What we’re drinking: Penicillin ($15), made with whiskey, ginger, wildflower honey and lemon.Ĭlassic Montford hangout with a huge patio Why we love it: The original Crunkleton in Chapel Hill garnered national attention for its Prohibition-era cocktails, and this location just builds on that with a top-notch food menu to match. Whiskey-forward cocktail bar and restaurant in Elizabeth Related Axios story: “No chance” the Thirsty Beaver is going anywhere
Why we love it: The Beav held its ground when major development came bulldozing through and now a behemoth apartment complex literally wraps around the tiny orange building making it look like the defiant little house in the movie Up. What we’re drinking: Espresso martini or champagne for the table.
They’ve got DJs, dancing, bottle service and reservable tables, plus themed brunch parties. Why we love it: If you want to party late night in South End, Lost & Found is open until 2am six nights a week (including Sunday).
Pro tip: Inside Soul’s downstairs sister restaurant - appropriately named Sister - you’ll find Tattoo, a teeny speakeasy style cocktail bar. Why we love it: The intimate, no-reservations space drips cool with resident DJs spinning every night of the week, and it’s a landmark restaurant for many Charlotte couples’ relationship milestones. Related Axios story: Hispanic heritage is celebrated every day at Salud, a Dominican-owned brewery in NoDaĬozy date night spot in the heart of Plaza Midwood Start with one of Salud’s own, or ask owner Jason Glunt for his pick of the day if he’s there. What we’re drinking: Anything from the rotating assortment of draft. Breakfast, lunch, coffee, afternoon light beer, pizza named for Outkast songs, post-work beer, late-night dancing on Fridays, soccer-watching on Saturdays and Sundays. Why we love it: Salud is like the star athlete who’s also a gifted violinist who’s also a math whiz. NoDa Bar and bottleshop with a Latin dance night that’s also open for breakfast and everything else Related Axios story: How Selwyn Pub made a name for its cheap $5 Transfusions in a craft cocktail and brewery town The dead simple mixed drink - vodka, soda or ginger ale and a splash of juice - has been the same budget-friendly five bucks since the bar opened in 1990. Why we love it: The frat-tastic bar in the heart of Charlotte’s wealthiest neighborhood knows exactly what it is and who it appeals to - Michael Jordan and Ted Williams.
Laid back Charlotte classic, popular with the country club crowd What we’re drinking: PBR in one hand, ping pong paddle in the other. Grab a seat on the spacious back patio and call next on a game of ping pong. At Thomas Street there’s no theme, no gimmicks, no pretentiousness - just an easygoing atmosphere where anyone can have a good time. It’s withstood the test of time and development in a hip, rapidly evolving neighborhood. Why we love it: It’s the epitome of a classic neighborhood bar. Let’s raise a glass to every bar that made it through the worst of the pandemic.Ĭasual no-frills neighborhood bar that doesn’t try too hard This list is just a brief sampling of Charlotte’s best watering holes. Word to the wise: The best bar is the one closest to you.
Leah & Louise mixologist Justin Hazleton will open his own speakeasy called The Abyss at Camp North End this summer.You just may see them on our next ranking. What’s next: There are a handful of bars we can’t wait to open this year.
Since then, we lost once-hot spots like Rosemont and almost the entirety of the EpiCentre, but gained new stand-outs like Lost & Found and Charlotte Beer Garden, along with a slew of game bars like Pins and Slingshot. What’s new: A lot has changed since we last updated this list in 2018. Now’s the time to get out there, order a round of tequila shots and tip your bartenders generously. Why it matters: Our bars took a beating during COVID. After two long pandemic years, Charlotte’s bars are packed once again.