50 Best Bars in Charlotte

“Love Para! Great staff and Menu!!“

“Tyler took care of us. My Celiac situation was handled with attention. The food came out fast and hot, and my husband and granddaughter loved the Keylime pie. Very much recommended and we will certainly go back.“

“We really enjoyed Aura! We ordered 3 drinks and the BBQ sliders and they were delicious!! The drinks were a bit too strong for us but still pretty good! And sliders tasted really good, just a little too fatty for us but overall we loved the ambiance and the service! The prices were a bit high but it's to be expected at a high end hotel on the rooftop! We also enjoyed some time at the pool which is heated year round and of course the view at night was beautiful! There are bathrooms located right by the entrance when you walk back into the hotel so we changed right after we had our food and drinks! Overall was a nice experience! You do have to keep in mind what area you want to sit at when you reserve. We wanted to sit on a loveseat closer to the edge but were told that you have to put that on the reservation! Now we know for next time!“

“Excellent food & service. Gorgeous courtyard with jazz guitarists 2 Wednesdays a month from 7-9.“

“I’m super late to this review, but we saw Chris Staples perform here about a month back, and Humbug is the PERFECT place for intimate, live shows with your favorite artists. The mixed drinks are strong without tasting strong (the best win in my book), and they feel very much worth the price because of the punch they pack. The staff are crazy accommodating (they initially forgot my order of a Klondike bar and brought me a free extra as an apology, which was so kind but unnecessary!), and they’re great at pointing you to a drink based on vibes. The menu changes often, and parking is ample.“

“Great casual place. Service is awesome. Locally owned Bartender Joe is fabulous“

“Full disclosure, I have not been here yet, however with David running the show over there I'm sure he's crushing it like everywhere he goes, I was fortunate to be his boss at Whiskey Tango years ago. One of the best bartenders I have worked with ( in all my years and that's a lot) With David though, as a bartender you're never really his boss, not that he doesn't listen he just really doesnt need direction. IHes that good. Keep on rocking it there sir.“

“The Ugly isn't ugly, it's quite beautiful.

This is a neat bar near the tracks & Chamber by Wooden Robot. If you aren't looking for it, it's actually quite easy to miss.

Inside, there's old time bar mirrors & decor which fit the bar perfectly. The bartenders are quick & do a solid job.

There's option of different types of ugly cocktails but let's be honest, the $2 Narragansett is the best deal in Charlotte. The cocktails are affordable for Charlotte which gives them an edge over many other options nearby.

I'd recommend coming down, getting a gansett & a shot, & enjoy your time chatting with the locals.

PS: The Charlotte map on the wall is really neat.“

“Food and service amazing However : Server totally ignored me and only talked to my daughter. Also we were asked to leave when they started to get busy. Music was loud and even my twenty something old daughter thought it was awful. Those things would prevent me from going back or recommending it to anyone else“

“First I drove 2 hours to try this place one way- the food, atmosphere and staff was amazing. I have never had such great food and service for a long time. I would make the drive again, well worth the drive!!!!“

“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Darts, Drinks & Personal Development”
From this week’s “Sticky Rice & Sweet Tea – After Dark Edition”

I don’t go out much. My usual nightlife consists of refrigerator light and a cozy existential crisis. But in the spirit of not regretting life on my deathbed (which feels closer every time I eat fried mushrooms), I ventured to Midtown Country Club.

And you know what? I had fun. Like, honest-to-goodness, looked-up-darts-on-Amazon-after kind of fun. Learned how to play darts with some tragically unbalanced plastic ones, and still managed to feel like an Olympic athlete in the glow of good vibes.

Shoutout to the bartender—this man is a sober cocktail sorcerer. I asked for something citrusy, low sugar, no alcohol, and he handed me a cup of mystery that tasted like a sunset on a fresh start. Give that man a bonus and a playlist deal.

The crowd? Surprisingly lovely. Diverse, relaxed, unbothered. And as someone who usually stiffens up around groups of gays I don’t know (read: trauma, shade, and past brunches), Sean’s friends were actually warm and welcoming. It reshaped some deep-seated expectations I didn’t realize I was still carrying.

All in all, 5 stars for a Tuesday night that gave me community, a tasty mocktail, and a hobby that now requires wrist coordination and a budget.

~Written with sore arms, soft epiphanies, and sticky rice dreams —
Dandelion Tambourine“

“The Huba found this restaurant and we stopped by on a Friday evening. It wasn’t too busy and we were promptly seated. The restaurant has a parking lot but we found street parking.

We were surprised to find that it was a hookah lounge and a couple were smoking it. The smell wasn’t too overpowering.

We ordered the suya platter and lamp chop with respective sides. Honestly, we were sure if it was an African restaurant, we thought it was going to be but don’t know.

Didn’t have to wait long for our food. The lamb chop was really good. Jollof rice was just okay. The suya platter was good as well.

There was a Dj that started to play by the time we left around 9:30pm.

Overall, lovely experience. Our waiter was good and checked in several times.

I took out a star because we were given plastic utensils for a seat down menu? That’s a first. We didn’t order a take out so having to use a plastic ware with a plate versus paper plates was a bit irritating.“

“THE PEOPLE ARE VERY FRIENDLY!! I WOULD DEFINITELY COME BACK!!!3😊💙😀“

“The ambiance is spot on here. The lounge area where the music is, is setup just right and efficient. The bar is timeless and the staff is professional and feels like you’re picking up where you left off with an old friend. The drinks are poured with skill and love. We got there for a pre-dinner drink just when the music was about to start and by the time we finished dinner and got back out, the place was packed! Great place to start the night and listen to some live music.“

“Wow!! Great casual atmosphere, amazing service (we sat at the bar and had Emily tending to us—great info about our options and checked in on us “just right!”), and the. most. DELICIOUS food!! My wedge salad may have been the best I’ve ever had-Emily shared that they make their blue cheese dressing-I raved about the quality and the generous quantity! She’d also recommended the soup of the day that was also quite tasty & as she’d thought, it paired well with my main course-the Cajun pasta with andouille and chicken. The pasta was a great amount of spicy, richly creamy, and the tomato’s warm juiciness was a delightful addition! I stopped myself partway through that dish so I could try the crème brûlée cheesecake—YUM!! Rich, and I’m sure the cream it was garnished with was from scratch—somehow both light and rich!! Definitely must go back to try the other fun menu items!! Oh, I did trade a few bites with my husband who also loved the pasta; it afforded me the chance to try their burger—perfectly cooked, juicy and TASTY under the melted white cheddar & bacon!!“

“Incredible food, ambiance and service. Our waitress, Ashley, was outstanding. This sweet young lady was bubbly, outgoing and attentive. We couldn't have asked for a better evening out.“

“#1 place in clt. be there or be a ken main“

“All was beyond expectations, from the service to the dessert.“

“We had the best experience with your great bartender Emmet . He was so fun and helpful. Food and drinks did not disappoint!“

“We visited Charlotte for the Nascar Roval race and we were lucky enough to find this bar. We flew over from Dublin, and believe me Dublin has some good bars however this was one of the top bars I ever visited. Great value beer, full of friendly folk, great music and brilliant atmosphere. You guys from Charlotte are blessed to have this bar and a great backstory.“

“This is a first class joint! I love to come to here to have a great time. It is clean and everyone is super respectful ! Drinks are excellent .“

“We needed a Gluten Free option and the usuals are getting old! The Steak sandwich on a GF bun was delicious! It fit the bill perfectly for what we were seeking. The Parmesan potato’s pancake was cooked to perfection. The only adjustments I would make was (when the steak was after the server asked and the steak was ordered medium, that it should have at least some pink), but it was tender and flavorful. The multi-server thing got confusing. One person took drink order, another delivered (1 was incorrect), another ran the food and we were not told of the multi-layered service). Everyone was nice, it was just a little confusing and no one ever asked about drink refills and when the coffee cup was empty there was no one around for a long time. But… we still like the food, prices, atmosphere, options, and consistency.“

“Love the Ginger Ale I bought at Publix in Alabama!“

“Absolutely awesome place, possibly the best nachos in ballantyne if not all of Charlotte. Also, it is one of the best places to watch the Commanders. Great atmosphere, awesome specials…..Go Commanders!“

“We came to Buho bar last week before the Stevie Nicks concert for some pre-concert food and drinks. We were also staying at the Grand Bohemian that night so it was very convenient. We originally sat outside but there were people smoking something from a vape and the smell kept wafting towards us so we moved inside. Also, while outside our server did not come back after bringing us drinks to take our food order. Once we were inside, we realized the bartender was the star of the show(did not get her name as she was so busy but she did have some cool glasses). We noticed that that not only was she taking a lot of orders, she was making ALL of the elaborate drinks for the entire bar. It was clear she was running the show and it was unfortunate that the other staff were not helping out more.

For drinks, we each got the “Grand Bo” old fashioned. We were pleasantly surprised that the old fashioned had a proper ice cube (square, not cloudy and even had GB initials on it which was cute). The drinks were tasty and we enjoyed the black walnut bitters.

For food, we ordered the charcuterie board, buffalo chicken flatbread, ahi tuna skewers and chicken skewers. The food was pretty good and was served hot. I really enjoyed the flatbread and the ranch flavor made it even better. My husband also liked his ahi tuna and chicken skewers and said they were cooked well.

Had it not been for the bartender, we probably would have walked out and got food elsewhere. Overall, I am happy we stayed and our bartender needs a promotion!“

“Quick lunch bite… Friendly and attentive bartender… Great environment… Might just end up back there tonight.“

“We had lunch there today for the first time. The service was outstanding. Our server was so friendly and informative about the menu. We sat on the inside but the outdoor patio looked like a great option as well. Everything was very clean. We had the ribeye sandwich and the jalapeño popper bacon grilled cheese sandwich. They were both excellent but… That grilled cheese! If you go there, you’ve got to order that. It was out of this world good and just the right amount of spicy.“

“I went to the restaurant for the first time and the waiter who served me very well was Gustavo, he is very friendly and attentive. I felt like it was the first time eating Brazilian food. He gave me great recommendations. I really liked his service and whenever I go back I want to be served by him. Thank you very much. It is because of employees like him that the company moves forward.“

“Love the 80s arcade games …MTV generation playground!!! Great cocktails!“

“Flowers, plants and beer/wine! What more to life could you want?!“

“Great place for cigar smokers“

“Morally bankrupt and disloyal to employees. Will never be back. It might as well just be another condo.“

“A rare gem in Charlotte yes it can be found in a strip mall like so many spots here. Your not coming for the location. Your coming for some of the best food made in Charlotte. One of the best restaurants in my humble opinion. A must if your a foodie do people still use that term?. I was even able to get a sneak preview of a sticky rib dish with some rice cakes. I make a point to come here often.“

“Sadly, the pretzel was OVERly salty.“

“Really nice outdoor fun with good drinks“

“Dram & Draught is a hidden gem for cocktail enthusiasts and anyone seeking a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Located in the heart of the city, this craft cocktail bar excels in creating imaginative drinks that showcase the artistry of mixology. The moment you step inside, you are greeted by a warm ambiance characterized by soft lighting, comfortable seating, and an inviting vibe that encourages conversation and camaraderie.

The cocktail menu at Dram & Draught is nothing short of impressive. Each drink is thoughtfully crafted using high-quality spirits, fresh ingredients, and house-made syrups. The bartenders are knowledgeable and passionate, eager to share their expertise and recommend drinks based on your personal preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic like an Old Fashioned or want to try one of their unique seasonal concoctions, there’s something for everyone.

One standout cocktail that I highly recommend is the “Smoked Rosemary Gimlet,” which strikes a perfect balance between the refreshing citrus notes and the rich, smoky undertones. It’s a delightful experience that engages all the senses.

In addition to the incredible cocktails, Dram & Draught often features tastings and events that celebrate local distilleries, further enhancing their commitment to the craft. The friendly staff and community-oriented atmosphere make it a fantastic spot to unwind after a long day or to kick off a night out with friends. If you’re a fan of craft cocktails, Dram & Draught is definitely worth a visit!“

“Great food & fun!! Highly recommend 🧡💜“

“Amazing customer service and suburb organic quality drinks beyond expectations. Highly recommend. Thank you!!“

“Great hangout location! They have a wide selection of beers/wines on draft, craft beers, and ciders. Based on the bartenders recommendation, I ordered the Prosciutto flatbread which was delicious. I loved the pickled chillies!

Next time, I'll have try their charcuterie and cheese boards“

“Stopped in Sunday at 9am as we heard this was a place to watch Formula One and I was visiting my son at UNCC and we needed to good place to watch. The atmosphere was great, the local F1 fan group (where were heard about Dom's) was there and it was fun to be among other fans. The server and bartender were pleasant and very responsive and once they could legally serve me a beer, the did right after 10 am. Overall had a nice time there, exactly what we were hoping for. I hope Dom's does well.“

“We decided to try this place based on a recommendation & it didn’t disappoint. We had different types of phos & were very flavorful in their own way. There were many other dishes that looked appetizing & we’ll be coming back to try them. Saigon Night definitely isn’t just a karaoke bar anymore. It’s also a great place for authentic Vietnamese cuisine. I wish I had discovered this place sooner so don’t miss out like I did & give this place a shot. You’re welcome in advance.“

“Food - small menu but good food!
Drinks- larger menu for drinks and super friendly bar staff.
Atmosphere- it’s a smaller room but cozy and comfortable. TVs and light background music to keep the environment nice. If you’re looking for something small and not as busy.

The only con is parking. But that’s to be expected in downtown. I’d suggest taking an Uber or something so you don’t have to spend as much parking as you would on a few drinks.

Otherwise really liked this place and will visit again!“

“We wanted to write the very best review about our experience with you on Sat. 2/15/25. I accidently left my credit card at your wonderful restaurant. From my first call, your staff was amazing and helpful. First to answer was our server :Jose,' passed on the message to staff: Bar Manager ,Edward, took down my information and Vishal gathered it all & I received my card (Fed-Ex) in two days from the east to the mid-west and I could track it all the way! Way to go ! I am so happy. I am very thankful and appreciative. You have really great food and it's presentation is especially creative. D.Janzen“

“Love this place! Great staff and fun atmosphere.“

“This place was pretty cool. It was quiet and had free pool. Not too many people but the one's there we're obviously regulars. The people were friendly and the staff was on point with drinks. Never knew this place existed, and I grew up around that area. The location alone is worth going. This is one of them in the cut kind of of bars you have to know somebody to know about it“

“Hard working people who want to make Gamecock fans happy!“

“Homeade Ranch ! YUMMM (need I say anymore ?) Yummy fries and wraps ! Drink specials , lots of TVs, good atmosphere!“

“We stopped for dinner with 4 young kids after traveling in the car all day. They were fantastic and accommodating even though most people wouldn't bring their kids! The food was phenomenal and prices were great. Thank you for a great experience!“

“The best coffee I had in Charlotte!!!!!“