After a slow morning following a stint at Friday Live at the
N.C. Music Factory and a long day of condo hunting (yes, I think I’m in the Queen City to stay), the only thing I wanted to do was take a nap. But as soon as I charged my phone, I had a text from the partner in crime (P.I.C.) asking me to join her on the rooftop at Gin Mill. We haven’t been able to see each other much and she just got a new job, and so, with that, duty called.
I threw on something that was probably a combination of something I had worn the two nights before, but this time with heels just in case this turned into an “uptown night.” We all know heading uptown, at least to the EpiCentre on a Saturday, means following a dress code, so I wanted to be prepared.
I chatted with the P.I.C. and her new co-workers for a bit and just as the sun went down and the patio started to get crowded, I asked where the next move was. One of the guys who had asked me to look into the best spots for those in their late-20s to mid-30s suggested we head uptown, but pointed out he was wearing flip flops and uninterested in the EpiCentre. I was excited when he said he would be down to go to
The Local.
The Local officially opened on my birthday just a few weekends ago. Located on East 5th Street, if you’ve been in Charlotte for the past few months you may recognize that it has taken the place of Phil’s Tavern. A long-time Q.C. fave, the dive bar has been completely re-branded and given an updated look.
With all the buzz going around about murals and pop-up art in Charlotte — most notably the amazing guerilla Bart Simpson art in Plaza Midwood — you can find that The Local boasts one of the sickest murals in Charlotte by local artists Matt Hooker and Matt Moore. It features elements characteristic of the Queen City such as the crown, the black panther, hornets, Carowinds and more. There’s also a life-sized Jack Daniel’s statue you can doodle on.
The first time I passed through The Local was after my long day at Moo and Brew followed by an inebriated interview with the owner at Craft Tasting Room and Growler Shop. I attempted to set up a chat with the general manager who was lending a hand behind the bar. I knew I couldn’t repeat the interview from earlier so I grabbed his card — I just hadn’t made it back until now. Needless to say, this was a much better night to see what The Local was really all about.
I talked with the bouncer for a few minutes — which wasn’t a huge challenge because he was quite the charmer. In between rallying passerbys to stop in and check out The Local featuring, “Live music and no cover,” he bragged about the direction the bar was going and the faith he had in the owner, Jenny, to build on the tradition many valued in Phil’s Tavern while keeping up with the changing nightlife environment. He described the atmosphere as, “A comfortable rock-n-roll dive bar that’s in a great location!”
During the day, The Local serves a full menu of American bar food with a twist. I can’t tell you how many times I have been at work and come across an Instagram post brandishing a menu feature and immediately began drooling. I will definitely be trying their chicken pasta at some point soon. They also have a late-night menu I wish I had asked about before careening off in a bicycle cart to Qdoba.
Inside, you can expect a dimly lit vibe with a stage to the left, a bar to the right, televisions galore and dart boards. I went straight to the bar of course and took advantage of the $5 RBVs (Red Bull Vodkas). As far as specials go, that’s right up my alley.
I was worried when he said rock-and-roll that I wouldn’t be a huge fan of the music selection but I was definitely impressed. Not only was Late Night Special a good band, I even got a taste of Motown with “Let’s Get It On” before the night was over. Talk about setting a mood.
If you’ve been in Charlotte any amount of time, you know that bars and clubs come and go all the time. The Local, however, is built on a tradition that is undeniable and I have a feeling they are here to stay. The staff is friendly, experienced and dedicated which will definitely lead to success.
Whether you are looking for great food, great music or drinks, The Local has it all.
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