HopFly Brewing Company

The Verdict

HopFly Brewing Company at 1327 S Mint St sits in Charlotte's South End, one of the city's most active drinking neighbourhoods, which means it has real competition to beat. For a craft brewery in that corridor, the outdoor space is the decision-maker: if you want to drink outside on a warm evening with a locally brewed pint in hand, HopFly earns the trip. If you're after cocktail depth or a full dinner, look elsewhere.

What to Expect

South End has become Charlotte's go-to strip for post-work drinks and weekend crawls, and HopFly fits that pattern. The brewery occupies a spot that leans into the neighbourhood's industrial aesthetic — expect exposed structure, a taproom feel, and the kind of casual energy that works well when the weather cooperates and you can move outside. The outdoor area is the draw here: it's where the experience opens up visually and socially, giving you the space to settle in rather than wait for a bar stool. If you've been once and ordered at the bar, come back and claim a spot outside — that's where the visit clicks.

Beer is the obvious reason to be here. HopFly brews on-site, so what's on tap reflects current production rather than a static list. That's a reason to return regularly rather than locking in a single order from a previous visit. The range typically covers approachable styles alongside more technical offerings, which makes it a workable choice for mixed groups where not everyone drinks the same way.

For Charlotte craft beer more broadly, HopFly sits comfortably within the city's growing scene. It's not the only option in South End, but its outdoor footprint gives it an edge over taprooms that are primarily indoor experiences, especially between March and October when Charlotte's climate actually rewards sitting outside. If you're building a South End evening, this works well as a first stop before moving to somewhere with more food range, like Azul Tacos And Beer or 300 East.

Practical Details

Reservations: Walk-in friendly, booking difficulty is low, and the taproom format doesn't require advance planning. Dress: Casual. This is a brewery, not a cocktail bar. Budget: Craft beer pricing in South End is generally in the $7–$10 per pint range; no confirmed menu pricing available. Getting there: South End is easily reached via the Charlotte LYNX Blue Line, the South End/Tremont stop puts you close. If you're exploring the neighbourhood on foot, HopFly connects naturally with the broader bar and restaurant strip along South Mint and nearby streets.

For more places to drink and eat nearby, see our full Charlotte bars guide, our full Charlotte restaurants guide, and our full Charlotte experiences guide. If you're also planning where to stay, our full Charlotte hotels guide covers the options. For cocktail-led bars worth a detour beyond Charlotte, Bar Leather Apron in Honolulu, Jewel of the South in New Orleans, and Julep in Houston set the benchmark for what serious bar programs look like. Closer to home, BAKU and Artisan's Palate are worth knowing if you want more structured drink programs in Charlotte. For wine in the region, our full Charlotte wineries guide is the starting point.