With a brewery scene as sudsy as Charlotte’s, it’s hard to remember a time before Saturday afternoons were spent catching up with friends in a sundrenched brewery beer garden. But, before nearly every neighborhood in the Queen City boasted its own manufacturer of liquid bread, locals would flock to neighborhood pubs to hoist pints of Guinness to a backdrop of live music singing pub classics or the Dropkick Murphy’s blaring on the jukebox.
Here’s a little secret: Most of those watering holes still proudly stand to serve both locals and visitors alike. The next time you need a break from IPAs and food trucks, stop into to one of these top pubs in Charlotte, where the stouts are still Irish and the fish and chips are still greasy. Oh, and for the geographically challenged, we’ve sorted our list by neighborhood.
Uptown’s Latta Arcade / Brevard Court – Belfast Mill
The Latta Arcade / Brevard Court and the Belfast Mill are two of Charlotte’s best kept secrets. Tucked behind Uptown skyscrapers is an alleyway with over a dozen restaurants and bars. Among them is the unpretentious and always welcoming Belfast Mill. Although, don’t expect your cozy, corner pub feel here with crackling fires to warm the cockles of your soul. Instead, the crowd is fun-loving and often rambunctious from a respectable selection of Irish beers on draught and over 30 Irish whiskeys. When the tight confines of the hole-in-the-wall bar become too crowded, the craic often spills out into the alleyway.
Twitter: @belfastmill_clt
Central Uptown – Rí Rá Irish Pub
Rí Rá Irish Pub is by far one of the city’s most authentic Irish pubs. Much of the woodwork is reclaimed from old Irish pubs, and the bar itself is an authentic 19th century Victorian bar. Smiling down on the revelry from above the bar is an antique statue of St Patrick. Rí Rá’s hosts live music on the weekends and soccer on the tellies all the time. It’s a great place to gorge on Irish pub fare, sample rare Irish whiskey in the Whiskey Room, and catch up with friends. Just be wary of the Euro-trash disco feel feed on the second floor come weekend nights when DJs are spinning.
Twitter: @riracharlotte
Park Road – Sir Edmond Halley’s Restaurant and Freehouse
Before the backlot of Park Road Shopping Center was cool, there was Sir Edmond Halley’s Restaurant and Freehouse. Now that the backlot of Park Road Shopping Center is cool, there’s still Sir Edmond Halley’s. While the interior of this local watering looks like an afterthought fashioned out of your grandparent’s basement, the food and drink selection hits the legit mark for its authenticity. Plus, the kitchen stays open until 2am every night of the week for you late-night party animals. Order one of the city’s best Shepherd’s Pies and wash it down with a properly poured Guinness.
Twitter: @SirEdsPub
South End – Tyber Creek Pub
Tyber Creek Pub has served as South End’s neighborhood pub before the light rail that helped put South End on the map was even a thought. Today, locals still flock to this neighborhood favorite for properly poured pints of Guinness, a match of cornhole, or classic Irish dishes like Irish Breakfast for dinner. They also boast a respectable selection of Irish ciders for those looking for a break from the malt.
Twitter: @tybercreek
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Plaza Midwood – The Workman’s Friend
The Workman’s Friend might be the newest Irish pub in town, but it doesn’t lack in authenticity. In fact, the joint is so Irish, they even put Jameson in the Bloody Mary’s. Oh, and the fish-and-chips come served in a brown paper bag like they would in Ireland. Not in the mood for eating? That’s fine. Grab some friends and enjoy Irish-inspired cocktails cozied up to the indoor or outdoor fireplace. Or, belly up to the bar and make new friends.
Twitter: @theworkmansfriend
Myers Park – Selwyn Avenue Pub
While Selwyn Avenue Pub may host one too-many popped collars baiting cougars than you’re comfortable with, Myers Park needs an Irish Pub, and Selwyn Pub is it. Besides, you know you plan to catch at least one Panthers away game from their patio with a heaping plate of Cajun wings – served extra crispy.
No matter where you live in Charlotte, there’s an Irish pub waiting to serve as your second living with plenty of friends you haven’t met yet. Don’t sweat the morning after feels, either — invite your new friends out for brunch at one of the best brunch spots Charlotte has to offer!