Top Rated Nightlife in Charlotte

A downtown favorite, the Thomas Street Tavern is a former post office converted into a bar and restaurant. It's always good for either an inexpensive meal or a late-night drink, and the locals can be seen relaxing inside anytime. A beer garden out back, opening at 5p on weekdays and 3p on weekends, features ping-pong tables and is pet-friendly.

Selwyn Avenue Pub has been a Myers Park favorite since opening in 1990. On offer is an impressive selection of beer and spirits. Catch the live game on their 17 big screen televisions and enjoy delicious pub grub. A table outdoors on their lovely patio, however, is arguably the best seat in the house. Open until late night, dine under the enchanting, 200-year-old oak tree.

Lebowski's Neighborhood Grill sits just on the edge of the Dilworth district, offering fairly traditional American fare with a nod towards the Coen Brothers' classic "The Big Lebowski". The main area in which this theme comes through is the laid back, friendly atmosphere at Lebowski's, locals popping in regularly for the tasty food and diverse collection of craft brews. The menu goes through the general motions of casual American grill fare, featuring a scrumptious assortment of burgers, sandwiches and salads as well as comfort food platters. One distinguishing factor in these items is the weck roll, a variation on the salty Kaiser roll. Over 70 beers are available to pair with your food, many of the tap options sourced from North Carolina breweries. A relaxed place for an informal meal, Lebowski's is a great stop for something casual.

Alexander Michael's is a great place for afterwork recreation. As it is referred to by regulars, Al Mike's decor and ambiance are reminiscent of old-school American taverns. On offer are an impressive selection of domestic and imported beers, wine and spirits. Enjoy your drink in a laid-back atmosphere and complement the same with regional pub grub like burgers, wings and sandwiches.

Global Restaurant has repeatedly been voted one of Charlotte's best, and it is quite easy to see why. The menu at this fine dining restaurant has a great companion in the wine list; together they guarantee a supremely satisfying meal. Start your meal with the beef tartare or the hugely popular Berkshire pork belly; if you want to sample them all at once, have the chef whip up the Global Appetizer Tower for you! There are also plenty of options for vegetarians, each one more delicious than the one before; the eggplant spring roll and sweet potato gnocchi are just two such treats. Although the dining room opens only at 6p, you can drop by for a drink in the wine room anytime after 3p.

The Wine Vault wants you to "Unlock Your Inner Wino," and they've made it so that it's an attractive proposition. With nearly three dozen wines by the glass, some 2000 by the bottle, and over 200 beers, they've got something for everyone, and every wallet. You can drink your wine there, or take a bottle home to enjoy. Live music is also featured some nights, so call to find out what's playing in the future.