Smokey Joe's Cafe

This place might now be in the running for my favorite bar in Charlotte. It has everything you would want in a neighborhood dive from cheap beer, to friendly locals and bartender. Came in with a group of friends on a Friday late afternoon and ended up staying all through the night. The ambiance is incredible it is equals parts beach bar and honky tonk. It was crowded and lively but not overly crowded to the point you couldn't move or get drinks. The live band was great and I cannot emphasis this enough but the drinks were cheap! One of the best nights out I've had in a while and I hope this place never changes.

Everyone should come here! It's got cute sandy beach feeling area in the front to sit and relax but it also has an inner bar with pool tables and crazy bar decorations inside. The bartender was very knowledgeable and gave us a boilermaker and one of the regulars brought his dogs in so we were able to enjoy some drinks and pet some dogs. (I love that most bars in Charlotte are so pet friendly!) no food but I hear there are food trucks that come during the weekends and have live music! If you need food.. bang bang burgers is 3 minutes away and will definitely make you happy!

Awesome local spot, super dog-friendly and live music I believe(?!) every night. Very laid back in all the right ways

The best dive bar remaining in the QC. Music most nights, cold beers, food carts just outside the door and a great slice of one of everyone that the city has to offer.

I love it. This is a dive bar in every sense of the word. Smokey, dark, low, seedy in the best type of way. Cheap beer and spirits. Great music. Lively atmosphere. What more could you ask for.

Love this place. Great character and if these walls could talk they'd have stories to tell. Walked in yelled Raise Hell Praise Dale and three different groups bought me a drink. Their is a cover charge for live music so worth it but bring cash. Jager and PBRs fun night.

I have to say this is my favorite dive bar in Charlotte!They have outstanding service and an amazing environment for a late night evening with friends.Drinks, pool tables, bands, and an outdoor patio with a fire pit, what more do you need? Oh, a hot dog food truck, yes, they have one.This is my go to spot for drinks and music on the weekends! Service is great and l love that it is a go to spot for locals in the area.Definitely check it out if you haven't been, you will not be disappointed!And, don't forget to hit up the hot dog stand outside, a perfect late night treat, after a few drinks!!!

Better than imagined! The comfy cool decor and friendly staff makes SJC a great choice for a chill night out!

This place is filthy and they call themselves a cafe but serve no food. The servers are not attentive and apparently they are only interested in serving regulars. In fact, I think you have to be member to go here but nobody asked me for a membership. They just treat you like crap, instead. Beware of the good reviews, they were obviously drunk when written, since that's all this place serves.

I'm a big fan of Smokey Joes. It is easy parking, relaxed, low key and fairly cheap, like a dive bar should be. It has an older regular crowd (40+) fairly blue collar and racially diverse. Every once in a while it gets invaded by a bunch of younger people, which is fun. The regular open mike night is not organized at all, and seems to have the same people hogging the stage every time, for long periods. Things go better when a band is booked on a weekend night. This is not a crowd for high level music--bands that do well here play fairly raucous danceable covers like zz top or rolling stones. Good outside area, good inside area, pool and ping pong are available. Bartenders are different virtually every night of the week--find the bartenders you like and go on those nights.