Petra's

Live music venue · Commonwealth

Petra's

Live music venue · Commonwealth

1

1919 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

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Highlights

Down-to-earth venue presenting live music & other performances, plus signature martinis.  

Featured in Eater
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1919 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205 Get directions

petrasbar.com
@petrasbar

$

Information

Static Map

1919 Commonwealth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205 Get directions

+1 704 332 6608
petrasbar.com
@petrasbar

$

Features

wifi
payment credit card
Tap to pay
outdoor seating

Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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"Live music is meant to be heard and martinis are meant to be savored at a place like Petra’s, which has been the heartbeat of Plaza Midwood’s music, queer, and bar scene since 2007. Petra’s 21+ packed-to-the-brim Monday Night Jazz Session fills the eclectic dive bar with an air of effortless cool. If jazz isn’t your jam, try Wednesday night karaoke or the recurring Hazy Sunday DJ day party. With no food menu and a $9 beer and shot deal, a good (and boozy) time is always on the horizon." - Kayleigh Ruller

Where to Watch Live Music in Charlotte Restaurants and Bars - Eater Carolinas
View Postcard for Petra's

Minty Mayhem

Google
Best small venue I've ever been to. Extremely intimate setting, good drink prices (energy drinks available too!) Beautiful outdoor patio in the back to relax before the show too!

Tommy Underhill

Google
Pleasant staff, cozy atmosphere, easy to get around and lots of great shows. They hold art exhibits too. Seriously a rad place with great drinks and wonderful vibes. Apologies for using the term vibes

Erin Davidek

Google
Cozy & real. Monday nights are not for the faint of heart. A rich environment for young musicians and singers alike to showcase their talents! I'm so grateful to have stumbled upon this gem.

Rosamary Echevarria

Google
Went in to just look for a friend who text me they needed me and a guy (big guy in the front booth) walked upto me and tapped me (you shouldn’t touch people) and said $10. I stated I was looking for someone and he gave me a look and repeated himself $10 I as well repeat not staying looking for someone who needs me and he said well Text them. I stated I did but the music is loud and again he said $10 . Didn’t care if someone may need help just plain rude and no empathy.

Jakub Blank

Google
amazing little bar and music venue. we come here for jazz nights on mondays. the mezcal contain on tap is also incredible.

Brandon Smith

Google
Awesome staff, great sounding room. The jazz jam on Mondays is the most authentic jazz experience in Charlotte, too.

David Castillo

Google
With the Potions and Pixels event we had a blast and the bar served awesome drinks. I would recommend dropping by for the events there as the atmosphere there is pretty laid back and open. I added images of what went down for me personally.

Chris Settle

Google
Greatest spot in Plaza for live music Bar staff is friendly and attentive. And there's a art gallery in the back room 😍

Alexandrea I.

Yelp
Found this cute little piano bar while waiting for a reservation. Staff was friendly and drinks were strong. Ask about the specials. All around a win! p.s. There are no seats at the bar. You've been warned girls in heels

Juan I.

Yelp
I had the pleasure of visiting Petra's Bar last night, and it was an exceptional experience. The ambiance was one of the standout features of this establishment. As soon as I walked in, I was struck by the warm and inviting atmosphere. The dim lighting, cozy seating, and tasteful decor created a perfect setting for a night out. The drinks at Petra's Bar were nothing short of impressive. The bartenders knew their craft well, and my cocktail was expertly mixed. They had an excellent selection of beverages, catering to a wide range of preferences. What truly elevated my evening was the live show happening that night. The performance was energetic and engaging, and it added a dynamic layer to the overall experience. The musicians were talented, and the crowd was lively, making it a memorable night out. In summary, Petra's Bar exceeded my expectations. The fantastic ambiance, good drinks, and the live show made it a night to remember. I'll definitely be returning for more memorable evenings at this establishment.

Christopher W.

Yelp
The doorman will pocket your cash, refuse to give you change, and tell you to do something about it when called out. Hands down the worst experience I've had in Charlotte - inexcusable - I won't be back.

Elizabeth D.

Yelp
We finally made it to Petra's for a Monday night Jazz show, and it blew us away! Classic divey music bar vibes, great drink options (I'm excited to try their tasty looking cocktails soon), friendly staff, cool patio space out back, and - most importantly - incredible musicians. We couldn't get over how great they sounded. This is a can't-miss spot in Plaza Midwood if you are into music!!!

Alivia B.

Yelp
I have been in and out of this place for so many shows and socials. I love this place from the art gallery, to the patio on Hazy Sundays, and the shows at night. I highly recommend this place to peers I meet from all walks of life. I recommend the pomegranate margaritas and checking out the new gallery every first Friday of the month.

Jeff S.

Yelp
Another great karaoke night on Wednesday! I am really liking the new vibe on Wednesdays- it just feels fun.

Jacob L.

Yelp
This place over the last couple months has brought nights of joy, laughter, music, and great fun! LGBTQ+ friendly and such a friendly staff. I would highly recommend this place to grab a drink, meet up with friends, and listen to some music!

John H.

Yelp
Really cool spot in Plaza Midwood. Came here for their monthly Pixels & Potions Event where the bar and rooms get entirely transformed. To the left (behind the main room bar) there's a room just for RockBand and then a larger room set up with tables and a ton of board games. The main room is where they bring in TVs and projector screens to set up gaming systems to play video games. If you travel through the small hallway to the beer bar (10 beers on tap) you will see an original Nintendo system and even an Atari system to play. More TVs around tap room with super smash brothers, and more modern video games. The back patio attached to the beer area is nice... a couple tables and benches... folks out here were playing Cards Against Humanity. Overall a great space.... looking at Petra's calendar for more upcoming events, there's "Buzzed Spelling" which sounds amazing as well as really unique events. Hopefully they keep this up since Charlotte's event scene can have more flavor than beer runs and yoga at breweries ;). Parking isn't the greatest in Plaza Midwood, but if you can find a nearby "RAP" - reverse angle parking... (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=by-48zTu5Ws) on Commenwealth... you are golden. I usually get performance anxiety when people are watching me reverse into those spots... so I just uber.

Mary P.

Yelp
This place is great. I always attend the Once month Su casa event at the end of the month. The vibe, music, and people bring so much positive energy in this place. It's an experience everyone must try.

Sarah Beth M.

Yelp
Tiki night is everything So divey and cool inside, and while drinks are expensive they come in a sick tiki cup and are delicious!

FakeFoodBabyNY C.

Yelp
#Holy moly. This dance party was fun. #I don't remember what happened.

Kelly C.

Yelp
I really feel like Petra's has something for everyone. Beer? yeah. Liquor? Yeah. Wine? Yeah. PBR and shot of house whiskey on special? YEAH! My first time at Petra's, I went for the "Potions and Pixels" night. John H is right. They transform this whole space in to a video game bar! They bring in TV's big and small, lower the projector, set up board games, and usually have a theme. This is such a fun event, and the space is perfect for it. There's an entire room for Rock Band! Please look up this event if you have any interest in gaming of any kind. It's a blast. I was also at Petra's last night for Crafty Hour. They bring out a local craft vendor (Crowned Sparrow) and do a festive craft for about two hours. It was also Drag Trivia night - hosted by two gorgeous Drag Queens. Petra's is a fun place, regardless of event. Go here. Keep this weird wonderful local spot open.

Tieren S.

Yelp
This spot was jumpin last night. Music was on point: Soca, reggaeton, classics, go go... all the stuff you can dance too. I'm not sure if this is an every Saturday night thing cause last night was my first time but I had hella fun with my homie. If I'm not feeling the vibe in one area, i like that I can go to another. I also like that one area is outside and another is where the bathrooms are where you can breathe a bit. Parking is atrocious but I found out you can park at CVS. (Shows how little I venture out). Definitely going back and maybe even check out the after spot at Crystals since this joint closes at 2 AM.

Antonia L.

Yelp
This is one my favorite spots to go to on 3rd Saturdays for SU CASA! It is the perfect place to dance and sweat out hot worries! They have a great patio to cool down and catch your breath!

Melanie E.

Yelp
I think for a better review I'd need to go back a few more times, but I'm willing if they'll have me! Petra's is a small, charmant bar off of Commonwealth Avenue. The evening's entertainment was Ethan on piano playing the music for the showing of the silent movie Les Vampires! He also showed a few Charlie Chaplin silents and played for those as well. Ethan was very engaging and this was a different and fun evening! I think they do this type of thing on a regular basis so check it out for something different and low key!

Gary Z.

Yelp
Fun bar in lively part of town. They have trivia and karaoke nights, but I went on a night of very strange electronic music. Several acts all for just $6. My friend seemed to like it more than I did, but I will be back for more. My rum and coke was very strong and tasted real, real good. I was going to order another one, but opted not to! Patio out back is nice for relaxing under the stars. Cigar smoking permitted out front. Not much parking.

Brandi P.

Yelp
Went down last minute to check out the jazz show and was pleasantly surprised at quality of local band. They had a couple of guests, one being the bassist son which were decent, nice relaxing vibe all evening for this small venue

James P.

Yelp
My first visit to Petra's here in Charlotte, NC on a Friday night (7/13/18). My bartender was a young gentleman named Terrence, who was maybe the most personable and friendly bartender I've ever met. I happened to go on a night when he was tending both bars and after serving 200+ customers by himself, I witnessed several intoxicated individuals wait less than 5 minutes and drunkenly decide to go BEHIND the bar and serve themselves. They were rude and dishonest about their service and wait time and Terrence handled the situation as professionally as he could. He removed the belligerent individuals from the venue, and was praised by customers for handling the situation so well. I recommend this bar to anyone visiting Charlotte

Veronica K.

Yelp
Was my 1st time here last night had a great time the place was banging friendly staff, bartenders was on point doing there thing they had a specially drink the purple rain in horor of the legend Prince. Dance floor stayed packed the dj OMG awesome. We danced the night away it gets very hot in there so you do hv to go outside to the patio to cool off but that's ok cause they hv a jamming dj there to great spot my 1st but definitely won't b my last time going...:)))

Sporadic W.

Yelp
Cool spot. It looks tiny when you enter, but there are about 4 different rooms along with an exterior courtyard/patio and a front porch/patio. Very chill and everybody is welcome type of vibe. I went for a Gender Fusion event, didn't realize it happens often- weekly, monthly, quarterly.. not sure the frequency, but I went out for the Pride Edition and enjoyed myself. Saw a couple of familiar faces and made proper introductions. I would definitely come back for another event and would like to check out some of the other nights Petra's has also. Cover was $10 in advance and all proceeds went to support Transcend a local support group for transgender folks. Good time and good cause!

Naomi B.

Yelp
We live in Atlanta and was in Charlotte for the weekend. We came to Petra on Saturday 2/1/20 (thinking we were about to have a great time). However, we walked in, paid $10 per person (a party of 8) and ordered drinks. We were there for ten (10) minutes and the DJ announced that the bathrooms were not working and everyone had to leave. No manager, no hostess. Just a nasty "doorman" as he called himself. This was a joke! NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!!! Owners should be ashamed that they have a ghetto establishment and to employ such awful staff.

Nicole W.

Yelp
While I'd like to state that this is a "cool little bar"...I can't...because it's a cool "kinda big" bar! This neat joint is chock full of kitschy decor, well-stocked bar and great theme nights. Whether you're a chill-out kinda drinker, a karoake queen, trivia hound, drag show devotee or theater lover - Petra's has something for you. It's dark and mysterious - full of little rooms all decorated differently. I've had a few different custom made cocktails here and each one was super tasty. Staff is uber friendly and I fully appreciate that (on occasion) they host a local theater production here! Next time I'm in Plaza Midwood, I'll definitely stop back in a Petra's for a solid dose of fun and crafty cocktail.

Dina H.

Yelp
I really love this place. I went for karaoke night its very intimate and comfortable. Drinks are not to expensive, however this place does not serve food but they will allow outside food.

Clarissa S.

Yelp
Last Saturday of the month is Su Casa and if you are looking for good vibes and positive atmosphere then this is the place the music is fire the people that host are always bringing the hottest DJ

Julia S.

Yelp
Such a rad bar. Huge, huuuuuuge, with seemingly disparate themes for each section - but they're all gorgeous and comfy, so it's like drunken treasure hunting, seeing each room's details and decor. The ceiling is carpeted in lamps, which are used to signal Last Call. Awesome. There's a huge projection screen, which is often showing Thriller. Also awesome. There's a decent selection of tap beers leaning a little towards the domestic, priced reasonably, and a full bar with fancy drinks and specials every night of the week, including 6 dollar pitchers a la the Penguin circa 2001. The back yard has a mysteriously tropical-looking tree and fire pits. And benches. It is comfy and hidden from the street, walled with bamboo, like a grown up's secret tiki-fort. People here are friendly and there are events, trivia, shows, DJs most nights of the week. But if Drageoke isn't your jam, there's sure to be space in some well-appointed nook to escape the lights and music and sip your beverage while talking or whatever. Neeto.

D B.

Yelp
This place is the PITS!!! You pay for tickets to get in, and they make you pay more money at the door for some type of membership. They scan your driver's license for God knows what, and how they keep your information that should not even be allowed. The guy at the door was totally RUDE. The place was dirty, and smelly, could not even try to enjoy the show if I wanted because the experience was SOOOOO BAD! If I could score this place a negative, I would. Don't waste your time!

Lindsay S.

Yelp
Oo, I liked this bar. We went to check it out last night, and it's just about the right size, with lots of different seating options and places to hide out (if so inclined). Everyone was incredibly friendly, the bartender was nice as hell, and the drinks were good. We might wish for a more adventurous selection of beers on tap, but I get that Petra's isn't really a beer bar. For a Saturday karaoke night, it was actually a little dead... there were enough people there, but the karaoke wasn't particularly hopping. Still, I plan on going back again soon, maybe for trivia night... I love a good trivia, and $6 pitchers ain't nothing to sneeze at. Glad this place exists.

Stephen V.

Yelp
Maybe I went on a bad night, but the place was absolutely dead. It was, however, a Friday night! It has potential...it's a great, huge space. But, without a crowd, it was kind of lame. Too bad.

Shauna C.

Yelp
We went to see the Burlesque show on Saturday evening. There are suppose to be two shows (one at 10 the other at 12) but considering there are very few performers 3 ...and the host spent a good 30 minutes with his oddly unfunny "comedy" bits, it's really one show. There was one particularly talented performer who actually had a bit of a story in her routines so I enjoyed that but the others lacked luster. I guess I expected a lot of glitz and glam and overall I was underwhelmed. What I did like was that all girls seemed confident and that the music selection was great. The cost was $10 so I was hoping for a cool show or maybe some cheaper drinks. The drinks were filled with ice and quite small for the $6 vodka soda price. It ended up being a pricier event than I anticipated. I did feel like the host really pushed for drinks - which was off-putting. People were very friendly and overall it seemed like a cool place to hang out. I noticed their website has a lot of events - some which offer super-discounted beverages ($1 beers anyone? )so I will probably give it another shot.

Katherine C.

Yelp
This is a fantastic spot. The big secret? The best out door area in plaza midwood. It is incredible. Of course they have great music, shows, karaoke...but they also have an area to watch debates during the political seasons. The drinks are strong. The people are cool. This is a favorite.

Michelle L.

Yelp
Sigh. I wish there was more parking for not only this great spot but some of its neighbors. But back to the review - let's start with the membership/cover fee. Either way I'm paying and I'm ok with it. There's a patio with seating by the way for good weather/smoking. Bathrooms are limited but clean and the line moves quick. Service at the bar on a Saturday night was competent and swift. Prices were reasonable and by their menu they had decent specials for any given day. But the music that night was the clincher for me. There was a really fun drummer/lead singer band and I swear I was going to be a responsible adult and leave around midnight after that set until an amazing Latin band took the stage. So I'm screwed cuz I HAD TO stay til their set was done too. Drinks and dancing. Great crowd. Great music. Great service. I was beyond exhausted the next day and totally cool with it!! Will absolutely be back soon!

Joy-Alonica B.

Yelp
Really fun bar with affordable drinks! Went here on a Tuesday night when they had trivia. Very inclusive, fun, and open vibes!

Kia T.

Yelp
MI Casa es su casa at Petra's. Wll at least the 3rd Saturday of every month. They host Su Casa, djs in rooms, face painting and live art. The Saturday after Prince's untimely death, they held Su Casa with a Prince Tribute. It was the best time. A Prince song from every decade since he began his career was played and of course all of the classics. The DJ was 100% on point with the Prince tribute. Petra's is a small bar with 3 different rooms. If you want to escape the crowd, you can head to the back patio, grab a seat and listen to the DJ. The drinks are also cheap. Beer will run you about $5 and a mixed drink about $7. It's in Plaza Midwood area so parking is very scarce. It's always a good time at Petra's.

Benjamin M.

Yelp
I have to say I'm a fan. I was walking the Plaza-Midwood area and I past Petra and notice it was jazz night. After I made my rounds in the area I came back to check it out. I was not disappointed. The band that was playing was good. Love the atmosphere and the staff was very friendly. I'm sad that jazz night is only the second Sunday of the month, but I am still planning to come check them out other than that.

Liz K.

Yelp
I FREAKING LOVE THIS PLACE! The owners are awesome, the venue is really great, they are one of the only bars with a grand piano in it, and they have a decent stage and sound set up. Drinks are always great, love the 1/2 off wine bottles on Tuesdays. Silent Movie nights, concerts. This is one of my fav places to go!

Jarrod F.

Yelp
We went in and they had a live DJ and also a place set up for painting. We didn't paint but we should have since there's no telling what we would have come up with. In a separate room they had a couch and other seating options if you didn't want to be in the same room with DJ or the dance floor. It was much quitter in there. They have a good selection of drinks to choose from. We didn't check but it looked like they do not serve any food. Parking is all around and it is first come first lucky around the area there.

Elyse C.

Yelp
Love this place! Best to check the website before you go so you know what is going on the night you are planning to go. I came on a random Wednesday with my girlfriends for a dink after my birthday dinner. We did not know it was a mainly gay bar, so we were some of the only females, but everyone was so nice and we danced and had a great time! It was VERY full the night we came. We wanted to go back for "Dragaoke", karaoke in drag we assume- but we have not made it yet. A fun place to go if you have an open mind about what is fun!

Aviva C.

Yelp
I love going to Petra's for Trivia Tuesday! It starts every Tuesday at 9pm, but it is best to get there around 8:15 if you want to get a table because it fills up very quickly. Trivia is hosted by Roxy C. Moorecox, a fun and friendly drag queen with a background in musical theatre. Very friendly bartenders and fun for all, regardless of sexual orientation!

Tina K.

Yelp
Cool lil divey bar. Went on a night that some funk band was playing. Was okay. The venue itself is pretty cool. Good pours on drinks

Beth H.

Yelp
I have never, ever not enjoyed myself at Petra's! Its grown up & sexy, 21 & up, the atmosphere & ambiance are on point and its generally just the perfect place for a night out! Great date night place for an intimate experience, especially for LGBT, but I think anyone could enjoy themselves here!

Michelle B.

Yelp
Petra's is one of my favorite places in Charlotte. The bartenders and staff are top notch, and every event is always a blast. Wednesday night karaoke is always entertaining, and the Happening on Thursdays is a must for creatives! Definitely a shining star in the wonderful Plaza Midwood neighborhood!

Emiene W.

Yelp
Went to Petra's for the first time the other night without consulting Yelp first, and wouldn't you know it, spent the whole evening shaking it in the big main room. Good local drafts, reasonable attitude, Nigerian noire film projected on the wall, good times! I didn't even know there were other niche themed rooms, but I will definitely be back for more exploring!

V B.

Yelp
Cool watering hole with a range of daily themed activities check out their website to see what they are up to. I played the Pyramid game one Thursday and had so much fun!

Minding M.

Yelp
This is a really nice place to relax and enjoy some good music. Cover charge on a Friday night was $7. There was a funk band playing. They were definitely grooving. They don't have any food here but they will allow you to bring in outside meals. The ambience was incredible! I loved it. Good place for a date. Music lovers must experience!

Jamie M.

Yelp
This really is not a bad place. The building is pretty cool and I really think it could be more than what it is. It's a perfect spot for plaza mid wood and a business can host parties here, i.e. Christmas, summer, anything really. I will say they also have a great dance floor. Parking as usual is a problem, but this side of town is amazing, so you can walk anywhere if you decide to leave and check out another place.

Thomas P.

Yelp
Favorite hangout in Plaza Midwood and that's saying something. Friendly people working at the bar. The interior is chillin' and there's a lot to see and explore. Went on a Friday night and saw Ethan Uslan, an amazing pianist who lives here in Charlotte. He's an old-timey player (ragtime,stride) but plays a little of everything (he can go right from Beethoven into Scott Joplin). It was perfect for an early start to a Friday night. Good drink selection. The bar is beautiful. Saw some dude drinking Long Island Iced Tea from a pitcher with a straw - crazy man! Can't wait to return.

T P.

Yelp
The first time I ever went here was for 80's music mix. The place was small but quaint. At about 10 P.M. the place started packing in with all different kinds of people. Once the DJ started playing the old school 80's and some 90's, I couldn't stay seated. Everyone danced their buts off with each other on the floor cool people, men and women danced with me, we all had a blast! I danced until my hair was soaked, great work out. Even my stick in the mud bf even got on the floor and danced. I was originally looking for something close to the Breakfast Club experience, this is the only place that comes close to old school music and dance.

Walter S.

Yelp
This was by far the creepiest place I had ever been in. It was dark and the bartender made me feel really uncomfortable. The drinks were over priced and I expected a lot more people to be there. Avoid this place if you can!!!!

Jay T.

Yelp
This place is 0ld school cool. Reminds me of an old movie from the 20's. Staff is very friendly and performers remind me of Jill Scott jazz from back in the day. One of my favorite places to grab a drink and chill out.