URSUS BREW WORKS | charleston, wv

WineCheeseScallops
Mar 30
7 min read

Updated: Mar 30

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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Update: Second Visit to Ursus Brew Works

A pint of amber beer and a chalkboard menu listing various beers and ciders with colorful text on a wooden table in a cozy bar setting.

We recently made our way back to Ursus Brew Works for a second visit, and it’s safe to say it continues to impress. We stopped in for lunch around 12:15 PM and were greeted and seated right away. The atmosphere was just as enjoyable as we remembered, with basketball games on the TVs and music that added to the relaxed, welcoming vibe.

We started with their house Irish Red, which once again delivered. It’s a smooth, easy-drinking beer with light caramel and toasted malt flavors, a touch of sweetness, and a clean finish that makes it a great choice to kick things off.

Close-up of a menu showing "URSUS BREW WORKS" with a bear silhouette. Menu lists food options like Beer Cheese Soup and Caesar Salad.

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A wrapped chicken gyro with lettuce and sauce beside a mound of golden-brown fries on a dark tray, suggesting a casual dining setting.

This time around, we tried a variety of menu items. The house-made perogies, loaded with potato, cheddar, bacon, and green onions, were rich and satisfying with a creamy filling and well-cooked exterior. The Classic Smash burger stood out with its juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, pickles, and flavorful Smash Sauce, offering a great balance of savory and tangy.

The Chicken Caesar Wrap was fresh and lighter, with tender chicken, crisp romaine, shaved parmesan, and a well-balanced Caesar dressing. The poutine delivered as a hearty comfort dish, with crispy fries topped with rich beef gravy and white cheddar cheese curds.

We also shared two orders of wings—one in Honey Sriracha and the other in the Ursus Glaze. Both were excellent. The wings are notably large, well-cooked, and come coated in bold, flavorful sauces that make them a must-order.

After a second visit, Ursus Brew Works has proven to be consistent in both quality and atmosphere. It’s a reliable spot for a casual lunch or a laid-back outing with great food and house-made brews.

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Ursus Brew Works – Sunday Brunch Visit #3

Our third visit to Ursus Brew Works brought us in for their Sunday brunch, and all we can say is… WOW. This menu completely exceeded expectations and delivered bold, comforting flavors in every bite. From sweet and savory combinations to classic brunch staples done right, this was one of those meals that sticks with you long after the last bite.

Breakfast Burger

This Breakfast Burger is the definition of indulgence. The patty itself is a rich blend of 80/20 beef and mild breakfast sausage, creating a juicy, flavorful base that leans slightly savory with just a hint of breakfast spice. Layered on top are two thick-cut slices of crispy bacon, adding a smoky crunch that complements the richness of the meat perfectly. The gruyère cheese melts beautifully over everything, bringing a slightly nutty, creamy depth that ties the whole burger together.

But what truly sets this dish apart is the brioche French toast “bun.” Thick, golden, and lightly sweet, it creates an incredible contrast against the savory components. The over-easy egg adds that luscious, runny yolk that drips into every layer, while the side of maple syrup allows you to dial up the sweet-and-savory balance exactly how you like it. Each bite is rich, messy, and absolutely unforgettable.

Fun Fact:Sweet and savory breakfast sandwiches like this have become increasingly popular in modern brunch culture, but the combination of French toast and burger-style fillings is a creative twist that elevates the dish into something truly unique and crave-worthy.

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Egg In A Basket

The Egg In A Basket may sound simple, but Ursus Brew Works executes it with precision and flavor. The sourdough bread is perfectly buttered and toasted, giving it a crisp, golden exterior while maintaining a soft, chewy center. The over-easy egg nestled in the middle cooks just right, offering a rich yolk that soaks slightly into the bread without making it soggy.

What really brings this dish to life is the topping of fresh avocado and everything bagel seasoning. The avocado adds a smooth, creamy layer that balances the richness of the egg, while the seasoning introduces a punch of garlic, sesame, and salt that enhances every bite. It’s a beautifully balanced dish—simple, fresh, and incredibly satisfying.

Fun Fact:Egg In A Basket—also known by names like “Egg in a Hole” or “Toad in the Hole”—has been a breakfast staple for generations, with variations appearing in cookbooks as early as the early 1900s.

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Hash-Brown Casserole (Side)

The hash-brown casserole was the perfect side to round out this brunch experience. Warm, cheesy, and comforting, it delivered that classic homestyle flavor you hope for in a brunch dish. The potatoes were tender and well-seasoned, with a creamy interior that contrasted nicely with the slightly crisp top layer.

Each bite had that rich, savory depth that makes hash-brown casserole such a crowd favorite. It paired effortlessly with both main dishes, soaking up yolk and complementing the bold flavors of the Breakfast Burger while also fitting right in with the simplicity of the Egg In A Basket. It’s the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show.

Fun Fact:Hash-brown casserole gained widespread popularity in the United States thanks to diners and Southern-style restaurants, becoming a staple comfort food often associated with hearty breakfasts and family gatherings.

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