Can we interest you in a post-work beverage? Gather your closest friends and colleagues (read: drinking buddies), and hit the town with this guide in tow.
Whether you’re hankering for a locally brewed IPA, a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc, or a gin and tonic featuring Great Wagon Road’s 704 Gin distilled right here in Charlotte, grab a drink at these 25 places around town.
Beer lovers
Legion Brewing, multiple locations | Drink we love: Passionfruit Orange Guava Supernova
Known by many as “Legion,” the brewery features $5 pints daily at their Morehead and Plaza taprooms.
Resident Culture, 2102 Central Ave., Charlotte | Drink we love: Island Time Mexican lager
The selection of beers changes. Expect some bottled and canned beers available for purchase.
Charlotte Beer Garden, 1300 S. Tryon St., Charlotte | Drink we love: Strawberry Wheat from Lost Coast Brewery
This multi-level spot boasts the world’s largest selection of draft beers at a single restaurant. The drink selection is constantly rotating so be sure to visit for a different drink every time.
Buzzed Viking Brewing Company, 1048 Copperfield Blvd. NE, Ste. 101, Concord | Drink we love: Doughnutz
This veteran and minority owned brewery and meadery has viking vibes, with art done by local artists, and a variety of brews to choose from. Editor’s note: Try the jalapeño popper ravioli.
Birdsong Brewing, 1016 N. Davidson St., Charlotte | Drink we love: Jalapeno Pale Ale
One of Charlotte’s first breweries, savor brews with names inspired by songs + small-batch releases every Thursday.
Keeping spirits up
Great Wagon Road Distilling, 610 Anderson St., Charlotte | Drink we love: Key Lime Mule
Watch the distillery process while sitting in the taproom or enjoy live music on the patio every Wednesday and Saturday nights.
Humbug, 2501 The Plaza, Ste. 1, Charlotte | Drink we love: The Frothy Boy
This unique cocktail bar in Plaza Midwood combines comfort and craft cocktails under one roof. Pro tip: Children and dogs are not allowed.
Sophia’s Lounge, 127 N. Tryon St., Ste. D, Charlotte | Drink we love: Espresso Martini
Savor a cocktail and small plates in this cozy bar that makes you feel like royalty.
Idlewild, 424 E. 36th St., Ste. 2, Charlotte | Drink we love: TBD
When going to Idlewild, you’re asked what types of flavors you like in your cocktails and the mixologists will personalize your beverage.
Pro tip: Children are not allowed.
Elsewhere, 101 W. Worthington Ave., Ste. 140, Charlotte| Drink we love: Honey Bun Hookup
The menu at this intimate cocktail bar changes every season but you can still find favorites and non-alcoholic options.
Off the vine
The Bohemian: A Wine Bar, 1319 Pecan Ave., Charlotte | Drink we love: Dio Fili Xinomavro Rosé
Grab a friend and dish over charcuterie or flatbreads and a menu featuring seasonal wine by the glass.
Catalú, 135 New Bern St., Charlotte | Drink we love: The Bubbly sangria
Enjoy $15 sangria flights on Thursdays + savor Spanish flavors in a paella to share with your friends.
Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden, 940 N. Davidson St., Charlotte | Drink we love: Rezabal - Txaoli Rosé
The intimate and inspiring garden is perfect for an escape from the city within the city. Enjoy trivia and $5 glasses of wine on Tuesdays or $12 flights on Thursdays.
Bar à Vins, 3206 N. Davidson St. Charlotte| Drink we love: Mainque Chardonnay
A self-proclaimed “dive bar,” the intimate spot features a wide range of wines and snacks for all occasions.
Salted Melon Market & Eatery, 100 W. Worthington Ave., Ste. 107, Charlotte | Drink we love: Salted Melon Rosé
Savor menu items with fresh ingredients + Wednesdays are for wine as glasses are half-off. Thursdays, celebrate the variations of a martini for $10.
Matador, 1215 South Blvd., Charlotte | Drink we love: Blood Orange Margarita
Matador’s “Top Shelf Tuesday” offers half off any tequila or mezcal over $16 every Tuesday + select menu items are $10 between 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Stay for dinner
Link & Pin, 155 New Bern St., Charlotte | Drink we love: Link & Pin Margarita
Dress to impress to enjoy small bites like candied jalapeno bacon or truffle-garlic fries. After 6 p.m., indulge in signature cocktails and dinner favorites like the fried lobster tail.
Fahrenheit, 222 S. Caldwell St., Charlotte | Drink we love: Attitude is Everything
Indulge in "$5 at 5" specials before indulging in a meal at the first open-air rooftop restaurant in Uptown.
STK, 201 S. College St., Charlotte | Drink we love: Guava Berry Kiss
The social hour at STK features menu items priced at $3, $6, and $9. If you’re craving surf and turf, tater tots, or burgers, there’s something for everyone on the menu.
Merchant + Trade, 303 S. Church St., Charlotte | Drink we love: The Lonely Hearts Club
Take in one of the best views of Uptown at this spot with elevated menu items like ceviche and crab buns.
Runaway Whiskey and Wine, 2135 Thrift Rd., Ste. 104, Charlotte| Drink we love: Box Job
The new cocktail bar features an extensive wine and whiskey menu, espresso martini flights, and delectable dinner items like prosciutto deviled eggs and pork belly.
Mocktail musts
NoDa Brewing, 150 W. 32nd St., Charlotte | Drink we love: Hop2O Lemon Lime Citra
Pay a visit to the taproom in NoDa for a refreshing seltzer + trivia or food truck. Pro tip: Keep an eye on its socials for events.
Billy Sunday, 1115 N. Brevard St., Charlotte | Drink we love: Spirit Free Bramble On
Billy Sunday provides classic drinks in an elevated atmosphere within Optimist Hall + pop-up seasonal events.
Artisan’s Palate, 1218-A E. 36th St., Charlotte | Drink we love: Dougie Fresh and Free
Share plates with your friends, craft cocktails, and be surrounded by art collections in this eclectic and welcoming spot in NoDa.
Restaurant Constance, 2200 Thrift Rd., Charlotte | Drink we love: Typical Situation
Chef Sam Diminich changes the dinner menu based on the seasons and ingredients made available by local farmers, ensuring a new experience during every visit.
The Crunkleton, 1957 E. 7th St., Charlotte | Drink we love: Painlesskiller
The Prohibition-era inspired restaurant and bar features mouthwatering cocktails and dinner items. Pro tip: Reservations are recommended for dinner.
Now that to-go cocktails are legal in North Carolina, we’ll be sure to update this City Guide as local spots make changes to their menus.
