Opinion: 5 reasons Steamer’s Sports Pub hosts the best trivia in Charlotte
I’m a bit of a trivia junky. I’ve tried a lot of the offerings throughout Charlotte, from Ed’s Tavern (now Bourbon-N-Burgers) and Heist to Pint Central, Flight and Revolution Ale House (RIP).
But when I first walked into Steamer’s Sports Pub I felt like I was home. Something about it took me right back to being in a New Hampshire dive bar and I knew I was going to like it there.
What I didn’t know was that it would fast become my favorite spot for trivia in Charlotte. Here are 5 reasons why:
(1) The “hole in the wall” environment.
It has a neighborhood pub feel, while simultaneously being one of the largest sports bars I’ve encountered in Charlotte. They have over 100 TVs so you can have any game you want on at any time, and the servers are happy to change any to a particular game or channel for you.
There are also multiple rooms throughout the bar. The space where they hold trivia is in the back and completely separate from the rest of the games and activities throughout the bar. Which means no distractions. Which means more points for you.
(2) The instant gratification in the question process.
There are three rounds. Each is 10 questions with a bonus question for good measure. But unlike most trivia where you have to wait an hour to hear your answers (sorry, literally every other bar), they give you the answer after every question.
You bring up your sheet after each question, and the answer follows immediately. Instant gratification? Yes, please!
(3) The endless post-trivia entertainment.
Immediately after trivia, the karaoke begins. And I mean immediately. Usually the trivia host (known as “Platinum K”) kicks it off himself! Even if you don’t want to sing, it’s so fun to stay and watch when you’re done getting your smart on.
Not to mention, the other rooms in the bar have games like Putt Putt, Darts and Buck Hunter. You will never be bored.
(4) The wine and quesadilla specials.
Trivia is on Wednesdays, when the drink special half-off bottles of wine. My personal favorite is a mere $7 a bottle. My boyfriend and I sometimes get one each and even one to go — I’m only a little ashamed to admit that. The food special is half-off quesadillas, which makes them under $5 and a really great steal. It’s not the best quesadilla you’ll have in your life, but it will soak up the wine and fuel your brain for trivia, and what more do you need?
(5) The people are a different crowd.
Most of the trivia in Charlotte tends to lean towards the young professional demographic — at least in my experience. The regulars at Steamer’s are a different crowd, and my boyfriend and I are usually the youngest people there. I really enjoy this, and it makes it a great place to bring your folks or family you may have visiting.
Plus, the regulars are truly regulars. When you go for the first time the servers will know it. They’ll welcome you, introduce themselves and really work to remember your name.
So break up your week with trivia Wednesday at Steamer’s! Start time is 8 p.m. and it tends to wrap up right at 10 – but don’t blame me if you end up staying much, much later.
Steamer’s Sports Pub: 1513 Pierson Drive
Photos: Angela Weir
This story was originally published April 30, 2017 at 10:00 PM with the headline "Opinion: 5 reasons Steamer’s Sports Pub hosts the best trivia in Charlotte."