Southport Magazine

Sitting in the newly opened Solar Brewing with the lovely and talented Lisa, two pints of freshly brewed beer on our table, I had a “moment.” You know, one of those times when things just kind of strike you out of nowhere? “Can you believe we’re sitting on Oak Island drinking beers brewed right here on our little island when we it seems like yesterday we had to drive across the bridge to get to a grocery store?” I asked. It didn’t seem real. But it is real, and Oak Island’s first brewery is a terrific place to enjoy great beer and delicious food close to home. 

I spoke to Mike Bartlett, owner and head brewer of Solar Brewing, for the April 2021 issue of Southport Magazine. At the time, he had a concrete slab and a head full of ideas. Chatting with him during our lunch was like talking to a proud papa who is feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all, but is obviously filled with excitement for the future. And from what we saw, and tasted, that future is bright. 

Walking into Solar Brewing, 8108 East Oak Island Drive, you’ll be struck by the shiny stainless steel brewing equipment behind huge picture windows. More windows along the street-side wall let in lots of natural light to show off the beautiful wooden bar. There is a lot of wood in here, which not only fits Oak Island perfectly, but lends the space a very welcoming, family-friendly vibe, something Mike told me was important to him back when we talked last year. 

Another plan Mike told me about then was a very simple menu, but one that would appeal to lots of people. He’s nailed it. Solar Brewing’s kitchen offers salads, wings, mozzarella sticks, a giant pretzel suitable for sharing, and pizza. We ordered the pretzel (being from the Philly area, soft pretzels are a sure way to my heart) and a pizza with tomatoes and basil. The pretzel and its accompanying mustard dipping sauce were delicious. The pizza is thin crust with a tasty sauce and plenty of cheese. It hit the spot for sure. 

But this is a brewery, you say, so how about the beer? Having just opened, there were just two Solar Brewing products on the menu so far — an Oak Island Brown Ale and a Caswell Beach Porter. The rest of the taps were given over to local and regional microbrews offering a variety of styles. Now I know the craft brew revolution has coincided with a huge IPA fad, but I was thrilled to see two dark brews come out first. 

Of course in the interest of Responsible Journalism I had to try both. The Porter has just the right balance of sweetness and maltiness and is very easy to drink, but also totally satisfying. The Brown Ale is quite nutty, something that we thought went perfect with the fall, but I have to say I wouldn’t turn it down in any season. 

As we go to press, these two beers have been joined by a Scottish Light Ale (at only 3.2% abc this will be Solar Brewing’s only pitcher beer) and the obligatory IPA, so we’re looking forward to a return trip!