Canopy Cocktails & Garden

I don’t leave negative reviews lightly, but my experience at this establishment warrants a serious and public reflection — because what happened was not just rude or inconvenient, it was deeply inappropriate, exclusionary, and indicative of a lack of basic integrity in how this bar is run. I was seated in an open area — a completely public space with no signs of reservation, no blocked-off signage, no event markers. I stepped away briefly, and when I attempted to return, I was told I was no longer allowed to sit there. Why? Because another group — without any formal authorization from the bar — had decided they didn’t want others near them and claimed the space as their own. This wasn’t done with subtlety. It was blatant. And worse: the staff allowed it to happen. Let’s be clear — there were no posted rules, no event booked, no policy to support what was unfolding. This group simply didn’t want people around them and chose to self-declare ownership over a portion of the bar, and instead of enforcing fairness and public access, the staff completely capitulated. I was the one excluded, even though I had been there first. I was the one told to move, as if my presence wasn’t welcome — not because of rules, but because of preference. Someone else’s preference. The entire situation felt inherently unjust. Arbitrary. Humiliating. As if certain patrons had the unspoken right to dictate the space while others could be quietly dismissed without explanation. It felt like I was being targeted — whether consciously or not — in a way that had nothing to do with logistics and everything to do with power, privilege, and passive profiling. It’s one thing to reserve space. It’s another to permit one group to draw invisible lines around themselves and then enforce those lines against other paying guests — with staff compliance. That’s not hospitality. That’s gatekeeping. That’s institutional rudeness dressed up as customer service. This experience left me rattled. Not because I couldn’t find another seat, but because it made clear that fairness isn’t guaranteed here — and dignity is optional. The staff was either unwilling or untrained to challenge those acting selfishly and unkindly, and instead allowed an exclusionary, almost hostile atmosphere to flourish unchecked. No one should be made to feel like an outsider in a public bar because another group decides they don’t want to be near them. And no management team should ever validate that behavior by enforcing it. What happened was not an isolated inconvenience — it was a reflection of values, or the lack thereof. I will not be returning, and I hope others think twice before supporting a place that refuses to support all of its guests equally.

One of my new favorite spots. The Espresso Martini is amazing, as is the vibe. If you can get outdoor seating with the tabletop fire-pit you’ve scored. The music the people the atmosphere are awesome. Just off the main bar is a staircase to an upstairs seating area, more love seats and wingback chairs, away from the crowd and not as loud. I left my phone in the car, so no pics this time. I will be back and will get some pics.

I believe I have found my new hangout. The cocktails are amazing and the vibe is really great! Staff are great as well. Katie was awesome! She made sure we always had a drink and we’re enjoying ourselves. I highly recommend Canopy. It does get busy later in the night but that can be expected with how great this place is.

Honestly the first establishment itself is nice. We walked in and were told the outside is first come first serve. So we awkwardly waited till someone left to get a seating. However when we did, we were told to get up from our waitress Morgan bc she already sat someone there. Whatever we got up! However my wife went and asked “hey how do we get on the list bc we were told it’s first come first serve”. So eventually we get sat but being sat the service is rude. Ignores me. Etc. However at the end I say, no hard feelings and she says no hard feelings but your girlfriend was rude to me. I lost it then. Asked management for a refund of 20% tip due to big party. They said they can’t show proof. So I said fine. Do a round of drinks. When they came out I said this all can be managed if your waitress wasn’t rude and the manager (dude) told me to get the F out of his establishment. It wasn’t about the money or free drinks. More about a waitress apologizing as we were celebrating our wedding with a few friends. Don’t go if you want bad service. Morgan sucks. Management supports.

Stopped by the Canopy bar Friday afternoon during my walk on the Rail Trail. This was my first time at this bar, we chose to stop here because they were playing 2000's R&B music which was calling out to us. As we walked in we were greeted by a lovely hostess who sat us down outside at the bar. The bartenders were so cool, they are really the reason why our experience was very great! It was my dad's birthday so they gave us a complimentary first drink. The St Germain Margarita was so delicious I had to get it a second time, my dad tried the WU-TANG CRAN! It was very delicious - the black pepper and habanero rim gave the drink a sweet and spicy taste. I highly recommend visiting this bar on a Friday or Saturday evening - that's when the crowd comes in and the music is very is turned up louder. The parking in the area is mainly paid parking so prepare to pay, there are also parking garages around the East/West Blvd rail station. Park Mobile app is very easy and convenient for paid parking in SouthEnd. Cheers!

Can't comment on food or service. Just stopped in to grab a cocktail and absolutely loved the atmosphere. Perfect spot to take a date to grab a drink. Super cozy, lots of candle light inside. Looking forward to going back.

Cool bar on the Rail Trail with indoor and outdoor seating. There’s an awesome two sided fireplace in the lounge area. The bartender made me a custom drink which was pretty good. We came on a Sunday around 8pm and there were just a few people there.

We only went to have a cocktail outside, the atmosphere was outstanding, the bartender was young, and still learning how to be a bartender. So, I would say Service was so so but, look at the pictures, and how fun it was to hang out.

Really neat place in South End. Easy to miss if you don't know it's there, but very relaxed. Drinks were great, I had a gimlet and it was perfect! Not too strong, but the gin was not overwhelmed either. Bartenders were all super friendly as well.

Stopped by the Canopy bar Friday afternoon during my walk on the Rail Trail. This was my first time at this bar, we chose to stop here because they were playing 2000's R&B music which was calling out to us. As we walked in we were greeted by a lovely hostess who sat us down outside at the bar. The bartenders were so cool, they are really the reason why our experience was very great! It was my dad's birthday so they gave us a complimentary first drink. The St Germain Margarita was so delicious I had to get it a second time, my dad tried the WU-TANG CRAN! It was very delicious - the black pepper and habanero rim gave the drink a sweet and spicy taste. I highly recommend visiting this bar on a Friday or Saturday evening - that's when the crowd comes in and the music is very is turned up louder. The parking in the area is mainly paid parking so prepare to pay, there are also parking garages around the East/West Blvd rail station. Park Mobile app is very easy and convenient for paid parking in SouthEnd. Cheers!

Cool bar on the Rail Trail with indoor and outdoor seating. There's an awesome two sided fireplace in the lounge area. The bartender made me a custom drink which was pretty good. We came on a Sunday around 8pm and there were just a few people there.

Nestled nicely in Southend, found this location just from walking around one evening. The outdoor bar and seating is very cozy, meet up with friends after dinner or before heading out somewhere. The indoor bar gave me speakeasy vibes without having to know all the passwords or secret doors. Seating is cozy and comfortable there too. The bartender mentioned that they have several rooms available that can be rented for private events. The drinks were tasty and crafted well. They range from about $13-$16 depending on what you order. They also have a full bar, so of course you can always get your signature drink.

This was a cute find on a quick trip to Charlotte, NC. We didn't have food (nor did I notice a food menu) only drinks. They were definitely tasty and the names were great! Service was good too. The bar vibe was a bit scattered... outside seating area gave tropical vibes, inside it was dark with a few fireplaces and couches, lots of books very library-esque.

Great spot just to grab drinks with friends. It is pretty spacious so you won't not have a seat. They don't have their own parking though, that's the only issue. The service is good, staff is attentive. They make good drinks, and service is pretty fast. There is plenty of outdoor seating. Although when I was there last night, I sat in a wet seat. And there was ants on the counter. It gets pretty busy at certain times. Nothing bad about this place but I wish they would serve some type of food or appetizer.

Super cool atmosphere and the staff was nice, but 3/5 of our drinks were terrible... I'm not one to ever return something to a server, but we had to on the drink called the Vesper. Maybe it was just an off day for them ‍

Love the drinks! I love the bar area. Hours: Close Mon & Tues Open after 4pm NOTE: Be prepared to show your ID before entering. Three bars - two inside, one outside. Outside seating has fire pits and heat lamps. Very romantic for cocktails during the week when it's not busy. Decor is so cute! Justin is amazing. Cocktail menu is amazing as well! Insi

One of my favorite cocktail bars in Charlotte! Recently, I have been coming here pretty often. I visited for the first time this past December, and have been here 4 more times since then. On 3 of those occasions, my friends and I visited at night. We were unable to find a sofa or seats outside all of those times but have gotten lucky inside where the 2nd bar is located, which is in a mini "private" room. It's not private at all, but no one ever seems to be in that room, so it always works out for my friends and I because we have all this space to mingle between ourselves. Most recently, my friend and I came at 4pm on a Sunday and stayed there for a few hours. Our bartenders were Chad and Cecil - both were awesome! Of all these times I have visited, my go to drink is an Espresso Martini. They make it really delicious and you can easily get lost in the sauce by pounding espresso martinis like they're water. Worth every penny though. I have also tried their mezcal old fashioned which is also tasty and I'm not even an old fashioned girl. Definitely recommend this place!

Love the overall vibe. Good atmosphere and great drinks. Definitely the place to be in south end.

Wish this place was open when I lived in South End. Great addition to the neighborhood. The ambiance reminds me of speakeasies I've been to in other cities as far as dim lighting and decor. Loved the mezcal drink and ordered it twice. I thought it was spacious with a lot of options for seating and a good vibe on a Thursday. Looking forward to going back.

Stopped by with a friend to try out this new cocktail hang out spot! Immediately loved the vibes and the decor. We sat outside so I didn't see the inside at all. I ordered the rhind eraser, which was pretty good, and the basic beach, which I could do without. It had coconuts floating at the top which made it hard to drink from. Had to ask for a straw otherwise I couldn't really drink it comfortably. But if you like bubbly, fruity drinks then you'll probably like it. Parking: it's behind the building. You'll have to go around the building (side of the light rail) to get to the entrance. Be ready for an ID check before you walk in. Cost: $14-17 per cocktail

The perfect place for a cocktail on the patio! Great service, large seating areas for big groups (like 10-14 people) outdoors and indoors! Inside is super cool with multiple rooms and types of seating. Inside bar is gorgeous!! Definitely recommend!

Canopy Cocktail Bar & Garden (CCBG) is the "neophyte" to the bustling and sublime South End purlieus. It is conveniently located right off of the rail trail (East Kingston street) right across the street from Blaze Pizza, Bulgogi Box, & Leroy Fox (South End)...just to give a reference point. I think the only access is via the Charlotte rail trail but I might be wrong. CCBG specializes in craft cocktails and spirits and their curated menu holds true to their mission. It is definitely a 'breath of fresh air' to have an actual cocktail bar that weeds out the BROS/HOES and allows for a more cosmopolitan and debonair ambience. CCBG has a wide array of spirits ranging from whiskey, gin, rum, rye, vodka, tequila, mezcal...you name it, they have it. The scope of the quality of the liquor depends on what you want; from well spirits to top shelf. Some of my favorite cocktails are Holy Trinity (gin based), Final Word (rye based), Basic Beach (rum based) and Fanta-Sea (mezcal based) just to name a few. IT'S NOT CHEAP with the prices ranging from $14 minimum and up. This is seemingly becoming the average everywhere and I hope it stops soon! UGH! The service is great as well and the mixologist/bartenders/"cocktailers" (LOL) are very knowledgeable and will aid you in your boozy endeavors. Canopy has about three (3) bars, one outside and two inside, which allows you to enjoy the sunshine/night sky or sit inside at the dimly lit, cozy and swanky inside bar(s). CCBG has a lot of different sectioned off areas that allow for more intimate settings and get this; they also have an upstairs area that gives you the undercurrent of a Speakeasy. All in all, I would recommend Canopy Cocktail Bar and Garden to my friends, solo dolo or in a group, to catch some fantastic specialty libations and smashing vibes. CHEERS MATE$! O_o ...::: TrizzyO_o :::...

This is definitely a great spot to check out in #cltnc If you want a prime spot get there early, by 9 PM the place was packed! You pick your own seats! Drinks- Fall N For You and an Old Fashioned

Cool spot with lovely indoor and outdoor ambiance. I came during a warm Spring early evening Saturday. Plenty of lounge seating and bar seating outdoors. The bartenders are attentive and knowledgeable. I was made a custom spritz after sharing preference, so good I had three . We stayed for over two hours and had a great time. Crowd was better than typical South End, with a good mix of age groups. Indoor decor is very cool, with a speak easy vibe. Excited to check in out in fall/winter since they have fireplaces.

Josh is the best bartender in town. Veery personnel and appreciated everyone I'll be back for Josh

Went here with friends the other night at around 8:30pm it was PACKED inside, probably a better bet when the weather is a bit nicer and more people can be outside. They do have fire pits and seating outside, but some of them did not work and the standup "heaters" were not emitting any heat. It has potential for a fun vibe, it was just too packed to enjoy it.

Welcome to Charolette - with Canopy you have a bar dedicated to the craft of cocktails and spirits - this isn't a place for shots. The vibe and decor evokes sophistication and pulls you in so you can slow down and relax - this is not an environment where you will feel rushed. There are five distinct sub zones within the space - from the open bar area to high backed velvet booths - sink into the rich leather couches - sip your cocktail and just enjoy. Music will pulse in the background - solid mix of alternative, dance and electronica. Cocktails are unique - well balanced and infused with vibrant mixers and inspired spirits. Order off the menu or the bartenders, who are knowledgeable and engaging will mix something to your liking. Leave the ball caps and egos at home and just come here to enjoy the art of drinking.

Had a blast here with some friends on a fine Sunday funday. Situated right along the rail trail you can choose to sip on the patio outside and enjoy the fresh air or you can do what we did and wander into the dark and mysterious cocktail lounge. The atmosphere was elegant and the interior was decorated beautifully. We grabbed a table towards the back where it was dimly lit with candles at the table. The lounge is decorated with old books, lamps, leather sofas, and even a fireplace. It feels like you stepped back in time to the gilded age. We sampled several cocktails from their menu and loved just about every one. I admit that I am not a huge cocktail guy but this place is exactly what I think of when I picture a classy and fun cocktail lounge. Good drinks and perfect vibes.

A friend and I went on a Friday evening around 7. At the time there was plenty of seating both at the bar and on the couches. After a few drinks, we left to grab food, and came back later in the night. The place was packed. Standing room only, but the vibe was still amazing. I say this to say, keep the timing of your visit in mind based on the experience you want. During both visits, the bartenders were absolutely amazing. They probably could have benefited from a third bartender later in the night, but the service didn't decline by any means. Will definitely be revisiting this place again.

Im so excited to write this review! This was my first time here and I absolutely loved the place. When we first got there we got espresso martinis at the bar and they were fantastic and the bartender was such a good sport because we asked for 6 which felt annoying lol but he did not miss on the taste. What i really want to highlight is once we finally scored a big couch area with the fire pit we had a server named Morgan who was so bubbly and amazing and she seriously highlighted the experience for me. That is exactly what a bartender/server should exude and she did it beautifully. It was my birthday night and she just rocked it. Thank u guys for a great experience and i will definitely recommend this place to anyone i know!

Cute little date night spot. It's ducked off in the cut. the vibe is so awesome. They have two bars inside and an outside bar and seating. The drinks are reasonably priced. The music is decent. Parking is limited I would suggest Uber or Lyft.

This cocktail lounge is sexy! Think destination seating in cozy corners with velvet loungers, warm fireplaces cuddled up with your love savoring an eclectic cocktail.

Canopy is a relatively new cocktail bar right off the rail trail. The ambiance was spot on inside and outside. It's august and I enjoyed sitting next to the fireplace. The music, environment, and vibes were incredible. The only thing I'd ding against them is their beer options. Outside of that, this place was a ton of fun. It's a great date spot.

Found this place tucked away on the south end rail trail. It was packed, had plenty of seating, and the ambiance was everything. I loved sharing the seating area with the fire! Josh made an awesome drink and was easy to talk to. The only downfall is the speaker next to our seating area kept going in and out and was staticky. The night was great because of this place!

Always heard of Canopy since it's been open and thought to see what it's all about. Stopped in on a Sunday evening (around opening time) with my girlfriends and to our surprise, we were the only ones there. They have beautiful and plenty outdoor seatings with a bar but it was gloomy when we went so we chose to sit inside. Our bartender, Jay, was very accommodating and made sure our girls day was well worth it. Will definitely come back to experience the night life vibes!

Came here for my friends birthday and we had the best time! Very cool vibe and lounge with a great selection of cocktails. I wish they had some better options of wine but that's my only critique.

My boyfriend and I went to Canopy last night and at first walking in we were very impressed. The vibe was immaculate and the people there were in our age range (21-early 30) so we enjoyed that. The service wasn't too bad. We sat down in a little room and within 5-10 minutes one of the servers walking around did come to us and get our drink orders. She didn't have too much knowledge of cocktails which was very noticeable but it's okay, everyone starts somewhere. She also was very nice when it came to switching out our cocktails to different ones since we didn't like them but the price when we switched them to less expensive cocktails were still the higher price of the original price. Now for the majority aspect of the 2 stars. The cocktails were absolutely horrible. Not to mention they were out of 3 of their specialty cocktails and 1 classic. We originally got the Nauti Girl and Agave You A Sip. They free pour all the ingredients except the alcohol so the ingredients ratio is way off making everything very overwhelming in a bad way. After one sip of both cocktails I gagged it was that bad. They need to measure out all the ingredients to make a better cocktail. They are lowkey a wannabe Idlewild / Fairweather (sister bars in NoDa) and have the potential to be that great because scenery/ environmental wise it's perfect but the drinks just need to reach that level. After the specialty cocktails were a busts we went for classic cocktails- Amaretto Sweet & Sour and a Bees Knees. The Bees Knees was also very gross- it pretty much tasted like straight lemon juice. The Amaretto Sweet & Sour was actually pretty decent- my boyfriend thoroughly enjoyed it. So overall 1/4 cocktails were good. I know they change menus because I saw previous reviews with different menus so I recommend waiting to go until they do. I'm not sure if I will go again.

Great spot - inside and out. Bartenders are nice - can't say drinks are super strong, but great vibe nonetheless.

I really enjoyed my time at this bar, however the bartenders changed the final bill and gave themselves at 354% tip. I reached out to management and they did nothing to fix it. I won't be going back.

Just went to this place tonight. Love the vibe! Great service, drinks and decor. Definitely will be coming back on a better weather day

Went there last night and it was amazing. The GM, David Schmidt, was warm and welcoming. Butter beer was delicious.

Definitely worth stopping by for a couple drinks! The atmosphere/vibes are nice at night!

Paid $40 after tip for 2 cocktails that were literally premixed. Two stars are for the atmosphere. Great music and interior decorations. Not sure if all cocktails on the menu are premixed but it was obvious when our drinks were made in legitimately 5 seconds. Ordered a mezcal cocktail and all I can taste is the sour mix. Was expecting an authentic cocktail at a cocktail bar ‍

My new favorite. This is a great place to meet for happy hour or pre/post dinner. When the weather is nice it's hard to decide between the comfortable patio or the super swanky inside lounge. The bartenders are very knowledgeable and the cocktail list is unique and imaginative. I've been a few times since it opened and will hopefully get back there this weekend,

Oh man - where do I begin. This place is downright gorgeous. The outside and inside are a cozy interior with little nooks to tuck you and your friends away for some privacy. Additionally, the drinks are absolutely delicious. Quality spot to bring a date or just hang out with your friends. Lots of other local places around this spot as well!