After midnight and not ready to head home? No problem.
While many in Charlotte turn in around 10pm, there are a few spots where the party lives on.
Here’s our list of 15 of Charlotte’s best late-night bars.
UPTOWN
Rí Rá Irish Pub
Irish pub anchored by a 19th-century Victorian bar, serving up craft beers and cocktails. Expect a late-night party vibe.
Drink order: Southern Mule – Firefly sweet tea vodka, Goslings ginger beer, lime.
Pro tip: Enjoy your drink on their rooftop patio overlooking the courtyard at Hearst Tower.
Best for: Reliving your glory days in a sea of Barbour jackets.
Location/hours: 208 North Tryon. Open Wednesday and Thursday from 5-11pm, and Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 1am.
Connolly’s on 5th
Cozy, traditional Irish pub with live music.
Drink order: A perfectly poured pint of Guinness.
Best for: A casual night out. Beer. Football.
Location/hours: 115 East 5th Street. Open Monday through Thursday from 3pm to 2am, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2am.
Roxbury
An 80s & 90s-inspired dance club filled with retro memorabilia. Expect all your favorite throwback hits.
Best for: Birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties or when you need to dance your heart out to Salt-N-Pepa.
Pro tip: Take a break from dancing and check out their retro game room upstairs with games like Pac-Man and SkeeBall.
Location/hours: 116 West 5th Street. Open Friday and Saturday only from 8:30pm to 2:30am.
Tilt on Trade
A good mix between a neighborhood spot and an Uptown pub.
Best for: A casual spot to grab a drink before a Panthers game or to end a night out with friends.
Location/hours: 127 West Trade St. Open Monday through Saturday from 4pm to 2am and Sunday from noon to 2am.
SOUTH END
Firehouse Bar and Lounge
Hookah lounge with VIP table service and a premium food truck menu
Best for: Club amenities (like VIP sections and bottle service) in a more casual, intimate bar setting
Location/hours: 320 West Carson Boulevard. Open daily Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm to 2am and Sunday 3pm to midnight.
Lost & Found
A female-focused cocktail lounge with VIP tables and bookable fire pits.
Best for: An elevated night out with the crew.
Location/hours: 332 West Bland St. Open Tuesday through Friday from 5pm to 2am, Saturday from noon to 2am and Sunday from noon to midnight.
Charlotte Beer Garden
A sprawling three-story bar with 436 beer taps.
Best for: Rooftop views of the city and late-night pub snacks.
Location/hours: 1300 South Tryon St. Open Monday through Friday from 11am to 2am (next day) and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2am (next day).
The Union
A popular South End Bar known for its drink specials.
Best for: Its neighborhood bar feel.
Location/hours: 222 East Bland St. Ste. 200. Open Monday through Friday from 4pm to 2am, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2am.
Slingshot
New-ish game bar in South End with a club-ier atmosphere as the night goes on
Best for: People who like options from duck pin bowling to pub food to arcade games to a live DJ.
Location/hours: 332 W. Bland St., Ste. A & B. It’s open until 2am on Friday and Saturday and closes earlier on weekdays.
MYERS PARK
Moosehead Grill
Less of a party spot. More of a neighborhood hang-out spot.
Best for: The wings. Hands down.
Wing order: Go with the blackened wings or the bee sting wings.
Location/hours: 1807 Montford Drive. Open daily from 11am to 2am.
Jeff’s Bucket Shop
A quirky, dive-y karaoke bar hidden in a Montford Drive basement.
Best for: Ending a rowdy Saturday night with your best rendition of Sweet Caroline.
Drink order: $5 Fireball shot. Liquid courage?
Location/hours: 1601 Montford Drive. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 7pm to 2am.
Selwyn Pub
A classic Charlotte watering hole with a tree-shaded deck and an old-school, frat party vibe.
Best for: Nights when you’re looking for a laid-back neighborhood bar.
Drink order: A $5 Selwyn Transfusion — vodka, ginger ale & a splash of grapefruit juice.
Fun fact: The $5 price tag of their infamous transfusions hasn’t changed since they opened in 1990.
Location/hours: 2810 Selwyn Avenue. Open Tuesday from 3:30-10pm, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30-11pm, Friday from 3:30pm to 1am, Saturday from 11:30am to 1am and Sunday from 11:30am to 10pm.
PLAZA
Workman’s Friend
Cozy Irish Pub
Best for: Enjoying a beer while people watching from the street-facing window.
Location/hours: 1531 Central Ave. Open Monday through Thursday from 3pm to 2am, Friday from 11am to 2am, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2am.
Thirsty Beaver Saloon
An iconic dive bar that overcame development pressures.
Best for: Watching sports and listening to old school music.
Location/hours: 1225 Central Ave. Open Wednesday through Friday from 4pm to 2am, Saturday from noon to 2am and Sunday from 2pm to 2am.
NODA
Idlewild
A cozy cocktail bar where the bartenders freestyle every drink order.
Best for: A night cap in a relaxed setting.
Location/hours: 424 East 36th St., Unit 2D. Open daily from 6pm to 2am.
Cocktails at Idlewild
