Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Charlotte

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Charlotte? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Marquee Charlotte

4.9

4.9 (74)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Charlotte

About the restaurant

Discover unparalleled sophistication at The Marquee Charlotte, just 7 minutes from Uptown. A pinnacle of refined luxury, our prime location offers access to the city's finest cultural treasures and modern conveniences. More than a venue, it's an invitation to indulge in Charlotte's dynamic tapestry. Whether it's an elegant dining experience, a weekend of dancing, exclusive bottle service, or corporate events, The Marquee Charlotte is your passport to a world where every moment exceeds expectations in the heart of Charlotte.

At the Marquee Charlotte, baseball hats, athletic wear, flip flops and hoodies are permissible.

We automatically add a 20% gratuity to all checks.

Top review

Sylvia

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

Will come back! Band was excellent for a Thursday.

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Experience

VIP Exerience Party of 2

Experience

VIP Experience party of 4

Experience

VIP Experience party of 5

The Loft at Duckworth’s

4.8

4.8 (12)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

SouthPark

About the restaurant

The Loft is a mid-century modern (1945-1969) cocktail bar with a focus on the classics. Our space contains a mix of seating options that create a cozy, comfy setting to relax and hang out with friends in. The Loft also offers wine, craft beer, and a bar bites menu.

Top review

KerryVIP

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

We went with a friend who is new to Charlotte and he loved it. The Loft is a unique experience.

Novanta Pizzeria Napoletana

4.7

4.7 (306)

$30 and under

Italian

Mooresville

About the restaurant

The owners of Brooklyn South and Brooklyn Boys Pizzeria's are venturing again to bring you truly Authentic pizza. Pizza cooked by wood fire in 90 seconds. Among pizza stay tuned for the finest, truly authentic, rustic Italian dishes from different regions of Italy. Enjoy our extensive wine and beer indoor/outdoor bar and private dining area for your most exclusive intimate celebrations.

Top review

ChristienVIP

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

Service was excellent! Food was delicious! We had a pizza, chicken parmesan, several salads and the canolli dip dessert! Draft beers hit the spot too. It's a favorite place for us as locals and we often bring out of town guests too!

Sophia's Lounge at The Ivey's Hotel

4.7

4.7 (275)

$31 to $50

Lounge

Uptown

About the restaurant

Named for Queen Sophia Charlotte, Sophia’s offers a royally outfitted setting in the heart of Uptown on 5th Street in The Ivey’s Hotel.

Must be 21 or over to enter after 8:00pm on Friday and Saturday nights.

To maintain an elegant and sophisticated experience for all our guests, we encourage Casual Elegant attire when visiting us. Hats/Caps, Shorts, Sweatpants, Athletic Attire, Tank Tops, Clothing with Offensive Language or Images, Exposed Undergarments, and Flip-Flops are prohibited

Top review

Michael

Dined on Jun 4, 2025

What a beautiful little lounge/restaurant in the heart of the Ivey‘s hotel if you’re looking for a romantic setting or a private business meeting location this is your spot. Food and service were excellent.

Leroy Fox South End

4.7

4.7 (115)

$30 and under

Southern

Southend

About the restaurant

Our fried chicken may be the best tasting fried chicken you'll ever try!

Leroy Fox "Camden" is located in South End: a unique and charming neighborhood loved by so many! We love what we do and we love our guests even more. Thank you for all of the love and support!

Top review

Paris

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Father's Day Experience at Leroy & Fox We had an amazing time at Leroy and Fox for Father’s Day! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was welcoming, and the staff made sure everything was just right. The food was delicious, the service was on point, and the vibe was perfect for the occasion. It was the kind of experience that makes memories—good laughs, great company, and a space that felt both relaxed and special. Thank you, Leroy and Fox, for helping us celebrate such an important day in a truly beautiful way. We’ll definitely be back!

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

4.6

4.6 (247)

$30 and under

Burgers

SouthPark

About the restaurant

Locally owned and allergy friendly, The Cowfish has been focusing on both sushi and burgers since 2010. The sushi segment of the menu features seafood sourced by our longtime Master Sushi Chef Rifali Almunir and Head Sushi Chef Eko Maryanto. Our all natural burgers feature hormone and antibiotic free, humane certified beef that is fresh and never frozen. Appetizers for sharing, entree-sized salads, homemade desserts & a fun menu for kids are joined by our signature creations we call burgushi! A fusion of burger and sushi, our burgushi items include sushi rolls created using burger components. If you can't make up your mind, try a bento box with a mini burger, sushi and sides. Find us in Charlotte at The Village at SouthPark, in Raleigh at North Hills and at Universal's CityWalk in both Orlando and Beijing. Our sister concept, eeZ can be found at Birkdale Village in Huntersville, NC. No reservations available? Make sure to join our waitlist, instead.

Top review

Don

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

Chloe did a great job taking care of birthday party. Additional staff tried to assist with food orders which led to minor mix ups. No major issues. Please review policy of not preparing tables until party arrives. There was no time to do birthday decorations prior to guests arriving

Havana Carolina Restaurant and Bar

4.6

4.6 (158)

$30 and under

Cuban

Concord

About the restaurant

Havana Carolina Restaurant offers a little taste of Cuba presented in a lively-classic setting with Happy Hours and live music. The Cuban Paradise focus on customer satisfaction.

Our distinctive Cuban cuisine is a fusion of many varied elements of Native American Taino, Spanish, African, French, Arabic, Chinese and Portuguese spices and food techniques. Our blend of Caribbean ingredients is added to elevate each unique dish to a different level. The most important ingredient in each recipe is “love”.
Havana Carolina Restaurant & Bar is Cuban family-owned and operated. It flaunts the endeavor, the courage and the strength of those who look for success in new places. At Havana Carolina, we focus on creating a unique dining experience which allows each one of our customers to travel in time and spend a day in our old and glamorous Cuba. This “Cuban Paradise” is not just a restaurant or a business, it’s an experience and a feeling. It’s Cuba in its essence.

Top review

Christy

Dined on May 10, 2025

Always an amazing experience! Feels like we are on vacation !

BAR ONE Lounge

4.6

4.6 (49)

$31 to $50

American

Charlotte

About the restaurant

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Uptown Charlotte at BAR ONE Lounge, where delicious food, expertly crafted classic cocktails and live entertainment create an unforgettable experience. BAR ONE Lounge in Uptown brings an elevated dining experience to a dynamic new space inside Packard Place. Indulge in a menu full of bold flavors, innovative small plates and signature cocktails all thoughtfully curated to complement the weekend entertainment - IVAN KANE'S FORTY DEUCE LIVE BURLESQUE show: Friday and Saturday 8PM & 10PM.

After work, a special occasion or simply looking for a Night Less Ordinary, BAR ONE Lounge is the ultimate destination for unparalleled dining and nightlife in Uptown.

VALIDATED PARKING & UBER SAFE DRIVING REIMBURSEMENT Available.

Top review

Theresa

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

This was so amazing to the food from the entertainment!

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Experience

Dinner & Burlesque (Friday & Saturday)

Maiz Agua Sal

4.6

4.6 (29)

$30 and under

Mexican

Charlotte

About the restaurant

Located in the vibrant Wesley Heights neighborhood, Maiz Agua Sal is a celebration of authentic Mexican cuisine that honors tradition while embracing culinary diversity. We serve brunch, lunch, and dinner, crafting meals that reflect Mexico's rich history and unique flavors.

At the heart of our kitchen are house-made heirloom corn tortillas pressed daily, alongside long-simmered braises and perfectly tender meats, all complemented by farm-fresh produce. Our scratch kitchen ensures every dish bursts with vibrant flavors, offering a fun and delicious dining experience.

Our beverage program beautifully mirrors our culinary philosophy, featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of artisanal agave spirits and high-quality ingredients inspired by Mexican culture. Join us for an unforgettable meal that brings a taste of Mexico to Wesley Heights!

Top review

Danielle

Dined 2 days ago

I really enjoyed my food. I had the ceviche, guacamole, and tacos. All delicious. Also my margaritas were really authentic and good.

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Experience

Street Taco Lunch Special

Experience

Large Party Dining at Maiz Agua Sal

Syn

4.6

4.6 (32)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Charlotte

About the restaurant

Unique speakeasy in the heart of Charlotte, North Carolina.

Top review

JessicaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

No food items but they do give you a pretzel bar snack to accompany your drinks. We enjoyed our cocktails, the environment was intimate and cozy. We actually resisted the urge of looking at maps or social media to find the spot 🤣 So, it took us a min to find it.

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