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The Best Bars for Foodies in Charlotte

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The Best Bars for Foodies in Charlotte

by The OpenTable Team

Updated 26 February 2020

The growing city of Charlotte represents one of America's coolest destinations for history, business, culture, cuisine and good times. Mixing the Coastal Carolina vibe with Southern charm, the best bars in Charlotte provide an engaging mixture of excellent food, fine drinks, and a lively atmosphere. But where are the smartest, savviest diners in Charlotte headed out to when looking for the best bars in town? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. Here, we've put together a list of the best bars in Charlotte, developed with the input of those who know the town the best. From Southern honky-tonks and acclaimed restaurants to fabled downtown bars and pubs, the best bars in Charlotte offer fun for all. Grab a table and a few drinks in Charlotte tonight!

A photo of Ri Ra Irish Pub - Charlotte restaurant

Ri Ra Irish Pub - Charlotte

4.4

4.4 (796)

$30 and under

Irish

Uptown

About the restaurant

The local outpost of this nationally-recognized Irish chain is one of the best bars in Charlotte. A welcoming and always-lively slice of the Emerald Isles in the heart of the city, Ri Ra is a great place to watch a ballgame (or some European soccer) and enjoy some excellent beers. A classic Guinness or Harp is always on tap at Ri Ra. Along with those favorites, try the local "Golden Boy Blonde" from Charlotte's Triple C Brewing Company, or the "Black Blaze" milk stout from Blue Blaze Brewing. For a taste of Ireland, grab the All-Day Irish Breakfast with baked beans, bangers and rashers, and black and white pudding.

Top review

C

Carey

Dined 4 days ago

The waitress was rude and unfriendly. Will not be back because of her poor attitude.

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A photo of Fish & Chips of a restaurant

A photo of Fahrenheit - Charlotte restaurant

Fahrenheit - Charlotte

4.2

4.2 (7862)

$31 to $50

American

Uptown

About the restaurant

The heat is on at this modern, upscale restaurant in the heart of Charlotte from chef Rocco Whalen. Above the trendy Skye Condos, Fahrenheit is one of the best bars in Charlotte. Head in with the young, hip crowd to enjoy a creative menu of Asian-American small plates and some of the best cocktails in the city. Try the "In the Garden of EFFEN," with EFFEN cucumber vodka, lime juice, and fresh strawberry. The "Alexis Aviation" boasts gin, Luxardo, house-made Creme de Violette, and lemon juice. There's also a full menu of local Charlotte beers, with favorites from Birdsong, NoDa, and Bold Rock.

Top review

J

John

Dined on 12 Dec 2024

I wish it was informed by the restaurant staff ahead that preferred quite time schedules are post 9:00pm. We came in at 7:00 pm on Wednesday and the all the tables were full with clients which is great for the business but it was pretty noisy. It was so noisy that Chinese Buffet noise level was much elegantly elevated compared to what I experienced at Fahrenheit that night. People come here to have a romantic date/anniversary and high level meetings. Unfortunately I couldn’t feel such elegancy vibe during our visit due to the high noise level by the other tables around. Maybe having a classical music in background can help to let people know to calm it down bit

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A photo of Ahi Poke Nachos of a restaurant

Ahi Poke Nachos

A photo of Hot Seafood Tower of a restaurant

Hot Seafood Tower

A photo of Seafood Tower 1 of a restaurant

Seafood Tower 1

A photo of Church and Union - Charlotte restaurant

Church and Union - Charlotte

4.6

4.6 (5037)

$31 to $50

American

Uptown

About the restaurant

This buzzworthy spot on North Tyron spot is in the middle of some of Charlotte's best destinations. A quick walk from the Discovery Place Science building and the Levine Museum of the New South, 5Church is one of the best bars in Charlotte. Try one of the rotating local beers on draft from Triple C Brewery, Legion Brewery, or Olde Mecklenberg. Specialty cocktails include favorites like rosemary gin fizz or the spicy "viper," made with tequila and cayenne pepper. The burger menu at 5 Church is another highlight. Go for the 5Church lamb burger, made with red onion marmalade, gorgonzola fondue, and a secret sauce.

Top review

C

Carolyn

Dined 2 days ago

The ambulance, filet and service were fantastic but the salmon was over cooked and no flavor. I would not order again it was very disappointing.

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A photo of French Toast of a restaurant

A photo of Fried Chicken of a restaurant

A photo of Shrimp and Grits of a restaurant

Shrimp and Grits

A photo of The Cellar at Duckworth's restaurant

The Cellar at Duckworth's

4.8

4.8 (2651)

$31 to $50

Gastro Pub

Uptown

About the restaurant

In the heart of Charlotte's Fourth Ward, The Cellar at Duckworth's is a place for elegant craft cocktails with Southern flair. Try one of the New York gin sours, blackberry mezcals, or traditional Moscow mules. For beer lovers, the menu is deep and varied. Favorites include the Fat Orange Cat "All Cats are Gray in the Dark" American stout or the Grimm "Spooky Action" Flanders brown ale. Don't miss the Cellar burger with house-ground beef, gruyere cheese, and onion jam.

Top review

D

Diane

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent service, presentation & bar tenders were excellent & attentive.

A photo of Eddie V's - Charlotte restaurant

Eddie V's - Charlotte

4.7

4.7 (3123)

$50 and over

Seafood

Uptown

About the restaurant

The combination of fine jazz, excellent seafood, and potent drinks makes Eddie V's one of the best bars in Charlotte. Right in the heart of the city's bustling Center City neighborhood, Eddie V's is a colorful restaurant with an exciting atmosphere. A daily happy hour is a place to enjoy drink and food specials. Go for one of the classic mojitos with Bacardi and muddled mint, or a Bulleit sour made with honey, fresh lemon, and lime sour. Pair those with food from the "teasers" menu, like blackened fish tacos, steak tartare, or lamb lollipops.

Top review

N

Nigel

Dined 4 days ago

It was our first time dining here and it was also my Wife’s Birthday and the experience was superb. We will be returning sooner than later.

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A photo of 10 oz Center Cut Filet Mignon of a restaurant

10 oz Center Cut Filet Mignon

A photo of West Coast Oysters of a restaurant

West Coast Oysters

A photo of Two Crab-Stuffed Jumbo Gulf Shrimp of a restaurant

Two Crab-Stuffed Jumbo Gulf Shrimp

A photo of Fin & Fino - Uptown Charlotte restaurant

Fin & Fino - Uptown Charlotte

4.8

4.8 (2848)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Uptown

About the restaurant

The Uptown "social seafood house" Fin and Fino is an airy and upscale spot for excellent drinks and some of the best seafood in Charlotte. Oysters are the prime choice at Fin and Fino. The extensive, changing-by-the-day oyster menu includes selections from Copps Island, Rappahannock River, and Katama Bay. There's a wide variety of tastes, finishes, and flavors. Pair the oyster selections with a choice from the top Fin and Fino beer list. There are favorites from the acclaimed Maine Beer Company on the menu, along with the Charlotte-area "#OnlyinNoDa" fruited sour from Divine Barrel Brewing.

Top review

T

Teresa

Dined 2 days ago

Madison made our first time to the restaurant a fabulous experience!! Service was excellent and the food was amazing!!

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A photo of Flank Steak of a restaurant

A photo of Scallops of a restaurant

A photo of Bulla Gastrobar - Charlotte restaurant

Bulla Gastrobar - Charlotte

4.5

4.5 (2528)

$30 and under

Spanish

Charlotte

About the restaurant

Bulla is an excellent spot for Spanish tapas and good times in the SouthPark neighborhood of Charlotte. The small specialty plates at this upscale place feature favorites like cured Iberian pork ham, acorn-fed pure Iberian sausage, and braised brisket caldoso with red sofrito. To go along with the tapas, diners can enjoy a local "Juicy Jay" India Pale Ale or one of Spain's own Estrella beers. For a twist on a favorite, try the "Bougie Palmer" with Tito's vodka and oolong tea.

Top review

T

Tracy

Dined 5 days ago

Just a really well-run place. Good food, service and value. Our server was very busy but did a great job and was sweet and efficient. The food was delicious and we left stuffed. Always a pleasure. If I had one complaint it would be that the booths to the right of the main floor are pretty rundown and uncomfortable. The hostess relocated us without complaint.

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A photo of Paella of a restaurant

A photo of Patatas Bravas of a restaurant

A photo of Ceviche de Jalapeño of a restaurant

Ceviche de Jalapeño

A photo of The Foundry at Trilogy® Lake Norman restaurant

The Foundry at Trilogy® Lake Norman

4.8

4.8 (1171)

$30 and under

American

Denver

About the restaurant

Lake Norman's Foundry restaurant is the place to go to for some of the tastes and flavors of Charlotte. Start with some of the creative cocktails, like the "Back Porch Rocker" with citrus vodka and back porch tea, or a grapefruit mimosa with prosecco. Southern appetizers include skillet cornbread with honey butter or barbecue brisket nachos with house-fried tortilla chips. Go for an entree from the "Chef's Table" menu, with shrimp and grits, Foundry pot roast, and citrus-chipotle chicken among the highlights. This is also a place to stick around for dessert. Try the house-specialty butter cake or Oreo-crusted Nutella mousse with strawberry coulis.

Top review

K

KimberlyVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Love the staff at the Foundry- they are simply amazing!!!

A photo of The Porter's House restaurant

The Porter's House

4.8

4.8 (1806)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Waverly

About the restaurant

A hit restaurant in the Charlotte Waverly district, The Porter's House offers diners "a modern chophouse for the new South." This elegant space delivers all the traditional steakhouse features with a Southern twist. There's a private bourbon room for spirit lovers as well as a patio for outdoor dining and drinking. A long beer menu is heavy on local beers and Southern favorites. Try the OMB "Captain Jack" pilsner or the Southern Range "Energizer Blondie" American IPA. For a truly unique taste, go for the Revelry "Gullah Cream Ale." This unique brew is an American cream ale brewed with Southern grits.

Top review

A

Anne

Dined 2 days ago

Another fabulous dinner at Porter’s House for the Holidays! Thank you to our server Chris & rest of the staff! Merry Christmas!

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