50 Best Bars in Charlotte

“Daniel at Aura Rooftop truly went above and beyond. I came in ahead of time to set up a surprise for my cousin, and he took care of everything—from handwriting a “Will you be my girlfriend?” note to setting up the flowers and dessert perfectly.

He made the whole experience seamless and so special. You can tell he genuinely cares about creating memorable moments for guests. I’m so grateful for his help…thank you, Daniel!“

“Love Para! Great staff and Menu!!“

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

“One of my favorite cocktail bars in the entire country! Seriously! Super quality cocktails from a rotating seasonal menu, always classics and staff that recognize and can make other, lesser known, cocktails that few others can. Awesome bourbon knowledge and several top-notch house made ingredients. In addition to the quality of the beverages and knowledgeable staff, tje staff are super friendly and guests help create a great vib.“

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

“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 .“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Catalina Kitchen + Bar in Charlotte delivered an incredible happy hour tonight. The specials did not disappoint. The crispy Brussels sprouts were a standout with a huge serving and layers of flavor that kept getting better with every bite. The giant heap of Parmesan fries was exactly that… a mountain of hot bistro fries with rich parmesan and truffle aioli. Easily enough for the table. The roasted beets came in a smaller, more delicate portion but were packed with flavor and felt really thoughtfully prepared. The California deviled eggs were beautifully presented and came as two, just right for a quick bite. The atmosphere was lively with an earthy feel and an open view of the kitchen that added to the experience. The staff was amazing from start to finish. Overall an excellent visit and absolutely worth stopping by, especially during happy hour Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 pm!“

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

“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.“

“The Ugly is the ultimate pregame spot in Charlotte! Elite dive bar vibes with insanely cheap beers—$2–$3 a piece—and bartenders who are just super chill. Perfect for kicking off a night out, and the location is unbeatable, just steps from the light rail. A must-visit next to Idlewild!

Disclaimer: they do not serve food.“

“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!“

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

“The food, drinks and ambiance are SO good! Such a cool and unique spot in Charlotte. We loved everything we ordered. Our server was very kind, personable and knowledgeable. Service was a little slow, but it seems they are just short staffed…not enough to ruin the experience, just something to be aware of and plan for. Will definitely be back!“

“My son only had one ticket to the Hornets game so I hung out with him before the game at Connelly’s and talked for hours, which was amazing. Very chill vibe and I had a few beers. This will relate to Gallery House soon— I promise.

After walking with him to the game, I walked back to Duckworth’s and had a Bold Rock Cider Beer (really good) and a personal pizza (way better than I expected compared to Mooresville location).

If you’re keeping score, that’s four beers and a small pizza. I was heading for The Local next but saw Gallery House across the street. I pulled out my phone, checked the rating/reviews (very high) and popped in.

Well, it was supposed to be a pop in but I popped off. To be honest, I don’t really know what ‘popped off’ means. It just flowed so I rolled with it. I went to another browser to look it up but I have never seen an expression have so many meanings. Apparently, it can mean anything from ‘had a good time’ to ‘talked loudly’ to ‘selling party poppers on the exit ramp of a highway.’

One of the above meanings is not true. Just a little game for you. And no intention to rhyme. Just dropping a dime.

Anyway! 🤪

The vibe at this joint is awesome. Very chill. The bartender was friendly and good at her job. Only one problem: she makes the strongest Old Fashioned in the history of mankind. I made the mistake of ordering a second one. That wasn’t a good idea but it’s 100% on me.

I’m a friendly drinker. But I have moved away from liquor and just have two wines or three beers for a normal experience (since being hit by drunk driver in early 2025). However, on this night, I think I might have been unintentionally rude. Not mean. Just stupid. The best word might be ‘brash.’ The bartender told me I should go get some mozzarella sticks around the corner. 🤣

Well played. I have never had that happen to me. I can laugh about it now. 100% sober. I don’t like when I get out of control with people that seem chill. That bartender is probably a great conversationalist. It started out that way. Before I went to the moon (figuratively speaking). But, we always move forward.

Side Note: Luna is a cool black lab that hangs there. My dog, Lulu, was originally Luna and also a black lab and came from a tough home so my son re-named her Lulu when she was nine months old. She is now 11.

For those who don’t know (the majority of people reading this): I no longer write books and use Google and Yelp as my writing outlet. My reviews are not standard and I view them as an opportunity for me to tap in to something I love but no longer do. They read more like short story reviews than critiques.

I highly recommend this establishment for the chillest vibe in Charlotte. No exaggeration. I wish I hadn’t been buzzed when I walked in or had a second drink but that’s on me. Cool place and staff.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Love this place. Great atmosphere, menu, drinks and most of all great staff. I stopped in last week to pick up gift cards for the holiday and they were having an issue with the system. The manger explained the situation and offered alternatives. I chose to come back this week to purchase the cards and the manager remembered me and thanked me for returning as did the bartender. If you’ve never been, give it a try. I can almost guarantee you’ll return too.“

“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.“

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

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

“I went to Lorem Ipsum a couple of nights ago with two girlfriends and had a great time. I’ll start with the only minor irritation of the evening - we had a reservation for 7, I entered a couple of minutes before seven, waited at the hostess stand, and was never acknowledged. A woman moving around the bar area appeared to make eye contact with me but never said anything. Once my friend entered, we decided to just enter into the bar area and take a table since we hadn’t been acknowledged and that’s when the same woman behind the bar that I’d seen earlier stopped us and asked if we had a res. I didn’t like that. Then she pointed us to a table that had two seats when our res was for three. We asked if we could move a chair over from the next table and she said she would go grab one, but she didn’t grab another chair until after our third friend arrived. She did tell us that she was there alone but honestly that’s not my problem. First impressions are everything and this one turned me off. Thankfully, the rest of the evening was great. Lorem is super vibey and chill. Playlist was love, drinks were tasty, and the atmosphere was quiet enough that we could talk while also vibe to the music. I’d totally come back and hopefully the next time they’re appropriately staffed.“

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

“The Atmosphere was everything, Not to mention the Awesome Customer service that Me and My Daughter Received with a Smile..We didn't stay for The Entertainment but will definitely visit again for that 😀“

“A wonderful place to grab a beer and hug dogs. It was touching to learn the shop is named after the owner's dog, Frank. I look forward to returning soon. A huge thank you for hosting the Country Acres Rescue adoption event. It was a huge success.“

“Love the atmosphere. Great customer service m. Good food and the coffee was out of this world. Will be coming back with friends. 1st time I have been here“

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

“Really nice outdoor fun with good drinks“

“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.“

“My family loved Ashley tonight. My daughters went to the Billie Eilish Concert and we stayed at the bar the entire time. We even left for about a hour and came back to our same spot in the bar. Ashley welcomed us and we truly found a gem.

This bar was busy tonight and the games were showing. My husband and I had an amazing time.“

“Just amazing and well managed.“

“Great place for cigar smokers“

“Michelle is the absolute best. I love this woman. All though I don't get out no more, she always make it her business to share her events with me.THATS A REAL BOSS. IM COMING SIS����#ImHer#1Fan4Li“

“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 drinks are excellent as is the service. It’s 5s across the board in those categories. The atmosphere is great, the music is right! I averaged a 4 because someone keeps skipping songs randomly on the sound system. This has happened 9 times so far this visit. I don’t really care what music is playing but the jarring song jumps are taking me out of the excellent experience you are creating. Curating the queue playing would be a way more seamless way to keep the vibe.“

“Sadly, the pretzel was OVERly salty.“

“Great local music. Eclectic group“

“I'm staying in the hotel, and, it's hard to pass up the opportunity to get to check out a rooftop for sunset... and Buho didn't disappoint one bit. I had the salad with ahi tuna and the wagyu sliders, perfect combo with the montelobos mezcal.

The music was absolutely on point and totally a vibe after a long day of work. The patio was decently busy, but plenty of space and seating. I walked in with no reservation and everyone was super friendly. Big thanks to April on the experience! I'll be back!!!“

“Fun club in Charlotte with outside areas to hang out and a cool room to see bands.“

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

“Great place to grab a beer and a bite before a show at Knight Theater. Same menu as QCBC next door. Quick service, good vibe.“

“A seemingly secret location for a bar. Everyone who finds it, says it was unexpected because it is in a building that looks like apartments or is. It is very cute and has 4 dart boards and 2 pool tables. The staff are very friendly and the vibe is relaxed. Love it there!“

“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.“

“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“

“kitchen and bar open till 2 am“

“The best place to grab a bite to eat and sit outside with your dog!“

“Ample TV’s to watch the game, great service and good food! What more could you want from a dive bar? One pool table up front, plenty of bar space and high top tables. Space was very clean and nicer than most other dive bars. They had cheap food specials running during the game too.“

“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“

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

“Great place to chill and play pool. No food service, but they don't say no if you want to have something to eat from a restaurant while you drink and play pool.
They do have a poil league and run tournaments. Would like to see a karaoke, band, bingo and maybe a Canvas with Cocktails night.“