Recently, we sent a survey to our 32,000 daily Agenda newsletter subscribers in which we asked: What’s the most underrated bar in Charlotte?
Results:
#1 Thirsty Beaver (Plaza Midwood)
#2 Moosehead (Montford)
#3 Providence Road Sundries (Myers Park)
#4 Ed’s Tavern (Dilworth)
#5 Bulldog (Dilworth & South End)
I’m embarrassed to say that although I’ve walked and driven past it hundreds of times, I had never been to the iconic Thirsty Beaver. So last Friday, I left work early and drove to this Plaza Midwood bar for a few beers.
Here are my 6 takeaways from my first trip to Thirsty Beaver.
(1) There are lots of bras.
I didn’t ask why. They’re nailed above the front door and above the entrance to the back area.
And some underwear too.
(2) The Thirsty Beaver is dwarfed by a five-story apartment complex that wraps around it.
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry or to try and do a poetic post on Instagram.
The development company behind the apartment complex bought the land surrounding the Thirsty Beaver for $8.5 million. Their CEO told the Observer, “We’ve made several attempts through the entire development process to acquire that property… very unsuccessfully.” Ely, a stud journalist from the Observer, wrote a good backstory on the deal in 2017 if you’re interested.
It’s across the street from Moo & Brew in Plaza Midwood. And don’t forget, YAFO is opening a second location about 200 yards down Central.
(3) No beers on draft, but plenty of $2 options.
(4) Thirsty Beaver’s simple and inexpensive cocktails are served in plastic cups.
(5) There are two main areas on the inside: a bar area with stools and a few tables in the front, and a lounge-type set up in the back with sofas and a pool table.
(6) You’ve gotta respect a menu that’s got both shots and merch.
Thirsty Beaver is an underrated and unpretentious iconic Charlotte bar. It’s worth a visit when you need a break from all the new stuff.
