to that point, their lighter skin is what earned them service even though I had waited patiently at the bar in the spot right next to them for 20 minutes beforehand. This is when things got even more uncomfortable. Our small party continued down Southside Drive toward Yancey Road, stopping periodically to check out the wares along the way. After a few stops I noticed 2 things: First, "Bradley" could perpetually be sighted within a 20-30 foot radius of our position no matter where we stopped. He paced back and forth from a distance and cast surreptitious glances in my direction. He had apparently decided to leave the brewery bar and head down to Sugar Creek's kiosk to replenish the water supply on Yancey Rd just as we had left Sugar Creek Brewing Company. Second, I noticed another fellow doing the same exact thing as Bradley, following us around in the same pattern in a 15-20 foot radius, except with no pretense-- He had dark curly hair, a beer in his hand, a flat cap on his head, and he wore a long black T-shirt and jeans, with a gold chain necklace.

No matter where my friends and I moved, both Bradley and this man with the flat cap visibly hovered around and threw glances my way like some creeps who didn't have quite enough courage to ask me out to the prom. This charade of theirs went on for 20 minutes, as my friends and I walked down Southside Drive. On one of Bradley's passes by our group in this area I stared him in his eyes until he averted his gaze. I didn't see him after that. After a similar incident with the flat-capped man he left us alone, too. Officer Hankinson of CMPD confirmed that this was a threatening situation and advised that I should have...

Nestled in the vibrant Lower South End (LoSo) neighborhood of Charlotte, Sugar Creek Brewing Company is a standout destination for craft beer enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Sugar Creek combines traditional brewing techniques with modern innovation, delivering a memorable experience through its beers, ambiance, and community-focused vibe.

Beer Selection: 4.5/5 Sugar Creek’s commitment to Belgian-style beers shines through in their diverse and flavorful lineup. Their philosophy, blending "the watchful eye of a Trappist Monk with the technical precision of a nuclear engineer," is evident in their meticulously crafted brews. Standouts include the Sugar Creek Pale Ale (3.6/5 on Untappd with over 15,000 ratings), a balanced fusion of American and European styles with citrusy hop notes and caramelized malt. The Mocha Java Porter is a crowd-pleaser for its rich coffee and chocolate flavors, while the Raspberry White Ale offers a crisp, tart-sweet balance perfect for warm Carolina days. Their Hazy O IPA, infused with blood oranges, and the Sugar Cookie Blonde Ale add creative seasonal flair. With year-round staples, small-batch releases, and tasting flights available, there’s something for every palate. My only critique is that some beers, like their stouts, have been described as slightly thin by a few reviewers, but the overall quality is consistently high.

Ambiance & Venue: 4.8/5 The taproom is a spacious and inviting space with a nautical, steampunk-inspired aesthetic—think colossal seafaring ropes draped from the ceiling and warm, natural wood decor. The interior, housed in the former Olde Mecklenburg Brewery space, is flooded with natural light and offers ample seating, both indoors and out. The dog-friendly outdoor beer garden is a highlight, perfect for relaxing with a pint and your pup.

Service: 4.9/5 The staff at Sugar Creek earns high praise for being friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. Bartender Carmen was especially great. I appreciate the staff’s willingness to offer samples.

Food & Extras: 4/5 While Sugar Creek’s primary focus is beer, they’ve stepped up their food game. The kitchen, open Thursday through Sunday, serves tasty paninis and garden salads, with dishes like the Greek Doner Kebab and nachos earning positive mentions. The brewery also hosts fun events like trivia nights and bingo, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Overall Experience: 4.8/5 Sugar Creek Brewing Company is a must-visit for craft beer lovers in Charlotte. Its Belgian-inspired beers, brewed with high-quality ingredients and innovative techniques, deliver bold yet approachable flavors. The taproom’s inviting atmosphere, dog-friendly outdoor space, and stellar private event options make it a versatile spot for both casual visits and special occasions. Despite minor critiques about certain beers or occasional service hiccups, the brewery’s commitment to quality and community shines through. As a veteran-owned, independent member of the Craft Brewers Association, Sugar Creek embodies the spirit of #BreakTheRules, making it a beloved fixture in Charlotte’s craft beer scene. Whether you’re sipping a flight, hosting a wedding, or chilling with friends, Sugar Creek delivers a...

Sugar Creek has some of the best beers in the city of Charlotte! We go here every other week and I am never disappointed. Their food is delicious, the beer is crisp and clean, and their service is impeccable!

The last time we went, we got a nice tour of the brewery, thanks to Joe Sr. We also had the chance to talk with their Master Brewer and he is an absolute genius and a master of his craft!

If you are looking for a good brewery with some HIGH quality beer, definitely give them a shot. I’ve been to all the breweries in the area and this place is the best at what they do by a massive margin!

Beers I suggest: Big-O: you can never go wrong with this one! It’s refreshing, tasty, and overall just wonderful. -Culture Pilsner: this is your everyday go-to for a traditional flavor. -Harriot’s Ginger Ale: this comes in a can, unfortunately cannot be kegged according to the owners, but try a sample and maybe grab a 4-pack on your way out because I’ve never had a beer that tastes like this. Solid ginger flavor with a slightly sweeter flavor and you will be AMAZED! -Raspberry White Ale: you think summer, I think Raspberry White. There’s nothing more summer than this one! -The Big Chill: they haven’t had this one in their taps for a while now for some reason, but if it does show back up, get it! This is the first beer that was truly chilling on the way down! -Belgian Quad: if you haven’t had a Belgian Double, Trippel, or Quad, you are missing out. The quad, to me personally, is a STRONG beer, but if you like the flavor profile of these Belgian varieties, give the quad a shot. If you see the trippel, most definitely get it!

Food I suggest: -panini and pint: doesn’t matter what the panini is, just get it! Their paninis are incredible! -Donner Kebab: I will say that this is ever so slightly on the saltier side, but the spice in the Dönner Kebab is delicious! -Pretzels: incredibly soft and their mustard was loved by my wife, someone who...