Best bars in Charlotte

Charlotte has a vibrant bar scene, whether you're looking for incredible craft cocktails, somewhere to watch the game and cheer on your favorite team, or just a place to have a beer and socialize. Here are the six best Charlotte bars.

Best Bars for Cocktails

Dot Dot Dot
4237 Park Road Unit B
704-817-3710
Hours: Monday: Closed; Tuesday to Sunday: 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

Charlotte's very own speakeasy, Dot Dot Dot, takes prohibition-era cocktails to a whole new level. Its menu offers the classics like an Old Fashioned, Sazerac and Manhattan, as well as in-house craft cocktails. Along with the cocktail list Dot Dot Dot offers a variety of cheese and charcuterie boards, pasta and fresh seafood, including oysters on the half-shell and sea scallops. Dot Dot Dot is a members-only establishment, but memberships can be purchased on the speakeasy's website for $10.

The Punch Room
201 E. Trade St.
704-547-2244
Hours: Sunday to Tuesday: Closed; Wednesday and Thursday: 5 p.m.-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 5:30 p.m.-1 a.m.

Located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte on the 15th floor of the Ritz Carlton, The Punch Room has become a go-to when it comes to the Queen City cocktail scene. With only 37 seats, the venue gives off the feel of exclusivity, while the menu offers guests a one-of-kind experience with cocktails crafted from local fruits, herbs and vegetables. The bar's mixologists will also mix up a custom-made cocktail using your favorite ingredients.

Best Bars for Sports:

All American Pub
200 E. Bland St.
704-370-2000
Hours: Monday to Friday: 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m.-2 a.m.

It's always game day at All American Pub. With 45 flat screen TVs spread throughout the bar, it's no wonder why. Combine that with a menu full of game-day favorites like buffalo wings, mozzarella sticks, mini corn dogs and nachos, and you're in sports heaven.

Slate Billiards 
200 E. Bland St.
704-372-5255
Hours: Monday and Tuesday: 4 p.m.-midnight; Wednesday: 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Thursday: 4 p.m.-midnight; Friday: 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday: noon-2 a.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m.-2 a.m.

Right beside All American Pub is another sports fan favorite when it comes to Charlotte bars — Slate Billiards — where there's plenty of beer on tap, flat-screens all around and a menu boasting plenty of burgers, pretzels and fries. During halftime you can take a break with a friendly game of pool, pingpong or even some skee ball.

Best Bars for Singles:

10 Park Lanes
1700 Montford Drive
704-523-7633
Hours: Monday: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Tuesday to Thursday: 9 a.m.-midnight; Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sunday: noon-10 p.m.

This bowling alley and full-service bar is always packed with people having a good time. This establishment is well-known for its incredible food, which has been featured on the Food Network. There are three bars onsite that have more than 32 beers on tap, including several local craft brews. Along with the expansive beer list 10 Park also has a full moonshine bar, craft cocktails and wine.

Queen Park Social
4125 Yancey Road
980-819-5626
Hours: Monday: 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Tuesday to Thursday: 4 p.m.-midnight; Friday: 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

As one of Charlotte's newest bars, Queen Park Social has quickly become a popular hangout spot to gather with friends and make some new ones. The bar has an expansive beer list full of local brews, a vast wine list, specialty drinks and even a few margaritas. The menu was created to have a lot of shareable dishes, which always makes it easy to meet a new friend or two. For a little friendly competition you can start a corn hole, foosball or life-sized Jenga tournament.

Cox Media Group