NIGHTLIFE CRITICS’ PICKS: NIGHTLIFE
the eye rolling. It embraces the experimental nature of Charlotte dining in a way it totally doesn’t have to, and more often than not it pulls it off. It’s the weirdest, coolest, nicest and most fun nightlife spot opened in Charlotte this year.
If there’s one thing we’ve done our research on, it’s where to have a good time in this town. We’re more than happy to share what we’ve found.
Best New Bar: The Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar
Pg. 60 DEC 1 - DEC 14, 2021 - QCNERVE.COM
Best New Nightlife Spot: Trolley Barn Fermentory
What’s the most cliche thing that could open in South End? A brewery? A food hall? A cocktail bar? Trolley Barn Fermentory challenges your patience by being all three things at once. But aren’t hybrids sort of what Charlotte’s food scene loves? We all love corn dog shrimp-and-crab hushpuppies after all. And like crab puppies, Trolley Barn has created something warm yet quirky, new yet familiar, and so easy to both love and hate. You can have the trash-healthy greens at Greenworks or a burger loaded with mac and cheese, and wash it down with a cocktail or a craft beer. Trolley Barn is proof that the cream truly rises to the top, and eye-catching food always overcomes
more than 120 varieties of whiskey and includes a full espresso bar in collaboration with westCharlotte roaster Enderly Coffee. Cocktails at The Vintage range from $13 to $18 and are crafted with house-made teas and syrups as well as ingredients from the kitchen.
The Vintage is located in South End and has an inviting yet bougie neighborhood feel when you walk in for the first time. The 1,000-squarefoot stone patio leads to a set of garage doors. The indoor space isn’t sprawling by any means, with a small front-bar area off to the right and a custombuilt walk-in cigar humidor off to the left. But once you sit down the feel of the space lets the smallness of it sink away. The bar program offers THE VINTAGE WHISKEY & CIGAR BAR
The inside of the space is surprisingly not smoky due to their custom-engineered HVAC system. It is a fully automated and integrated system using commercial-grade products from Trane and Greenheck. It has been specifically engineered for the abatement of smoke and particulates and can exchange air in the room up to 60 times per hour, just in time for a new worldwide appreciation for fresh air inspired by the pandemic.
Best Place To Get Dressed Up For: The Crunkleton
PHOTO BY KENTY CHUNG
Arriving in Charlotte from Chapel Hill to rave reviews in 2019, Charlotte folks haven’t dropped this spot for the newest shiny thing. It remains the perfect space to bring your friends when you want to celebrate a successful
