If you’re in the mood for something beyond beer, you can check out North American Sake Brewery, which features sake, the Japanese drink made by fermenting rice. They feature a handful of sakes, including Real Magic, a Junmai Craft Sake; Big Baby, a Cloudy Style Craft Sake; and the extra dry Quiet Giant. You can try them out as a sake flight before you commit to just one!

Adjacent to the park, and below Three Notch’d, the North American Sake Brewery and Restaurant opened not too long ago. Three Notch’d also earned a first place in this year’s Virginia Craft Brewers Cup for its brown ale, No Veto Brown. They have a large space (indoor and outdoor), and even have a play area for children.

North American Sake Brewery is the first and, so far, the only sake brewery in Virginia and one of only 20 in the United States. In addition to sake, they offer incredible Japanese cuisines such as Ramen bowls, sushi, and hand-rolled dumplings. You can enjoy amazing food and saki on their expansive open-air patio.

For a unique twist on the sushi experience, visit North American Sake Brewery and Restaurant. Pair their inventive sushi rolls with house-brewed sake for a one-of-a-kind meal. This vibrant spot combines Japanese tradition with local flair, making it a standout on the Charlottesville sushi scene.

Next door to The Looking Glass, North American Sake Brewery is one of the only sake breweries in the US and has a bangin’ pan-Asian kitchen. The upper floor of the building is home to Three Notch’d Brewing Co. where you can taste flights of local craft beers and nosh on classic American fare.

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Experience the most unique & creative location in Charlottesville. Virginia's first and only Sake brewery features incredible amenities, full kitchen & bar, a stage, large indoor screens, and an ample outdoor patio in the city's Ix Art Park

I’m not actually a big fan of sake, so it might seem like a weird choice for me to have this on my list. However, I really enjoy this spot for a casual dinner. Part of Ix Art Park, this brewery is a good fit for the eclectic area.

For other choices, hit one of Ix’s restaurants, like the takeout wood-fired pizza at Lampo, or perhaps a flight at North American Sake Brewery, or pretzel bites and a beer at Three Notch’d Brewing Company.