Charlotte is a city that knows how to have a good time, especially once the sun goes down. With its steadily growing craft beer scene, lively neighborhoods like South End and NoDa, and a warm, welcoming vibe, it’s no surprise that Charlotte offers some fantastic drinking tours. Whether you’re into hopping between breweries, exploring pubs by golf cart, or trying your hand at sushi making with a craft beer in hand, there’s something for every type of drinker. We especially love the Trolley Pub Tour for its active, social vibe and the Charlotte Brewery Tour for a more immersive tasting experience. Both offer a chance to see different parts of the city while enjoying a cold drink and good company.
This list aims to give you a well-rounded overview of Charlotte’s best drinking experiences. From casual pub crawls to private brewery tours, you’ll find options suited for a laid-back evening or a more organized outing. The variety means you don’t have to settle for just one way to enjoy Charlotte’s vibrant drinking scene. Read on to find the perfect tour for your style and schedule.
1. Trolley Pub Tour of Charlotte
At number 1, the Trolley Pub Tour of Charlotte combines city sightseeing with a fun, pedal-powered pub crawl. Priced at $49 per person, this 2-hour tour lets you explore Charlotte’s Uptown area while you pedal from stop to stop. The guide customizes the route based on riders’ preferences, making each tour unique. Riders can bring their own bottle and sip as they pedal through lively city streets, enjoying the sights and sounds of Charlotte.
What makes this tour stand out is its active approach—you’re not just sitting back with a drink but involved in moving around. The experience is perfect for groups wanting to stay active and social, with the added bonus of avoiding crowds and walking long distances. Reviews highlight the fun atmosphere, lively music, and engaging hosts, with one rider noting, “This experience was so much fun! Our DJ Mel was awesome.” If you want a relaxed yet energetic way to explore Charlotte, this is a great choice.
Bottom Line: The Trolley Pub Tour offers a lively, interactive way to see Charlotte while enjoying drinks and good company. Ideal for active groups wanting fun and flexibility.
2. The Original Charlotte Brewery Tour – Craft Beer Experience
Coming in at number 2, the Original Charlotte Brewery Tour is perfect for craft beer lovers. Priced at $150 per person for about five hours, this tour takes you to four different breweries, including the popular Petty Thieves Brewing Co, Protagonist, and Lower Left Brewing Co. You’ll sample a wide variety of craft beers and learn about the brewing process from your knowledgeable guide.
The tour also includes a meal at Midwood Smokehouse, making it a well-rounded evening of food and drink. Small group sizes (limited to 14) mean you get more personalized attention. Guests consistently praise the tour for its educational value and the guide’s expertise, with one saying, “Vinny was so knowledgeable and fun.” The tour is ideal for those wanting an in-depth look at Charlotte’s craft beer scene, paired with good food.
Bottom Line: The Charlotte Brewery Tour provides a comprehensive, relaxed way to taste Charlotte’s best brews while learning about craft beer — perfect for dedicated beer enthusiasts.
3. Live Music and Brewery Bus
At number 3, the Live Music and Brewery Bus makes for a lively, musical way to tour Charlotte’s breweries. For $69, you’ll spend about three hours riding on LaZoom’s colorful purple bus, which doubles as a stage for live bands. The tour stops at popular breweries like NoDa Brewing, Resident Culture Brewing, and Hi-Wire Brewing, each for about 30 minutes of tasting and exploring.
What’s unique here is the mix of live music and craft beer, all in a fun, visual package. You can BYOB, so bring your favorite beer or wine to sip during the ride. Reviewers love the vibe: “Such a great way to listen to live music and explore Charlotte!” It’s perfect for those who want a vibrant, energetic experience with a local music twist.
Bottom Line: The Live Music and Brewery Bus offers a high-energy, musical twist on brewery hopping, ideal for groups looking for a lively atmosphere.
4. Charlotte Private Brewery/Bar Crawl
Number 4 is the Charlotte Private Brewery/Bar Crawl, priced at $319 for a private 3-hour experience. You’ll meet your personal guide at a designated spot and travel between three top breweries by golf cart. This personalized tour lets you choose your preferred venues, making it a flexible and exclusive way to explore Charlotte’s local beer scene.
The private setup appeals to groups seeking a tailored experience, with the comfort of not having to worry about transportation. Customers highlight the flexibility, with one noting, “Keith was a great tour guide and allowed us to customize our evening.” This tour is best suited for those who want privacy and a chance to focus on their favorite types of breweries.
Bottom Line: The Private Brewery/Bar Crawl offers a customized, intimate experience ideal for small groups or special occasions.
5. Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart in Charlotte
Number 5 is the Bar Crawl on a Rollin Disco Ball Golf Cart, for up to 5 people and priced at $240. This lively tour takes you around Uptown Charlotte, making stops at popular spots like Charlotte Beer Garden and Small Bar South End. The 1-to-2 hour experience is customizable, with your driver tailoring the route as you go.
This tour combines fun, music, and socializing on a brightly decorated golf cart, perfect for celebrating birthdays or just having a good time with friends. Reviewers mention how much fun they had, especially with the festive atmosphere. It’s a light-hearted, flexible way to enjoy Charlotte’s nightlife in a small group.
Bottom Line: The Disco Ball Golf Cart Bar Crawl is great for small groups wanting a fun, party-like experience with flexible stops and a lively vibe.
6. Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery
Number 6 takes a completely different route—Sushi Making at a Local Brewery for $75 per person. This hands-on class teaches you how to roll perfect sushi, including spicy tuna and vegetable rolls, all in a relaxed brewery environment. The class includes expert instruction and a casual atmosphere, perfect for foodies who want to combine culinary skills with craft beer.
What makes this experience special is its interactive nature. You’ll learn useful techniques, enjoy your creations, and sip on craft beer. One review mentions, “The staff was very professional and fun,” highlighting the friendly vibe. It’s ideal for those wanting a culinary twist on their night out, especially sushi lovers.
Bottom Line: The Sushi Making Class is perfect for foodies who want to learn and enjoy craft beer in a friendly setting.
$75.00 per person
7. Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery
Number 7 offers a Pasta Making Class at $75 per person, focusing on crafting fresh pappardelle pasta from scratch. The class includes instruction on kneading, rolling, and cutting dough, plus cooking a rich Bolognese sauce. It’s a great activity for those who enjoy cooking and want to pair their culinary skills with a relaxed brewery environment.
The class lasts about 2 hours, offering hands-on experience and a chance to savor your homemade pasta. It’s perfect for couples or small groups who appreciate good food and craft beer. The class is well-reviewed for its friendly instructor and quality of the food, making it a tasty and educational experience.
Bottom Line: The Pasta Making Class is ideal for foodies seeking a relaxed, intimate experience with a culinary focus.
$75 per person
8. Charlotte Private Brewery/Pub Crawl
Number 8 is a Private Brewery and Pub Crawl priced at $329 for a group of up to 7. Traveling in an electric cart, you’ll visit some of Charlotte’s top microbreweries and pubs, with the flexibility to customize stops along the way. This experience combines the social enjoyment of a pub crawl with the comfort of private transportation and a more personalized itinerary.
Perfect for groups wanting a flexible, relaxed night out, this tour allows you to explore Charlotte’s nightlife without the hassle of planning logistics. Reviewers mention how the tour “delights your senses” in a laid-back setting, making it excellent for small groups or special celebrations.
Bottom Line: The Private Brewery/Pub Crawl offers a tailored experience for those wanting comfort and customization on their night out.
$329 per group up to 7
9. Sushi Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery
Number 9 is another sushi class, similar to #6, at $75 per person. Focused on making two classic sushi rolls, this hands-on experience emphasizes mastering sushi rice and rolling techniques. It’s a fun way to combine culinary skills with craft beer, in a friendly brewery atmosphere.
The class lasts about 2 hours and is perfect for those looking to impress friends with homemade sushi. Reviewers appreciate the step-by-step guidance and the ability to enjoy freshly made sushi with a beer.
Bottom Line: Like #6, this class appeals to foodies wanting practical skills paired with craft beer.
$75.00 per person
10. Pasta Making Cooking Class at a Local Brewery
Number 10 is a repeat of the pasta class with the same focus on handcrafting fresh pasta and a Bolognese sauce. This underscores the popularity of culinary classes as a fun, social way to enjoy a drink and learn a new skill.
Again, it’s suited for those who love cooking and want a relaxed, educational experience in a brewery environment. The class is also priced at $75 and lasts about 2 hours, emphasizing quality hands-on instruction.
Bottom Line: Perfect for culinary enthusiasts, this class offers both skill-building and delicious food in a casual setting.
$75 per person
11. Charlotte Bar Hunt: Uptown Charlotte Showdown
Number 11 is a different kind of experience—a scavenger hunt through Uptown Charlotte. For just $12.31, you can explore landmarks and secret spots while answering trivia and completing challenges. It’s app-led, making it flexible and suitable for groups wanting to combine sightseeing, fun challenges, and pub stops.
Ideal for active groups, corporate teams, or birthdays, the hunt offers a playful way to discover Charlotte’s streets and hidden gems. Participants get digital photos and memories of their adventure, making it more than just a drinking tour.
Bottom Line: The Charlotte Bar Hunt is an inexpensive, interactive way to combine city exploration with fun challenges, perfect for active groups seeking a different kind of night out.
$12.31 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Drinking Tour in Charlotte
When selecting the best tour for you, consider your budget, interests, and how much activity you want. For a lively, social vibe with a mix of music and craft beer, the Live Music and Brewery Bus or Trolley Pub Tour are great options. If you prefer a more personalized experience, the Charlotte Private Brewery/Bar Crawl or Private Brewery/Pub Crawl offer tailored itineraries.
Foodie travelers might enjoy the Sushi or Pasta Making Classes, which combine culinary skills with craft beer. Budget-conscious visitors will find the Charlotte Bar Hunt an affordable, active way to explore.
Booking early is advisable, especially for private or small-group tours, to secure your preferred date and time. Consider the tour length and your fitness level when choosing—some tours involve a fair amount of walking or pedaling, while others are more relaxed.
Charlotte offers a fantastic array of drinking tours that fit many tastes and schedules. Whether you’re after a lively pub crawl, an educational craft beer tour, or a culinary adventure, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the city’s vibrant drinking scene. For a fun, memorable night, pick the tour that best matches your style, and don’t forget to book early to secure your spot.