Where to Drink Guinness in the Charlotte Area This Holiday Season | Eater

"Nothing beats a bit of local lore, and Rí Rá has just that. When it opened in 1997, the Irish-born owners wanted to create a Victorian-era Irish bar in the middle of Uptown, so they imported bonafide fixtures from famed pubs in Dublin. Some say a few playful spirits came along with them, too. The Guinness here doesn’t stop at the pint; it becomes part of the signature Guinness barbecue sauce doused on the burger and nachos, and it gets simmered down for a warming beef stew served with housemade soda bread. As cooler months roll in, Rí Rá naturally beckons the nearby Uptowners, theater-goers, and game-watchers like a magnet. The weekend live music and $5 drink specials at brunch don’t hurt, either. With old Guinness signs galore, the pub’s lived-in aesthetic is a charming one, making this two-story bar an unwavering fixture in the city center. Pro tip: Rí Rá is a great event space, with no room fees and a whole karaoke setup." - Kayleigh Ruller