URSUS BREW WORKS | charleston, wv

WineCheeseScallops
13 hours ago
4 min read

Charleston has a brand-new spot for craft beer lovers, and we were thrilled to stop in for an early look. Tonight marked the second day of the soft opening at Ursus Brew Works, located at 207 Hale Street in downtown Charleston, inside the historic space formerly known as The Strand. Walking through the doors, it’s immediately clear that this place is something special.

Open sign on glass door reads "Come in, we're open" in white text. Background shows blurred interior and brick wall, creating a welcoming mood.

The interior is large, open, and incredibly inviting, blending modern brewery style with nods to Charleston’s brewing history. Warm wood accents and industrial lighting give the space a fresh yet comfortable feel. The beautiful bar stretches along one side of the room, topped with polished surfaces and lined with taps just waiting for the brewery’s own creations to arrive. Above the taps, a large chalkboard lists the current beer offerings, many of which feature local and regional breweries while Ursus prepares to roll out its own brews.

Bar counter with 14 beer taps, glassware, and a chalkboard menu displaying various beer options. Green hop illustrations decorate the board.

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Wooden counter with chairs, menus laid out; black-and-white framed photos on gray wall. Calm, organized cafe setting.

Throughout the dining area, simple wooden tables and chairs sit across polished concrete floors, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for gathering with friends or enjoying a casual meal. One of the most thoughtful touches is the series of black-and-white photographs lining the walls. These historic images showcase breweries that once operated in the surrounding region, paying tribute to the area’s brewing heritage and tying the new space to the past in a meaningful way.

A Warm Welcome

We stopped in for an early dinner and were promptly greeted the moment we walked in. The staff invited us to choose any seat in the house, and we happily settled at the beautiful bar, which turned out to be a perfect vantage point for taking in the entire space.

Empty restaurant with wooden tables and chairs, gray concrete floor, and dim lighting. Wall art and photos in the background. Quiet mood.

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Surreal painting of creatures in a bar: a bear, a ram in a suit, and others. Bright colors and patterns. Text: "Brew" and "URSUS."

Our bartender, Jess, was absolutely wonderful. Friendly, welcoming, and impressively knowledgeable about the brand-new menu, she walked us through several items and offered personal insights into her favorites. You could tell she had actually tasted the dishes herself, which made ordering easy and fun.

Wooden cabinet with glass doors, empty shelves, and a small American flag. A red fire sanitizer container is below. Black-and-white photo on wall.

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Beer-Battered Wings – Blackberry BBQ

We kicked things off with the Beer-Battered Wings, opting for the traditional wings tossed in Blackberry BBQ sauce. These wings arrived hot and perfectly crisp, thanks to the light beer batter that added just the right amount of crunch without feeling heavy.

Crispy chicken wings glazed in red sauce on a plate with golden fries. A black and white menu in the background adds contrast.

The Blackberry BBQ sauce was the real star. It balanced sweet berry flavor with classic smoky barbecue notes, creating a sauce that was rich, slightly tangy, and just a touch fruity. The sweetness of the blackberry paired beautifully with the savory wing coating, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. They disappeared quickly.

Spicy glazed chicken wings on a bed of crispy chips on a plate, set on a white table. The glossiness adds an appetizing appeal.

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The All Dressed Burger

For an entrée, we tried The All Dressed, and it absolutely lives up to its name. This hearty burger features two beef patties topped with American cheese, thick-cut bacon, mayo, mustard, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles, all served on a soft toasted potato roll.

Burger with lettuce and ketchup, served with onion rings on a black plate. Blurry restaurant background, hand on the right. Cozy, appetizing.

The burger was juicy and flavorful, with the beef patties delivering that classic, satisfying burger taste. The thick-cut bacon added a smoky crunch, while the combination of sauces and fresh toppings created a perfect balance of richness and freshness. The potato roll held everything together beautifully, soaking up the juices without falling apart. It’s the kind of burger that feels indulgent in the best possible way.

Close-up of a juicy cheeseburger with lettuce, sauce, and a toasted bun, accompanied by crispy onion rings on a dark background.

Burger with lettuce on a black plate with crispy onion rings and a small cup of ketchup, set on a white marble table.

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Black Bean Burger

We also tried the Black Bean Burger, and it proved that Ursus Brew Works is putting just as much care into its vegetarian options. The house-made black bean patty was hearty and well-seasoned, with a texture that held together nicely while still being tender.

Burger with lettuce, melted cheese, and sauce on a bun sits on a plate with fries. A small cup of ketchup is nearby. Background is blurred.

Topped with lettuce, pico de gallo, creamy avocado, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle ranch, the burger offered a vibrant mix of flavors. The pico added freshness, the avocado brought richness, and the chipotle ranch delivered a smoky, slightly spicy kick that tied everything together. It’s a flavorful and satisfying option that even non-vegetarians would enjoy.

Burger with lettuce and sauce, melted cheese, and a bun beside crispy fries and a ketchup dish on a black plate.

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Looking Ahead | URSUS BREW WORKS

Beer glass on a marble table beside a menu titled "URSUS Brew Works." The menu lists sandwiches and wraps.

We’re incredibly thankful to see a new brewery joining the Charleston community, and based on this soft opening experience, Ursus Brew Works is off to a fantastic start. The welcoming staff, thoughtfully designed space, and delicious food made for a wonderful evening.

While they’re not yet pouring their own brews, the tap list already features a great selection of local craft beers, giving visitors plenty to enjoy while the brewery prepares for the next step.

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A hand with painted nails holds a menu from Us Us Brew Works featuring mains, sides, and add-ons. Menu text is clearly visible.

For now, Ursus Brew Works is open 3 PM – 9 PM, and they’ll be launching Sunday brunch from 11 AM – 3 PM starting this week.

The grand opening is expected on Saint Patrick’s Day, and we truly can’t wait to see what’s next for this exciting new addition to downtown Charleston.

Charleston, it looks like we’ve got a new favorite spot brewing. 🍻

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