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 | Drink we love: Island Time Mexican lager
The selection of beers changes. Expect some bottled and canned beers available for purchase.
Charlotte Beer Garden | 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.
Birdsong Brewing | 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 | 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 | 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 | Drink we love: Espresso Martini
Savor a cocktail and small plates in this cozy bar that makes you feel like royalty.
Idlewild | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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.
Vinyl | Drink we love: Bidi Bidi Bom Bom
This South End hotspot is rooted in good music and boasts a curated cocktail program with rotating drinks + food.
Fahrenheit | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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.
Sneak | Drink we love: Slinking to Sicily
This speakeasy-esque lounge in Elizabeth offers cocktails, mocktails, and small bites in a cozy setting.
Vaulted Oak Brewing | Drink we love: Diversify Your Bonds
Former bank, current taproom, all the vibes — need we say more?
Lenny Boy Brewing Co. | Drink we love: Wake Up Call
Tickle your taste buds with sips of kombucha, beers, liquor, and wine.
The Bar at Optimist Hall | Drink we love: Basil-Lisk
This casual cocktail spot at the popular Optimist Park eatery provides the perfect spirit-free libations to pair with any food item you could order from the neighboring food stalls.
Artisan’s Palate | 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.
Ever Andalo | Drink we love: Get Up To Get Down
This NoDa staple offers Italian-inspired food and drinks, plus a mouthwatering brunch on weekends.
Growlers Pourhouse | Drink we love: Day Off Margarita Found next door to Ever Andalo, this laid-back pub boasts a full list of rotating taps, bar bites, and burgers.
Restaurant Constance | Drink we love: Time Will Tell
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.
Haberdish | Drink we love: Passionately Yours
Hushpuppies, chicken and waffles, and barbecue ribs are calling your name from this Southern-inspired hangout in NoDa.
Leluia Hall | Drink we love: Spirit-Free G&T
Dilworth’s newest steak and surf restaurant offers a wide variety of plates for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
The Crunkleton | Drink we love: Painlesskiller
The Prohibition-era inspired restaurant and bar features mouthwatering cocktails and dinner items. Pro tip: Reservations are recommended for dinner.
Supperland | Drink we love: Spirit-Free Italian Spritz
Enjoy a family-style dinner in a restored mid-century church in the heart of Plaza Midwood.
Superica | Drink we love: Texas Starlight
This Tex-Mex-style eatery offers a variety of burritos, tacos, and more that will leave you clearing your plate.
Did we miss your favorite palette cleanser? Let us know.
