Charlotte’s light rail drinking trail
Sure, the Lynx Blue Line light rail may have been designed as an efficient method for transporting residents to and from their weekday offices. But anyone who has hopped on one of its rail cars on a Saturday after dark knows that it also serves to link the city’s nightlife.
From new bars and breweries to classic cocktail destinations, this list hits the top two spots – and what to drink – at every station from New Bern to the Seventh Street stop.
New Bern Station
Hop off at this station for two of the best beer stops along the line.
Triple C Brewing Co.: Just west of the station, only about a block away, you’ll find this popular microbrewery. The brewery includes a cheerful outdoor beer garden and a dog-friendly interior taproom featuring televisions, multiple bars, a view into the brewing area and foosball. Order: The Light Rail Pale Ale, obviously. 2900 Griffith St. 704-372-3212; www.triplecbrewing.com.
Good Bottle Co.: Walk up the Rail Trail two blocks to this charming bottle shop filled with hard-to-find craft bottles and cans from around the world. Keep an eye on the shop’s website and social media pages to see what’s available when. Order: One of the Fullsteam brews that are often on tap. (Get it? Like the train?) 125 Remount Road. 704-527-1003; www.goodbottleco.com.
East/West Station
From casual pubs to upscale eateries, there are plenty of spots to imbibe within an easy walk. Here are two not to miss.
The Liberty: Across the parking lot from the stop, this gastropub offers one of the best beer lists in town – and possibly one of the best burgers you’ll ever eat. Indulge in both in its bar area where vintage beer ads line the wall. Order: The taps rotate, but look for local offerings like the classic Olde Mecklenburg Copper from the brewery further down the line. 1812 South Blvd. 704-332-8830; www.thelibertycharlotte.com.
Nan and Byron’s: By day, this casual spot is as family-friendly as they come. But weekend evenings tend to turn up the lively nightlife vibe around its long bar where trendy locals mingle over live music and craft cocktails. Order: Pay homage to the hip hood with the Southend Gin cocktail made with Hendricks Gin, St. Germaine, cilantro simple syrup, and muddled mint and lemon. 1714 South Blvd. 980-224-7492; www.nanandbyrons.com.
Bland Station
Smack in the middle of South End’s bustling hub, this station is surrounded by both longtime nightlife options and new offerings. For a taste of the scene, hit these two first.
All American Pub: With a large patio that looks over the tracks and an even larger interior for activities ranging from game watching to dancing, it’s no wonder this pub has become a fast favorite. And this season it’s set to be a gameday hub for Panthers fans, touting itself as the largest pre- and post-game party headquarters. Order: Sunday’s $2 mimosas and $4 Blood Mary bar are your best bets. 200 E. Bland St. 704-370-2000; www.allamericanpubclt.com.
Wooden Robot: One of the newest additions to the neighborhood’s fast-growing brewery scene, this spot – with its inviting tasting room and tree-shaded patio – offers beers inspired by Belgian farmhouse brewing (think: saisons and pale ales). Order: The “What She’s Having” Double IPA packs a double punch of an amusing name and a tasty golden amber ale with a higher ABV. 1440 S. Tryon St. 980-819-7875; www.woodenrobotbrewery.com.
Carson Station
This station is a little less boisterous than the previous ones when it comes to the later hours scene. But there are still a few close-by spots to unwind at this stop.
The Tavern: Just up the stairs from the stop, this 13,000-square-foot neighborhood bar offers weekly trivia and karaoke nights, as well as swing dancing on Wednesday nights and line dancing every Thursday. Or, you can always just stop by for a drink in the dimly lit, cozy bar. Order: This is one of the few spots in South End where you can still order a Miller Lite without getting any dirty looks. 300 E. Morehead St. 704-334-2655; www.taverncharlotte.com.
The Midnight Diner: Chances are, you’re stopping here on your return trip home from your evening uptown. Open 24 hours, it’s serving the kind of comfort food that’s irresistible after a few hours on a dance floor. (Hello, hash browns smothered in cheese, chunks of ham and onions.) Order: Well, probably coffee is what you need. But daily drink specials do include impressive deals on domestic beers. 115 E. Carson Blvd. 980-207-3641; www.midnightdinercharlotte.com.
Stonewall Station
Once you’ve crossed Interstate 277 into Center City, the after-hours options abound. A luxe lounge and cocktail culture top the list at this stop.
Ember Grille: Located inside the sleek Westin hotel, which is adjacent to the stop, this restaurant’s terrace features firepits and skyline views perfect for enjoying alongside its small plates and drinks. Snag a seat on one of its cozy couches and spend an evening lounging fireside. Order: One of its many wines by the glass pairs best with the inventive small plates. 601 S. College St. 704-375-2600; www.embergrille.com.
Halcyon Flavors From the Earth: Just a few blocks from the station, this sophisticated restaurant inside the Mint Museum Uptown boasts some of the city’s most creative cocktails. On Wednesdays, the museum is open three hours later than usual (till 9 p.m.), so you can get some culture by closing it down then head next door for a drink. Order: The Dealer’s Choice is an elixir created just for you by house mixologist Andrew Shook. 500 S. Tryon St. 704-910-0865; www.halcyonflavors.com.
Third Street/Convention Center Station
Of course, there are plenty of spots to toast the town within just feet of this spot. But two of the city’s best hidden gems are just a few blocks away and well worth the walk.
Latta Arcade and Brevard Court: Two blocks west of the station you’ll find this charming row of restaurants with an indoor atrium and outdoor alley. The historic strip is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, which means it’s the perfect time to grab a Guinness at Belfast Mill, catch a game at Courtyard Hooligans, look over Romare Bearden Park at Vahalla pub, sip wine at Vintage Lounge, or smoke hookah at Metropolitan Café. Order: Courtyard Hooligans stands out on the block as the city’s top bar for soccer and rugby watching with plenty of beers – both local and international – on tap. 230 S. Tryon St.
Fahrenheit Restaurant: The city’s bar scene hits some serious high notes at this rooftop spot owned by celebrity chef Rocco Whalen. The sunken bar area features doors that open onto an expansive balcony with panoramic views of the skyline, as well as striking linear fire pits and a social pool. Order: One of the versions of a Moscow Mule (the menu includes six). 222 S. Caldwell St. 980-237-6718; www.chefroccowhalen.com/fahrenheit-charlotte.
CTC Station
This station is physically attached to an entire nightlife complex.
EpiCentre: Charlotte’s answer to adult Disney World. First, there are bars ranging from pubs and piano bars to upscale clubs and rooftops. Then, there’s all the other entertainment – restaurants, a movie theater, and even a bowling alley. Order: There are so many ways to enjoy a drink inside these three floors that it’s hard to pick just one. Studio Movie Grill may offer the most entertaining experience, though, with cocktails being served at your seat in the theater. 210 E Trade St.; www.epicentrenc.com.
The Punch Room: If the EpiCentre is your 20-something Red-Bull-and-vodka-swilling pal, The Punch Room – a glamorous 15th floor bar atop The Ritz-Carlton – is your older sophisticated friend who prefers craft cocktails and hushed tones. Order: Something creative. Bartender Bob Peters is constantly experimenting with new concoctions. 201 E. Trade St. 704-547-2244; www.ritzcarlton.com/en/properties/Charlotte.
Seventh Street Station
The final stop on the line (for now), this is the perfect ending point with a platform-side patio attached to 7th Street Market.
7th Street Market: This artisanal market offers a variety of fare from sushi to sweets, all perfect for pairing with a brew from Tanks Tap (it features 12 on tap) or wine from Assorted Table Wine Shoppe. The wine shop also sells cocktail mixers like vermouth and bitters, as well as craft beers. Order: Tank’s Tap offers 48 North Carolina bottled and canned beers in addition to those it has on tap. 224 E. Seventh St. 704-230-4346; www.7thstreetpublicmarket.com.
Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse: The newest location is just up Seventh Street from the stop. Inside, you’ll find the Charlotte-area chain’s famed Philly Cheesesteaks, wings, and extensive craft beer selection, as well as a unique swanky downstairs bar and restaurant, The Cellar. Order: The Cellar’s cocktail list, which is featured on its iPad menus, offers classic drinks perfect for starting or ending an evening uptown. 330 N. Tryon St. 980-939-1166; www.duckworths.com.
This story was originally published September 24, 2015 at 10:20 AM with the headline "Charlotte’s light rail drinking trail."