Lori R.
Yelp
Looking for a place with a great atmosphere, good drinks and delicious food downtown near the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts or the Convention Center? This rooftop bar at the Residence Inn downtown is smoking!
There are bar stools, tables and couches, and an outdoor patio if you are there on a good-weather night. (we were not, as it was rainy and cold, but we were happy at the bar).
Do not be in a hurry. Service is on the slow side, but not impossibly so. Husband's drink took time to prepare as he ordered the Smoked Manhattan. The Bartender does indeed light wood chips and smoked it under a dome. Very cool to watch. While he really liked the drink, he did say that the smoky flavor didn't linger past the initial sips. Maybe if they added something with a smoky flavor to the drink itself? Meanwhile, I was happy with my Cabernet.
We were both quite hungry. It took awhile to get our Bartender's attention again, but we finally did ask to order food. Would have preferred to be asked. Once we did order though, our selections didn't take too long. We shared the Smoked Jerusalem Artichoke Dip with Crostini and the Fried Green Tomato Sliders with Bacon. Both were really really good. We ran out of Crostini before we ran out of the fabulous dip, so we ordered some more. They did charge $3 for the extra bread, but it was worth it to not waste any of that dip.
With the nice atmosphere, great view, friendly staff, very good food and good drinks, we are looking forward to going back for more. So convenient to the Performing Arts Center that is adjacent across the street!