Humbug

Went once before several years ago and recently went for their Hulaween. My recent visit had me saying "why the heck haven't I been back more often?!" This place is awesome - vibe, staff, drinks, the whole package. The overall vibe is great - casual, smart, hipster, and a touch of elegance with a silly side. Hard to put into words but so welcoming and unique! The staff are so great as well - the manager is super chill and friendly, and the servers are kind and fun. Our drinks were awesome - I always worry about the balance of flavors and drinks being too creative but they absolutely nailed it. Would absolutely recommend you check them out!

Look no further! You’ve found the best cocktail bar in town. They’ve got music, they’ve got vibes, they’ve got beautiful beverages. Some might say "they’ve got it all". Don’t just stand there with your mouth open, reading this review! Run to Humbug. RUN I SAY!!! And when you get there, tell Jackie and Andy, and the mad scientist Isaac, I said hello! Bonus points for sitting at the bar to watch the magic happen. (Drink in photo: Cindy Lou Who by Isaac)

visited Humbug last night and left feeling genuinely disappointed—and honestly, a bit taken advantage of. My friend made a reservation online that required a $10 cover charge per person. I arrived early and sat at the bar. While waiting, I saw several people walk in without reservations, and they were seated right away with no cover charge mentioned. When my friend arrived and confirmed our reservation, we were also seated at the bar even though there were empty tables. Odd, but not my biggest issue. The problem came when we asked if our $20 cover went toward our drinks. The bartender checked and told us no—it was simply a cover charge. She also insisted they weren’t taking walk-ins at all in December, which was clearly untrue based on what I had just watched when I arrived. At that point, it felt dishonest, and like we were being charged simply because we had a reservation. The drinks and Christmas vibes were good, but the lack of honesty from the staff ruined the experience. No one wants to feel misled or singled out for unnecessary charges. Because of that, this will be my first and last visit, and I won’t be recommending Humbug to friends or family.

Thank you Humbug for allowing us to get there early and celebrate our sons engagement. Humbug is perfect for a small gathering and the cocktails were on point.

We finally made it here after our friends and news outlets recommended. We went on a Sunday afternoon to avoid waiting and crowds. It was great, we sat at the bar, Andy and Shane were friendly and helpful in deciding what we should order. We tried several cocktails, all of them were amazing. I really like the vibe of this place, it's chill an unpretentious unlike some other cocktail bars. They have a pool table, just saying. They have a small patio overlooking the ample parking lot behind the building, garage type doors open in the front so you can sit and people watch (or car watch on the Plaza). Don't bother bringing any living human under the age of 21, yay! Well behaved adults only. We don't live far from here so we hope to visit more often but we will ride share so we can enjoy the yummy cocktails 🍸🍹🍺🍷

Absolutely love this place! The service is top-notch — the staff are so friendly and genuinely make you feel welcome from the moment you walk in. The drinks? Amazing. Creative, perfectly balanced, and made with real care. And don’t even get me started on the snacks — they’re as cute as they are delicious! Perfect for pairing with a cocktail or just nibbling while you hang out. It’s the kind of spot you find yourself wanting to come back to again and again. Highly recommend! 🍸✨

This place is the perfect chill neighborhood bar. It’s nice inside, but not pretentious. You can get high end bourbon, amazingly thought cocktails, or cheap and shot with no judgement. They have great deck and pool table that is gratis. My only complaint is I don’t live closer. The best part is the service, again laid back and unpretentious.

My new favorite bar in charlotte. Just moved back here and I was missing an elevated craft cocktail bar that uses unique ingredients, but isn’t pretentious. This is the place and I’m so glad I found it. Cozy, relaxing vibes inside. Personable bartender always ready to recommend a drink. I actually said I love mezcal, but didn’t want something spicy and they made me a cocktail from their previous menu that I loved. Speaking of previous menu…they told me their menu gets updated every 6-8 weeks. I didn’t need another reason to return, but new drinks helps for sure. Will be back! Only thing is I don’t recommend the pretzels. They’re just a cup of pretzels that you could buy anywhere. It would have been cool if they had legitimate warm, soft pretzels.

This is a great cocktail bar. Went for an espresso martini but stayed for a couple more. They have a pool table in the back. The parking lot is SMALL. So you might need to park like a couple of blocks away. Definitely a great pregame spot. Or for a casual date

This place was great! While it was a bit louder than I normally like, everyone there was super friendly and the drinks were good. When the bartender was too busy, it was awesome that the bar back, Shane, kindly took his time to tell me and my sister about the drinks on the menu. I just went with sparkling wine which is my go-to, but my sister tried some cocktails that she probz wouldn't have tried without Shane. He just provided really kind service and made the ambiance of it all great. Will def come back for another drink soon!

What a great spot! We came on Friday around 6:30 pm and only had to wait ~5 mins to get a table outside. They have 3-4 tables on the deck out back, and it was lovely! The inside is small and intimate with tables/booths, bar seating, and a pool table in the back! For drinks, we both ordered the moon landing was a hoax because they mentioned it wouldn't be on the menu much longer. We both loved it! The drink menu is super unique (lots with coffee!), but they definitely have something for everyone. Service was great, atmosphere was great, drinks were great - will definitely be returning!

We are so happy to have this speakeasy-type bar in our neighborhood. We love the vibe, the cocktails are top notch, and the service is excellent. They have mastered the balance of being attentive without being bothersome, which is truly hard to do. I see myself and my husband enjoying kid-free cocktail nights here just the two of us, or with family and friends, for many years to come.

They raised their prices by 7% More inflation. Guess I'll go back to making drinks at home. Based on owners response updating to 1-Star: Owner likes to talk sh*t on social media and respond like a d*ck.

Bah humbug - not here! A thing to note before coming here so you don't have a bad experience and leave this business a negative review: - no reservations; it's first come, first serve. I recommend getting there right when they open or a little before to minimize your wait time outside. There's no waiting inside and bar seating isn't free reign, so don't expect to mosey up to the bar for a drink while you wait on a table. Yes, waiting outside is boring because there's nothing else around to see but the cocktails are well worth the wait. They take your name only, not a number, so you need to be around to hear your name called. Service: very friendly and prompt without being overbearing. The two owners are seating and delivering drinks and doing it well. We arrived shortly after opening and were told about an hour wait but they got us in way earlier than that. Ambience: casual and unpretentious which is great for this caliber of cocktail. Neighborhood bar feel with cocktails that rival those found in exclusive venues in bigger cities. Drinks: best cocktails in Charlotte, hands down. In my opinion, they're all reasonably priced at around $14 and they pack a punch! They don't skimp on the liquor and I was feeling real nice after one. We tried several cocktails and loved every single one. After reading some reviews from their pop up, I was concerned the drinks would be too sweet but they had several options that weren't and everything was perfectly balanced. If you're driving, be careful and maybe have one cocktail. Otherwise, I recommend Ubering. I love everything about this concept and I can say Humbug truly stands out from other generic, overpriced cocktail bars in the city. Relaxed atmosphere, strong and delicious cocktails at a price point lower than most - what's not to love?

Enjoyed my recent visit to Humbug. The staff was super welcoming and attentive. I started with the Renegade, one of their cocktails on the menu. It was absolutely delicious. Great mouth feel and perfectly balanced. I also ordered a New York sour (not on their menu). It wasn't quite layered properly, but the taste was spot on. Overall, great bar! Perfect for a date night or pre-dinner cocktails.

I couldn't love this spot more - it is my FAVORITE cocktail bar in Charlotte. The atmosphere is awesome - cool but casual. Modern with vintage touches. And I love that the team wont let it get overcrowded. They'll let a few more people in than they have chairs - especially since some people will go hang out in the back and play pool - but they won't let it get packed. AND they won't rush you. They want you to have a great time and enjoy the experience from start to finish. Service is super friendly, and the team is very knowledgeable. Let them know what you like and they'll come up with the perfect recommendation for you. The cocktails are creative, unique, and well balanced. From the espresso martini to the milk punch to the delicate hand, I love the drinks here. Do yourself a favor and go check out Humbug.

The cutest little cocktail bar in Plaza Midwood!! I think they are moving into a new space soon, but the setup in their current spot and the design inside is so cool. They have a great vibe going and make so many delicious cocktails. I forget the name of my first drink, but it was a yummy gin concoction and then I ended the night with an espresso martini. Definitely check them out, parking behind the building!

Such a confusing experience. Great atmosphere, staff very attentive,, BUT... the menu of cocktails does not represent what is served. No where on this menu does it mention that cocktails include a simple syrup. We tried a shooter & 2 different cocktails, base flavor was 100% sugar, no flavors & even less alcohol. When served a cocktail that so sweet it was impossible to drink, asked for a vodka cranberry & was told that wasn't really possible.?! If you love sugar sweet fake cocktails this place is for you

If you enjoy terrific cocktails, fantastic service and a chill ambiance this is your spot. My wife and I attended their Krampus event that is held during December. We arrived and were seated at the bar for the ticketed event. Their policy is to allow only the number of guests in the bar who can be seated. This leads to the experience that we enjoyed immensely. Ashley was our bartender and provided us with the perfect mix of cocktail knowledge and conversation without being "over bearing". Overall the place is a ten. Nothing was left to chance and customer experience was flawless. Will be back!

Amazing cocktails, some of the staples are my favorite cocktails that I've ever had. The rotating menu always has new and interesting beverages that I have to try. Please try and you won't be disappointed.

I loved the old pop up location and am thrilled about the new permanent spot. The drinks are fun and creative, the wine list is awesome, and there are also some beers on tap. The bartenders are super passionate and excited to share their craft with everyone who walks in the door. The space is elegant and cozy at the same time. There's a little lounge-type area with a pool table in the back of the bar and a patio so you can sit outside. This is a place you could take a date, or just pop in after work on the way home.

Amazing little spot to have a cocktail in the neighborhood. Loved the staff- everyone was very personable and made great recommendations to pair bites with our drinks. Definitely a place to check out - welcome addition to the neighborhood!

Amazing ambience, staff, lighting. When you walk in it feels like you're walking through the fucking closet into Narnia. At least that's how they have it set up for holiday season and I am absolutely here for it. When they tell you that the drink menu gets progressively, stronger the further down you go, you better fucking listen. Proceed with caution if you are a lightweight, these drinks are absolutely phenomenal but strong. Deceiving because they are delicious. The staff is incredibly skilled- tip them!

Best cocktails in Charlotte, and to make it better, they are transparently priced at $15 regardless of your choice. They change the drink menu often, and it's always amazing. The staff is amazingly friendly as well. Andy and Larry have done a fantastic job!

We had a very nice visit to Humbug last Saturday! The vibes are great - sort of dark and moody and they had the garage doors open at the front letting in fresh air. Our waiter was very friendly and able to recommend drinks based on our preferences. The cocktails were fun and different. I was able to order off menu as well and I received a strong, tasty drink. Would love to visit again!

Located in the Refuge hotel in Plaza Midwood: Humbug is a cozy cocktail bar and it's space is the embodiment of their tagline: Always Delicious, Never Pretentious. I was there this past weekend with a couple of girlfriends. For my first round I ordered the "Thundercat" which consists of Reposado Tequila, Thai tea, fernet-braca, egg white and grated cinnamon. I am convinced that tequila and cinnamon are a match made in heaven. The Thundercat was no exception with the addition of the fernets which built the flavor of the drink and added just enough bitterness to balance the tequila. The Thai tea and egg white added a smoothness to the overall drink: lovely! The French 75, my second round, was light, bright and a nice change from my first round. The owners consistently add new drinks to the menu which is exciting because I am always wondering what they are going to do next! I do appreciate that they have a classic side to their menu so there will always be something for everyone.

I wanted to like this place when I heard it was curated on the premise of a neighborhood bar. Our party of four showed up in the middle of their operating hours, on a Friday, at 8:30pm, and were told they were closing for 30 minutes to "reset". They claimed they ran out of simple syrup and limes... not a deal breaker in our opinion. After all it's a neighborhood establishment we walked to. Despite our better judgement we left, only to return an hour later to a line for entry. It didn't appear to be based on seating or fire marshal capacity, but rather based on the bartenders ability to keep pace with orders. I just wanted a beer. Cute place, but question managements hospitality experience. Best of luck... At least the place was true to its name.

Very trendy space, great variety of cocktails, and a social atmosphere. Keep in mind that it can be tricky to get seats for groups of 4+!

Pictured: The Moon Landing Was a Hoax (9/10) Somewhere a Clock is Ticking - (8.5 10) Coffee for Closers (9/10) The Cure for Pain (10/10) Likes: These drinks were great! The owners were super nice and the entire atmosphere of the place is really great! Dislikes: No dislikes really, I think this place is a perfect fit for Plaza Midwood! Overall Rating: 4.6

We love Humbug so much - the atmosphere, the amazing staff and owners, Larry and Andrew, and the amazing cocktails. We can't say enough great things about our experiences each time we've been. We can't wait to return!

Ok hear me out, I love a cocktail bar/lounge situation and I was very happy to hear about Humbug and the location in Plaza Midwood, however I have to disagree with some of the reviews below on the cocktails... The owners were as nice as can be and seemed very personable and passionate about their cocktail making and them coming up with the cocktails from scratch was really impressive. I also really enjoyed the atmosphere and the decor inside. Very boho and cozy, the perfect spot for an after dinner cocktail or a date night. What I have qualms with is that the drinks were SO SWEET. Between my friend and I, we tried 4 different drinks and we were very surprised and a bit disappointed with each one. My first drink was a tequila drink with jalapeño and cucumber and it was refreshing but there was something in there that made it pretty sweet. My friend ordered a bourbon, blackberry and lemon cocktail and again it tasted like juice. Our second round I ordered The Moon Landing was a Hoax cocktail which was recommended to me by one of the bartenders and I couldn't even finish it to be honest. I felt like I was drinking syrup or a bad cream soda. My friend had the Side Piece cocktail and her's was more similar to an orange soda/less cocktail. I wouldn't consider myself a cocktail snob and I am not a picky person, you can tell by my other reviews, but I am just so confused as to what happened. Did we just get a bad batch because they were busy? Do people just like painfully sweet cocktails where they can't taste the spirits or the individual ingredients? I am a regular at Idlewild, for example and I wouldn't even put these drinks in the same playing field. I would be open to coming back if it was just an off night because I really enjoyed the ambiance and customer service but I wouldn't come back to pay $13 for another sugary drink. Sorry :(

I had the best experience here! Ivy was my server and did the best job making sure we had a great night. She's the best! Great ambiance, great service, great cocktails. Best spot in town!

Humbug is one of the best cocktail bars in Charlotte. Their cocktails are innovative and delicious, the staff is incredible and friendly, and they've really lived out their motto of "delicious but never pretentious". It's hard to find any fault with what they do. The drinks are reasonably priced at $15. The staff takes time to engage with you. I've found that they treat everyone the same, no matter whether it's your 1st time or your 100th time - and that's quality of service that you can't fake.

Beautiful location, delicious cocktails, excellent service. These guys know what they're doing.

I wish I had all the time in the world to truly express how great Humbug and their staff are for Charlotte's cocktail scene. As soon as you walk in, you're greeted by a very classy ambiance and all the positive vibes a neighborhood bar should have. The menu is robust, with additional drink and snack options should you be in the mood for something other than a cocktail (beer, wine, etc.). The number one thing that people visiting this place should keep in mind is that you are going to get drinks that are worth the money you are paying. This isn't your local Chili's or your high-volume beach bar where you get over-diluted cocktails and a crappy waitstaff. 15/10 every single time (yes, I know-- 5 stars is the max).

We fell in love with Humbug at its original temporary location and are beyond thrilled that they're back and in their own space now. They are our favorite cocktail bar in town by far - not only are their drinks creative and delicious (try to just pick one), but the staff are amazing too, welcoming and knowledgeable whether it's your first time in or you're a regular. They more than live up to their "always delicious, never pretentious" mantra with a great ambiance, killer drinks, and the most personable service in town. I look forward to visiting regularly, and if you're looking for a good time and some great cocktails, you should too!

Unique drinks, cool setting , will be back. Really enjoyed the Krampus vibes. I like to keep reviews simple but yelp didn't like it being so short. So there ya go.

Favorite cocktail bar I've ever been to. Highly recommend for ALL types of cocktail lovers. Get there early for a guaranteed table. If going for Krampus make sure to get tickets way in advance. 10/10 would recommend.

We didn't try any of the food options but loved the cocktails. The bartenders were really nice and we really enjoyed playing pool.

Awesome cocktail bar with a unique "Krampus" menu for December. Staff is friendly and helpful, drinks are wonderful and unique. The Krampus concept is a refreshing change of pace this time of year. Even when Krampus isn't happening here, the ever changing cocktail list is bar-none in Charlotte.

I've been several times since this lace has opened and it has been one of my favorites. The vibe is so clean and the service is impeccable. I will continue to go here and to bring friends from out of town.

Love this bar. Great cocktails, great owners and staff. This neighborhood bar is a perfect addition to this location. Can't wait to come back for more even, if I have to wait! TOTALLY worth it.

The drinks were good, and the service was ok, but my party was sat at a tiny counter table that runs along the window. We paid ten dollars a piece for a reservation and we're crammed into a corner. I felt like we had to have pissed off someone to be sat in the worst space in the bar. Either don't charge for that area, or don't sit people there.

This is a cute and quaint cocktail bar. We came here for my friend's birthday and we loved the outside seating. The bartender/owner was really nice and provided great service! It is located in Plaza Midwood and it had a decent amount of parking in the back. I will definitely be back! Oh and I ordered the Somewhere A clock (or something like that lol). It was sweet.

Just a great energy about this place. Honestly have traveled the world and been in cocktail bars all over and I'm so happy that this one made is in the area. Extremely special place with great drinks and such a friendly staff.

My cousin brought me to Humbug for the first time, it was phenomenal. Truly delicious and unique cocktails in a laid back atmosphere! The plants were gorgeous, we sat and watched the sun set from the window.

Such a great concept right in the heart of Plaza Midwood! The owners, Andy and Larry, are so nice and hospitable. The cocktails are well balanced and the menu is varied enough for all types of drinkers - beer, wine, classic cocktails, and ones with a modern twist. I've come with just myself and husband for pre-dinner drinks and with a bunch of friends after brunch for a little Sunday funday action. Both times we were met with a warm welcome and great service. The fan favorite drinks so far have been Let It Rip, Coffee for Closers, and Somewhere a Clock is Ticking. Can't wait to go back!

Drinks and vibes were AMAZING. great first date spot or a place to chill and chat with a buddy over a tasty drink. I loved the aesthetic!!

Great cocktails, beautiful interior (with a pool table!) and awesome staff. Highly recommend!

Too Cool For School! We've been rooting for these guys from the moment we heard of this concept, having been familiar with one of the owners. I only write reviews for standout places or for poor customer service. Unfortunately in this case it was the latter and egregiously so. This was our 2nd trip to Humbug and will be our last. The first was good. This time, we went for a friends birthday in the back room with about 15-20 people. They rented out the back room for 2 hours on Monday night at $100 an hour which included a waiter and a pool table. The drinks are amazing, no question about that! The service was good initially but then we were given the bums rush even though we were still ordering drinks. Constantly reminded that we had to leave the area after 2 hours, even though we were 16 of the 20 patrons in the place. They told us Monday night there was a bartenders showcase and they were expecting a crowd of people so we had to leave the back room. The people they were anticipating showing up were more important than the people in the place. Our group of 16 left at 10p with 4 people remaining in the establishment. The bar tab for my wife and I was $178 for 2 hours which we have no problem with outside of the treatment we've never seen before anywhere! Disappointed is a major understatement! With so many other options in Plaza Midwood in Noda competing for customers, we'd much rather be at a place where we are welcomed and appreciated!

Small pop up cocktail bar in a newly developed strip off the plaza. Humbug is trying to be an uptown swanky cocktail bar by creating a sophisticated almost stuffy feel. My wife and I went early evening Saturday and made an egregious error of entering through the back door next to the big parking lot. We sat down at the bar and had the least welcoming experience of our lives. The bald goatee bartender/maybe manager very sarcastically and unprofessionally told us the back door is NOT an entrance and mentioned a sign that "clearly" states that. It felt like we were being chastised by a teacher in middle school, so cringey/awkward. The people next to us at the bar were embarrassed for us. Then we realized the reason why. They lock the front door and only let people in when they have seating available. As the bar began to fill up, we noticed people waiting to be let inside. Probably smart business idea to back up a line on the plaza to make the place seem popular. Bottom line, customer service experience was one of the worst I've experienced. From being spoken down to like a child by the bartender to their petty efforts to make the place feel like a distinguished uptown cocktail club by making you feel like you're lucky to be there I was very disappointed. I will give them an extra star here bc they do make some great cocktails.

Ambiance is great - moody /dark /cozy or romantic decor but relaxed vibe. I've been here a couple times and it's a welcoming space. The owners are engaged and nice. The service is excellent! You are greeted and served water before your butt can warm the seat & they give you samples and talk tasting notes without getting bothered. Love the hummus, don't love the toasts they come with but that won't discourage me from going back! Bonus they have nice lotion in the bathrooms.

Cocktails were incredible. Honestly really appreciate how well the coasters slide on the bar top. Top notch experience if I do say so myself. Go here, eat the snacks, and drink the drinks.

I'm not sure what Humbug Adam went to but it definitely wasn't the one I experienced. We read the sign on the door stating reopening at 9:30pm which was very understandable with them being new it was needed time to regroup. My partner and I just walked down the street to Hattie's Tap and Tavern for a drink and came back.They reopened at 9:30pm at that time it was just 3 other couples waiting. My partner and I made 4 we all was greeted and apologized to for closing to regroup. Every staff member was very apologetic and began to service everyone with excellent customer service. This place is small yes it was a wait after it got busy. People (Adam) can't get mad for coming back whenever they wanted to instead of being back at 9:30pm. Humbug was amazing, loved the ambiance. The staff, drinks and service was absolutely wonderful. We'll definitely be returning to Humbug this is a new found favorite neighborhood spot.

Best cocktail in CHT. Reasonably priced menu with a unique list of cocktails, plus shooters and snacks. Bar and tables in the front, lounge and pool table in back. Larry and Andy are the owners, and one is always there. Very intimate feel. Outstanding experience.

Flawed business model. Poor service. Rude, unwelcoming staff. Nice ambiance. Cocktails were not very good.

Fantastic addition to Villa Heights! Amazing cocktail list and the service is top notch.