Legion Brewing Splashes into SouthPark with Barrels of Beer and Bountiful Brunch.
by Jessica Bentley
It’s no surprise that Charlotte’s craft beer scene is thriving. With over 20 breweries within the city limits, Legion Brewing is charging full-steam ahead to differentiate themselves from the rest. Come for a beer, stay for the brunch. SouthPark’s very first brewery is creating a title wave of hop love with their 12,000-square foot taproom and outstanding menu offerings.
There’s something unquestionably appealing about Legion Brewing SouthPark. To state the obvious, the interiors are downright breathtaking. The space is completely open, bright, and comes equipped with garage-style windows that open from the floor up when weather permits.
Their outdoor beer garden serves as an open-air oasis where regulars can sip on one of 39 beers they offer on tap. Widely known for their Juicy Jay IPA, this hazy beer will transport your palate to a tropical paradise filled with floral accents and aromas. This type of ale is popular amongst new-to-IPA fans, as it is a great way to ease your way into hoppier varieties.
The new SouthPark location is extending the brewery’s portfolio by introducing a sour and barrel aged program with three Foeders (large wooden vats that can store 40 barrels of beer for aging). Each Foeder showcases a different malting house in North Carolina: Riverbend, Epiphany and Carolina Malt House. The primary goal of the program is to make an American Sour Beer that is brewed with the respect of the traditional brewing process. The amount of time, effort and care it takes to create each beer as they mature is what truly makes a pint of these aged brews special.
After successfully opening their second location in Charlotte, “The next obvious step was to add brunch,” says Legion Brewing co-owner, Phil Buchy. Veteran Chef, Gene Briggs, is leading the kitchen with flavorsome menu items that are unique yet familiar. “We are really excited to finally be serving up brunch at our SouthPark location,” continued Buchy. “It’s a popular meal here in Charlotte and we know that our guests will really be happy with the menu that Chef Gene has developed.”
Legion Brewing SouthPark’s brunch options include a wide-variety of selections to satisfy any cravings that one might have. The Caramel Apple French Toast (caramel apples, toasted pecans, and whipped cream, served with honey butter and maple syrup) is absolutely marvelous and the hearty egg-focused dishes are undeniably top notch.
The Essentials Breakfast Sandwich: Soft scrambled egg, cheddar, bacon jam, caramelized onions, and hot sauce mayo on a toasted brioche roll. [Pair this with a Carolina Sparkle Party Beermosa.]
Steak and Eggs Brunch Bowl: Grilled ribeye, 2 eggs, spinach, avocado, campari tomatoes, and pickled red onion. [Pair this with their winter saison, Against the Currant.]
The ABLT Breakfast Pizza: Avocado, bacon, arugula, tomato, eggs, and parmesan aioli. [Pair this with a glass of their famous East Coast IPA, Juicy Jay.]
The Cure (a favorite amongst staff and regulars alike): Roasted pork hash skillet with baked eggs, green onions, and Legion hot sauce aioli. [Pair this with Emiliano’s Andean Bock, a coffee bock brew.]
As if brunchtime shenanigans couldn’t get more mouthwatering, Legion Brewing has carefully curated craft cocktail options that feature spirits from local, Carolina distilleries.
Beer’mosa: Carolina Sparkle Party. Orange Juice.
Southern Mary: Salamander Vodka. House Made Bloody Mary Mix. Jalapeno Bacon. Stuffed Peppadew. Citra Hopped Pickles.
SouthPark Gin and Tonic: Cardinal Gin. Tonic Water. Elderflower. Hop Bitters.
Bourbon and Hot Ginger: Old Nick Bourbon. House Made Honey & Ginger Syrup. Blenheim’s Hot Ginger Ale. Candied Ginger.
The Honey Pot: Sutler’s Gin. House Made Honey & Clove Syrup. Lemon & OJ.
Farmers First Martini: Salamander Vodka. House Made Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Syrup. Farmers First Cold Brew.
Sallie’s Sage: Cardinal Gin. Sallie’s Blackberry and Sage Syrup. Lemon. Blackberry. Sage.
Uncle Phil: Vida Mezcal. GWR Quinn’s. Maple Syrup. Cherry. Orange Slice.
Blood Orange Amigo: Casamigos. House Made Rosemary Syrup. Blood Orange Puree.
The Great Wagon Road: Rua. House Made Orange and Cinnamon Syrup. Cinnamon Stick. Orange.
Brandied Apple: Dixie Vodka. Apple Brandy. Blenheim’s Hot Ginger Ale. Lemon & Cranberry. Apple Cider. Brandied Apples.
Dark Side: Legion Brewing + Great Wagon Road Collaboration Small Batch Whiskey. Served Neat or On The Rocks.
On the occasion that you’re planning a dinnertime rendezvous with friends, make sure to order Boo’s Duck Fat Chicken Wings, Benton’s Ham Mac and Cheese and the South Park Dip Platter for sharing. Oh, and their house-made bread and butter pickles will make you wonder what you’ve been missing out on your entire life.
Legion Brewing SouthPark is located at 5610 Carnegie Boulevard in South Charlotte. They offer an everyday menu seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m and brunch every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
