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.

What happens when you mix sushi and burgers? Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar serves this interesting combination of Japanese and American cuisines to its adventurous patrons. A good place to experiment with food, it allows diners to mix and match dishes calling it the 'Burgushi'. Try a Deliverance Roll which contains pork wrapped in seaweed and covered with barbecue sauce or sample a Bento Box with a burger-sushi combination. An open mind is all you need as you experience two diverse cultures come together in a memorable gustatory experience.

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.

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.