The Tastiest Cocktail Bars in Charlotte

Vintage 28 Tap & Wine

★★★★★ 4.7 (3)

"Great drinks. Great atmosphere. Great prices. They have karaoke and live bands and food trucks here."

French Quarter

★★★★☆ 3.6 (154) • $$

"Came here with my parents on an early Saturday afternoon for a quick lunch. They love a low-key, pub fare kind of place. I've frequented the area but hadn't gotten a chance to try this place! Since it's a bar, it was pretty empty when we walked in, as most sports games hadn't begun at that point. We were promptly greeted by our server. To drink, I had a glass of Pinot Grigio, mom had a Mountain Candy, and dad had a cider. No complaints there!We were really pleasantly surprised by the food. I ordered the Corned Beef Sandwich, which came with a side of fries. It's not something I'd typically order and my parents joked that they've never seen me finish a meal so fast. I also added a side of their potato salad because I can never say no to that. It was perfect (think New York Style potato salad from Publix). My dad got the London Broil Pita and thought it was great. Mom got the Cajun Chicken Wrap and had no complaints, either. It's really a no-frills place with better food than you'd expect from a bar. I almost gave 4 stars because it's not anything crazy special - but they don't try to be."

Fruition

★★★★★ 5 (13)

"We had so much fun at this bar!!! The owner & bartenders were all fun, friendly and the service was great. They have a wide selection to choose from. We ended up making friends with some of the locals hanging out in the bar. We can't wait to come back!"

Dallas Tavern and Taphouse

★★★★★ 5 (2)

"Great burgers! I got the classic with tomato lettuce onion and my partner the Carolina with chili mustard and onions. Nice buns and crisp veggies, big patties cooked perfectly. The sides were also delicious, mac and cheese with pepper jack was so good and cheesy! Fries on point! We will be back."

The Jailhouse Spirits & Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.2 (52) • $$

"Kind of a sad cigar offering for such a comprehensive whiskey list. I like the space, which seems large enough when you consider it spans multiple floors....but the bar isn't all that big and the smoking lounge could get full pretty quickly - as I'm sorry you'll have to wait to smoke your cigar. They could work on solving those issues but other seems a credit to any neighborhood."

Caroline's Oyster Bar

★★★★☆ 4.1 (227) • $$

"Stopped by for a quick bite and it was a great idea! Cute ambiance, good service and the apps were great! The salmon was creamy and worked great with the fresh chips. The hush puppies were yummy and I wanted more with the dip"

Frothy Rooster

★★★★☆ 3.9 (17)

"Really good place ... great food excellent service ... Very clean draws a nice crowd.Had not realized it is also Cowasake ...$$$."

Dot Dot Dot

★★★★☆ 4.1 (275) • $$$

"I was able to stop in for the first time Friday night for a glass of wine. I've been waiting to try this place for weeks! The bar menu offers an awesome verity of cocktails and the deviled eggs are definitely a must try. I gave 3 stars because the experience went sour when staff got off to have a shift drink next to where I was sitting then proceeded to scream into my ear space across to the bartender that she needed a shift drink. I wish they just moved closer to have such a loud conversation and I wasn't stuck in the middle. When the other bartender that was helping me checked in I cashed out so I could get out of there because it was torture sitting there at this point. When I put my jacket on the staff having the shift drink yells in a sarcastic tone "have a greaaat night." She must of saw my discomfort and wanted to take it a step further."

SoCo Grille

★★★★☆ 4.1 (38)

"Head out to Henning service, good food, and very nice atmosphere. I'll definitely go there again.."

Lorem Ipsum Listening Bar

★★★★★ 4.9 (32)

"What a lively, lovely, & intimate spot! Can't believe it took me so long to get here. Love the ambiance & sound. So many events happening, it gives variety to the Charlotte nightlife scene. Friendly staff. And the bathroom is so dope! Only issue is parking, but that's everywhere in Charlotte, especially at the popular spots."

Golden Owl Tavern

★★★★☆ 3.5 (113) • $$

"This place is a Vibe...every Wednesday they have a guitarist come in and place and sing. You can valet park for free or park across the street in the parking garage near the light rail. The cocktails are really good. We had the deviled eggs with Nashville hot chicken bites on top. Also the fried green tomatoes which were under cooked and lacked seasoning. I highly recommend the bison meat loaf, as it was so yummy"

Little Mama's

★★★★☆ 4.4 (629) • $$

"Food was so good I forgot to take a pic!! I ordered the chicken parmigiana...so good! Service was great. I've also been here for brunch which was also really good. Family style Italian dining with an authentic Italian vibe. Yesss"

The Teal Turnip

★★★★★ 4.6 (43) • $$

"Run. Don't walk--get here as fast as you possibly can. This place will blow your socks off with both the food & service. The edamame hummus is to die for and the seasonal bread (cornbread) is OMG good. I cannot say enough about how lovely and clean and YUMMY this place is. The textures chef incorporates, the flavor profiles--it all works."

La Capital MX

★★★★☆ 4.2 (121)

"Probably the best Mexican dinner I've had in Charlotte! Everything is so tasty, and their dishes stick to the classics with an elevated flair! The service is always spectacular, I recommend sitting at the bar but there isn't a bad table in the place. The tuna tostada is one of the freshest, most delicious things I've had in a while. Definitely give it a try!"

Portrait Gallery Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.1 (168) • $$

"I am ashamed to say I'm a Matthews native and still live here and I literally had NO clue this was a restaurant lol. But in any case now that I know, best believe me I will be back. The outside is the small town charm of Matthews, but the inside is modern big city vibes. It is absolutely beautiful in there. Service was great and food and drinks amazing. I went on a Tuesday with a huge group of Facebook Group friends and we had a ball. We got the whole dining area reserved for us and in spite of a large crowd, the two waitresses were awesome. On Tuesdays cocktails are half off so I got the margarita and it was delish.For food I got the truffle fries and short rib sliders. Both were phenomenal! I couldn't even eat it all lol because even though small plates, I felt they both were filling. This place is great for a date night, hanging with the girls or even going solo to hang out at the bar. I can't wait to get back! Only thing that could make this place better is some live acoustic music sometimes, it would set the ambience off even more. Spoke with the owner and he said they do cocktail classes as well, they don't have them listed on the website but working on it, but said can email them for the info. I certainly will! lol"

Moo & Brew

★★★★☆ 4 (53)

"OKAY Moo & Brew I see you! I started with one of their summer cocktail features called the Char-Lit and let me just tell you, it was LIT honey. The drink was bold, blue & beautiful and really packed a punch. Their food menu has a ton of unique options as well as some classic items as well. A few friends and I shared the Hot Chick, Rocket Turkey, and the Melt along with some rosemary parmesan truffle fries. The Rocket Turkey was my favorite with the Hot Chick coming in at a close second. You have to get extra ranch for the Hot Chick!I'll definitely be back."

Eighty Eights Coffee & Cocktails

★★★★☆ 4.3 (12)

"CALLING ALL JAZZ LOVERS!! Charlotte has welcomed this amazing new cocktail jazz lounge and let me tell you, it's a whole vibe! Best of all....NO cover charge! the service was great, drinks tasty and music amazing! They open at 5 for the 21+ crowd for cocktails, and live band starts at 8. They will eventually have coffee shop items during the day. I highly recommend getting there early to find a seat because the place is small and intimate. There is free parking but the lot and streets can fill up quick. I'm so glad Charlotte now has a chill lounge to relax in without being limited to a ticketed show that only last for abt an hr and half like other jazz venues."

Margaritas

★★★★☆ 3.5 (34) • $$

"We were seated quickly and enjoyed the outside seating. The lights were a nice touch! Our server was very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. Ordered the Steak Mexicano and it was flavorful. I love spicy food and the jalapeños were not overpowering but married well with the onions on the steak. My only points off were the pina coladas did not taste as authentic and fresh as I would have hoped! Otherwise, would come back to try the margarita flights!"

Labaratory

★★★★☆ 4.4 (9)

"The Labaratory is located in the Urban District Market. This is a fairly new food hall with lots of different things to grub on. It is a very clean space and you have attendants that come and take the empty dishes away. It is a nice place to hangout and just enjoy good company. Definitely try all the Soju flavors they have. I'm sure you'll find one to your liking. I found it all very good. The drink is big enough to share."

Valhalla Pub and Eatery

★★★★☆ 4 (374) • $$

"If you want to enjoy a fun and unique dining experience this is the place to go. Set in the French sector that is full of small restaurants with great variety. It is located across from a local park Romare Bearden. I recommend the fish and chips and a choice of beer. It is exceptionally flavorful. Their other fare is delicious as well. I haven't tried them but many recommend the chicken wings. It is at times quiet and intimate. Then at other times loud and noisy. They also have small tables outside. Either way you will enjoy yourself. The individuals working there are kind, polite and very helpful. It is also very clean. You can sit up front and look out the large windows and watch people go by and also see some of the local characters in the area. Just enjoy a unique experience in downtown Charlotte."

La Perla Cuisine Of Nayarit

★★★★☆ 4.2 (49)

"LISTEN HERE!!!! All caps because I'm yelling! This food is delicious. I've been in Fayetteville off and on since 2015. This is hands down the best meal I've had. Antonella's delicious. Drop by the River was a fave. But La Perla!!!!! Whew chile! Phenomenal! Superb! Starting off with my server...maybe Christina? I sat at the bar and got a casamigos house margarita with light sour mix. Perfecto! The queso with chorizo!!!! I need emojis. So good! I ordered the Red Snapper Pacifico. Man! Chef's kiss. I wanted to ask the chef was his momma in the restaurant because I was gonna slap her!!!!! And the rice was soooooooo delicious. The salad had cucumbers and red onions which is not the norm at a Mexican spot. This was definitely elevated Mexican cuisine. Great job!!!! Run to this spot!"

VRTX

★★★★☆ 3.6 (9)

"Amazing staff. Food was great. The fried chicken biscuit was delicious. Great selection of drinks!"

Coquette

★★★★☆ 4.2 (126)

"Dining at Coquette was an absolute delight. We were captivated by the charming and elegant decor, with an ambiance that transported us straight to France. Every detail, from the lighting to the carefully curated accents, exuded warmth and authenticity.Our server Francesca was incredible, ensuring we had a wonderful experience without ever feeling rushed. The hospitality extended beyond the service. The manager/sommelier themselves (Fabien and Patrick) were present, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about creating an exceptional dining experience. Their hospitality made us feel like honored guests in their home .As for the food--perfection in every bite. Started off with some delicious oysters, then the buttery and flavorful bone marrow, followed by a beautifully prepared rack of lamb paired with smooth garlic mashed potatoes, and perfectly sautéed mushrooms. Another highlight of the evening was discovering Calvados on the menu--a special touch that resonated deeply with me, as it hails from the very region where I grew up. It was a delightful and nostalgic surprise that added an extra layer of magic to the meal. Anyways, I wholeheartedly recommend going Coquette!"

Chief’s Modern Cocktail Parlor

★★★★☆ 4.3 (11)

"Love love love this place! Such a warmCozy feel inside . Kinda like being in your house. Lovely little fireplace area with seating. Lots of little nooks to get a drink and chat with people. Great service too. It's small inside but we went on a Sunday afternoon and had the whole back area to ourselves. Which was nice. The bar area up front has seating and they have a TV for games. Little area off to the side of bar has a nice area for a group too. It's cute for a date night or a girls night or a Sunday funday drop in. Loved that a nice bar in town was open in the afternoon when so many don't open til 5 or don't open at all on sundays. We met up for a birthday drinks get together. They have a nice varied cocktail menu, with some beer and wine too. Loved the interesting creations! There's not much food just some snacks as it's primarily a cocktail bar. We tried the focaccia with hot honey pimento cheese. Delish. Drinks wise we were across the board. Negroni was spot on. El Trueno was a potent sipper. My cynar boulevardier was also strong but so good. The tasty mezcal-culations was a little sweeter than the others but another great drink. All beautifully presented and in the perfect glass for each. This place was a pleasant surprise . Definitely a go back to bar for me. Nice to have a classy place in Noda , it's walkable to other places too. Welcome to Noda !"

Spice

★★★★☆ 4.1 (103)

"Spice in Charlotte, NC, is an absolute gem! From the moment you step inside, the ambiance exudes a moody, classy vibe, setting the perfect tone for an unforgettable dining experience. The music is on point--lively and engaging, yet not so loud that you can't enjoy a conversation, which is always a win.The staff is another highlight. Everyone is not only beautiful and handsome but also impeccably dressed, adding to the upscale feel of the restaurant. Their professionalism shines through, with attentive service that makes you feel like you're being treated to something truly special.And let's talk about the food--simply phenomenal! Each dish is packed with unique and delicious flavors that keep you coming back for more. From start to finish, it's clear that the chefs at Spice have mastered the art of flavor.I will definitely be returning for another round of great food, excellent service, and an overall fantastic dining experience. If you're in Charlotte, Spice is a must-visit!"

Fine & Fettle

★★★★☆ 3.6 (96) • $$

"Cute breakfast spot in the Canopy by Hilton. Very contemporary. Had some coffee and a scone. The restaurant provides sitdown service as well as a grab and go bar. It's very well lit, making it very easy to do a little work. They also offered dinner. Positive experience. They are not open for lunch."

Aura Rooftop

★★★★☆ 4 (157) • $$

"I recently visited this incredible rooftop spot in the heart of Uptown with a friend, and it was an unforgettable experience. The views were absolutely stunning, offering a perfect backdrop to our evening. The atmosphere was lively yet relaxed, making it an ideal place to unwind.I ordered the sushi handhelds, and they were nothing short of amazing. The flavors were fresh, perfectly balanced, and left me craving more. Whether you're looking for a place to hang out with friends or just enjoy some excellent food with a view, this rooftop is a must-visit. Highly recommend."

Members Only Tasting Room and Social

★★★★★ 4.5 (21) • $$

"This bar is open for business during Covid. With the recent mandate, they will eventually close at 11. The owner describes this spot as a socialSpeak easy. Food is not served here, but there is typically a food truck outside. Membership is $10/year and you must show your card. Members Only is the signature drink - champagne concoction served with cotton candy on top. This is a great place to meet up with friends or have a date."

OneSixty Kitchen and Cocktails

★★★★☆ 4 (29)

"The food was good. The initial service could've been better, The guy cleaning the tables was great, I believe his name was ( Kj ) he even gave us OneSixty hats.The music was way too loud for the space, you can hear it from the parking lot. We could barely hear each talk, it seems to be the birthday dinner party spot. The music selection was pretty good too..I'd say it's more for the 21-30ishhh crowd. The place has a nice viibe."

Chapter 6

★★★★★ 4.5 (79)

"I recently had dinner at Chapter 6 on a weekday night around 6 pm, and the atmosphere was upscale business casual. It wasn't too busy yet, so we were able to snag a table easily. The waitress was welcoming and took time to explain the menu options. The food itself was fantastic, though it did feel a bit on the pricey side for what you get. The standout dishes were definitely the short ribs (we ordered the small for $36, which was perfect for 2 people), which were tender and full of flavor, and the whipped ricotta! The gnocchi lamb was also delicious, although the gnocchi itself was on the mushier side. However, as the restaurant filled up, the service slowed considerably, and it took what felt like 15 minutes to get the check, which was a bit frustrating. Despite the slow service towards the end, I'd still recommend Chapter 6 as a great date night spot. The food quality and ambiance make it a solid choice for a special evening out and there were a few unique dishes definitely worth trying!"

Pour Choices

★★★★★ 4.6 (8)

"Food is great. Wings are awesome. They also have a super meat & 3. They are growing so be patient as they may be under staffed at times."

Tremont

★★★★☆ 3.6 (55)

"I loved everything about Tremont, so much so that we went twice during our short trip to Charlotte! It's a great location with a decent size parking lot that's in walking distance to many other restaurants, shops and the Jenni's ice cream! The lobster grilled cheese was delicious and we can't stop thinking about the buffalo cheese curds. Great draft selection and friendly staff. We will definitely return."

Aqui es Mexico Cocina Mexicana

★★★★★ 4.5 (31)

"Wow! My first impression of Aqui es Mexico was one of surprise, awe, and overall enjoyment! I had the longest day and typically wouldn't have been on this side of HP for dinner, but my daughter needed medication that was only available at the CVS down the road. While we waited for our meds, my daughter mentioned she was craving quesadillas. So off we went. The restaurant was playing some pretty loud, modern music which had some explicit lyrics but other than that, everything else was amazing. The ambiance, the service and the food all went well! I picked something at random under their house specialty portion of the menu, Carnitas de Quiroga, and I was shocked when the platter came to the table (see photo). Description: Slow Cooked Michoacan Style Pork, served with beans, guacamole, pico, and corn tortillas. I love that it was topped with pickled onions and our waitress brought some tasty salsa that just took the dish up a notch. I will absolutely be back!"

202 North Main Fine Wine Spirits & Music Room

★★★★★ 4.6 (8)

"This place is AWESOME! Meredith is amazing!There is no better place in Mooresville to have a glass of wine or a top shelf cocktail! The atmosphere is old Mooresville with a vintage flare! Spend some time talking to Meredith with her incredibly bubbly personality and you will never want to leave. This place is a true diamond in the rough."

Drum & Quill

★★★★☆ 3.8 (337) • $$

"Delicious food and friendly pub! It was our first time at this local favored destination. Not too noisy but a great place for a small group of friends to gather. I had the pimento cheese and green tomato burger, just because it sounds so unique and southern. It was a well seasoned burger and was dripping with cheese. Must try! My wife loved her shrimp tacos and the Cobb salad was huge! Love to come back soon."