APRIL 1, 2000: Davidson, NC --

In the immortal words of musician Tom Waits, “Depot, Depot, what am I doing here?". This is the thought that went through my mind walking in to the Davidson Depot. I had a tough day at work, was tired and stressed out. Either the first or the last thing I needed was to drink beer. Upon entering the establishment, I knew that the former, rather than the latter choice was the correct one. After ordering a pint and getting through the getting to know you sips, my spirits were on the rise and the brews poured freely.

The Davidson Depot had its humble beginnings as a cotton mill in the 1850’s, a truly historic North Carolinian style building. Not very assuming or flashy on the outside, and that’s the way they like it. Inside, the dining area and the bar split the space-both of which are cavernous (no bar claustrophobia here) and perfectly lit (not too light, not too dark, just right), with hardwood floors as far as the eye can see-no kidding, this place is large. As I was stopping in for a review of the various brews, I did not get a chance to check out the dining area, but sit back and let me spin you a tale...of The Depot.

As I am new to the area (recently relocating from upstate NY) I am always eager and a little pensive about trying a new taphouse. Like Gump would say, you never know what you are going to get. You can get a frosty pint of perfect pale ale or dirty taplines and outdated beer being sold off as a “Special”. The Davidson Depot was a refreshing start to the tour of Charlotte taphouses for sure. Boasting 53 taps (52 for beer and 1 for fresh rootbeer) the Depot has at least 2-3 beers of every person’s personal style. From Killians Red and Bud to Rogue Dead Guy Ale from Oregon, locally brewed Charleston brews (Brown Ale, Pale Ale, Blonde Ale, Summer Wheat and Oatmeal Stout on tap) and Sierra Nevada form California, there is something for everyone. If that doesn’t tempt your taste buds, stop by for a beer chat with the boys. The bartenders at the Depot are appreciators as well, rather than tap jockeys who cringe when they see black liquid come out of a tap. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly as well as prompt and courteous. They are more than happy to answer your questions on beer or who won the game tonight. (Michigan over Syracuse in a tearful defeat-poor Orangemen).

Also worthy of note are the beer specials, entertainment and of course the food. Everyday at the Depot, one or two beers are on special for $1.50/pint (and it’s not old stale beer!), and during the March Madness for you basketball fans, all beers are $1.50/pint. That’s all commercial and craft brewed beers, now you can’t beat that. If the beers aren’t the full package for you as it is for most, then try the two electronic darts games, watch three strategically placed televisions or check out live music at the Depot just about every weekend. Also, their menu boasts delights such as: Lemon Buttered Salmon, Filet Mignon, Grilled Vegetable Ravioli, Crab Cakes and the Black bean Burger for the vegetarians.
So to answer Tom Waits, What am I doing here? I’m drinking a tall Charleston Oatmeal Stout. C’mon down and join. I’m the guy at the end of the bar, sipping slowly, taking notes(strange I know)and smiling.

Address & Phone Number:
209 Delburg St.  Davidson NC     704-987-8800

Notable Brew Notes:

Rogue Brewing-Dead Guy Ale (brewed in honor of Grateful Dead Summer Tours)
-Medium dark Amber color
-Nice hoppy finish/ not too heavy
-Rich dry taste with lingering sweet aftertaste
-Oak/earthy meld to taste
Rating:4.5/5 Excellent

Charleston Brewing-Oatmeal Stout
-Dark totally opaque color
-Rich chocolate maltiness to body
-sweet aftertaste(maybe too so for some)
-lots of coffee notes
-citrus bouquet
Rating:2.9/5 Very Good