Living Here Guide 2009
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Monday, Sep. 14, 2009

One-stop destinations dominate nightlife scene

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PAID TO PARTY | Sarah Aarthun

One thing is certain: people still want to party, in good times and in bad.

If you're looking to kick up your heels, your first stop should be uptown's entertainment district where crowds of 20- and 30-somethings descend every weekend to sample the best of Charlotte nightlife.

The biggest trend this year? The one-stop entertainment destination.

In its first year of business, the EpiCentre (210 E. Trade St., www.epicentrenc.com) quickly became the go-to hot spot. Stop by Whisky River, owned by NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., on a Tuesday night and you'll find lines of partyers clamoring to get in.

Suite, an upscale nightclub, is just as popular on Saturdays, drawing local celebrities and professional athletes.

BlackFinn Saloon is the spot to watch Panthers games, thanks to many flat-panel TVs.

Hoping to give the EpiCentre a little competition is the N.C. Music Factory (820 Hamilton St., www.ncmusicfactory.com) on the northwest edge of uptown. The Uptown Amphitheatre, a 5,000-capacity, Live Nation-operated music venue, opened this summer to sell-out shows. The 2,000-capacity Fillmore Charlotte, also a Live Nation-venue, is drawing acts ranging from the Plain White T's to BB King.

Set to open in October are Wet Willie's Daiquri Bar, upscale lounge Butter and dance club Crobar.

Other popular neighborhoods to party:

NoDa

The arts district north of uptown hosts a monthly gallery crawl the first Friday of the month and many crawlers stick around for a glass of wine at Dolce Vita (3205 N. Davidson St., www.dolcevitawines.com) or live music at the cozy Evening Muse (3227 N. Davidson St., www.theeveningmuse.com).

South End

Just outside of uptown, this laidback neighborhood boasts a variety of nightlife including ultra-loungy Sunset Club (1820 South Blvd., www.sunsetclubcharlotte.com), casual Tyber Creek Pub (1933 South Blvd., www.tybercreek.com) and gay-friendly Tutto Mondo Lounge (1820 South Blvd., www.tuttomondo.com).

Plaza Midwood

Play ping-pong at Thomas Street Tavern (1218 Thomas Ave., www.thomas-street-tavern.com). Stop by the Thirsty Beaver Saloon (1225 Central Ave.) for a Bloody Mary on Sundays.

Ballantyne

If the 20-something crowds aren't for you, check out this south Charlotte neighborhood. Villa Antonio in Ballantyne Village (14825 John J. Delaney Drive, www.villaantonio.com) is famous for drawing an over-40, dance-happy crowd, as does the new Cosmos Cafe (8420 Rea Road, www.cosmoscafe.com).

Sarah Aartun is the Observer's entertainment writer. She can be reached at saarthun@charlotteobserver.com or 704-358-5207.

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