April 26, 2001 -- Charlotte, NC The towering "Tank 5" beer vat that stands alongside this huge former warehouse-turned-hip-restaurant has long been the beacon for the revitalized industrial neighborhood that sits just south of Uptown. The first year it opened, there were regular two-hour waits, even on mundane Tuesday nights. The wait is down a bit now, to an hour or so if you arrive late enough on a weekend night. Southend, as people call it, came along at the height of the brewpub craze, when beer was not good enough unless it had a clever name and was brewed right on the premises. The craze is gone now, but Southend endures, pouring the finest beer in all the city. The darker Chocolate and Oatmeal Stout are excellent, but the Carolina Blonde, as fine a lager as will ever slide down your throat, is the most popular. If someone you've heard of is in town, chances are he or she will at least stop in Southend Brewery. Panthers President Mark Richardson (the owner's son) is a partner, so football players have made it a second home. But amidst all the people-watching and beverage-imbibing, folks forget how excellent the food is. All the pizzas are made with a Scarlet Ale crust and cooked in a brick oven. Ribs—enormous, well-seasoned, and slathered with a house barbecue sauce—are a favorite. Pork chops are seasoned to perfection. Whatever meat you order, though, warn the server not to overcook it, as can be the kictchen's tendency. The long bar is a draw, too, serving the beer and a full line of spirits. It, and the patio on warm nights, stays crowded on the weekends and especially around Panther games. vital stats: 2100 South Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28203 Tel: (704) 358-4677 Fax: (704) 358-9960 Food Service: Sun - Tues 11:30am-10:00pm Wed - Sat 11:30am-11:00pm Bar: Sun - Thur 11:30am-12:00am Fri - Sat 11:30am-2:00am American Express, Cash, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, Dinners Club and Travelers' Checks