From Pint to Plate: Charlotte Craft Beer & Food Combos

By: Legion Brewing Company

Why Cook with Beer?

At Legion Brewing, we don’t just pour beer; we cook with it. Beer brings flavor, richness, and a sense of place in the kitchen. Whether you’re simmering, marinating, or baking, beer helps create dishes that feel rooted in Charlotte’s food and drink culture. 

We don’t waste — we emphasize! Our beer is craft and made with intention, and we pour that same mentality and craftsmanship into our food. Every ingredient is treated with care, every dish is made to bring people together, and every pint that goes into the kitchen tells a story. 

Cooking with craft beer brings out the best in local ingredients and at Legion, that often means our flagship Juicy Jay IPA, the citrusy, hop-forward beer that has become part of our kitchen’s signature flavor all year round. If you’re searching for beer-infused recipes, cooking with beer in Charlotte, or how to pair food and beer, this is your spot. 

Legion Originals: Cooking with Beer, the Charlotte Way 

We believe in intentional brewing and intentional cooking. At Legion, we infuse our beer not just into pints, but directly into our food. From starters to mains, we’re using our beer the way it was meant to be used: to elevate flavor, highlight local ingredients, and create dishes that are unmistakably us.

Main Dishes Made with Beer 

Our kitchen brings the spirit of our brewery into the heart of every meal. Some standouts include: 

  • Juicy Jay Pork Bahn Mi – marinated pork in our flagship Juicy Jay IPA for bold, balanced flavor. 
  • Juicy Jay Chicken Chopped Salad – topped with Juicy Jay dressing that packs a citrusy hop punch. 
  • BBQ Plate – featuring a Juicy Jay brat that’s rich, savory, and built for Southern comfort. 
  • Pork Belly and Pimento Grilled Cheese – layered with crunchy citra-hopped crisps that bring unexpected texture and zing. 
  • Home-Made Buttermilk Beer Bread – soft, tangy, and baked with our beer to soak up every bite. 

Sides & Extras with a Brewed Twist 

Even the small things matter. From the first bite to the last, we’re layering flavor through craft: 

  • Juicy Jay Slaw – crisp and hop-forward with a citrusy backbone, a crowd favorite! 
  • Citra-Hopped Pickles – tart, refreshing, and uniquely ours. 

These sides show why Legion isn’t just a place to grab a beer, it’s a place where elevated dining and craft brewing come together, rooted in intention, local ingredients, and bold flavor. 

Pair It Like a Pro

Beer and food are meant to be shared not just at the brewery, but around your own table. Whether you’re planning a backyard cookout, casual dinner, or hosting friends for game day, Legion’s take-home brews make pairing easy and flavorful. 

You can now grab Legion Brewing favorites at your local grocery store (Harris Teeter, Publix, Total Wine, and more — full list here). From our flagship Juicy Jay to seasonal standouts like Penguin Pils and Supernova Pale Ale, there’s a pairing for every plate. 

  • Juicy Jay → Pairs with smoked pork, spicy dishes, and slaw 
  • Penguin Pils → Loves fried chicken, seafood, and salty snacks 
  • Supernova Pale Ale → Great with grilled veggies, burgers, and citrusy flavors 
  • Sláinte Stout → Perfect for rich stews, braised meats, and bold cheeses 

Grab a six-pack, fire up the grill, and let us bring that campfire hospitality to you!