The Cotton Room at Belfast Mill

9 Standout Bars in Charlotte, North Carolina

"The Cotton Room in Uptown was once a space for farmers to store and dry their cotton before bringing it downstairs, where vendors set up stalls along the street in a makeshift market. The pubs that line the street now bring a different, boisterous, and pleasure-seeking crowd, which is why the Cotton Room — whose entrance can be easily missed in the chaos — is such a welcome respite; it has a quiet, speakeasy vibe, without requiring a password, reservation or secret handshake. Much of the Cotton Room’s interior is as it was during Charlotte’s textile heyday — the floors, and exposed brick walls are all original — but the diverse crowd it draws is very much modern. The drink menu features tried and true classic cocktails (Bee’s Knees, anyone?), often with modern twists: the Campfire Old Fashioned, a delight for the social media crowd, is a standard Old Fashioned that switches out Angostura for mole bitters and features an Insta-worthy marshmallow set aflame." - Timothy DePeugh, Nikki Miller-Ka

CHARLOTTE CITY GUIDE

"The Cotton Room combines the relaxing atmosphere of a casual, yet sophisticated speakeasy with fresh and local ingredients to produce signature crafted cocktails. We pride ourselves on our ever-rotating, truly inspired craft cocktail menu. Boasting an extensive whiskey collection, The Cotton Room is also home to The Brevard Whiskey Club - a membership program dedicated to exploring and educating its members and guests on various selections of our favorite spirit. Collaborating with Local and International Brand Ambassadors, the Brevard Whiskey Club delivers an in-depth look at the month’s featured selection of expressions."

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"Tucked into a historic, century-old building that was once an open-air cotton market, the aptly named Cotton Room is a beautiful, speakeasy-style bar with a European vibe and an intimate feel. The wood-paneled, high-ceilinged space oozes history, from the pre-WWII skylight to the original flooring that’s still slightly crooked. The most popular drink here is the house Old Fashioned, made with rye whiskey, orange bitters, and dark brown sugar, then topped with a flamed orange peel." - Lauren Levine

Uptown’s quiet, brick‑walled antidote to Brevard Court bustle, pouring thoughtful classics and seasonal twists. Recommended by Eater and Condé Nast Traveler; locals come for the low‑key vibe and occasional cocktail classes.