Food and Drink

Need a little light? These Charlotte restaurants, bars give out matchbooks

I’ve been on a side quest; a sort of Charlotte scavenger hunt, if you will.

Recently, I’ve been collecting matchbooks from local restaurants and bars across the city. I’m a sucker for a memento — especially one with a nostalgic nod to the past.

Matchbooks embossed with a restaurant’s logo were once a commonplace freebie given out at the host stand. But in recent years, much to my dismay, it seems the tradition has largely gone out of vogue.

Up until the early 2000s, smoking in restaurants — fine dining establishments included — was a common occurrence. Remember the host asking if you’d like to sit in the smoking or non-smoking section? Or did I just age myself?

While matchbooks were once a great marketing tool, with smoking rates steadily declining, and smoking no longer permitted inside most restaurants the need for everyday matches has dwindled. (In 2010, North Carolina enacted the Smoke-free Restaurant, Bars and Lodging Law, requiring enclosed areas of nearly all restaurants and bars to be smoke-free.)

Nowadays, it seems that restaurants are opting for other branded items such as pens, napkins or even toothpicks instead.

A close-up, overhead shot of a yellow, flower-shaped glass dish brimming with a collection of souvenir matchbooks from various restaurants and bars. Prominently visible are matchbooks for “BACKSTAGE LOUNGE,” “SUPERICA,” “George & Enid’s BEEF & BOTTLE STEAKHOUSE,” and “SIDELINES.” The dish is resting on a book on a coffee table.
My matchbook side quest has led me to restaurants and bars across Charlotte. Here’s my growing collection. Samantha Husted CharlotteFive

While restaurant matchbooks aren’t as popular as they once were, they’ve become a kitschy keepsake with a cult-like following of dedicated collectors (myself included).

There are Reddit groups dedicated to the hobby of collecting new and vintage matchbooks, and even a website called Matchbooktraveler that catalogs restaurants in the United States that hand them out. North Carolina has its own section.

Personally, I love vintage-inspired designs you often see on a matchbook and, of course, the memories of great dinners with friends or date nights they evoke. Plus, matches are practical. You never know when you might need to strike up a light.

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Keeping tradition alive

One Charlotte establishment keeping the tradition of giving out matchbooks alive is Eighty Eights, a jazz joint in NoDa best known for its coffee, craft cocktails and live music.

“I just feel like it’s one of those things you have to have,” Eighty Eights partner Kurt Sowers told CharlotteFive. “You have matches for the people.”

Eighty Eights pays homage to the many quintessential, blink-and-you-might-miss-it jazz clubs of New York City with influence from iconic spots like Brooklyn-based restaurant and bar St. Mazie’s.

“I brought the concept down from New York — or at least was inspired by some small jazz bars and lounges in New York,” Sowers explained.

A five-piece jazz band is performing on a low wooden stage in a dimly lit club. In the foreground, a trumpeter plays, while other musicians are on saxophone, drums, upright bass, and piano. They are performing in front of a brick wall with a logo that says “Eighty Eights” in cursive, and a crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling. A large green plant frames the right side of the image.
Eighty Eights is a jazz club known for its coffee, craft cocktails and live music. Samantha Husted CharlotteFive

Sowers, who has a small matchbook collection of his own, was inspired to bring matches to Eighty Eights after a trip to Brooklyn to visit his best friend.

“I was up there on a trip with him, and he had a whole box of matches that his father, who’s Polish, had collected for like 20 years in Poland — and he gave them to my buddy … it’s just super cool,” Sowers said.

The longevity and nostalgia of his friend’s collection struck something within him. When Eighty Eights opened, matchbooks, alongside craft cocktails and coffee service, were on the menu.

”That was one of my touches, I’d say,” Sowers said.

The matchbooks at Eight Eights are an earthy olive green with a gold “Eighty Eights” logo on each side. They’re an elegant, understated kind of cool — not unlike the jazz bar itself.

“ I love matches,” Sowers said. “I grab them anywhere.”

At Eighty Eights, Sowers encourages patrons to “get romantic.” The date-night spot is the perfect locale to sip on an espresso martini (made with real espresso), watch some live music and walk away with not only a great memory but a token, as well.

“We want people to know that we’re your perfect date night spot,” Sowers said. “Go get dinner, come here, bring your date, your girlfriend, your wife. Go have a date and fall in love again.”

An overhead shot of a styled wooden coffee table. The central focus is a yellow, flower-shaped glass bowl filled with a collection of matchbooks from various establishments, including “BACKSTAGE LOUNGE,” “SUPERICA,” and “Gene & Georgetti STEAKHOUSE.” The bowl sits atop a book titled “THE LIGHTHOUSE.” To the right of the bowl is a small, silver, shell-shaped dish and a dark wooden object that looks like a wax seal stamp. A stack of colorful books is visible on the far right, and the table is placed on a light-colored, patterned rug.
A collection of matchbooks is part of my coffee table decor. Samantha Husted CharlotteFive

Where to find matchbooks in Charlotte

Backstage Lounge

Location: 2433 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

Instagram: @backstageloungeclt

Who doesn’t love a secret bar? Backstage Lounge is a speakeasy best known for its craft cocktails and kitschy pop-ups like its Christmas in July event. While the matches aren’t on display, Backstage does have them. You just have to ask.

Never been before? Hint, you can find Backstage Lounge located directly behind SouthBound — hope that helps!

A person’s hand, with a black and white polka-dotted manicure, holds up a small, black “BACKSTAGE LOUNGE” pass. The pass is held in front of a matching, larger sign painted on a gray cinder block wall, creating a layered effect. An exposed brick wall is visible on the left side of the frame.
While Backstage Lounge may be difficult to find, the speakeasy is well worth a visit. Plus, the hidden bar has matchbooks. Samantha Husted CharlotteFive

Barcelona Wine Bar

Location: 101 W Worthington Ave Ste 110, Charlotte, NC 28203

Instagram: @barcelonawinebar

Barcelona Wine Bar is a Spanish tapas-style restaurant located in the heart of South End. While technically a chain, Barcelona’s matchbooks may be my favorite. The vintage design, the size, the black match head — everything about them is perfect.

You can find Barcelona’s matches at the host stand.

A person’s hand, adorned with black and white polka-dot nail art, holds up a white matchbook in front of a restaurant at night. The matchbook features a black silhouette of a woman holding an umbrella. The background shows the warmly lit, brick exterior of the restaurant, with a sign that reads “BARCELONA” above the entrance.
Barcelona Wine Bar, located directly next to Superica in South End, gives out stylized matchbooks donning its logo. Samantha Husted CharlotteFive

Beef ‘N Bottle Steakhouse

Location: 4538 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28209

Beef ‘N Bottle, the iconic Charlotte steakhouse that’s been serving the city since 1958, also has matchbooks. You can find Beef ‘N Bottle’s matchbooks at the host stand.

A person’s hand with black and white polka-dot nail art holds up a matchbook for “George & Enid’s Beef & Bottle Steakhouse.” In the background, the warmly lit exterior of the restaurant is visible at night, with a large sign reading “BEEF ‘N BOTTLE” on the building.
Iconic Charlotte steakhouse Beef ‘N Bottle hands out matchbooks at the host stand. Samantha Husted CharlotteFive
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Chapter 6

Location: 2151 Hawkins St, Charlotte, NC 28203

Instagram: @chapter6clt

When I inquired, Chapter 6 was, unfortunately, out of matchbooks for the moment. But the Western Mediterranean restaurant located in South End may bring them back in the future. So, fellow collectors, be on the lookout.

Eighty Eights

Location: 4237 Raleigh St, Charlotte, NC 28213

Instagram: @eightyeightsclt

Cozy, sexy and bustling with sound, Eighty Eights is a jazz joint you don’t want to miss. For your next date night, pop in for a cocktail, listen to some great music and leave with a stylish matchbook to add to your collection.

A close-up of a hand with dark nail polish holding three identical, sage green matchbooks. The matchbooks are fanned out to display a circular, gold foil logo on each, which reads “Eighty Eights” in a cursive font, with “COFFEE & COCKTAILS” underneath. The background appears to be a concrete sidewalk.
Eighty Eights’ matchbooks are an earthy green with a stylish “Eighty Eights” logo in gold on each side. Samantha Husted CharlotteFive

The Happy Camper Cannabis Dispensary and Lounge

Location: 2918 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205

Location: 321 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

Instagram: @beahappycamper

While not technically a restaurant, you can definitely imbibe at The Happy Camper, if you catch my drift. The cannabis dispensary gives out complimentary matches for … obvious reasons. Happy Camper also sells branded lighters, if that’s more your speed.

A person’s hand with black and white polka-dot nails holds up a matchbook with the text “BREAK UP WITH YOUR DEALER” in front of a storefront. The matchbook also says “BE A HAPPY CAMPER” and lists a phone number. In the background, a hanging yellow sign identifies the business as “The Happy Camper CANNABIS DISPENSARY.” The storefront has a porch and is surrounded by lush green bushes.
While not technically a bar, The Happy Camper Cannabis Dispensary also provides complimentary matchbooks. Samantha Husted CharlotteFive

Henrietta’s

Location: 117 Southside Dr, Charlotte, NC 28217

Instagram: @henriettasclt

Henrietta’s is the newest kid on the block that gives out matchbooks. With a menu created by chef partner Andres Kaifer of Customshop acclaim, Henrietta’s is known for shared seasonal dishes and delicious craft cocktails in an inviting LoSo setting.

Henrietta’s matchbooks — a navy and red affair — are unmistakably elegant. The kind of matches you’re hesitant to strike because they’re, well, striking.

An overhead, artfully arranged photo of several custom matchbooks from “Henrietta’s [ Bar • Bistro ]” scattered on a warm brown surface. Some matchbooks are solid maroon with a white ostrich logo, while others have a blue and maroon striped design with a white feather. One matchbook is open, revealing the matches and an illustrated inside flap that reads “SHE SETS A GOOD TABLE” with the website henriettasclt.com.
Henrietta’s matchbooks are an elegant blue and red affair. Henrietta’s

Sidelines Sports Bar and Billiards

Location: 4544 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28209

Instagram: @sidelinessportsbar.clt

A friend of mine — who happens to be a drag queen — frequents Sidelines. He told me that atop the cigarette machine at the LGBTQ+ sports bar you’ll find a bowl of Sidelines matches. When I went, unfortunately the bar was out, but I did get a green tea shot. A win is a win, right?

Another win: My friend kindly gave me his Sidelines matchbook for my collection.

A person’s hand, with a black and white polka-dot manicure, holds up a matchbook against a plain gray wall. The matchbook is for “Sidelines Sports Bar & Billiards” and features its green 8-ball logo.
You can find the matches at Sidelines Sports Bar and Billiards on top of the cigarette machine. Samantha Husted CharlotteFive

Superica

Location: 101 W Worthington Ave #100, Charlotte, NC 28203

Instagram: @supericatexmex

Superica, the Tex-Mex restaurant located directly next to Barcelona Wine Bar in South End, also has stylish matchbooks featuring a smoking cowgirl. You can find them to the right of the host stand in a bowl at the bar.

A person’s hand with dark, patterned nail art holds up a white matchbook for “’SUPERICA’” on a city street at dusk. The background is brightly lit by the restaurant’s red and green neon signs, which feature the name “SUPERICA,” “BAR — TACOS,” and a bucking bronco. The warm light from the signs reflects on the brick building and the street scene behind.
Superica, a Tex-Mex restaurant in South End, hands out matchbooks with a smoking cowgirl on them. Samantha Husted CharlotteFive

Update: Soul Gastrolounge plans on joining the fun, posting on CharlotteFive’s Instagram: “And our matchbooks are returning as well!”

This story was originally published October 17, 2025 at 6:00 AM.

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Samantha Husted
The Charlotte Observer
Samantha Husted is a Charlotte-based writer who is always on the hunt for hole-in-the-wall restaurants and a good old-fashioned dive bar. When she’s not writing, you can find her walking her rescue dog, Nani, or cozied up watching a horror film. Email her at samhusted1@gmail.com or find her on Instagram at @crustycute. Support my work with a digital subscription
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