We all know that Charlotte has a LARGE and ever-expanding number of breweries, but the cocktail scene is also one to be reckoned with. From casual spots to hard-to-find speakeasies and everything in between, the Queen City truly does have it all when it comes to finding a good drink.
We have your list of cocktail bars to know about in Charlotte, organized by neighborhood for your convenience!
SOUTHPARK
The Loft at Duckworth’s
4625 Piedmont Row Dr Suite 115A
Perfect for: Classic cocktails done well.
The newest addition to SouthPark’s bar scene, The Loft at Duckworth’s focuses on classic cocktails done well in a mid-century modern space. You’ll find a mix of seating options that offer a comfortable and cozy setting to hang out in. They also offer light bites, wine, and craft beer on top of their growing cocktail list.
BAR ONE Lounge
6815 Phillips Pl Ct
Perfect for: Classic cocktails in an intimate, timeless setting.
This speakeasy is discreetly located inside of 800° Wood Fired Pizza at Phillips Place, and offers guests an extensive list of cocktails, each with a story to be told. You can also find live music on Monday and Thursday each week.
Mizu
3100 Apex Dr 9th Floor
Perfect for: Sipping Japanese-inspired cocktails while overlooking the beauty of SouthPark.
This spacious rooftop and bar offers cocktails inspired by Japan, with ingredients like lychee, Sake, Toki Japanese Whisky, and more. You’ll also find comfortable seating and great views of the neighborhood. Don’t leave without trying a flame-grilled dish made on their Robata grill.
Cordial
1824 Roxborough Rd
Perfect for: Tapas and cocktails on a spacious outdoor veranda.
Expect inventive cocktails that change with the season and their mood, a Spanish-inspired menu, and a modern outdoor space perfect for hanging out during the warmer months.
Dilworth Tasting Room South Park
4905 Ashley Park Ln Suite J
Perfect for: Small bites and delicious cocktails with an extensive wine menu.
Head to DTR SouthPark where the wine is always flowing and the patio is always open.
MYERS PARK
Dot Dot Dot
4237 Park Rd Unit B
Perfect for: An intimate drink with exclusive vibes in a hidden spot.
This upscale speakeasy is tucked away in Park Road Shopping Center and requires a membership to enter (just $10/year). When you get inside, you’ll be met with a dark and moody interior, craft liquors and cocktails, and curated bites to enjoy. Note their business-casual dress code.
UPTOWN
The Conspiracy
412 W 5th St Suite C 120
Perfect for: Mysterious speakeasy vibes.
Known as one of Uptown Charlotte’s “best-kept secrets”, The Conspiracy is a dim-lit speakeasy that takes you back to an era of mystery and intrigue. Their menu features eight craft cocktails, plus wine and beer, and light bites.
Church and Union
127 N Tryon St.
Perfect for: An elegant night out.
This loftlike steakhouse doubles as a great spot to grab a drink in Uptown, with its buzzing vibe and upscale modern decor.
Merchant and Trade
303 S Church St
Perfect for: A special night out with breathtaking views.
Head to the 19th floor of Kimpton Tryon Park for sweeping park and city views, craft cocktails, and sharable menu options.
Fahrenheit
222 S Caldwell St 21st Floor
Perfect for: Catching a sunset with views of Uptown.
Breathtaking views of the city and unique cocktails make Fahrenheit a great spot to visit for a drink, especially with out-of-towners.
Novelty House
123 E 5th St Suite 500
Perfect for: An Instagrammable spot for drinks with the girls.
This elegant rooftop bar is adorned with seasonal floral arrangements made by Nga Vu Designs, complete with skyline views of 5th street in Uptown.
Aura Rooftop
600 S College St
Perfect for: Botanical cocktails and paradise vibes.
Inspired by Queen Charlotte herself, expect a botanical paradise complete with delicious handcrafted cocktails, small plates, and city views.
The Cellar at Duckworth’s
330 N Tryon St
Perfect for: A late-night drink with vintage vibes.
You’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time when entering this underground space, with a prohibition-era feel, exposed brick, dim lighting, and staff attire. The cocktails are hand-crafted to order, making it a truly intimate experience.
WESLEY HEIGHTS
The Runaway
2135 Thrift Rd, Unit 104
Nestled in a charming 1920s-inspired art deco setting, newish bar The Runaway offers the perfect ambiance for a night out with an extensive selection of handpicked whiskeys and wines and an array of small plates.
SOUTH END
Elsewhere Cocktail Bar
101 W Worthington Ave STE 140
Perfect for: Adventurous drinks with styles and ingredients from other countries.
Elsewhere provides a cozy and intimate vibe with a rotating list of cocktails inspired by travel, with flavors, drink styles, and ingredients borrowed from other countries around the world.
Dram & Draught
1220 S Tryon St #300
Perfect for: Having options for everyone, from mocktails to craft beer and everything in between.
With the goal of having drink options for everyone in the friend group, Dram & Draught is a perfect spot to visit, no matter what you like. You’ll find a modern, upscale ambiance, an extensive whiskey selection, and a cocktail menu featuring classic, craft, and seasonal drinks.
Vinyl
1440 S Tryon St #105
Perfect for: Great music and quality cocktails.
This inviting neighborhood bar is best known for playing hits from legendary rock and hip hop artists, transporting you back in time.
Canopy Cocktails & Garden
118 E Kingston Ave #10
Perfect for: Sipping cocktails outdoors.
The large patio garden makes this spot a go-to for sipping on fruity cocktails during the warmer months. Inside, you’ll find a more intimate, relaxed vibe with dim lighting and candles to set the mood.
Backstage Lounge
2433 South Blvd
Perfect for: A modern take on a traditional speakeasy.
BackStage Lounge offers the classic speakeasy vibe with a modern, romantically elevated take that you’ll feel upon entering. To get in, you’ll need to have the password of the week, which can be found on their Instagram page. Don’t miss out on all the fun events they host, like seasonal pop-up bars and live music nights.
PLAZA MIDWOOD
The Bar at Supperland
1212 The Plaza
Perfect for: Grabbing a drink before dinner.
Connected to the main building at Supperland, the Bar at Supperland features a bright and beautiful space to grab a drink before or after your dinner reservation.
The Workman’s Friend
1531 Central Ave
Perfect for: A casual drink in the heart of Plaza Midwood.
If Irish pubs are your thing, this is the place to be. The Workman’s Friend brings diversity to the bar scene in Plaza Midwood, offering Irish-inspired cocktails and fare in a traditional Irish pub environment.
NODA
Idlewild
Perfect for: When you can’t choose which drink you want to order.
At Idlewild, there is no menu. Instead, you tell your bartender what flavors, notes, and spirits you like, and they make a one-of-a-kind cocktail made just for you. The speakeasy-like space is dark and moody while keeping an elegant presence, similar to what you’ll find in their drink presentations.
ELIZABETH
The Crunkleton
1957 E 7th St
Perfect for: Elegant cocktails in a beautiful setting.
The Crunkleton’s large and spacious bar draws attention alone. The beautiful interior paired with expertly made craft and classic cocktails will you keep there for hours on end. P.S. you must become a member to drink and dine at The Crunkleton. Fees are $10/year.
BALLANTYNE
Hestia Rooftop
14819 Ballantyne Village Way 16th Floor
Perfect for: Sweeping views of Ballantyne and a sophisticated cocktail menu.
Best known for its 180-degree views over Ballantyne Village and the Omakase-style menu, Hestia also has an upscale and sophisticated cocktail menu crafted by expert mixologists.
PINEVILLE
The Garrison
314 Main St, Pineville
Perfect for: Dinner paired with a fruity drink.
This casual yet elegant cocktail bar doubles as a restaurant with modern American cuisine. Their drink menu features a variety of cocktails ranging from fun and fruity options to the classics we know and love. Fun fact: each drink is made with five ingredients or less.
