Food and Drink

Cocktail bar inspired by ‘speakeasies of yesteryear’ returns to uptown Charlotte hotel

The Punch Room, located at The Ritz-Carlton, is reopening Thursday, Aug. 24.
The Punch Room, located at The Ritz-Carlton, is reopening Thursday, Aug. 24.

An uptown cocktail bar has officially reopened its doors in Charlotte.

The Punch Room, a “modern-day drinking den inspired by the 19th century speakeasies” is now back open at The Ritz-Carlton.

The cocktail bar, which originally opened in 2014, closed several years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, it’s back in the same space with mixologist Kel Minton running the bar, offering specialty drinks, a seasonal menu of small bites and desserts.

The intimate cocktail lounge, which seats only 37 people, focuses on elevated and sustainable experience, Milton told CharlotteFive.

“The Punch Room has been iconic since its inception,” Minton said. “Some very talented individuals have graced this bar, and I’m very proud to include myself, especially, among them now.”

It is one of the many bars and restaurants inside The Ritz, along with BLT Steak, Bar Cocoa, K Lounge and Hidden Wine.

Beginning Thursday, Aug. 24, The Punch Room will be open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to midnight. Reservations are not required, but guests will be welcome until the bar reaches capacity.

[THE SIPS YOU CRAVE: Espresso martinis, Old Fashioneds and more — a look at cocktail trends in Charlotte.]

The Punch Room

Location: The Ritz-Carlton, 201 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Hours: Thursday-Saturday 5 p.m.-12 a.m.

Instagram: @thepunchroom

This story was originally published August 24, 2023 at 11:36 AM.

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Chyna Blackmon
The Charlotte Observer
Chyna Blackmon was a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription
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