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The Best Bars for Foodies in Charlotte

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated February 26, 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!

Ri Ra Irish Pub - Charlotte
4.4 (810)
$30 and under
Irish
Uptown
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
anniebody
Dined 1 day ago
We are four middle aged women and we just wanted somewhere to go have a drink and something to eat and chat. Our waitress was adorable. Can’t remember her name, but she is Irish and did a fantastic job. We were tucked away in the corner kind of away from the bar crowd and that was perfect. We hadn’t gone out in years, but we will be coming back again soon.
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
anniebody
Dined 1 day ago
We are four middle aged women and we just wanted somewhere to go have a drink and something to eat and chat. Our waitress was adorable. Can’t remember her name, but she is Irish and did a fantastic job. We were tucked away in the corner kind of away from the bar crowd and that was perfect. We hadn’t gone out in years, but we will be coming back again soon.
Fahrenheit - Charlotte
4.4 (7909)
$31 to $50
American
Uptown
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
KathyB
Dined 1 day ago
We dined on scallops, lobster, and ribeye special...all were delicious, perfectly prepared, and presented. Thomas, our server, was attentive and personable to us and all we observed. One suggestion: the background music could be a little less as it made table conversation a bit difficult. Overall, an excellent experience. We highly recommend. Dan and Kathy Butterfield
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
KathyB
Dined 1 day ago
We dined on scallops, lobster, and ribeye special...all were delicious, perfectly prepared, and presented. Thomas, our server, was attentive and personable to us and all we observed. One suggestion: the background music could be a little less as it made table conversation a bit difficult. Overall, an excellent experience. We highly recommend. Dan and Kathy Butterfield
Church and Union - Charlotte
4.6 (5104)
$31 to $50
American
Uptown
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
RestaurantLover
Dined 3 days ago
The restaurant was hopping but the food and service were great. Noise level was pretty high but we enjoyed ourselves
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
RestaurantLover
Dined 3 days ago
The restaurant was hopping but the food and service were great. Noise level was pretty high but we enjoyed ourselves
The Cellar at Duckworth's
4.8 (2732)
$31 to $50
Gastro Pub
Uptown
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
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
Outstanding food and service! Best Whiskey Sour I’ve had. Atmosphere is very cool
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
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
Outstanding food and service! Best Whiskey Sour I’ve had. Atmosphere is very cool
Eddie V's - Charlotte
4.8 (3208)
$50 and over
Seafood
Uptown
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
AliciaVIP
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
James was great and very attentive....the food is always fabulous!
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
AliciaVIP
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
James was great and very attentive....the food is always fabulous!
Fin & Fino - Uptown Charlotte
4.8 (2920)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Uptown
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
B .VIP
Dined 2 days ago
Best scallops of my life! But everything was good! Service was amazing. Great meal and evening!
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
B .VIP
Dined 2 days ago
Best scallops of my life! But everything was good! Service was amazing. Great meal and evening!
Bulla Gastrobar - Charlotte
4.6 (2572)
$30 and under
Spanish
Charlotte
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
Hamdija
Dined 2 days ago
Dinner date with my wife, excellent food and top notch service. We really enjoyed the ambiance as well, we were able to have a nice conversation
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
Hamdija
Dined 2 days ago
Dinner date with my wife, excellent food and top notch service. We really enjoyed the ambiance as well, we were able to have a nice conversation
The Foundry at Trilogy® Lake Norman
4.7 (1206)
$30 and under
American
Denver
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
KateN
Dined on Mar 6, 2025
Always great good and service. Very convenient Love living at Trilogy
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
KateN
Dined on Mar 6, 2025
Always great good and service. Very convenient Love living at Trilogy
The Porter's House
4.8 (1863)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Waverly
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
AshleyVIP
Dined 7 days ago
Another great meal and experience at The Porter’s House. Thank you, Eddie, for perfect recs and service. Nate & Nelson offered great advice & perfect cocktails (as usual). High praise for the dry aged steak (and cheesecake & carrot cake). We will be back!
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
AshleyVIP
Dined 7 days ago
Another great meal and experience at The Porter’s House. Thank you, Eddie, for perfect recs and service. Nate & Nelson offered great advice & perfect cocktails (as usual). High praise for the dry aged steak (and cheesecake & carrot cake). We will be back!

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