Where Independent Beer Lives (and Hangs Out)

Most people walk into a bottle shop thinking they know what they’re looking for, then stand there for ten minutes realizing they don’t. Too many options, too many familiar labels, and not enough reason to choose one over the other. Carolina Beer Temple & Ames St. Marketplace quietly solves that problem by removing the noise. If it’s on the shelf or on tap, it comes from an independently owned brewery. No corporate standbys, no filler. Just thoughtfully chosen beer that actually reflects the people who made it. It is a simple filter, but it changes everything about the experience.

That philosophy traces back to a trip to Belgium, where owners Rob and Megan Jacik saw firsthand what it looks like when a region fully supports its own beer culture. Back in North Carolina, with hundreds of breweries already operating, they built a space that leans into that same idea of local loyalty and fresh, well-made beer. Tucked into downtown Matthews at Ames Station, the shop feels less like a retail stop and more like a place to settle in. You can grab a pint at the bar, browse bottles to take home, or pivot entirely and explore the rest of the Ames St. Marketplace, where the Back Corner Cocktail Bar, Trailside Games & Hobbies, Two Scoops Ice Cream, and CannaBuddy round out the experience. It is equal parts destination and hangout.

That kind of clarity and commitment tends to stand out, especially in a category that can easily feel crowded. Carolina Beer Temple & Ames St. Marketplace earned a 2026 Best of North Carolina Award by doing something refreshingly straightforward. They decided what they care about, stuck to it, and built a place where that focus actually improves the way people drink, shop, and spend their time.

Contact

Phone: 704-517-5582

Email: rob@carolinabeertemple.com

Website:  www.carolinabeertemple.com

Location: 215 N. Ames St., Suite 1000, Matthews, NC 28105