Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Charlotte

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Charlotte? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Novanta Pizzeria Napoletana

4.8

4.8 (290)

$30 and under

Italian

Mooresville

About the restaurant

The owners of Brooklyn South and Brooklyn Boys Pizzeria's are venturing again to bring you truly Authentic pizza. Pizza cooked by wood fire in 90 seconds. Among pizza stay tuned for the finest, truly authentic, rustic Italian dishes from different regions of Italy. Enjoy our extensive wine and beer indoor/outdoor bar and private dining area for your most exclusive intimate celebrations.

Top review

Diane

Dined 4 days ago

It was great. Waitstaff was super attentive. Food was really good. And the place is clean and bright. Would definitely recommend.

Mal Pan

4.8

4.8 (479)

$30 and under

Mexican

SouthPark

About the restaurant

Taqueria Mal Pan is a modern Mexican experience. Our chef-driven menu is a combination of both the modern and classic Mexican kitchen. You’ll experience a menu with inspiration from Baja to Yucatan and everywhere in between. In step with the theme of our kitchen, the beverage program at Mal Pan is also inspired by the old and the new. Our back bar is filled with a curated list of artisan spirits from the US, Mexico, the Caribbean and beyond. All of our craft cocktails are concocted with housemade syrups, fresh squeezed juices, shrubs, bitters and instagram worthy garnishes

Top review

Peyton

Dined 4 days ago

Will forever be our favorite brunch in Charlotte. Absolutely amazing food that never disappoints. We usually have a cocktail, but this time tried the fresh made Agua Fresca. Delicious!

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4.8

4.8 (54)

$30 and under

Cuban

Ballantyne

About the restaurant

Get ready para la rumba!! Azúcar brings the rich and modern flavors of Cuba right to Ballantyne. Sharing its picturesque ambiance that’s sure to boost every mood that walks through the door. Enjoy Our take of a “Ropa Nueva” or our signature “Branzino”. Come indulge yourself with the savory dishes and drinks at Azúcar where “La Rumba Te Esta Llamando.

Top review

ChrisVIP

Dined on Dec 24, 2024

Management and serving staff are very attentive and they remember customer preferences. We went last night with friends and they made it easy for the group to return there in the future. For my wife and I, the food was very good and different from their local competitors

Sneak CLT

4.8

4.8 (9)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Elizabeth

About the restaurant

SNEAK is a true hidden gem nestled in the Elizabeth neighborhood, where we delight in putting a playful spin on classic and retro cocktails alongside our own unique creations. Step into our intimate yet lively atmosphere filled with custom playlists and delightful surprises, making us the ultimate destination for a memorable night out. Embracing a concept beyond that of a traditional speakeasy, we proudly present ourselves as a SNEAK-easy! Take pleasure in our inviting patio, daily specials, and live music. Please dress to impress, as we kindly request no backwards hats or athletic wear to maintain our upscale ambiance.

Join us for a night of cocktails, music, and vibes.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Dec 29, 2024

Overall great experience! A little on the small side, but definitely recommend.

Maiz Agua Sal

4.8

4.8 (11)

$30 and under

Mexican

Charlotte

About the restaurant

Located in the vibrant Wesley Heights neighborhood, Maiz Agua Sal is a celebration of authentic Mexican cuisine that honors tradition while embracing culinary diversity. We serve brunch, lunch, and dinner, crafting meals that reflect Mexico's rich history and unique flavors.

At the heart of our kitchen are house-made heirloom corn tortillas pressed daily, alongside long-simmered braises and perfectly tender meats, all complemented by farm-fresh produce. Our scratch kitchen ensures every dish bursts with vibrant flavors, offering a fun and delicious dining experience.

Our beverage program beautifully mirrors our culinary philosophy, featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of artisanal agave spirits and high-quality ingredients inspired by Mexican culture. Join us for an unforgettable meal that brings a taste of Mexico to Wesley Heights!

Top review

MicaVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Truly a favorite place to come a few times a month with friends and family. The food and drinks are consistently delicious and interesting. The tortillas are freshly made in house, and I like to get extra to take home. Everyone is kind and welcoming, and it’s an absolutely beautifully designed restaurant with a relaxing and inviting feeling. It’s the kind of place you can linger and enjoy conversations. They even have a skyline view from the patio and a warm fire pit. We often walk down the hill to the nearby greenway for a stroll after we eat. Thank you, Maiz Agua Sal. You make Charlotte a better place to be!

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Experience

Street Taco Lunch Special

Experience

Large Party Dining at Maiz Agua Sal

CharBar No.7 - Carmel

4.7

4.7 (124)

$30 and under

American

South Charlotte

About the restaurant

Life is serious enough, dinner and drinks with friends and family should be a break from the daily grind. This, “come for drink, stay for while” attitude has shaped us into what we are today... a relaxing, no hassle, neighborhood spot. While we do take our food seriously, we strive to offer a welcoming feeling in our restaurant. Whether it is with family, friends, or by yourself, we invite you to come enjoy some good music, eat a big meal, and stay for a drink.

Top review

SherylVIP

Dined 4 days ago

We have been here many times . Dinner was great . Sydney was our server & she was outstanding .. the noise level was better, where we sat ..

Marquee Charlotte

4.7

4.7 (49)

$31 to $50

Tapas / Small Plates

Charlotte

About the restaurant

Discover unparalleled sophistication at The Marquee Charlotte, just 7 minutes from Uptown. A pinnacle of refined luxury, our prime location offers access to the city's finest cultural treasures and modern conveniences. More than a venue, it's an invitation to indulge in Charlotte's dynamic tapestry. Whether it's an elegant dining experience, a weekend of dancing, exclusive bottle service, or corporate events, The Marquee Charlotte is your passport to a world where every moment exceeds expectations in the heart of Charlotte.

At the Marquee Charlotte, baseball hats, athletic wear, flip flops and hoodies are permissible.

We automatically add a 20% gratuity to all checks.

Top review

Denise

Dined on Dec 15, 2024

A nice upscale experience. The food was delicious. The ambiance was great. The service was impeccable. The drinks very good. The vibe we both loved. Definitely we will go back again. For grown folks who want to experience something different.

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Experience

VIP Exerience Party of 2

Experience

VIP Experience party of 4

Experience

VIP Experience party of 5

Moon Thai & Japanese

4.6

4.6 (148)

$31 to $50

Thai

SouthPark

About the restaurant

A swanky sexy environment with authentic Thai and Japanese recipes located in Southpark cooked by our Thai and Japanese chefs. One of the best Pad Thai's you'll ever have. We offer a full service sushi bar and spirit bar serving specialty cocktails that are out of this world. Moon Thai & Japanese was established on August 3rd, 2000, in Coral Gables, FL by lifetime chef and restaurant owner Jack Punma. The menus at Moon Thai and Japanese are carefully prepared with only the highest quality ingredients. Customer service and satisfaction is our top priority so please visit any of our locations and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. Moon Thai Charlotte is located in the Apex building in Southpark off of Sharon Rd. Park in the free attached garage of the Apex building just behind the restaurant to access us or feel free to use the valet parking at the entrance of the Apex building. #sushi #authenticthai #asian # bestincharlotte #duckcurry #noods

Top review

Leila

Dined 3 days ago

Beautiful venue with cool decor. Food is excellent with a wide variety of options . We also had mocktails that were so carefully crafted and beautifully presented we felt like we were having “real” drinks. And out server was genuinely helpful and pleasant. Great choice !

Folia

4.6

4.6 (37)

$30 and under

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Southend

About the restaurant

Folia is an intimate cocktail bar that combines artistry and craftsmanship in an indoor tropical oasis. Our bar program is the creation of award-winning bartender Bob Peters, named Charlotte Magazine’s Best Bartender of 2024. Folia specializes in innovative, handcrafted cocktails made with fresh ingredients and creative flair alongside small plates. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a lively atmosphere to enjoy with friends, our modern, Miami-inspired vibe and expertly curated drink menu make Folia the perfect place to elevate your evening.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 1 day ago

What a warm and comfortable space. It was literally alive! The cocktails are magnificent! Selection was top shelf. Menu was perfect for the atmosphere. The service was attentive and friendly. Can’t wait to go back with more friends. Not surprising when you consider this was a Chris and Bob collab! Cheers!

The Eagle - Charlotte

4.4

4.4 (272)

$30 and under

Southern

Southend

About the restaurant

We start with cage free, free roaming, all natural chicken. It’s brined, dredged, then dropped into custom-built fryers. Its got a little kick and is served with our house made hot honey.

Top review

JessicaVIP

Dined on Jan 7, 2025

Chicken is always on point and the service (Charles) was fantastic. My only wish-for is to offer more vegetable options that are not cooked with pork.

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