This year, let our Best Bars in Charlotte guide you through the thriving bar scene of North Carolina's largest city.
The laid-back tasting experience at Vin Master welcomes those who have long found wine bars a bit stuffy while wine flights make it easy to sample on your own. The urban loft and patio are some of the most relaxing spaces in Charlotte to try a glass, and, since they sell on-site, anything you like you can easily take home.
2000 South Boulevard, Suite 610
(704) 307-5565
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 36 reviews
Like Vin Master, Craft Growler Shop and Tasting Room is half bar, half retail space. One look at the tap wall will send beer connoisseurs into a state of near ecstasy with 36 brews kept on tap. The real draw here is the growler, though, a glass bottle in which you can carry home your favorite and bring it back in for refill again and again.
Craft Growler Shop and Tasting Room
1320 S Church Street
(980) 207-3716
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 48 reviews
While soccer may not be America's favorite sport, it's the sport of worship at Courtyard Hooligans. Sit amid memorabilia and enjoy craft beer or any drink of choice from the full bar.
Courtyard Hooligans
140 Brevard Court
(704) 376-2238
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 42 reviews
The name says it all. This place is named for the two things it serves up best - burgers and whiskey. Burgers come in beef, pork, turkey, or veggie, and you won't find more serious a whiskey menu around. More than 100 varieties come from the U.S., Canada, Scotland, Ireland, and Japan.
201 North Tryon Street, Suite 1010
(980) 224-8674
Yelp: 4 stars, 239 reviews
At its Happy Hour Monday through Friday, Lebowski's Neighborhood Grill serves up some of its most popular fare at a discount between 4 and 6 p.m. Drink specials are different each day, including half off bottles of wine on Mondays.
1524 East Boulevard
(704) 370-1177
Yelp: 4.1 stars, 200 reviews
Clean with good drinks, but an undeniable dive, the Thirsty Beaver Saloon is everything you would want in a dive bar, and it shows the moment you drive up to the tiny brick building. Cheap drinks, though, and still plenty of room for the band to play.
1225 Central Avenue
(704) 332-3612
Yelp: 4.3 stars, 94 reviews
Nothing but style, The Punch Room doesn't just have good cocktails, they have famous cocktails. Whipped up by local celebrity mixologist, Bob Peters, The Punch Room cocktails are not just a taste, but an experience unlike any you've had before.
201 East Trade Street (at the Ritz-Carlton), 15th Floor
(704) 547-2244
Yelp: 3.9 stars, 17 reviews
Featuring top-notch acoustics and a line-up of impressive regional and national performers, The Evening Music is Charlotte's go-to place to catch a great show with your drink. That might explain why it's been named "Best Place to Hear Local Music" and "Best Acoustic Music Club."
3227 North Davidson Street
(704) 376-3737
Yelp: 4 stars, 41 reviews
Located above the Skye Condos, Fahrenheit's balcony boasts one of the most spectacular views in Charlotte's downtown. Along with an extensive wine list and craft beer selection, the hotspot features an extensive menu with brunch on Sundays.
222 South Caldwell Street
(980) 327-6718
Yelp: 3 stars, 264 reviews
It won't break the bank, but Infused is a little on the high-end for Charlotte bars. With a minimal drink list, the bar focuses on its specialties, and it does its specialties well enough they're worth the higher price.
312 North Myers Street
(704) 625-7440
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 11 reviews
Home to award-winning handcrafted beers, and a simple, but extensive menu of perfect bar eats, it's the Heist Brewery's well-loved bar manager that keeps locals coming back.
2909 North Davidson Street, Suite 200
(704) 375-8260
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 340 reviews
Though Crown Station's eight a.m. opening may be mainly for those ordering up java, there's nothing to stop you from ordering up your favorite cocktail or beer from the full bar any time of day. Though, come in too early, and you'll miss the nightly entertainment.
Crown Station Coffee House & Pub
1425 Elizabeth Avenue
(980) 224-8020
Yelp: 4 stars, 27 reviews
Featuring a menu of tapas, sushi rolls, and skewers, Soul Gastrolounge is ideal for sharing. The cocktail menu is limited and a little expensive, but the mixologists are good at what they make, and nightly DJs set just the right mood after nine.
1500-B Central Avenue
(704) 348-1848
Yelp: 4 stars, 544 reviews
Serving up organic, cold-pressed juices and smoothies alongside a menu of breakfast, salads, sandwiches and more, Living Kitchen strives to bring a healthy, plant-based cuisine to Charlotte. There are also a few wines and beers on the menu for those who need something a little stronger.
2000 South Boulevard, Suite 300
(704) 333-0008
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 104 reviews
Source: flickr.com
Every weekend night is a dance party at Charlotte's longest-running LGBT club, The Scorpio. The real draw, though, is the drag shows, which bring many of the area's best drag performers to the stage.
2301 Freedom Drive
(704) 373-9124
Yelp: 3 stars, 18 reviews
Though new to the Charlotte restaurant scene, Corkbuzz is already making a splash on the city's south side. Despite its name, Corkbuzz isn't just a haven for wine lovers. It also pours up an impressive selection of beer and liquor, alongside a full menu. The wine is the focus, though, as proven by its truly staggering wine list from every region.
Corkbuzz Restaurant & Wine Bar
4905 Ashley Park Lane, Suite J
(704) 625-1328
Yelp: 4 stars, 31 reviews
