I hate the cold. Luckily, Charlotte has a hot fire pit/place scene. And as long as I can push my way to the edge of the heat, I’m all about it.
Here are 10 places to drink, eat or mingle around a warm fire for the next few months of cold (or any time, really. Fire pits are always fun).
The Olde Mecklenberg Brewery
Location: 4150 Yancey Road
@jlhssmith via Instagram
OMB has such a spacious lawn, and it would be a shame to put it to waste during the wintertime. So they roll out these fantastic pits when things start to cool down. Last month, when I was researching holiday brews, I sipped on a few beers by one of them. There is a lot of opportunity here to meet a few new friends, as long wooden benches surround the pits. Happy bonding.
Craft Tasting Room and Growler Shop
Location: 1320 S Church St., Suite #100
@mstressm via Instagram
If you’re looking to hang out for a while and try several new beers, check out Craft. They have 36 choices on rotation for your drinking pleasure, plus a nice selection of cheese plates, flatbreads and charcuterie boards. Don’t forget to take a growler of your favorite beer home for later.
Selwyn Avenue Pub
Location: Myers Park – 2801 Selwyn Ave.
Tips for doing Selwyn Pub right: (1) Watch big games here. (2) Arrive extra early if you want to snag seats. (3) Order pizza. This Irish pub has lots of warmth provided by fire pits, fireplaces and outdoor heaters (plus lots of body heat).
Fahrenheit
Location: Uptown – 222 S. Caldwell St.
via Fahrenheit’s Facebook page
Fahrenheit takes most things to another level, including their fire. It gets pretty chilly on the 21st floor, and this modern twist on a fire pit adds a little warmth but lots of beauty to the already breathtaking view. Grab a drink and step outside to view Charlotte through the flames. Pretty freakin’ sweet.
Sycamore Brewing
Location: South End – 2161 Hawkins St
@jdubclt via Instagram
It’s safe to say this place is popping, with its plans to build a second taproom and host Food Truck Friday this spring. Until then, enjoy one of Sycamore’s brews fireside on its gravel patio. If you’re hungry, like me, try one of the pressed sandwiches (available Monday – Thursday) or grab some grub from a food truck (Roots on Fridays, Hot Box Next Level Street Food on Saturdays, and a rotation on Sundays).
Brazwell’s
Location: Montford – 1627 Montford Drive
Go for the Bloody Mary Bar and stay for the back patio. Excellent spot to start your night on Montford or to watch football outside (huge outdoor TVs).
Thomas Street Tavern
Location: Plaza Midwood – 1218 Thomas Ave
via Instagram
Love the Plaza Midwood Bar. The ping pong tables are a nice touch. The outside area is arguably one of the coolest spots for a drink in Charlotte.
Village Tavern
Location: SouthPark – 4201 Congress St
Fire pits for everyone! Village Tavern’s patio is scattered with them. I’ve eaten here several times (hellooo, hot pimento cheese dip) but regretfully never dined out back. Now I know where I’m sitting on my next visit. The fires burn steadily April – October, but if you’re ready to head over this weekend, just ask the staff to switch them on. And order that dip.
Reid’s Fine Foods
Location: SouthPark – 4331 Barclay Downs Drive
Courtesy of Laura Houston
Reid’s newest location has graced us with a beautiful patio complete with individual seating and a long community table. And… a fireplace. They’re planning a slew of events for the spring, but check them out now for drinks, sports (on big screen TVs) and lots of fine food by the fire (including Sunday brunch.)
The Workman’s Friend
Location: Plaza Midwood – 1531 Central Ave.
@workmansfriend via Instagram
For those still unwilling to eat and drink outdoors this time of year, check out The Workman’s Friend for a charming indoor fireplace. I haven’t personally been here yet, but I love that they aim to give us a taste of life back in Ireland. Can’t wait to drink an Irish coffee by this fire in the near future.
This story was update 10/26/16. Cover image via the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Facebook page
