Social Life Critics’ Pick Winners: Best in the Nest 2025
The best in Charlotte's social life as chosen by Nerve critics
If there’s one thing we’ve done our research on, it’s where to have a good time in this town. We’re more than happy to share what we’ve found. Check out Charlotte’s best bars, mixologists, parties, date ideas and more.
Back to all categories
Winners: Download your award graphics here
Support our work by becoming a Nerve Member
BEST NEW NIGHTLIFE SPOT: McHale’s Pub
McHale’s hit the ground running with its grand opening in July, quickly becoming one of the most popular spots in NoDa. The Irish pub brings warmth, character and a sense of belonging to a neighborhood that’s longed for a place like this.
Founded by longtime resident and restaurateur Brendan Kuhlkin, McHale’s carries on a legacy that began in Fort Mill in 1997 and now feels perfectly at home on North Davidson Street.
Inside, deep-stained wood, vintage lighting and tufted green benches give the space a timeless charm. The menu goes beyond standard pub fare, offering food closer to bistro quality — from fish and chips and corned beef to Irish curry and the craveable Spice Bag.
Out back, the spacious beer garden and bar invite long afternoons and lively nights under the string lights. McHale’s isn’t just a pub, it’s already a new NoDa institution.
BEST EXPANSION: Two Buck Saloon
Few bar openings got people talking this year quite like the arrival of Two Buck Saloon’s new location in Oakhurst. Located at 4624 Monroe Road, the bar’s fourth location features the dive bar’s signature blend of grit, charm and unapologetic fun to one of Charlotte’s most beloved and eclectic inner-east-side neighborhoods.
Billed as a family- and dog-friendly bar, the Oakhurst outpost delivers everything you would expect from a true dive: $2 PBRs, live music, pool tables, darts and a design that leans fully into the saloon aesthetic, with a spacious patio to boot. It is the kind of place where the beer is cold, the music is loud and everyone feels like a regular after their first round.
With its easygoing vibe and unbeatable prices, Two Buck Saloon’s Oakhurst location is a welcome addition to the east side. It is the kind of bar that keeps Charlotte grounded while the city around it keeps changing.
BEST FOR FUN AND GAMES: Copperhead Social Club
When Pepperbox Doughnuts closed in May 2024, it didn’t take long for something special to rise in its place.
Copperhead Social Club, opened by former Pepperbox co-owner Alex Beebe, has quickly become a go-to hangout for anyone looking to unwind, connect, kick back and play some games.
Whether it’s old-school video games, board games or a casual round of cards, Copperhead is the rare spot that makes you feel instantly at home. The atmosphere is warm and nostalgic, like hanging out at a friend’s college house — only cleaner and with better food. The walls are filled with vintage ephemera and rotating local art, it’s where we discovered one of our new favorites: Hobo Husband.
There’s a skinny but sufficient outdoor seating area with a dart board and a convenient window so you can add to your tab without walking all the way around to get back inside. The hospitable bartenders will air Panthers games or other sporting events on demand, but for the most part you’re likely to find an eccentric mix of programming on the two TVs above the bar including anything from Honey, I Shrunk the Kids to a Walking Dead marathon.
And then there’s the food menu, which we’ve covered in the Food & Drink section, but suffice to say here that you won’t find a better burger anywhere nearby.
BEST COCKTAIL BAR: Lorem Ipsum
This November, a beloved Black-owned establishment on Charlotte’s east side quietly turned two. Quiet from the outside, anyway.
Located inside Hotel Refuge near the corner of Central and Hawthorne avenues, the bar remains hidden in plain sight, just inside the front door and tucked into the entrance.
Each night serves up something different for those looking to duck away from the increasingly busy city landscape. For music, guests are granted the benefit of experiencing local and traveling DJs laying out great sets, whether composed of R&B classics, neo-soul stylings, or classic hip-hop lyricism, each pick telling the story of the curator alongside the artists.
While taking in the best sound quality the listening lounge has to offer, the drink menu is even more impressive — no surprise there, as renowned local mixologist Justin Hazelton is the mastermind beyond this entire establishment, having built it into one of the city’s coolest kickbacks over the last couple of years.
BEST NEW COCKTAIL BAR: Chief’s
Yes, this section has been heavy on the NoDa establishments, but the neighborhood has seen a bit of a nightlife renaissance this year. Built on a foundation of a family tradition of hospitality, Chief’s Modern Cocktail Parlor has quickly become one of NoDa’s most refined yet welcoming destinations. The concept comes from the Built On Hospitality team’s partnership with legendary mixologist Bob Peters, who named the space in honor of his parents, Chief and Marmee — a nod to the warmth they shared with everyone they welcomed into their home.
Located in a restored 121-year-old mill house on North Davidson Street, Chief’s blends comfort and sophistication with hardwood floors; leather seating; and soft, golden lighting that feels both timeless and intimate. By day, guests can enjoy a curated coffee program featuring locally roasted beans and an assortment of house-baked and locally sourced pastries — perfect for slow mornings or mid-afternoon meetups.
As evening sets in, the atmosphere shifts effortlessly toward refined indulgence. Signature cocktails like the Clarified Malted Milk Punch — with Southern Star Bourbon, apple-spiced tea, winter spices, orange, lemon, and malted milk — highlight Peters’ signature creativity. The Rise & Grind, an elevated espresso martini made with espresso-washed Southern Star white whiskey, sherry and simple syrup, bridges the bar’s day-to-night experience with smooth precision. A menu of elevated bar bites complements the drinks, blending global inspiration with a local touch.
Chief’s feels less like a bar and more like a home — one built on connection, craft, and genuine Southern hospitality.
BEST MIXOLOGIST: Colleen Hughes
When we visited Colleen Hughes at Leluia Hall before the Dilworth restaurant opened, she was there to help consult with her “partner in crime” Rhea Buck, who was preparing to take the bar manager role there. Having long worked with Buck at Supperland for years, Hughes jokingly described the situation as, “She makes it happen and I take credit.”
And credit is coming in droves — well-deserved credit despite her jokes. Having already been recognized by a slew of awards and acknowledgements in both the local and national press since coming on with Tonidandel-Brown Restaurant Group in 2010, Hughes marked a new accomplishment in January this year when she was named a semifinalist for a coveted James Beard Award in a brand-new category: Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
While she was not named a finalist, the nomination alone was a meaningful milestone, especially as someone representing the food and beverage industry in a city that is considered a minor market.
“For me, just the acknowledgment of how hard I’ve been working, how hard the city’s been working and how hard all the other bartenders have been working to just even get that kind of acknowledgment here,” she said. “I know I personally got nominated, but I also know that I wouldn’t have been able to if a lot of people hadn’t been doing their jobs well. You know, it’s like it is a personal award, but it really isn’t, especially in a city like this.”
BEST PLACE TO DAY DRINK: Room Service
Room Service opened in the Keswick area of Camp North End in late 2023, seeing a slew of cool businesses join it in that corridor since.
Camp North End features bare bones steel skeletons and native-to-North Carolina shrubbery and plants. Room Service happens to have a patio that allows patrons to enjoy both, offering residents a chance for “a daycation in the Queen City,” whether simply people watching with a Backwater martini or finishing some other seasonal cocktail before walking across the way to visit Armada Skate Shop or Hardy Boys Records.
And don’t forget the critical element for day drinkers to make sure things don’t get out of hand before dark: damn good food to help soak it all up.
“Room Service didn’t just pass the test — it earned a return trip,” Aerin Spruill wrote in her Nightlife column in early October. “With cocktails that hit the right notes, food that refuses to play second fiddle and a patio that knows its role, it’s a solid pick for the coveted ‘what should we do?’ rotation.”
BEST DAY PARTY: Boileryard Brunch
Back to the Camp: part backyard cookout, part dance club, Boileryard Brunch isn’t so much a brunch as it is a vibe. Sure, there’s great food and drinks available from Camp North End’s finest purveyors and pop-up vendors, but the event is really about gathering and unwinding with Charlotte’s creative community.
Boileryard Brunch is put together by Camp North End’s programming & events manager Jaleta Gardner and multi-hyphenate creative Dammit Wesley, who tells folks to come as they are for this family-friendly, open-air and open-seating party that features some of Charlotte’s best DJs and musicians providing the soundtrack.
There are also booths with locally made artisan goods and sometimes even a theme for dressing up (but never a dress code).
Boileryard Brunch occurs every fourth Sunday at Camp North End. Unfortunately, the last one of the season was held on the Sunday before this issue went to print, so keep an eye out for the return of this new institution come spring.
BEST PLACE TO BAR HOP: 5th Street
If you’re looking for a place to spend a full night out without ever calling a rideshare, look no further than Fifth Street. In just a few compact blocks through Uptown, you’ll find nearly 20 spots serving drinks of every kind, from craft cocktails to cold pints and everything in between.
Start the evening with a cigar at Havana Smoke Shop, then ease into the night at Sofia’s Lounge or Dahlia’s for expertly mixed cocktails. Tequila House keeps the dance floor moving for those in the mood to stay out late, while Connolly’s and Ri Ra’s bring the warmth of classic Irish pubs.
The Local offers plenty of TVs for catching the game or joining a Crown Club meetup, and Retro Bar adds a perfect dose of nostalgia.
When it’s time to eat, Fifth Street still delivers. Favorites include the Peruvian-inspired dishes and cocktails at Pisco’s plus burgers, sushi, yakitori and even steak on the street if you are feeling fancy. And for the late crowd, the halal cart on the corner always hits the spot.
When summer arrives, Fifth Street Live fills the block with outdoor music, drinks and nonstop energy. Compact, lively and endlessly walkable, Fifth Street remains one of Charlotte’s best destinations for a night well spent.
BEST PATIO: The Painted Rooster
Months after the closing of longtime Plaza Midwood staple Zada Jane’s Corner Cafe last September, a new establishment stepped up to take its place. Fans of the old brunch spot were relieved to hear that former Zada Jane’s owner Marcia Hurst was staying onboard for the opening of new chicken joint Painted Rooster, this time joined by local restaurateurs Zach Current and Crissy Oliver.
Current is co-founder and current operator of Moo & Brew, the original location of which is located just down Central Avenue from Painted Rooster, while Oliver is a partner in his restaurant group, Current & Co.
The June opening of Painted Rooster brought back a neighborhood staple in the partially covered patio, complete with shuffleboard courts. The patio is just one of multiple great outdoor seating areas at that intersection and the surrounding area, including the open-air bar area at Workman’s Friend across Thomas Avenue and the soon-to-reopen lawn at Pizza Peel-turned-Improper Pig.
BEST ROOFTOP: Nuvole TwentyTwo
Following two months of renovations, Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo reclaimed its spot as Charlotte’s highest indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge this year, reopening with a new look and debuting a new food and beverage menu in June.
The new renovations included new indoor and outdoor furnishings, wall coverings and flooring as well as the addition of gas fire pits, updates to the bar space and exterior signage, and new mixed-media artwork from local artist Lori Love.
Nuvole also updated its wine program, offering guests the option to build their own custom flight or try a curated selection crafted by wine director Chloe Johnson.
This sleek rooftop bar and restaurant blends upscale elegance with a laid-back atmosphere, while also serving a range of creative small plates and handcrafted cocktails that taste just as good as they look. The real star, though? The Queen City skyline. It’s the kind of backdrop that makes every moment and every photo feel a little more special. Whether you’re toasting with friends, grabbing date-night drinks or just chasing a great view, Nuvole is sure to deliver on all fronts.
BEST SOBER SOCIAL CLUB: Sober Sisters
Britney McCormick founded Sober Sisters Events (SSE) in June 2023 as she struggled for a meaningful way to connect with people while maintaining her sobriety. The only other sober person she knew at the time was her sister. McCormick never formed any major plan; she simply launched the meet-up group and hoped people would come out. Her village responded.
Over two years, she has developed the organization to offer a range of options for people looking to find a healthy outlet with like-minded individuals, hosting events like blacklight yoga to the far less strenuous coffee tasting.
McCormick and her team held the Drinkless Spring Fest in May at Hi-Wire Brewing in South End. The organization’s biggest event yet featured custom nonalcoholic drinks, live music, comedy, vendors working in the sober and mental health space, and more.
“People associate nice days with alcohol,” she said. “You can’t really separate the two. The sunshine outside makes you want to go outside and have a glass of rosé. My thing is, since I’ve been sober, I’ve never had more fun. You can do all the things that you want to do, including sitting outside listening to live music, without alcohol or a drink in your hand. That’s what I want people to see.”
BEST SOCIAL CLUB YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF: Crokinole League
Brandyn Osborne, founder and president of board game event organizing company Conhorde, first brought crokinole to Divine Barrel Brewing with “a couple of boards and some curious friends,” which in April 2024 turned into an official league night, currently held on the first and third Wednesday of every month.
In October, the Queen City Crokinole Club hosted The Masters, attracting players from across the country to play in the major tournament. So what the hell is crokinole? We’ll let Osborne explain.
“Crokinole is a Canadian board game from the 1800s — basically if darts, cornhole, and shuffleboard had a baby. Think curling, but on a round, wooden board at the table. Players flick small wooden discs from the outer ring toward the center, aiming to land in high-scoring zones or knock opponents’ discs out. It takes less than five minutes to learn, and games are quick and engaging. Best of all, it spans all ages and backgrounds, with even a ‘cues’ division for players who might not have the best finger dexterity.”
He added that Queen City’s league combined with the Voorheesville Crokinole club to invent the rules to “combat crokinole.” You’ll have to show up for a league night to learn what that’s all about.
BEST HIDDEN GEM: The Pharmacy
Off the beaten path, just outside Charlotte in downtown Belmont, sits an old collection of offices with a secret wall that pops open to reveal a swank speakeasy lounge underneath.
Sure, there are several great speakeasy joints throughout the city, but none that have Mena Killough, master distiller and herbalist at the helm. Mena’s ever-rotating menu of scratchmade tinctures, bitters and syrups create complex and luxurious cocktails that perfectly mirror their plush surroundings.
Her longtime presence in Charlotte nightlife means she has the bands and DJs on lock, too. An eclectic, rotating selection throughout the week completes the vibes, with everything from string quartets and folk music to residents Justin Aswell spinning rare grooves and Scott Silverstein doing all-vinyl sets of international jazz.
There’s good group fun to be had on the patio with billiards, shuffleboard and even a putting green, but overall the atmosphere is grown and sexy — perfect for a late-night date night.
BEST DIVE BAR: Thirsty Beaver Saloon
Country music-loving brothers Mark and Brian Wilson weren’t born in a bar, but they opened one together, and that’s good enough for us.
Co-founders of the band The Loose Lugnuts, the brothers launched the down-home and resilient dive bar Thirsty Beaver Saloon 17 years ago, in part because Mark and Brian wanted a honky-tonk where their band could play. When the Plaza Midwood watering hole opened, it featured country, canned beer and episodes of Hee Haw on a small TV set.
The unassuming joint has become the subject of viral news stories twice for very distinct reasons. Mick Jagger was one, development the other. When the Rolling Stones’ singer slipped away for a beer at the dive in 2021, the Beaver blew up.
Long before then, in 2013, a developer attempted to force the Beaver off the land where it still stands. The effort failed despite construction shooting up all around the saloon. Photos of the Beaver holding its ground amid corporate overreach like an inverted middle finger, made Charlotteans cheer. It’s still holding strong today.
BEST SPORTS (& OTHER MUST-SEE TV) BAR: Platform Sports
Platform Sports Bar takes watching the game to another level — literally. Perched above the bustle of lower South End, the spot offers panoramic views of the neighborhood and floor-to-ceiling TVs that make sure you never miss a play.
The food is far better than you’d expect from a sports bar. The Parliament Group, which also owns PARA, has built a reputation for pairing good food with vibrant nightlife, and Platform follows that lead. The menu ranges from burgers, wings and flatbreads to more elevated offerings like steak and lobster rolls.
With unmatched sightlines, solid drinks and a vibe that balances energy and comfort, Platform has quickly become the city’s go-to spot for watching the game in style. But it’s not just the games that you can catch. Perhaps the biggest draw of the year for Platform Sports was Love Island —- yes, the reality show, for which Platform hosted nightly watch parties over the summer. And they were packed out!
“Judge if you want, but let’s be real,” wrote our Nightlife columnist Aerin Spruill, “the news these days looks just as unhinged but with worse lighting, fewer guardrails and it’s actually reality. Somehow, watching influencers spiral over pancakes and tonguing each other down feels like the more stable choice.” Fair enough.
BEST LGBTQ BAR: Sidelines Sports Bar & Billiards
Sidelines Sports Bar & Billiards bills itself as the Queen City’s first gay sports bar and the only LGBTQ+ sports bar in the Carolinas. Located just 10 minutes from South End, Sidelines has held its place at 4544 South Boulevard since 2007.
Aside from the rainbow flags and streamers overhead, the steady rotation of retro pop over the speakers and the occasional holy sighting of a drool-worthy leather daddy buss down, Sidelines is a sports bar through and through.
The décor leans classic: sports jerseys, wood paneling, rotating drink specials on mounted video screens, branded beer signage, console games and a dozen TVs all tuned to the given game of the moment. At the center of it all, the four turf-green pool tables provide the anchor to a steady flow of casual competition drinks balanced precariously on the edge.
“We opened in Charlotte in 2007 and have been happily serving the LGBTQ+ community, ally’s, sports fans, and even non-sports fans who are looking for a welcoming space to relax,” the website said. “We’re here to ensure you have a friendly place to come and watch your favorite sports.”
MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT: Dahlia’s
On the third floor of the five-story Binaco Tower, you’ll find the building’s newest addition, Dahlia’s, the fourth personality in an eclectic lineup, seamlessly tucked between familiar favorites like Novelty House rooftop bar, Havana Smoke and Reserve cigar lounge, and Saku sushi and yakitori bar. Like its neighbors, Dahlia’s delivers a classy aesthetic with seasonal Instagram-worthy décor, moody lighting, and just the right amount of seating for a relaxed atmosphere on quieter nights.
Beyond its curated cocktail menu, Dahlia’s elevates the experience with late-night small plates — empanadas, tacos and flatbreads — that fit perfectly within the dynamic of the five-floor lineup, making it easy to want to explore the whole building all night long.
BEST ALT BEVERAGES DESTINATION: Sip City Market & Bottle Shop
Tucked at the edge of Plaza Midwood along Central Avenue, Sip City feels like something borrowed from a bigger city — a mix between a New York-style market and a curated bottle shop.
It’s the kind of place where you can stop in for a bottle of natural wine, a craft beer or an everyday essential and somehow walk out with the perfect gift or a new piece of barware you didn’t know you needed.
It’s also one of the best places in the neighborhood to stay awhile. With a well-curated tap list and a relaxed, inviting vibe, Sip City makes it easy to grab a seat, try something new, and linger with friends over a great pour.
Sip City has quietly become a neighborhood favorite, offering a thoughtful selection and the kind of easy charm that makes it feel indispensable. But even the best-kept secrets need support. Recent street and utility work along Central hit the shop hard, cutting sales by 35%, and it took real community love to help them pull through. So here’s the word: Don’t keep Sip City a secret. Go visit, drink and help keep this Plaza gem thriving.
BEST URBAN OASIS: Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden
We tell you on good authority that whenever a local TV station needs to shoot a reporter doing a standup in an outdoor garden, they’re going to shoot at Rosie’s.
That’s because the McGill Rose Garden, where Rosie’s is situated, is smack dab in the middle of everything. The garden began when Henry McGill bought the Avant Fuel & Ice Company on North Davidson Street in 1950.
Henry’s wife Helen planted rose bushes to beautify the property. On Mother’s Day, 1967, the McGill Rose Garden opened to the public.
Purchased by the city in 1976, the garden became a public park. Named after a friendly but now deceased garden cat, Rosie’s opened in 2019.
In addition to serving coffee, beer and wine, Rosie’s hosts trivia nights, food trucks and live music. A stroll through the park reveals public art and an old railroad car from the Avant Fuel & Ice days. The roses Helen planted still bloom. It’s the perfect space to forget where you are for a bit and get lost in whimsy.
