My Bartender
Charlotte, North Carolina, is an up-and-coming city known as the home of the Carolina Panthers and the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
But they have more than cars and football; they also offer some truly original bars and restaurants to explore. The best bars in Charlotte are diverse, unique, and incredibly creative.
If you love bar hopping or just trying new foods, you will have a great time getting to know the Queen City.
The Cotton Room at Belfast Mill
144 Brevard Court Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: (704) 333-7160
Visit Website
The Cotton Room at Belfast Mill takes a modern twist on a southern speakeasy with unique cocktails. The local flavors go a long way in this awesome bar.
I found it easy to get comfortable here and feel inspired to try out some drinks I’d never had before.
Thirsty Beaver Saloon
1225 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
Phone: (704) 332-3612
Visit Website
The humorously named Thirsty Beaver Saloon in Charlotte is on Central Avenue. It offers live music and a western saloon-style interior that’s a great addition to the many cocktail bars in the city.
They are located in a small brick building with a small outdoor patio and indoor space.
Dilworth Tasting Room
300 E Tremont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: (704) 595-3337
Visit Website
The Dilworth Tasting Room is a top-of-the-line wine bar with a great cocktail menu. Their wine list was curated by Jaffer Kovic and included some unique wines I’d never tried before.
It’s also a great place to host an event if you’re looking to do something special.
Merchant and Trade
303 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: (704) 445-2550
Visit Website
The Merchant and Trade is a rooftop bar that offers modern American food and drinks with gorgeous views of Uptown Charlotte.
The establishment has four parts, an indoor bar, terrace, private terrace, and a lawn, and they offer special cocktails, mixers, and more that you’ll want to test out.
Selwyn Avenue Pub
2801 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, NC 28209
Phone: (704) 333-3443
Visit Website
Selwyn Avenue Pub is in the heart of Myers Park and was established in 1990. They’re a casual bar offering classic drinks and food.
This includes pizza, wings, and, my personal favorite, the stuffed pretzel. Come here if you’re looking for a relaxed evening out with friends or a great place to watch the game.
The Crunkleton
1957 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204
Phone: (704) 919-0104
Visit Website
The Crunkleton in historic Elizabeth offers classic cocktails with an interesting modern twist. The interior is wonderfully designed and invites you to escape the world, if only for an hour or two.
Executive Chef Greg Balch offers visitors dinner and brunch menus with items cooked on an open fire.
VBGB Beer Hall and Garden/Restaurant
920 Hamilton St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Phone: (704) 333-4111
Visit Website
VBGB Beer Hall and Garden/Restaurant is a great option if you love local and regional craft beers like me. The bar offers 30 amazing brews to try, plus a full bar of wine.
There is also a great food menu of items to try, like the jumbo pretzel and beer cheese! I’m certainly coming back to try more amazing items on their huge patio.
Angry Ale’s
1518 Montford Dr, Charlotte, NC 28209
Phone: (704) 525-3663
Visit Website
Angry Ale’s is a great bar for watching the game with friends, playing trivia, and relaxing at the end of the day. It’s one of my favorite spots if I just want to grab a quick bite to eat.
Their drinks menu includes favorites like Mule Fule and Pink Paloma. Make sure to stop by for one of their popular trivia nights!
Craft Tasting Room and Growler Shop
1320 S Church St #100, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: (980) 207-3716
Visit Website
Craft Tasting Room and Growler Shop on S Church Street is a tasting room and store that opened in 2014.
The shop offers great local beers, regional cheese, and a cozy environment to try it all in. They are located in the Gold District of Charlotte’s South End.
Dot Dot Dot
4237 Park Rd B, Charlotte, NC 28209
Phone: (704) 817-3710
Visit Website
Dot Dot Dot is a creative cocktail bar that offers delicious farm-to-table food dishes to share with your friends.
I tried the cheese board and the smoked trout toast, and I couldn’t have been happier! It was some really tasty food and plenty of drinks to go around.
Hattie’s Tap & Tavern
2918 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: (980) 938-6228
Visit Website
Hattie’s Tap & Tavern offers beer, wine, liquor, and snacks. They’re also dog-friendly! The bar has some awesome vintage games that I also loved browsing through.
No matter your preference, you’re sure to find something on their awesome drinks menu you’re interested in.
Hoppin’
1402 Winnifred St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: (704) 998-9264
Visit Website
Hoppin’ on Winnifred Street is the city’s first self-serve bar! I couldn’t believe it when I walked in and saw the 60 self-serve taps that offer beer, wine, and even rose.
There is also a full bar. It’s an awesome place to hang out with friends. Plus, you can rent it out for any large event you’re hosting.
Idlewild
424 E 36th St Unit 2, Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: (704) 572-8678
Visit Website
The Idlewild is a small, cozy cocktail bar in the NoDa neighborhood. They have a very relaxed environment and serve drinks, snacks, and more seven days a week.
The bar operates without a set menu and allows bartenders to create a unique experience for their customers. It was so much fun to walk in and chat with the bartender about how I was feeling and what I’d like to drink.
Roxbury
116 W 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: (704) 375-8090
Visit Website
The Roxbury is a nightclub in Uptown Charlotte on 116 west 5th street. It’s all about conveying an 80s and 90s vibe that I guarantee you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
There are two levels: a patio, a retro arcade, a DJ, and more. They also have a fantastic bar, which makes the experience even better.
Salud Beer Shop
3306 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: (980) 495-6612
Visit Website
The Salud Beer Shop in the North Davidson neighborhood of Charlotte began as a bottle shop. But, now, they offer local and regional craft beers.
I highly recommend trying the Maybe I Will Find Another Dream IPA and the North Park, a west coast pale ale. The bar is open for dine-in and takeaway.
The Bar at Refuge
1101 Central Ave Unit B, Charlotte, NC 28204
Phone: (980) 221-9970
Visit Website
The Bar Refuge can be found at the intersection of Central and Hawthrone in the unique five-room limited engagement hotel.
It’s a gathering place, work area, and more, offering a unique experience and a wide range of delicious drinks. If you get an opportunity to go, don’t pass it up!
The Cellar at Duckworth’s
330 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: (980) 349-4078
Visit Website
The Cellar at Duckworth’s is a vintage bar with a gastropub vibe on N Trion Street. It’s one of my favorite bars in Charlotte because of its amazing hand-crafted cocktails and delicious food menu.
They also have several rare beers that I highly recommend. Make sure you try the Blackberry Mezcal, too!
Final Thoughts
While maybe it’s not the first city to come to mind when you think of great bars in the US, Charlotte has some creative and memorable bars to try out, no matter what you’re looking for.
Some of the best bars in Charlotte provide everything from classy cocktails to unique, self-serve tap rooms. Have you been to any of these bars? Leave a comment and let us know about your experience.
Best Bars in Charlotte
- The Cotton Room at Belfast Mill
- Thirsty Beaver Saloon
- Dilworth Tasting Room
- Merchant and Trade
- Selwyn Avenue Pub
- The Crunkleton
- VBGB Beer Hall and Garden/Restaurant
- Angry Ale’s
- Craft Tasting Room and Growler Shop
- Dot Dot Dot
- Hattie’s Tap & Tavern
- Hoppin’
- Idlewild
- Roxbury
- Salud Beer Shop
- The Bar at Refuge
- The Cellar at Duckworth’s
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings