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Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Charlotte

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OpenTable
Updated 05 January 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Charlotte? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Novanta Pizzeria Napoletana restaurant
4.8
4.8 (291)
$30 and under
Italian
Mooresville
About the restaurant
The owners of Brooklyn South and Brooklyn Boys Pizzeria's are venturing again to bring you truly Authentic pizza. Pizza cooked by wood fire in 90 seconds. Among pizza stay tuned for the finest, truly authentic, rustic Italian dishes from different regions of Italy. Enjoy our extensive wine and beer indoor/outdoor bar and private dining area for your most exclusive intimate celebrations.
Top review
Patrick
Dined 6 days ago
Professional service with rapid food service. The food and service were excellent. We will return
A photo of Mal Pan restaurant
4.8
4.8 (481)
$30 and under
Mexican
SouthPark
About the restaurant
Taqueria Mal Pan is a modern Mexican experience. Our chef-driven menu is a combination of both the modern and classic Mexican kitchen. You’ll experience a menu with inspiration from Baja to Yucatan and everywhere in between. In step with the theme of our kitchen, the beverage program at Mal Pan is also inspired by the old and the new. Our back bar is filled with a curated list of artisan spirits from the US, Mexico, the Caribbean and beyond. All of our craft cocktails are concocted with housemade syrups, fresh squeezed juices, shrubs, bitters and instagram worthy garnishes
Top review
Susan
Dined 4 days ago
Food and service were great. Reservation for Sunday Brunch was easy to make.
A photo of CharBar No.7 - Carmel restaurant
4.8
4.8 (125)
$30 and under
American
South Charlotte
About the restaurant
Life is serious enough, dinner and drinks with friends and family should be a break from the daily grind. This, “come for drink, stay for while” attitude has shaped us into what we are today... a relaxing, no hassle, neighborhood spot. While we do take our food seriously, we strive to offer a welcoming feeling in our restaurant. Whether it is with family, friends, or by yourself, we invite you to come enjoy some good music, eat a big meal, and stay for a drink.
Top review
JimiVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Food is always good and service has been great! We enjoy being with our friends at Char Bar 7!
A photo of Sneak CLT restaurant
4.8
4.8 (9)
$30 and under
Cocktail Bar
Elizabeth
About the restaurant
SNEAK is a true hidden gem nestled in the Elizabeth neighborhood, where we delight in putting a playful spin on classic and retro cocktails alongside our own unique creations. Step into our intimate yet lively atmosphere filled with custom playlists and delightful surprises, making us the ultimate destination for a memorable night out. Embracing a concept beyond that of a traditional speakeasy, we proudly present ourselves as a SNEAK-easy! Take pleasure in our inviting patio, daily specials, and live music. Please dress to impress, as we kindly request no backwards hats or athletic wear to maintain our upscale ambiance.

Join us for a night of cocktails, music, and vibes.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 29 Dec 2024
Overall great experience! A little on the small side, but definitely recommend.
A photo of Maiz Agua Sal restaurant
4.8
4.8 (11)
$30 and under
Mexican
Charlotte
About the restaurant

Located in the vibrant Wesley Heights neighborhood, Maiz Agua Sal is a celebration of authentic Mexican cuisine that honors tradition while embracing culinary diversity. We serve brunch, lunch, and dinner, crafting meals that reflect Mexico's rich history and unique flavors.

At the heart of our kitchen are house-made heirloom corn tortillas pressed daily, alongside long-simmered braises and perfectly tender meats, all complemented by farm-fresh produce. Our scratch kitchen ensures every dish bursts with vibrant flavors, offering a fun and delicious dining experience.

Our beverage program beautifully mirrors our culinary philosophy, featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of artisanal agave spirits and high-quality ingredients inspired by Mexican culture. Join us for an unforgettable meal that brings a taste of Mexico to Wesley Heights!

Top review
MicaVIP
Dined on 9 Jan 2025
Truly a favorite place to come a few times a month with friends and family. The food and drinks are consistently delicious and interesting. The tortillas are freshly made in house, and I like to get extra to take home. Everyone is kind and welcoming, and it’s an absolutely beautifully designed restaurant with a relaxing and inviting feeling. It’s the kind of place you can linger and enjoy conversations. They even have a skyline view from the patio and a warm fire pit. We often walk down the hill to the nearby greenway for a stroll after we eat. Thank you, Maiz Agua Sal. You make Charlotte a better place to be!
A photo of Marquee Charlotte restaurant
4.7
4.7 (49)
$31 to $50
Tapas / Small Plates
Charlotte
About the restaurant
Discover unparalleled sophistication at The Marquee Charlotte, just 7 minutes from Uptown. A pinnacle of refined luxury, our prime location offers access to the city's finest cultural treasures and modern conveniences. More than a venue, it's an invitation to indulge in Charlotte's dynamic tapestry. Whether it's an elegant dining experience, a weekend of dancing, exclusive bottle service, or corporate events, The Marquee Charlotte is your passport to a world where every moment exceeds expectations in the heart of Charlotte.

At the Marquee Charlotte, baseball hats, athletic wear, flip flops and hoodies are permissible.

We automatically add a 20% gratuity to all checks.

Top review
Denise
Dined on 15 Dec 2024
A nice upscale experience. The food was delicious. The ambiance was great. The service was impeccable. The drinks very good. The vibe we both loved. Definitely we will go back again. For grown folks who want to experience something different.
A photo of Moon Thai & Japanese restaurant
4.6
4.6 (152)
$31 to $50
Thai
SouthPark
About the restaurant
A swanky sexy environment with authentic Thai and Japanese recipes located in Southpark cooked by our Thai and Japanese chefs. One of the best Pad Thai's you'll ever have. We offer a full service sushi bar and spirit bar serving specialty cocktails that are out of this world. Moon Thai & Japanese was established on August 3rd, 2000, in Coral Gables, FL by lifetime chef and restaurant owner Jack Punma. The menus at Moon Thai and Japanese are carefully prepared with only the highest quality ingredients. Customer service and satisfaction is our top priority so please visit any of our locations and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. Moon Thai Charlotte is located in the Apex building in Southpark off of Sharon Rd. Park in the free attached garage of the Apex building just behind the restaurant to access us or feel free to use the valet parking at the entrance of the Apex building. #sushi #authenticthai #asian # bestincharlotte #duckcurry #noods
Top review
Ashley
Dined 2 days ago
We went here for queens feast and what you are able to recieve is great value. I myself had the chicken drumsticks, salmon, duck curry (the best I have ever had) and chocolate lava cake all for $50. It was a quiet night due to weather coming in the next day and between second and third course, there was a long wait but the food made up for it.
A photo of Azucar restaurant
4.6
4.6 (67)
$30 and under
Cuban
Ballantyne
About the restaurant
Get ready para la rumba!! Azúcar brings the rich and modern flavors of Cuba right to Ballantyne. Sharing its picturesque ambiance that’s sure to boost every mood that walks through the door. Enjoy Our take of a “Ropa Nueva” or our signature “Branzino”. Come indulge yourself with the savory dishes and drinks at Azúcar where “La Rumba Te Esta Llamando.
Top review
KateVIP
Dined 2 days ago
The food, drinks and service are top tier!! This is becoming one of my favorites
A photo of Folia restaurant
4.6
4.6 (42)
$30 and under
Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Southend
About the restaurant
Folia is an intimate cocktail bar that combines artistry and craftsmanship in an indoor tropical oasis. Our bar program is the creation of award-winning bartender Bob Peters, named Charlotte Magazine’s Best Bartender of 2024. Folia specializes in innovative, handcrafted cocktails made with fresh ingredients and creative flair alongside small plates. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a lively atmosphere to enjoy with friends, our modern, Miami-inspired vibe and expertly curated drink menu make Folia the perfect place to elevate your evening.
Top review
Ruan
Dined 7 days ago
Pleasantly surprised by the interior as the entry would make you think you’re entering a flower shop or terrarium making class. We were immediately seated and the staff is amazing. There’s a running water feature in there as well. It’s just an overall spectacular ambiance and the drinks were good. We tried the shrimp cocktail and it was very good. Will return but won’t give this secret gem away to many.
A photo of The Eagle - Charlotte restaurant
4.4
4.4 (272)
$30 and under
Southern
Southend
About the restaurant
We start with cage free, free roaming, all natural chicken. It’s brined, dredged, then dropped into custom-built fryers. Its got a little kick and is served with our house made hot honey.
Top review
JessicaVIP
Dined on 7 Jan 2025
Chicken is always on point and the service (Charles) was fantastic. My only wish-for is to offer more vegetable options that are not cooked with pork.
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