Charlotte has long been a fledgling “foodie” city as it moves past its traditional BBQ roots and expands with chef-driven restaurants focused on all the amazing regional meat and produce. What isn’t talked about much is their beverage scene, which is great and severely underrated. Something unique you’ll see on the list below is the memberships. No, they’re not a bunch of elitists—there’s a North Carolina liquor law that only discusses restaurants and private clubs, and you can’t qualify as a restaurant unless more than 30% of gross sales are food. The more you know. Here are 10 places to imbibe in Charlotte to prove that we’re right.
Dot Dot Dot
Dot Dot Dot is a hidden, member’s only bar…that anyone can join. Their location is clearly posted on their site, so don’t worry about it being too secretive. As they put it, they’re “inclusively exclusive”. For $10 a year, you can become a member and finally live life to the fullest. Dress to impress, because there’s a “stylish but not stuffy” dress code. All these rules pay off when you’re inside, feeling like Don Draper might grab a seat next to you. Co-owner and mixologist Stefan Huebner has put together a drink program that is both classic and modern—there’s a reason many say this is the best cocktail bar in the city.
The Crunkleton
Did you just hop in a time machine back to the Prohibition era? Not quite, but you have just stepped into The Crunkleton. This is the kind of place where you can have a debate with the bartender (and your fellow imbibers) about things like the history of the old fashioned—but it’s not pretentious, just fun. Like Dot Dot Dot, they have a $10/year membership fee, but that just makes you feel even cooler. Aside from the great Prohibition-era cocktails, they also have a woodfire hearth. Make sure to grab some grub.
Merchant & Trade
Take advantage of Charlotte’s wonderful weather with Merchant & Trade, a rooftop bar you won’t ever want to leave. Aside from the spectacular views, this high-class joint has delicious small bites and, more importantly, a big ol’ drink menu. Whether you’re looking for something classic or one of their fun seasonal cocktails (spring seems like a great time for a Bananarama), you won’t be disappointed. Their spirit list should have just about everything you want, but more than anything, this is just a great bar to hang out with old friends or meet some new ones.
Sophia’s Lounge
The Ivey’s Hotel is the kind of boutique hotel you wish you could stay at every trip. It’s just dripping in style and class. It also happens to be a place you have to go to for food and drinks. Sophia’s Lounge is opulent; if you’ve ever wanted to feel like a king or queen while drinking, you’ve found your match. Food is available, but we much prefer it as an after-dinner spot. Grab a cocktail (they even have dessert cocktails), one of their small plate desserts, and get ready to wind down in front of the fireplace.
5Church
5Church, The Ivey’s Hotel’s other dining option, is a more eclectic, casual spot. It’s more restaurant than bar, but with high tables, black leather couches, and multiple bars, it’s a happening spot in the evenings. They offer a smaller creative cocktail menu and plenty of craft beer options, but their wine list is really the focus. There are plenty of bottles by the glass, but their rare bottle collection will impress. If you’re ready to drop $900 on a 2006 Gaja Sori Tildin, this is your spot.
The Punch Room
While we’re on this fancy hotel kick, you’ll look like a real VIP if you can snag a table at The Punch Room located on the 15th floor of the Ritz-Carlton. This small, dark speakeasy looks out over the city and truly feels like a secret spot (or the lounge of a villain’s hideout). The drink menu focuses on small-batch spirits infused with seasonal ingredients—but what’s more fun is talking to the bartender, finding out what they’ve got in stock at the moment, and ordering a handcrafted libation.
Idlewild
If you’re not into the more serious, old school vibe of some of the previous bars mentioned, you need to check out Idlewild in NoDa. The vibe is very mid-century modern California—warm wood, pops of green and blue, and good vibes. Interestingly, there’s no set menu for cocktails. You tell the bartenders what you like (tangy and vodka, sweet and bourbon) and they’ll whip up a drink just for you. They have the classics too, of course, but that’s not as fun as giving them a challenge.
The Thirsty Beaver Saloon
Every city needs a great dive bar. In Charlotte, that’s The Thirsty Beaver Saloon. What makes this gem appear even more like a dive is the fact that it is now located directly between two enormous contemporary apartment complexes—think about the house from Pixar’s Up, but instead of a grumpy old man, it’s full of beer. It’s exactly what you want in a dive bar: random things on the wall, pool tables, cheap beer, the feeling of being in another era. It’s great.
Craft Tasting Room and Growler Shop
Craft’s focus is craft beer if you couldn’t guess. With 36 taps—most of which are local—there’s always something new to try. The best move is to order one of their flights of five beers to figure out which you like most, and then get a pint. Or, better yet, get yourself a 32oz or 64oz growler. The tasting room (and beer garden!) also has a little shop area where you can grab bottled beer, local snacks, and more bottled beers. They also have a small plates menu that won’t let you down.
The Workman’s Friend
An Irish bar owned and designed by people actually from Ireland?! That’s right. The space was designed to look like a country pub in Ireland and we think they nailed it. The vibe is absolutely perfect. Grabbing a seat and enjoying a sausage roll and fish and chips while taking down a Guinness or glass of Redbreast 15 Year is a joy that one can’t easily find in the US, let alone Charlotte. Oh, and don’t forget about their brunch menu—it’s perfect after a long night out. Eat outside on the newly-built patio and you’ll be over that hangover in no time.
Ready to call one of these spots your local watering hole? Check out thousands of apartments for rent on Zumper and find your new home in Charlotte.
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