5 Bourbon Bars Worth the Stop in Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte, North Carolina is a city teeming with culture as well as an endless supply of fun things to do and interesting places to explore. If you’re looking to spend some time in Charlotte and test out the local watering holes, then this article is for you. In our Top 5 List of Bourbon Bars in Charlotte, we will list bars, restaurants, and clubs that are known for their bourbon, bourbon cocktails, and the like. In the meantime, while you are packing for your trip to Charlotte, or scheduling your exciting night out, check out our stunning decanters and hand-crafted whiskey glasses at Prestige Haus to keep the party going long after your favorite bar has closed. You’ll be amazed by the quality of everything we have to offer!

1. The Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar

215 East Worthington Ave

We wanted to top our list off with an exclusive and upscale bourbon bar in Charlotte. The Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar “is the area's finest establishment for exceptional hand-rolled cigars, in-house crafted cocktails, the best selection of local beers, and boutique curated wines in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere.” Although this club is technically considered a private club, never fear, The Vintage offers day passes for travelers to experience this marvelous venue without the commitment of a membership. Purchase a day pass at the door for only $25, and enjoy a day of delicious cocktails and fragrant cigars (Take some cigars home to use with your beautiful hand-crafted ashtrays). They focus on focus on excellence and impeccable service. For a unique and interesting bourbon cocktail, check out their “Bourbon + Hominy”, a sweet and rich cocktail made using Knob Creek Bourbon. Check out their delectable menu and their house-made espresso as well.

2.  Cowbell Burgers & Whiskey Bar

201 N Tryon Street, Unit 1010

Since we started with more of an upscale choice of bars, we thought that our number 2 pick should be a bit more down to earth, so to speak. Cowbell Burgers & Whiskey Bar is located on 5th street in Uptown Charlotte, in between Roxbury and Capital Grille! Although this restaurant and bar offer more laid-back accommodations and menu items, their cocktail menu is high quality and high class. They offer a variety of bourbon cocktails, including “The Croce” which is an Old Fashioned made with bourbon, and “The Immigrant Song” which is a Manhattan made with bourbon. Cowbell Burgers & Whiskey Bar will definitely satisfy your hunger for delicious food and craft bourbon cocktails. You’ll be asking for “more cowbell” every time you step foot in Charlotte.

3. Dot dot dot        

4237 Park Rd Unit B

This bar and restaurant may be called “Dot Dot Dot” but there is certainly no hesitation about dropping by this charming Charlotte venue for a delicious bourbon cocktail. Dot Dot Dot is a restaurant featuring delicious American cuisine as well as premium, handcrafted cocktails. This restaurant is also members-only, but membership is reasonably priced, so if you live in Charlotte or are planning to visit again, we think becoming a member is most definitely worth it. The exclusivity of this bar is half of the fun. You’ll enjoy the speakeasy-type vibes and the sleek and dark décor. If you are a bourbon fan (which we assume you are if you’re reading this article), we highly recommend the Old Fashioned made with Elijah Craig's 12-year personal selection bourbon, and the Hot Box made with Maker's Mark Personal Selection bourbon and smoked with pecan smoke.

4.  The Cotton Room

144 Brevard Ct Ste B

The Cotton Room, located in the Belfast Mill area of North Carolina, is a Southern Speakeasy-inspired bar that is known for its craft cocktails. Their menu is constantly rotating, so each visit will be a unique experience. It opened its doors in 2016, but you get a wonderful feeling of history every time you enter its doors. They feature traditional cocktails as well as modern and new delicious concoctions. Their cocktail list is long and can seem overwhelming, but we recommend their Campfire Old Fashioned which is made with Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, toasted marshmallow syrup, mole bitters, and topped with a toasted marshmallow in smoked glass. For something a bit fruitier and more refreshing, check out their Whiskey Marmalade which features Old Forrester Signature bourbon and orange marmalade, as well!

5. The Crunkleton

1957 E 7th Street, Charlotte

Bourbon fans MUST check out our number 5 pick on this list. The Crunkleton is a bar with an unrivaled selection of premium, curated, spirits, and is known for its outstanding service. The Charlotte Location offers a large menu of cocktails, as well as delicious food and an open put fire for roasting. In their “about me” section on their website, they boast that they may be one of the “finest cocktail bars in the world”, and we think that is something that you shouldn’t ever miss out on. Their bourbon cocktails are delicious, traditional, and modern all at the same time. We’ve selected two that we think will strike your fancy on their updated spring menu. Their Bourbon Bramble is the perfect drink for a hot, North Carolina day. Served in Julep cups, this drink includes High Proof Bourbon, Orange Blossom, marasca cherry paste, and fresh-squeezed lemon. Their Old Fashioned, a staple cocktail on this list, High Proof Bourbon, Bitters, Sugar, and of course, an orange peel.

Is your mouth watering yet? We know ours are. We hope that you’ve added all five of these bars to your bucket list of Bourbon Bars to check out while exploring Charlotte, North Carolina. This list covers a wide array of prices and styles, with a variety of flavors to titillate your tastebuds. There is truly a place for everyone in Charlotte. Which bar will you be trying out first?