Going to see live music anytime soon?

Next time, instead of heading straight to the venue after eating a PB&J and drinking a glass of milk, be a little cooler. Grab a drink or two and a quick bite to eat nearby, then catch some tunes. Here is my list of places to hang before the show:

Visulite Theatre and Double Door Inn

Yes, there are plenty of options right nearby, but Sabor is right around the corner on Hawthorne. Latin street food and great beer specials (especially on Sunday) make it pretty easy to walk a few blocks instead of hitting up one of the Elizabeth Ave. restaurants. Tacos. Delicious.

Chop Shop, Evening Muse and Neighborhood Theatre

Boudreaux’s. It doesn’t need to be a huge dining ordeal here. Order some Red Beans & Rice and a Hurricane at the bar. The Hurricanes are tasty. They have several, each of which varies in strength. Go with the strongest if you’d like your dancing shoes to be on before you get inside the venue.

The Fillmore and Uptown Amphitheatre

This one is easy. Games. Beer. Food. More games. VBGB is the place to be at the NC Music Factory before a show. Advice: order your beer, then order your food, then go have fun. Get a pitcher. This is especially important if you’re going to a big amphitheatre show. People dig VBGB.

Amos’ Southend and Tremont Music Hall

The Common Market in South End has one of my favorite outdoor areas in Charlotte. Grab a few cold beers or a glass or two of wine and hang outside for a bit before sweating a bunch with your friends.

Snug Harbor

So many options in Plaza Midwood, but if you’re going to Snug Harbor, match funky with funky. Hit up Zada Jane’s, then get to Snug a bit before the music starts and hang out back. You will thank me.

The Milestone

Not too much around the Milestone, so check out Pinky’s on your way out from closer in town. Not many better burgers around. If you haven’t been to Pinky’s or the Milestone, you’re in for two treats. And probably several stories.