‘Serious nostalgia.’ Bar promises 80s, 90s and 2000s music at new Charlotte spot
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Retro Bar opens in uptown Charlotte with music from the '80s, '90s and 2000s.
- Soft opening runs Aug. 15–17 at former SIP Bar site on North Tryon Street.
- Venue features nightly DJs, themed cocktails and retro decor for photo ops.
Those in search of cocktails, music and vibes reminiscent of decades past can soon find them at a new bar opening soon in uptown Charlotte.
Retro Bar is gearing up for its grand opening next weekend, taking the spot of the now-shuttered SIP Bar & Cellar at 200 N. Tryon Street near the city’s center. “It’s all throwback everything: 80s, 90s, 2000s music, DJs every night, retro cocktails, neon vibes, and photo ops in every corner,” Megan, an employee of Retro, told CharlotteFive via an Instagram post.
SIP Bar & Cellar closed on July 12.
The new Retro lounge, which promises “serious nostalgia,” first teased its new location in late July.
Customers can get a sneak peek at the space during a soft opening set for this weekend:
- Friday, Aug. 15: 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 16: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 17: 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. (followed by a Pride parade after party)
Videos posted to Instagram show the retro lounge decked out with splashy art and graphics from notable moments in pop culture — including the time Britney Spears performed “Slave 4 U” with a snake draped over her shoulders at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards and Janet Jackson’s risqué cover shoot for Rolling Stone magazine.
“Think neon lights, throwback tracks and serious nostalgia,” Retro Bar wrote on Facebook.
Charlotte’s love of 80s and 90s bars
It wouldn’t be the first in Charlotte to tap into locals’ love of nostalgia.
The Breakfast Club, a 1980s-themed nightclub, was open from 2001 until 2012 in Uptown, CharlotteFive previously reported. DJ Jody Sullivan, also known as DJ Jody Jam, kept the retro vibes alive with the opening of Roxbury, a new club focused on the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Roxbury closed its doors in 2023, citing the end of its lease after more than a decade at its location on 5th Street, Caldwell told CharlotteFive.
“Thank you Charlotte for 11 years of support and all the memories,” Roxbury posted at the time.
Retro Bar Charlotte
Location: 200 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC (opening soon)
Cuisine: Cocktail bar / lounge
Instagram: @retrobarclt
This story was originally published August 13, 2025 at 6:00 AM.