Catawba is my absolute favorite brewery in Charlotte. I'm picky with beer - I didn't really give it a shot until I moved here (due to the burgeoning brewery scene) and I don't like many types of beer. At Catawba, there are always at least 3+ beers that I like and I am THRILLED by that. Their flights are a great deal and they are constantly churning out new beers in a variety of styles.
They have a ton of space both indoors and outdoors, including spots to hang hammocks. Dogs are welcome on the patio. They also always have at least one food truck and have live music on Fridays when the weather is warm! If it's a weekend night, you're unlikely to find parking in their lot and will have to park on the street and walk a bit, but it's nothing too bad.
My long-standing favorite is the Farmer Ted (better than White Zombie, IMO) and Evening Joe is an incredible coffee beer. The peanut butter and jelly is unlike anything you've ever tasted, so you have to give it a shot at least (order it in a flight and you won't have to drink too much of it if you end up not loving it).
I love this spot and can't wait to be back soon!