The Loft at Duckworth’s cocktail bar and lounge is ready to debut in Charlotte

A new cocktail bar with a mid-century feel is ready to debut in South Park.

The Loft at Duckworth’s bar and lounge will open at 4 p.m. Thursday at 4625 Piedmont Row Drive. It’s the latest endeavor by Charlotte restaurateur Rob Duckworth. The Loft is above Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse, which opened in 2022.

“The focus is on classic cocktail recipes,” Duckworth said. “Craft cocktails take time to make, and it’s a lot to learn.” The menu includes classic drinks like Tom Collins, Bee’s Knees and Rob Roy, for example.

The 1,800-square-foot space has two main areas, Duckworth said. The Lounge is cozy with low ceilings and lively with the bar. The Living Room side has a quiet lounge feel with comfortable seating.

“It has a mid-century, modern feel like the era I grew up in,” Duckworth said.

What to expect

Here’s what to know about The Loft at Duckworth’s:

▪ The moody interior has a mid-century modern feel, which according to The Loft’s website refers to 1945-1969.

▪ The drink menu includes a list of 38 classic cocktails such as amaretto sour, sidecar and old fashioned. Wine and craft beers also are available. Beverage Director and Mixologist is Ron Oleksa. Duckworth said the menu will be expanded. Cocktail price range from $15 to $19.

▪ The food menu includes about eight items, including paninis, pretzel bread, chicken tenders and flatbreads, as well as doughnut holes or chocolate cake for dessert. Prices range from $9 to $14.

▪ Seating ranges from comfy couches and chairs to booth benches in a cozy setting, and about eight bar stools. The lounge includes seven hand-made walnut tables made by Bricker and Beam in Columbia.

▪ The Loft will have about 10 part-time employees.

▪ Hours are 4 p.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday.

Duckworth bar and restaurant expansion

The Loft is Duckworth’s latest endeavor. In 2022, Duckworth opened the sixth Duckworth’s Grill at South Park, the same year he debuted the third and largest Link & Pin at The Arboretum.

Duckworth also has a sports bar and speakeasy called The Cellar at Duckworth’s in the basement of his uptown restaurant.

This story was originally published January 17, 2024 at 1:52 PM.