35 Best Cocktail Bars in Charlotte

“I can’t say enough wonderful things about this place! The food and service were absolutely outstanding. We shared a selection of small plates, each more delicious than the last. The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere made the experience even more enjoyable. We’ll definitely be returning soon!“

“We came to the establishment from 4 hours away to celebrate my sister’s birthday! The vibe was great and the atmosphere was very nice. I can tell you that the food was PHENOMENAL! You can’t even go wrong with ANYTHING you order! We had a great time celebrating there. We couldn’t stop talking about it, even when we were on the party bus we were wondering what time your venue closed!!! We will be coming back again! That’s a PROMISE! Thanks to your staff for everything!“

“On Friday 8/23, we came to The Crunkleton on a recommendation for my daughter’s birthday and we were NOT disappointed! From the moment we walked in the atmosphere and the staff were wonderful! We had Cole as our server and regardless of how busy it was that night, he made us feel like we were his only priority. He was very knowledgeable about your massive spirit selections and I mean massive! The food was fantastic and cooked to perfection. We got the Really Good Burger and let me tell you, we said medium and it was on point! It was very well seasoned which is rare when you go out to restaurants. Then to top off the night, my daughter got the beignets with the cold brew icing, WOW! I am a sweets person and these with that icing just WOW! Cole even put a candle on the rim of the dish because it was her birthday! So, you have our business any time we are in Charlotte! I just can’t say enough about our experience!!! You have a great place, amazing food, a wonderful spirits collection, and definitely not last or least a fantastic server in Cole!! Thank you for making my daughter’ s birthday and my first time in Charlotte such a great memory!!!“

“I accidentally found this bar traveling through Charlotte. I have never seen a bar this classy. And the drinks are made, with fresh squeezed ingredients in front of you. I have bragged about this place , so many times. I’ve had mixed drinks all over, and this bar serves by far the best mixed drinks I’ve experienced.“

“This is definitely one of my favorite places to hang out, especially with a group of friends. I love that they offer large, round tables that are perfect for accommodating big groups, making it easy to chat and share food. The atmosphere is always lively and welcoming, which adds to the overall experience. My absolute favorite cocktail is the Elegantly Wasted.“

“The Ugly isn't ugly, it's quite beautiful.

This is a neat bar near the tracks & Chamber by Wooden Robot. If you aren't looking for it, it's actually quite easy to miss.

Inside, there's old time bar mirrors & decor which fit the bar perfectly. The bartenders are quick & do a solid job.

There's option of different types of ugly cocktails but let's be honest, the $2 Narragansett is the best deal in Charlotte. The cocktails are affordable for Charlotte which gives them an edge over many other options nearby.

I'd recommend coming down, getting a gansett & a shot, & enjoy your time chatting with the locals.

PS: The Charlotte map on the wall is really neat.“

“Amazing for couples for a date night or families with kids! There’s almost always a special of some sort going on, and the food is ALWAYS top notch. 10/10 recommend. ❤️“

“You have to try the Mozzarella presentation with the Roasted Sicilian Red Peppers and the Chicken Parm with a side of fettuccine. Large portions!“

“Humbug is hands down the best spot in Charlotte. The vibe is unmatched—cozy, intimate, and effortlessly cool. The drinks are top-tier, the staff knows their craft, and the whole experience feels thoughtfully curated. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back night or a spot to impress your friends, this is the place. We had an amazing time and can’t wait to come back“

“Kevin J was amazing, friendly and great recommendations! The trifecta and biscuits & Gravy where perfect!“

“Very classy and delicious food!!“

“Full disclosure, I have not been here yet, however with David running the show over there I'm sure he's crushing it like everywhere he goes, I was fortunate to be his boss at Whiskey Tango years ago. One of the best bartenders I have worked with ( in all my years and that's a lot) With David though, as a bartender you're never really his boss, not that he doesn't listen he just really doesnt need direction. IHes that good. Keep on rocking it there sir.“

“I reached out to DTR in South Park for a birthday dinner for 13 last minute, anticipating that they likely would not be able to accommodate a group that big that close to the event. Not only did Rachel, their events coordinator, squeeze us onto their calendar for our preferred time, but she also was able to get us in a semi-private room, which was a wonderful surprise!

Everything about our experience there was fantastic - the cocktails were amazing, the food was incredible (everything was delicious, but the Brussels sprouts were insane!), the ambiance was so fun, and our server, Trent, went above and beyond.

I can’t recommend this restaurant highly enough! I absolutely will be coming back again and again.“

“Went here to celebrate my 30th birthday with a few friends. We were able to reserve a table easily through their Instagram page. They DO NOT offer food, but we were able to order from a restaurant and bring it in. All the staff, super nice. I do remember one staff member that was PRETTY AWESOME, his name is Dale. He was super attentive and made sure my party and I were good! He honestly went about a beyond we moved to the patio area there was maybe one chair out. Dale and another member brung us more to the patio. Definitely will be coming back!“

“What a great spot! Drinks were top notch. Highly recommend the mezcal cocktail! The turkey meatballs, short rib, tuna bowl and cauliflower lettuce wraps were a dreamt combination. The service was superb! Definitely check this place out for high end cocktails and delicious bites.“

“I celebrated my birthday at Carolinas oyster bar last night. The hostess advised a table for two wait time was about an hour. I said okay, she responded back do you want to be added to the wait list? I said okay. She said she didn’t know if I wanted to wait! As we waited we had drinks at the bar, the bartender made a strawberry lemon drop, the best! Calamari and oysters for appetizers. I also ordered a lobster and shrimp roll! It was so delicious second bite I had three pieces of a lobster shell! Anthony was our waiter, I called him over he was in shock and said let me get my manager. Manager came over, I showed him the three pieces of the shell. He said that’s a possibility when they take the lobster out of the shell. No apology was provided, no offer to compensate the experience I had. I didn’t request a manager the waiter thought his manager would resolve the matter. Even though the manager offered to get me something else. I was nervous to get another meal especially when I run a risk for this to happen again. He said happy birthday enjoy your night. The managers response lacked empathy, poor customer service, I don’t care you will not be the first or last customer that this will happen to. In the back of my mind I wondered if I was a different race besides black would his response be the same?! The food was a ten even though I wasn’t able to eat and enjoy the lobster roll.“

“This place is AWESOME! great food and great service.“

“Out for Whiskey tasting Bourbon and Rye from Russel and Knob Creek“

“From the moment we stepped inside the restaurant for my birthday dinner last night, we knew our dinner at the Kindred’s new brainchild, Albertine, was going to be special - and we were not disappointed!

The space is breathtakingly beautiful - dark, luxurious fabrics, shiny marble surfaces, cozy round booths and gorgeous color combinations combine for an upscale, yet cozy vibe.

The staff are phenomenal. Our waitress, Abigail, couldn’t have done a better job explaining the menu items, from cocktails and wines to appetizers and entrees. We were seated about 15 minutes after our reservation time, so that was my only qualm, but the hostesses were apologetic and kind about it.

The menu had changed slightly from the one online (which I feel like is always a good sign for seasonal selections). We ordered two delicious cocktails and started off with the whipped feta - the soft, herb spiced pita it came with was a big winner. For our mains, we decided to split the hanger steak frites and the Venetian style asparagus. I don’t remember a steak I’ve had that I’ve enjoyed quite as much as that one - it was melt-in-your-mouth tender (drenched in a bordelaise that we were told takes the kitchen five days to make) and was served with crispy smashed potatoes and an addictive toum aioli sauce… we were both legitimately sad when it was over. As for the asparagus, I’ve never had anything like it before (in the BEST way) - it was lightly fried and served with crispy curry leaves over a creamy labneh and topped with a sweet pomegranate glaze… it was so playful and innovative, as was the baklava dessert served with homemade ice cream over Nutella. The perfect blend of Mediterranean and Southern.

Eating this meal was truly a joy. We can’t wait to go back!

Dietary restrictions: We don’t have any dietary restrictions, but they asked us about 5 times and I could tell they were extremely accommodating for dietary restrictions

Parking: They validate in the Duke Energy lot! They texted us a pin to the address of the lot, which was very considerate.“

“I didn’t stay at Orosoko Sound Bar long, but let me tell you—it’s a whole vibe. From the moment I walked in, the energy was on point. The bartender, Noah, was super nice and attentive, making sure my drinks were just right.

Speaking of drinks, I really enjoyed them! Everything was mixed perfectly, and it just added to the overall experience. Even in the short time I was there, I had a great time.

This spot is definitely on my list to visit again. Next time, I’ll make sure to stay longer and soak it all in!“

“Food was great! shocked they were slow. one best beet salads ever!“

“The best bar in south end! Andrew, Madison, Zeke, Davis, Ayla are amazing and provide the best service. A cute and chill bar with the best vibe! Elsewhere always has a fun playlist going and makes you feel right at home. Definitely my favorite bar in south end!“

“Had a quick bite at the bar. The drinks were well crafted and the food great. They also have a rooftop dining area.“

“Such a cool spot! I went for their Christmas in July, and it was decked out beautifully. Had Christmas music and movies playing. The drinks definitely are not skimped on the liquor that’s for sure lol. Apparently they do different themes through out the year so I can’t wait to try them out again. I ate before I went so I didn’t try any food items, but the drinks I had were delish. If you go, make sure you check them out online to find out the password for the wk to get inside.“

“Had the best time ever. We indulged on the brownie/milkshake/cotton candy concoction and then chilled outside with Hookah. By the far the best place in Charlotte I have been to that offers hookah, sweet treats, and drinks. The service was PHENOMENAL nothing was left to be desired. I cannot recommend this place enough and cannot wait to be back myself!

Parking: Parking in Noda is always a challenge. However, the difficulty is well worth it to come to Sprinkle!“

“The hotel restaurant is amazing simply because of the Manager Ms. Felice. I have an allergy and she helped me since the first night I stayed at the hotel until my last night. She made sure everything was prepared correctly and made sure there was no cross contamination. She checked on me throughout my dining experiences and allowed me to reach out to her whenever I needed anything. She was beyond helpful and gracious towards myself and sorority sisters. Any time I’m back in Charlotte, I will make sure to stop by and dine there simply because of her.“

“Best Tiki Bar in all of Charlotte. Hands down gotta love this place“

“Great Bartenders great drinks“

“No other words than LOVE!! Love the food, Love the atmosphere, Love the Staff and Really Love Niko!! 🫶🫶🫶“

“The best tacos I’ve ever had and the freshly made margaritas (on the rocks, which is a 1st), hands down topped the cake! Amazing staff, so friendly and outgoing. Definitely a place we will visit again if in the area!!! If I could rate it a 10, I would!!! It’s clean - so clean!!!! Check it out - you WON’T be disappointed..“

“This is easily the best greek food in Charlotte! Every time I come back home to Charlotte, I’m here at least every other day. They have such good quality food, great portions and prices and an amazing staff! I highly recommend supporting this business.“

“Brian creates amazing cocktails! Seriously!!!“

“Went to cloud for the first on 4th of July and had a great time it was RnB night and they played all the bangers DJ was � and the atmosphere was great. We definitely got hot and sweaty from dancing!“

“Let me start by saying this, during the week the restaurant is carry-out only, but if there are tables available in the lounge area you're able to sit down and eat or at the bar. If it wasn't for the bouncer at the door and the bartender my husband and I would have been lost. DJ was great! So let's talk food! The food was amazing! Well seasoned. We did say we'll have to check them out on a weekend to get the full experience. Overall nice vibe.“

“Was a delicious breakfast. Great service and pretty inside. Would be nice to try outside next time and the dinner.“