Per a COVID-19-related Mecklenburg County health directive issued , please note that some businesses may have modified their hours of operation and changed procedures in order to comply with CDC and Mecklenburg County Health Department guidelines. Please wear a mask, limit any non-essential activities and refrain from gathering with anyone outside of your household.
Not sure how to breach the Queen City’s social circuit? Start by exploring the city and its neighborhoods through these lively bars and venues.
Social Hubs
1. Knock down strikes, dominate the shuffleboard court and hang with friends as the sun goes down at Queen Park Social in LoSo (Lower South End).
2. Channel “Kingpin” and unwind with craft beer at retro-chic Montford Street alley 10 Park Lanes at the Park Road Shopping Center.
4. Find stand-up comedy, hopping dance floors and unforgettable lives shows at the city’s one-stop entertainment shop: AvidXChange Music Factory.
Speakeasies
6. Enjoy masterpieces crafted by mixologist Stefan Huebner at Dot Dot Dot, hidden in Park Road Shopping Center’s back lot.
10. Pay tribute to departed music venues at BackStage Lounge, located behind SouthBound and Mac’s Speed Shop in South End.
Live Music Lairs
11. See if your favorite band is performing at any of Charlotte’s live music venues. Spots like the PNC Music Pavilion, Blumenthal Performing Arts, Spectrum Center and The Bojangles’ Entertainment Complex (aka “The BOplex with Bojangles’ Coliseum and Ovens Auditorium) offer everything from touring concerts to comedy shows.
Karaoke Bars
17. Soothe your stage fright with a slice of pizza and a cocktail on tap before reliving your high school playlist at 8.2.0.
18. Order a few local beers for liquid courage and showcase your pipes in front of a crowd at NoDa 101.
19. Grab the mic at Lucky Lou’s Tavern after a game of pool and treat patrons to your “perfectly rehearsed” renditions of golden oldies.
Local Bars
23. Bring quarters for arcade games and your A game for trivia nights at Ed’s Tavern, where the draft beer flows like water.
24. Look for a seat on the sprawling patio at Brazwells Premium Pub-the best spot in the house for sipping suds.
25. Sip frosty pours on the friendly patio at Tavern on the Tracks, situated in the heart of South End.
26. Cozy up to the counter at Brawley’s Beverage and ask the owner for best bets on local brews that span saisons to sours.
27. Order a round of the fan-favorite tater tots and a bucket of chilled beers for an evening spent on the deck at Angry Ale’s.
Dance Clubs
29. Soak up skyline views of the city and show off your fancy footwork at the nightlife favorites in the Epicentre: Suite Charlotte, The Vault or Rooftop 210.
31. Throw on your cowboy boots and brush up on your line dancing skills for an evening spent shuffling to country music at Coyote Joe’s.
33. Salsa to south-of-the-border beats at La Revolucion or groove to your favorite EDM beats at World Nightclub, both located in AvidXchange Music Factory.
LGBTQ Favorites
36. Relax on The Bar at 316’s beautiful second-floor patio-the perfect place to sip a drink, feel the breeze and chat with friends.
37. Dance along with your favorite music videos on the big screen at Bar Argon, Charlotte’s only gay video lounge and dance bar.
Cocktail Bars
40. Toast the end of the daily grind with refreshing cocktails and a plate of Irish nosh on the garden terrace at The Workman’s Friend.
42. Designed to look like a swanky 19 th -century club, the cocktail menu at The Punch Room on the 15th floor of The Ritz-Carlton is a spot you won’t want to miss.
43. Eat (exquisite American fare), drink and be social at Uptown’s Ink n Ivy, which peeks out at Romare Bearden Park.
45. Sip a signature martini and swing to live jazz at The Imperial, which transports patrons from its First Ward perch to the Big Easy.
Wine Bars
47. Find a cadre of crave-worthy wines at Vin Master in Atherton Mill, Barcelona Wine Bar in South End orThe Bohemian in Plaza Midwood, where you can uncork a bottle and enjoy it with great company.
49. Try any of the 70 wines by the glass or 100 by the bottle at The Wine Loft, pairing them with tasty tapas.
Game-Day Mainstays
53. Catch the game at Moo & Brew while indulging in the pub’s eponymous burger-topped with brew-braised onions, brew chili, brew cheese and mustard.
54. Arrive well before a kickoff or tipoff to claim a TV-front table and https://hookupdate.net/es/airg-review/ a cold one at popular All American Pub.
55. Join futbol fans for friendly rivalry and lots of “cheers” at Courtyard Hooligans, the city’s official soccer watching spot.
56. Pregame with rounds of billiards before your favorite teams battle it out on TV at Sidelines Sports Bar and Billiards.
Dive Bars
58. Order a burger and a round of suds at the king of Dilworth dive bars, The Comet Grill, where bands play nightly.
59. Get the the Champagne of beers, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and rock the juke box during an unforgettable night at the no-frills Thirsty Beaver.
- nightlife
- entertainment
- live music
- karaoke
- lgbtq
- beer
- wine
- cocktails
Torie Robinette is a freelance writer and editor. Her background includes a communications role with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, a public relations role with Neiman Marcus, time as a style editor at Charlotte Magazine and years as a freelance and editor writer for publications like Us Weekly, Charlotte Magazine, Charlotte Wedding and more. Torie is a Charlotte native and a UNC-Chapel Hill grad, which means she can–and will–talk all day about the Queen City and the Tar Heels.