Top Rated Nightlife in Charlotte

VBGB Beer Hall & Garden is a charming place frequented by local patrons and eager tourists. The feel of the traditional beer garden with alfresco seating and wooden tables is infused with modern-day entertainment like gaming zones, live gigs, DJ nights and other exciting line-ups. Try not to forget the varieties of bottled beer and microbrews and lip-smacking food that truly define a beer garden.

This popular, members-only concert venue hosts bands like Out of the Blue in addition to its in-house rockers who perform on the stage. Several country music concerts also take place here. Free dance classes are offered on ladies nights when women patrons can enter free of charge. Keep your ID on hand —you can enter only if you are 18 or above, while drinks are offered only to those over 21 years of age.

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.

This venue couldn't be more aptly named, because besides being a snug, warm and intimate place, it is also a great place to stop and rest after a hard day at work. And to go with the maritime theme, this place also features some really cool pirate motifs on the walls. Besides this, the Snug Harbor also boasts excellent live music performances, a fully-equipped bar, as well as a nice outdoor patio that offers you a space to chill out at, in case you need to get away from the loud music.

Tyber Creek Pub has been a local favorite since 1999. Located in Charlotte’s South End district, this watering hole is popular among after-work crowds. The vibe here recreates that of a quintessential pub in Ireland, complete with imported beer and delicious grub. Catch the live game on their flat screen televisions or stop by for live music on Thursday nights through the weekend. This place also features a dancefloor upstairs.

No, this place isn't connected to the hit Broadway Smokey Joe's Cafe revue, but it wouldn't be surprising if it was inspired by the pop culture behind it. While this bar and entertainment venue offers superb live music performances and cheap drinks, it does pose as more of a dive bar rather than a sophisticated watering hole. This however has not deterred its patrons from being loyal, and its first-timers from visiting again. Smokey Joe's Cafe usually features blues, Americana, indie, bluegrass, jazz, jam band, country, rock, jazz, folk, funk, and acoustic music performances. And there's also a pool table, an outdoor seating area with a swing, and other past times that make Smokey Joe's Cafe the ideal place to chill out with buddies, or unwind at after a hard day at work.