Where to Go Out in Charlotte

Charlotte’s constantly expanding nightlife scene means new hotspots to discover and love. From theaters to speakeasies and wine bars to social houses, these locales are some of the best nightlife venues Charlotte has to offer.

Dance Clubs

The Rose Honky Tonk

Neighborhood: South End

Boot, scoot and boogie at The Rose. This honky-tonk is one of Charlotte’s newest go-to spots for line dancing. New to this type of dance? The Rose offers free, themed weekly dances Tuesdays through Thursdays to get you ready for the weekend.

Scorpio

Neighborhood: South End

Scorpio, located at RSVP Complex, is a multi-level venue that’s known for late-night music, dancing and fun. Choose from one of four spaces — the rooftop, stage, veranda or parlor — to dance with friends. The stage frequently hosts renowned DJs who know how to get the party started.

Tequila House

Neighborhood: Uptown

Shake your hips to Latin music at Tequila House. This vibrant nightclub offers three energetic dance floors with DJs spinning everything from dembow and reggaeton to hip-hop, EDM and more. When you need a breather, head to the outdoor patio for views of the Uptown skyline.

Trio

Neighborhood: South End

Trio is one of the Queen City’s premier EDM nightclubs. High-tech light and video production set the scene for bass-thumping mixes from local and touring DJs. Trio also offers VIP table service, perfect for birthday, bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Live Music Venues

Eighty Eights

Neighborhood: NoDa

For a more sophisticated night of live music, Eighty Eights is a refined jazz bar serving swanky cocktails as well as beer and wine. Thursday through Sunday evenings this music lounge features talented local jazz artists that really set the mood for a relaxing night out.

Goldie’s

Neighborhood: Lower South End

Head to Goldie’s for live music, good food and cold drinks. This music venue boasts multiple bars to order from and an outdoor patio with yard games. Hear a mix of local and regional acts on stage for free, along with a larger ticketed show each month.

Middle C Jazz

Neighborhood: Uptown

Regional and national acts grace the stage at Middle C Jazz. Don’t let the name fool you; this upscale music club features a range of genres, including smooth and contemporary jazz, R&B and funk. Enjoy bites and sips from the on-site kitchen while you watch the show.

Neighborhood Theatre

Neighborhood: NoDa

A NoDa staple housed in a former movie theater, Neighborhood Theatre hosts performing acts from an array of genres. In one weekend, indie rock, R&B and country could all take the stage, so you’re sure to find a show for your musical interests.

Arcades & Social Hubs

Queen Park Social

Neighborhood: Lower South End

Queen Park Social is one of Charlotte’s go-to spots for games, cocktails and a good time. Roll a strike at the on-site bowling alley or try for the top score while playing Skee-Ball, basketball shooting games, racing games and more.

Slingshot

Neighborhood: South End

At Slingshot Social Game Club, choose from extreme duckpin bowling, arcade games or, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, take a ride on the mechanical bull. Refuel between games with shareable plates and bar bites or a drink from the beer wall.

Super Abari Game Bar

Neighborhood: Belmont (Charlotte)

If you’re longing for the nostalgia of an arcade, Super Abari Game Bar offers the grown up version. Spend some time playing one of the 95 games, including classic arcade games, pinball and modern games with a musical twist.

VBGB

Neighborhood: Uptown

Come with friends, or make some while you’re here, and play an array of games on one of Charlotte’s largest outdoor patios. VBGB features cornhole, ping pong, board games and more than 30 beers on tap to enjoy on your night out.

Karaoke Bars

Jeff’s Bucket Shop

Neighborhood: Montford

Take your pick of more than 26,000 songs during karaoke at Jeff’s Bucket Shop. On the lower level of this local favorite dive bar, a stage and microphone await for you to sing your heart out beneath a glittering disco ball.

NoDa 101

Neighborhood: NoDa

Channel your inner Grammy Award winner or just have fun with it at NoDa 101. This karaoke bar has an extensive list of songs to choose from, whether you want to turn up the party or serenade the crowd with a heart-felt ballad.

Seoul Food Meat Co.

Neighborhood: South End, Optimist Park

Looking for a less public setting to belt your favorite tunes? Seoul Food Meat Co. offers private karaoke rooms that are perfect for parties. Each themed room comes with seating for groups, as well as a server for food and drink orders.

Cocktail & Wine Bars

Read more about places to get a cocktail and where to drink wine in Charlotte.

Frenchy’s Sip and Shop

Neighborhood: South End

The name says it all. Frenchy’s Sip and Shop is a wine bar and retail shop that specializes in hand-picked natural wines. Check the events calendar for weekly wine tastings, live music and themed happenings.

Idlewild

Neighborhood: NoDa

At Idlewild, the menu is entirely up to you. Let an expert mixologist craft a creation based on the flavors of your choice. This intimate, low-lit cocktail bar is the perfect locale to start or end your evening out.

Lorem Ipsum

Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood

Handcrafted cocktails and a curated playlist are always on the menu at Lorem Ipsum. This stylish listening bar inside the Hotel Refuge lobby is the brainchild of award-winning mixologist, Justin Hazelton. The bar also features a selection of beer, wine and mocktails.

Must Be Nice

Neighborhood: South End

If you’re looking to sip your cocktail as a DJ spins up-tempo mixes, check out Must Be Nice. This elevated neighborhood bar and lounge offers classic cocktails and seasonal specialties that everyone in your group will love.

Breweries & Dive Bars

Salud Cerveceria

Neighborhood: NoDa

Salud is not your typical brewery; it’s also a beer shop and restaurant with a wide selection of drafts on tap and for sale. Weekly specials will bring you in any day of the week, and you can keep an eye on social media for events like live music, dance lessons and more.

Smokey Joe’s Café

Neighborhood: East Charlotte

You can always find live music at Smokie Joe’s, a hidden gem in east Charlotte. This is the quintessential dive bar, complete with darts and pool tables, budget-friendly drinks and a laid-back vibe.

Thirsty Beaver

Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood

After Mick Jagger took a photo outside of Thirsty Beaver in 2021, popularity for this dive bar skyrocketed. However, Thirsty Beaver maintained its no-frills feel and is still one of the top spots in Charlotte for cheap beer, pool tables and a welcoming atmosphere.

Triple C Brewing Co.

Neighborhood: South End

Sip craft lagers, boozy stouts and blonde ales at this local brewery. Watch the craft beer-making process inside the taproom or enjoy an evening on the outdoor patio, which frequently features food trucks and live music.

LGBTQ Hot Spots

Find more LGBTQ bars in Charlotte.

Bar Argon

Neighborhood: Lower South End

Make your way to the dance floor at Bar Argon, a video bar and lounge. Take a breather on the outdoor patio with seating for you and your friends. When the DJ isn’t spinning, Argon hosts karaoke nights, drag shows and themed parties.

Chasers

Neighborhood: NoDa

Chasers is open Wednesdays through Sundays for high-energy nights out. For more than 30 years, Chasers has been a local favorite to mingle by the bar, sweat it out on the dance floor or simply sit back and enjoy the go-go dancers on stage.

Scorpio

Neighborhood: South End

Before Scorpio relocated to South End’s RSVP Complex, it was Charlotte’s longest running LGBTQ nightclub in West Charlotte. The new and improved Scorpio is still a go-to spot for dancing, drag shows and inclusive nightlife.

Sidelines Sports Bar & Billiards

Neighborhood: Lower South End

Sports fans can watch the big game in an inclusive space at the Carolinas’ only LGBTQ+ sports bar. Find your spot among one of the 12 TVs to cheer for your favorite team. Or challenge friends to a game of foosball, pool or darts.