The Workman’s Friend

1531 Central Ave, Charlotte
(980) 224-8234

Recent Reviews

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Gaukhar Ra

If you’re looking for a place with character and a great vibe, The Workman’s Friend is it! We recently celebrated a friend’s birthday there, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The pub has that ideal balance — cozy enough for a laid-back meal but lively enough for a fun night out. The food is spot-on; their fish and chips are crispy and satisfying, and the shepherd’s pie is pure comfort on a plate. The drink selection is fantastic, with plenty of craft beers, creative cocktails, and a solid whiskey list. The staff was super friendly and even helped make the birthday feel extra special. We had such a great time that I completely forgot about my phone and didn’t even take any pictures — a true sign of an amazing experience! Whether you’re grabbing brunch, enjoying happy hour, or celebrating a special occasion, The Workman’s Friend never disappoints!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sarah Turbeville

jack was incredibly friendly & lovely! we had a great experience after the gary clark jr. concert! will absolutely visit again!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Reba Sullivan

I love this place. I've never had a bad meal or a bad server here. Whenever a friend asks where I want to go, I say "Workman's." The burgers are amazing and there's always Guinness on tap. Can't get any better than that!

*Can't say the same for parking--but that's Plaza-Midwood for you and it's definitely worth the walk if it comes to it. Lol

Parking: The lot out back is limited, there is *some* street parking on Thomas, and there is a lot across the street. That said, it's still pretty tough to find a spot that doesn't require a bit of walking.

Kid-friendliness: I love my children, but I would not bring them here.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Workman's Friend, The Workings Man Burger and Fries

Jean Coss

This is the place to go. Great food, great service. This is one of the places the security really cares for you. The ambiance is unique. You get this old school side and this side with all of these great people having fun. This is the spot in Midwood that you should check out.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

rudy baker

If I could leave more stars I would! Me and my 3 friends all got something different to try. We got the hanger steak, purple potatoes gnocchi, Shepard pie, and beef stew. There was nothing that we didn't like and we will deff be coming back again! I am curious to know the pan sauce for the purple potatoes gnocchi is.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Aleksandrs Smilgins

I like it
17$

Hadley Duquette

Good food and good service! Love the vibe of Workman's Friend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Irish American Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup

Daniela

I've mainly been at night time but the bartenders are phenomenal. Very knowledgeable of drinks, very personable, everyone is so friendly. It's always a vibe in there. Sometimes the music is just okay but most of the time it's poppin.

Atmosphere: 4

Service: 5

Volodymyr Balashov

I had an amazing experience at The Workman’s Friend. I ordered the smoked salmon, and their chef is truly a master of their craft. The presentation was beautiful, and all the ingredients worked together perfectly.

The dish included finely diced cubes of cooked beetroot, tomato, a mysterious mousse-like spread (not sure what it was made of, but it was delicious), thinly sliced and toasted bread (possibly ciabatta), capers, and perfectly smoked salmon. The combination of flavors and textures was simply unmatched.

They also offer a great selection of single malt whiskies, which paired wonderfully with the food. The atmosphere was fantastic, with live music creating a vibrant energy. The venue has two rooms: one with louder live music for those who enjoy a lively vibe and another quieter space where you can have a conversation.

Highly recommend this place for its amazing food, drinks, and warm atmosphere. I’ll definitely be coming back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

mike hagan

Really cool place. But run down and dirty. We visited on a Sunday afternoon. The not so good? They were out of 2 appetizers we wanted to order and out of 3 of the 4 desserts. MOST IMPORTANTLY the seat cushions in the booths are DISGUSTING! Covered with filth, food stains. SO SO GROSS! Bathrooms were just as bad.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Robert Winder

Love the name stopped in with a coworker. Nice atmosphere, not too loud. It was great to see groups of people just getting together to enjoy a limited menu and talk.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Workings Man Burger and Fries

Jeff Oreamuno

Hands down best Fish and chips in town, good draft selections, great atmosphere,( love the lighting), and always very friendly service!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

David Gordon

Fantastic food, particularly the brunch menu and the full Irish, you can tell they use quality ingredients. The management is exceptionally accommodative and the friendly wait staff have gone above and beyond on several occasions. Very cozy, whether you’re by the fire or tucked in a booth or up at the bar. Great trad music as well on Sundays. The side that’s open air is great too, a nice spot for people watching on Central and fairly cool in summer. The atmosphere out there for big soccer or rugby matches is outstanding (I don’t think I’ve been here to watch GAA but I assume they have it on)
The Guinness: having lived in Ireland for three years- it isn’t quite as creamy or consistent as most of our Dublin haunts, but that is no slight or surprise, it’s extremely rare to see that in the US, and it’s still a solid pint, haven’t had a better one in the Charlotte area yet. They have a great stock of whiskeys and good cocktails as well.
I’ve been to plenty of mediocre Irish pubs in the US, this is not one of them: Workman’s is good in every aspect, exactly what you want from a local.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: The Workman's Friend, Fried Pickled Okra, Irish American Grilled Cheese, Irish Breakfast Sausage, The Workings Man Burger and Fries

Jack Werner

My favorite bar in Charlotte. Great Guinness, great for watching sports, awesome service, amazing food. I go here every chance I get. Try their Giddy goat espresso martini and the half chicken and chips w curry on the side.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Bag of Chips

michael lee

The atmosphere is amazing especially if you sit by the window on a nice day or the fire on a chilly day. The beer is amazing! The Fish and Chips portion is smaller than I’m used to for the price but still good if you’re coming for the atmosphere and drinks with friends. Would recommend if you’re looking for a nice cozy spot to hang out and don’t mind spending a bit.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

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