Catawba Brewing is a stand-out addition the Charlotte brewery scene. Their beer list is large, offers small batch options and is truly stellar. They also offer cider and wine options if you're looking for options to please non-beer drinker palates.
The venue is gorgeous, and it's quite large. With two bars, I've never had to wait to get a drink. There are plenty of seating options - small groups, large groups, inside and outside.
There's usually a food truck onsite or you can put an order in at Intermezzo and go pick up food just around the corner.