Charlotte and the Dive Bar

Charlotte & the Dive Bar

I’m NOT saying that the little guy is holding on for dear life, but I’m also not saying that he isn’t. So, just in case, I present to y’all a list of Charlotte dive bars that I feel need attention. While you’re sad that a lot of venues didn’t survive development, the pandemic, displacement, or, heck, they wanted to retire, there are places that did survive everything thrown at them (Thirsty Beaver, Milestone, Petra’s, Super Abari Game Bar, and Tommy’s Pub).

When I began writing this article about dive bars, it sent me down memory lane. I revisited the article I wrote about “Charlotte and the Greek Diner” over a decade ago. I didn’t want to write this one (either), but I had already commissioned the cover art. Reason being, I’m irked because I feel like Charlotteans spend more time waxing nostalgia then they do actually visiting venues.

No shade to attending “big box venue” and purchasing tickets from “big box seller”. In the past few years, I’ve seen Mary J. Blige, Mos Def, My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult, Kirk Franklin, Anthony Hamilton, and Primus. I also plan this summer to see Blues Travelers, Santana, and Pauly Shore at above aforementioned/suggested “big box venue” through “big box seller”.

As a publication that boasts an exhaustive event listing in the back of every print issue and online at www.MyCityMagazine.net, we celebrate all entertainment in town, but I’m tired of folks talking about small establishments AFTER they’re gone. Mik Phillips, of Stinkbuggg, Van Huskins, and Gabba Gabba Huh agrees. “Dive bars and smaller, off the beaten path, venues have always been the heartbeat of the local music scene. Even before you could drink, dive bars were the most likely to host all ages shows and where a lot of bands get their first opportunity to play a show.”

So, I say, to folks that miss the Double Door so badly, you can go see Omari (Sundays) or Lenny Federal (Fridays) both at Comet Grill, or the Bill Hanna Legacy Jazz Jam at Petra’s on Mondays, or literally anyone at Smokey Joe’s. And if you’re big mad that I didn’t mention your favourite spot on the list below, then congratulations. You understood the assignment. Support local.

I, myself, like to take in a show at the bigger places as much as the average Joe, but the hole in the wall, the intimate theater, the listening room, café, or deli all have a whole different vibe. Jason Herring, of 10mm Omega Recordings record label and frontman of the Mystery Plan gets it. “We have played a few larger venues, but the small rooms are where the magic happens. Everyone in close proximity, sharing an experience. That is the best. Our favorites in Charlotte are Petra’s, Common Market, Milestone, Starlight on 22nd, VisArt, and Tommy’s Pub.”

Before you come at me at say, “Ellen, these aren’t all dive bars.” Yes, I know. I worked on this list for ‘a minute’. For me, some dive bars have liquor. Some don’t. Some have live music. Some don’t. Some have kitchens. Some don’t. But what they all have in common is that they are independently owned venues that have something “special”. As one of my teenagers said, we should give these places their “flowers” while they’re here. They’re the best part of our local landscape.

Amos’ SouthEnd
Black Box Theater
Blind Pig
Carolina Theater
Comet Grill
Common Market x 3
Coyote Joe’s
Crown Station
Diamond Restaurant
Dilworth Neighborhood Grill
Dish
Dog Bar
Eddie’s Place
Evening Muse, the
Gin Mill
Hattie’s
Independent Picture House
Jack Beagle’s
Jack’s Live
Jeff’s Bucket Shop
Johnny Dollars
Lucky Lou’s
Mezzo Market
Middle C Jazz Club
Midwood Country Club
Milestone, the
Montford Billiards
Moochie’s Tavern
Moosehead Grill
Morningside Pub
Neighborhood Theatre
Petra’s
Pinky’s x 2
Pineville Tavern
Rabbit Hole, the
Reggae Lounge
Rhino Market x 6
Rooster, the (Gastonia)
Royal Tot
Sanctuary
Sir Edmond Halley’s
Smokey Joe’s
Snug Harbor
Soul Gastrolounge / Stylus Soundlounge
Spanky’s Hangout
Spoke Easy
Stage Door Theater
Starlight on 22^nd
Super Abari Game Bar
Surf Inn
Thirsty Beaver, the
Thomas Street
Tip Top Daily Market
Tipsy Burro
Tommy’s Pub
Two Buck Saloon
Tyber Creek Pub
VisArt (Video) Cafe
Visulite Theatre
Whiskey Warehouse
Workman’s Friend

words & photos: Ellen Gurley
illustration: John Burgin