15 Best Bars in Charlotte

"Backstage Lounge is an elegant, members-only (membership is $20 a year) speakeasy near the restaurant SouthBound. If you see the green light, you’re nearly there. Once inside, you’ll find a dimly lit bar with a handful of high-tops and several deep, cozy booths flanked by signs paying homage to the Charlotte music venues of yore. The cocktail list is filled with creative takes on classics like Old Fashioneds, Moscow Mules, and Gin Fizzes. Try The Old Flame, made with gin, lemon foam, vanilla powdered sugar, and egg white, and topped with a flaming pour of green chartreuse." - Lauren Levine