Connolly's On Fifth

My husband and I stopped in on a whim while visiting Charlotte (Raleigh natives) since my husband loves a good pint of Guinness. The staff was awesome - the Irish fellow (owner I'm assuming) was so nice and friendly and chatted with us for a few minutes. My husband said that pint was the best Guinness he'd ever had! Andre who was hilarious and so kind as well. We asked for a recommendation for a place to eat and he suggested The Daily, their sister restaurant that hit the spot as well. We will be coming back when we're in Charlotte!

Only went here once and the beer was good and bartenders were good but was waaaay too overcrowded with drunk yuppies. If you want to be shoulder to shoulder with drunk yuppies you might like it. Maybe it was just the night I visited though idk.

Been here dozens of times it’s just a regular Irish dive bar. Came this week and my friend and I were denied entrance by security, he said we were too intoxicated to enter, and were ‘dragging each other down the street’ we were sober, just two girls holding hands as we walked since the street can be a lil sketch…. dressed nicer than the whole bar and acting normal. Confused, we asked for a manager and the manager said there was no issue and we were fine to come in… of course we left instead, not before looking inside to see everyone in there was trashed. Not sure what this man’s deal is but his attitude and discriminatory behavior was disgusting and ruined our girls night out.

Good place to stop by while in town. It's a real pub, great local feel. Even has a small outdoor area to people watch and take a phone call.

Connolly's, you have an AMAZING gem in your Bartender, Andre!!!! Great customer service and very knowledgeable! He tended to me and my friends with love, professionalism and enthusiasm! We'll definitely be back!!! Great vibes all around!!!

Went in this establishment after ‘Stevie Nicks’ Concert and the place smelled like VOMIT & FECES. Service was horrendous and Brunette Bartender behind the Bar looked Mad the whole time we were there! Such a shame because the bar has a unique ambiance. To the Owners: YOU NEED TO CLEAN YOuR BAR and fire that Girl behind the bar! Brunette/Slim/Angry Girl.

Connolly's On 5th is one of the best Irish pubs in the Carolinas and their bartenders are authentic from Ireland with the accents and everything!! Kayla is a beautiful lass who made sure to chat up all the guests at the bar even when it was at peak busy levels. She was amazing! The customer base ranged from locals out on the town to tourists visiting from all around the world. A truly diverse group all enjoying a pint at the pub together. There is a wide variety of Irish Whiskeys available and the Guinness pour was divine!! SLÁINTE🇮🇪🍻🍀🍻🇮🇪

I had a great time last night with a great staff, perfect lighting, great patrons, and killer back wall. Show some love if you’re in the area and give them some love, for it will be reciprocated 🔥

This is one of my favorite Irish bars in uptown! The vibe of this bar feels just like an old divey Irish pub. They have great prices on drinks and it's always a great time here. The bartenders take great care of you.

I should have walked out when the bartender added CRANBERRY JUICE to my Manhattan. If you continue to read on, I also asked for a Negroni, and he did not know what it was. The place is great if you simply want a beer, just don't order anything else.

Went to Connolly's for an early bite and beer. We didn't have a reservation but they were able to make room. I might recommend getting a reservation if you're going on a busy night for dinner. The service was truly excellent and everyone was wearing a smile. The food was great although we only had simple burgers. They have a nice selection of beers and a good drinks. They have Magners, Smithwicks, and other beers that are often hard to find on tap.

Just stopped in for a beer. This place is awesome! Irish bar that pours a perfect Guinness. I also learned about a new sport that I never heard of .... Gaelic Football! Very cool. They broadcast the GAA league.

The place was okay overall, but one of the bartenders had a bad attitude, which took away from the experience.

Cozy and intimate, but overall a pretty lackluster bar. The location is effortless to get to and the staff is ultra friendly, both a major plus! The decor was thoughtful and dim making it a nice chill spot for listening to live music, however there isn't a drink menu nor any snacks available for purchase.

Oh Connolly's....the memories I have here from my early 20s when I was still new to Charlotte. Such good times. I miss the outdoor patio but I can't fault the owners for cashing in on what I'm sure was an amazing pay day. This place feels authentic as an Irish pub, during the day at least. At night it gets crowded and a little rowdy. In my younger years it's what I enjoyed the most about it but the older I get the more I feel out of place. Such is life though! While it feels like I may have outgrown this bar I still enjoy coming in for nostalgia. If you are walking around uptown in the early evening and looking for a dark bar to pour a proper Guinness then Connolly's is your place. If you are out late at night and looking for a packed bar that feels like a college house party, then Connolly's is also your place. The experience is usually going to be determined by how late it is. It can't be denied though that Connolly's has long been one of the most popular Uptown Charlotte establishments and even if it feels like they are only a shell of their former self they still manage to carry their charm that I once enjoyed so much.

I had a great time at Connolly's on Fifth. I enjoyed some top shelf scotch while dancing with my friends and enjoying the bartenders fun playlist of tunes. It gets loud as it gets closer to midnight so if you want to have more of a conversation with someone go earlier rather than later in the night on Saturdays. Bathrooms were clean and well attended to. Bartenders are super friendly and make thoughtful drink recommendations.

Possibly the most authentic Irish pub in Charlotte. The upstairs wasn't open on Wednesday night and there weren't that many seats downstairs. My husband enjoyed his Guinness.

It's been a good time every time at Connolly's - especially for a packed bar which, in every other situation, is not my scene anymore. But, this is walkable from my apartment, looks just like a pub you'd see in Ireland, they know how to pour a Guinness(best we've had in the city), and many of the bartenders are actually Irish (which makes my partner happy when he's here visiting from Ireland). I think I saw bags of Tayto being sold, too :) Staff have always been so nice and the patrons are fun and welcoming. We always have fun chats with friendly people every time every time we've been. Door guys are always really nice, too. I do wish they served food but Ri Ra is just around the corner. Come over for a pint before or after!

Great spot-Any day of the week, the place is hopping with locals and visitors. I was in town for a convention and stumbled across this gem. The business and locals embraced me-this place was top notch. A must visit if you're in town.

Guinness of course. What a great, authentic Irish Pub. You walk in, it's pitch black and chill. Oh wait I had my sunglasses on still. Bartenders are from the homeland and that alone made it feel like Ireland. Great conversation as you'd expect. Loved it.

The little Irish bar is quite the find! A small area downstairs and then a space upstairs. Watch your step or you are likely to miss a step, as it is quite dark. It does take you back to the pubs in Ireland. The bartenders are friendly and quite fast. The bathrooms upstairs were quite crowded, but it was St Pats weekend. The funky little booths (wood backs), were the perfect people watching location! When I return to Charlotte, I will go back!

I never negative review places, but this place set its self up for this review. I went upstairs and ordered a simple double sex on the beach (the easiest drink to make). It tasted like ass. I requested more peach schnapps to remedy the sour taste. The bartender gave me the worst reaction and added more schnapps. It still tasted bad. She flipped her hand to shew me off from her presence. I went downstairs to see if another bartender could make it again. This guy had an Irish accent and took on my request. I tasted it and it still tasted like ass. I asked him if he could correct it and he took both incorrect drinks and tossed them in the trash. He told me to fuck off. I was never disrespectful to either of these bartenders. Why was this such a shitty experience when I was having fun and just trying to have a simple drink????

Best traditional Irish bar in Charlotte! My father was in town from Indiana... Bartender took him upstairs and gave him some souvenirs to take home. Really appreciate the extra attention. The bartenders give. The vibe is totally awesome.

The bartenders are great and the food is just as good! There's nothing bad about this place

I'm from NYC originally, so I've been to quite a few Irish pubs. This one seemed to fall in line with any expectations I might have had. Dark, lots of wood and plenty of Guinness. Did I say dark? Because it was really dark. So dark that I wish I had eaten more carrots as a child and that the taps were in Braille so I could see what they had. Once my eyes adjusted, it wasn't too bad and I appreciated the candlelight. Tres romantique! I would have liked to have seen the upstairs but I was closed for a private event. I do love the fact that they serve you an imperial pint (about 20 oz.) - it's not only authentic but you get more bang for your buck. They really do know how to pour a nice Guinness - just the right amount of creamy head on it. $12 for a round of drinks for two wasn't bad at all. Didn't encounter any bouncers or rude staff as many reviews have mentioned. Pretty chill place to grab a drink before a show at the Belk Theater!

Matthew Kirk what a service man. Truly exceptional . fast service and great conversation. can't express how amazing he was

Connolly's is one of my all-time favorite bars. They are known for their Guinness which always seems to be pouring and their amazing bartenders. This is an authentic Irish bar. There is usually a mix of regulars and people stopping in after work or going to a game. This is a one-of-a-kind bar and Charlotte is lucky to have Connolly's.

Quite simply the best Irish bar in Charlotte even though there is no food - and the best pour of Guinness you may find anywhere in the South. Great authentic atmosphere, seems to attract customers who are regulars and who are also friendly and open to conversation with out-of-towners / strangers. Staff are friendly and polite, and can converse on a surprisingly wide range of topics. Can get a wee bit packed when events are happening nearby, but outside of those few times, Connolly's is a great "home base" to meet after work or start your evening!

My favorite bar in Charlotte. Great authentic Irish Pub with friendly staff. The bartenders are amazing and attentive. No food but they will allow you to bring in anything or have food delivered. Laidback vibes during the day and turns more lively during nights especially upstairs.

Love Connor's! Sean is amazing, vibe is always great and the music selection is always on point! One of my favorite bars in CLT

I was here once quite some time ago and had not yet had the chance to review it. The whole place is very small and can get pretty crowded, I guess depending on what is going on around. It is a bar and that is how I feel about it. The staff was nice, service quick. The drinks are cheap. There is an indoor area and an outdoor area, so take your pick. Overall, not a bad place or experience. Would I come here again? Maybe, but would not go out of my way to get there.

We had our friends 40th birthday party upstairs and the host Amanda was top notch and great!! Her and the bartenders were great with anything that was needed and very friendly. Amanda really went above to help my friend make this event go smoothly. Would recommend them for an private event if you want a food atmosphere and good vibes.

Connolly's is our go to place for a great pint of Guinness or Smithwick's since we moved to Charlotte a year ago. The bartenders are very friendly and remember your name. It's as close to a pub in Ireland as we have found in the US. And they are dog friendly

Guiness, friendly environment, not crazy pricing. All or mostly Irish staff and patrons was nice too. Reassuring of our choice to drink there. Highlight of the day

Connolly's is exactly what you think it is: an Irish-style pub. That's great. No frills, no bells and whistles, just an ol' fashioned place to meet friends and grab beers. I love it here. Because of its location in the middle of Uptown, it's a great place to meet after work or before, say, a Bobcats game or concert/event downtown. On most nights, it's pretty mellow here, so it's a great place to chat and drink, or even watch or discuss the game on TV. On weekends, though, and Thursday nights, it gets a lot more crowded--pretty packed, in fact, so it's definitely got a different feel on those nights. Great place to meet singles, as far as I can tell. The bar itself has two floors, and the upstairs is usually more rockin' than the downstairs--more people, louder music, etc. There are a million beers on tap, as you'd expect, so you can grab pretty much anything you'd want, and obviously they've got all the liquors down pat, too. Great bar. It is what it is.

Now this is my kind of place. It's dark inside but the people are friendly, making room for you to sidle up to the bar to grab some of the Guinness that is pouring out of the taps on a regular basis or for one of their bottled beers. It's a simple place so know before you go that you may have to stand (it's crowded) and share a table or side bar with those milling around you. The crowd is varied from after work happy hour stragglers, to couples, to just folks popping in for a beer with friends. And while I found this odd- they actually carded one in our group at the front door. So if you don't have ID- you might as well take a pass on Connolly's! They have a patio on the side but on this cool night- it was merely a place for the smokers to hang out at. It might be nice in the Summer months. And on this night- the music selection was a bit eclectic mixing in the 80's with current hits (someones MP3 player, no doubt!) Bartender was efficient, beers were reasonable, and it was not so loud that I couldn't hear those around me speak. And in my book . . . .that's A-Ok!

Thursday night...late night option for those in city. Dark...like the guiness that genereously flows from the tap...this bar can be quiet or very loud depending upon the bartender manning the taps. The downstairs is small and the bar small, a great place for a few folks to get together for a few pints. Upstairs adds more room, but isn't always open. They know have a patio, which wasn't there years ago, but it is right by the dumpsters, so once warm temps come I'll be interested to see how "things warm up?" *grin*. No cover for this particular evening.

Great place to get a drink and have a good time with friends. It's mostly the outside area that people go to. The bar tenders are funny as heck and there are plenty of screens with all kinds of sports to keep you entertained. I first went there with some of the coworkers from a previous employer. Didn't really stay for that long back then so had nothing to say. But tonight, it was just friends and a lot of fun! I could have even played the corn hole they have in one corner, but no one in my crew wanted to. Oh, yeah, they have Mecktoberfest. Go have fun!

Just your standard authentic Irish bar in Charlotte. I have only been two, maybe three times. The last visit they were charging a five dollar cover. I don't quite get that, you're already going to make a ton of money since it was stacked a-holes to elbows for the college football opener at BofA Stadium. I guess that was just the greed of picking up several more dollars. Bartenders are quick at serving even when it is packed as described earlier. Doesn't leave much room for interaction. Being an Irish bar, they offer several whiskeys. You can also choose from an assortment of other liquor types and they have a handful of draft beer choices. Sláinte!

Good late night spot for beer and good music. The patio is big and has a couple bars.

Average bar with a nice outdoor area. You can go cornholing there which is fun. Wish the beer selection was better.

I have a soft spot in my heart for Connolly's. I've been here more times than I can count. I used to live in Charlotte and Connolly's was right next to my office, so we ended up here for a lot of happy hours as well as late night drinks. The latest time I was there they charged me a cover ($5 on a Friday night), which I think is ridiculous for Charlotte bars (especially when they are one of the only bars that charge one). Apparently they recognize local people that are there a lot because my friends got in without paying one. This place can be hit or miss. The outdoor area is great, and that's where you want to go when this place gets packed (which it always does). They've got corn hole and a bar set up outside a lot of the time. The drinks are a tad overpriced, but it still is one of my favorite bars uptown. You don't run into the same craziness as the Epicenter, but you've still got a good local crowd that likes to throw down. Beware, late night you can definitely run into some hammered people and the place can get absolutely packed. There is no food, so don't come here expecting any. All and all, Connolly's is great... especially for a HH or night on the town. They just need to get rid of that cover charge.

It's the kind of bar where customers get to pay $5 cover a person for the privilege to squeeze their way to the bar only to have no service. If I was paying a cover to see a band or DJ I could understand. But as far as I can tell the cover was literally for access to standing room on the "dance" floor. PS no one is dancing or drinking so I won't call it a dance floor. Service at the bar was impossible. We came with a group of eight and about half stood at the bar for 15 minutes and not a single person got drinks. It is so crowded I doubt they are in compliance with fire codes. I doubt anyone in our group will be back. I certainly don't understand the appeal that brought so many people here.

Cool Irish pub feel. Unfortunately, the bartender charged my credit card twice. Bartender even added an additional tip on the second charge. Had to call the bank to cancel the additional charge as fraudulent. guess the bartenders assume many people won't notice these additional charges.

The best Irish pub in Charlotte, hands down! The ambiance is awesome, very friendly and efficient staff, they make it a point to get to know you and what you like. It's my favorite "go-to" pub in Uptown Charlotte.

To steal a few lines from Flogging Molly's Float - "Drank away the rest of the day Wonder what my liver would say Drink, that's all you can"... It's Connolly's, all you can do here is drink. It's perfect! Cool, dark, little Irish pub with a great patio area. Good size bar when you first come in. It can get crowded in here. There's a second bar area upstairs. Nice beer selection and of course some Guinness on draft. They don't serve food. Anytime I'm out in the Uptown area I try to stop by for a pint.

Connolly's on Fifth is an Irish themed bar. I met up with some friends who picked the place. Immediately walking in you are struck by a smell. It just smells like a dirty bar and that everything is soaked in stale beer. Basically, like a frat house. The downstairs bar area is pretty small and so it can be pretty crowded. Luckily by the time I got there my friends had already arrived and snagged a table outside. The staff are OCD about glasses outside here. I am not kidding when I say that if you finish your drink and put it down on a table, they are picking it up within a minute. While it is nice that they keep it cleared, it got to be a little over kill. With them even picking up your glass before you done and "checking" to see if it was empty. I don't know if they run short on glasses or if they are worried about glass outside. If they're worried about glass outside they just need to switch to plastic then. The outside patio had a covered area with TV's and opened to a larger uncovered patio. Lots of tables and benches or chairs. They even had corn hole. The crowd at Connolly's on Fifth was a mix of younger and older. The vibe felt kind of lame, it wasn't for me.

I'm not really a bar goer, but ended up here for a late-night-one-more-drink get together. Two stories. Easy going crowd. Get enough drinks in some and they start clogging, which vibrates the floor and your chair (not so comfortable). Good and friendly service. Relaxing time. Great tunes. Decor is just right for the pub feel.

Connolly's is a great Irish Pub with no food, but great bartenders and an even better time. Beware though, if you have never been, you will be floored at how dark it is! I have a friend who told me the story of when he first moved to Charlotte and stumbled into what he thought was pronounced "Cannolli's". He walked in, ran into a table, couldn't see anything and ran back out because he had no idea what he had just walked into. Ha! But your eyes will adjust and you will be fine after you grab a Guinnes or a cider. Most of the people that work there are actually from Ireland or another country such as Australia. The experience in a pub is just that much more enjoyable when accents are involved (especially with hot guys). While you're there, take in the music, which is sometimes Irish, sometimes hip hop, and the decor of the room. On the walls you will find all authentic effects from Ireland, such as street signs and sports memorabilia. If you are there on a busier night (which sometimes can be every night) head upstairs if you can. The upstairs is usually open Thursdays through Saturdays, I think. It's much roomier up there and you can always find a few young people dancing up there (again with very little light). The crowd normally seems to be mostly young professionals including a lot of after work stop-ins like bankers and lawyers. Sometimes there are a few tourists and foreigners with accents as well (preferably hot). ;) To make the most out of going to Connolly's take it for what it is... you will get drinks very quickly and proably drink A LOT. You can easily meet new friends and sing and dance a little. They don't serve food and even though, it is clean, there's not much else to it. A HUGE tip for the ladies: if you use the restroom downstairs make sure you lock the door with the large latch lock that slides UP! If you lock the bathroom door with just the measly doorknob lock, SOMEONE WILL WALK IN ON YOU!! I have done this three times in one night to three poor, unsuspecting women who did not know this. Whoops! Sorry 'bout that... Also, I almost forgot, they just expanded their patio and it's awesome!! They now have 2 cornhole setups, a ping pong table and outdoor flatscreen TV's, not to mention more patio tables and more standing room. Venture out there; it's a new world! Aaaand lastly, if you do stop by, do me a favor and find the Irsh bartender "Murph" and give him a hard time... seriously do it. It will get him all fired up and a good laugh for you and me! ;) He is my favorite bartender in Charlotte but he's still a pain in the arse.

My favorite Irish bar in Charlotte and probably the friendliest bartenders I've ever met. I'm no beer connoisseur but apparently they have the best Guinness in Charlotte because of the short length of the line from the keg to the tap. I've tried it and I can at least concur it is good! The only take away for me was the lack of lighting in the place, last time I was in there it was very dark and only lit by candlelight. No biggie, but when I'm having a beer after work with a buddy, I don't really need the romantic feel of candles....hahaha. In short, if you want to grab a beer and be greeted by some of the friendliest bartenders in Charlotte stop in here sometime. BTW, it does get pretty packed during the weekends and can get crowded.

I don't know what it is, but there's just something about Connolly's that says, "Classic Charlotte". Maybe its the fact that this is a place where locals have been coming on Friday and especially Saturday nights, for a long, long time. Maybe its the chill, outdoor patio area. Maybe its the friendly, sociable crowd and bartenders you are sure to find here. Maybe, its the stiff, cold cocktails that taste soo good on hot summer nights. Maybe its the fact that they both start with C's. Maybe I'm just a lush. Maybe you are. I don't know what it is, but there is just something soooo Charlotte, sooo Queen City about Connolly's. I dunno, maybe its just a Charlotte thing...

Okay, I realize that, as the 6th and last stop of our bar crawl (didn't make it to the last), I may not have been the most cognizant of patrons. However, I do remember a good crowd going strong in this Irish pub on a Saturday late night. Atmosphere was lively, but not crazy. There was a $5 cover. For future reference: I'm not really sure how I got here, but I know we got off at the Charlotte Transportation Center light rail stop, I think. But it's a good ending to a bar crawl because there are plenty of cabs that cruise around the area.

I've been going to Connolly's on 5th for as long as they have been open. As far as the, somewhat limited, selection of Irish pubs around town this one is my favorite by far. The Guinness is always served up with just the right pour and the staff is always very friendly and on top of their game. Even when it's crowded as can be in there they always seem to keep the crowd rotating in and out of the queue at a steady rate. The addition of the patio area in the past couple years (by way of annexing the parking lot) has really opened the place up and you can get a breath of fresh air if the crowd inside gets to be too much for you. As for myself, the inside is what I expect in a pub. The wood on the walls, the bar, and the dark dusty atmosphere just makes it comfortable to hang out in and enjoy a pint. On a side note, always great to see Ronin in there behind the bar! If there was a lifetime achievement award for best Charlotte bartenders he should certainly be top of the list.

I don't like most uptown bars, but Connolly's is an exception. It's just a fun Irish pub. Because of this it has more character than some of the trashy uptown bars. I like the brick walls and ambiance of the second floor. They seem to be always be watching a soccer match there, and their patio is really nice on warm days. The bar is also a big player in the Charlotte Irish Summer Festival.

Pleasant little Irish-style place, with a patio and two stories and the usual Irish brews on tap. But, as other reviewers have said, the lack of food means that the place should not claim to be a pub.

Best pub I've been to; makes me feel at home. Service was great, atmosphere is spot on ( even had some Flogging Molly on the juke) drinks delish, I recommend if you long for a hometown Irish pub. My new fave spot; official regular!

Nothing too special from what I observed. First impressions: dark, confined, and understaffed. I came here for part of a bar crawl. My group stayed for about 10 minutes. There was an area upstairs that had a private event occurring. There was also an outside bar. They only take cash. I couldn't enjoy anything because no one was staffed at the bar. Pretty bummed that due to them double booking the venue and not being fully staffed, I couldn't enjoy the experiences that everyone raves about.