Best of Charlotte 2012: After Dark

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Best Of 2012

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Staff Picks

Best Concert Venue

Neighborhood Theatre

511 E. 36th St. 704-942-7997

http://www.neighborhoodtheatre.com

Maybe it's the sound quality. Perhaps it's the slanted floor giving great vantage points. It could be the old-school movie-theater balcony. Possibly… Continue

Best Live Music Club

Snug Harbor

1228 Gordon St. 704-333-9799

http://www.snugrock.com

When the thrill of the Big Rock Show wears off, gig-goers know the best ones happen in intimate settings. This Plaza Midwood… Continue

Best Dance Club

Breakfast Club

A repeat winner - and snagging this award for the final time. Yes, the tragic news is that Breakfast Club, Charlotte's '80s… Continue

Best New Nightspot (Opened In Last 12 Months)

5Church

127 N. Tryon St. 704-919-1322

http://www.5church.com

Once a cursed spot for businesses, the corner of Fifth and Church streets has become so hot, Hollywood actresses (Jessica Alba and… Continue

Best Nightlife Event

Silent Disco @ Pavilion at EpiCentre

For the music fan, it's a chance to dance in a club setting just like you normally would, only you'll be doing… Continue

Best Place for a First Date

Cult Movie Mondays @ Actor's Theatre of Charlotte

2132 Radcliffe Ave. 704-342-2251

http://www.actorstheatrecharlotte.org

Some first dates need a conversation starter, and nothing beats sitting in the dark for two hours to work up a really… Continue

Bar With Hottest Patrons

Chop Shop

399 E. 35th St. 704-765-2467

http://www.chopshopnoda.com

This hidden-away space in NoDa has quickly become a staple because of its eclectic scene and varied offerings. The nightlife includes live… Continue

Bar With Hottest Staff

Marigny Dance Club

1440 S. Tryon St. 704-910-4444

http://www.marignycharlotte.com

You probably won't find a dance club with more energy or better-looking bartenders. Marigny offers a consistently good time, complimented by staff… Continue

Best Pool Hall

Elizabeth Billiards

1400 Central Ave. 704-342-2663

A repeat winner. Elizabeth Billiards is a Plaza Midwood favorite and beloved home to many regulars. It's a little grimy and the… Continue

Best Bowling Alley

Ten Park Lanes

1700 Montford Drive 704-523-7633

http://www.rollten.com

Formerly George Pappas' Park Lanes, Ten Park Lanes has become one of the most revered nightspots on the ever-busy Montford Drive.… Continue

Best Neighborhood Bar

Thirsty Beaver

1225 Central Ave. 704-332-3612

It may look a little dicey on the outside, but it's a whole lot of awesome on the inside. Thirsty Beaver is… Continue

Best Downtown Bar

5Church

127 N. Tryon St. 704-919-1322

http://www.5church.com

See "Best New Nightspot."
Continue

Best Sports Bar

Dilworth Neighborhood Grille

911 E. Morehead St. 704- 377-3808

http://www.neighborhoodgrille.com

It's fall, which means football season. Need a place to watch the game? Dilworth has just what you're looking for: TVs galore… Continue

Best Gay/Lesbian Bar

Petra's Piano Bar & Cabaret

1919 Commonwealth Ave. 704-332-6608

http://www.petrasbar.com

Petra's provides a nice hybrid: a cozy atmosphere for gathering and a hyper joint for shaking your tail feather. With a hospitable… Continue

Best Bar/Restaurant Patio

Thomas Street Tavern

1218 Thomas Ave. 704-376-1622

The beauty of Thomas Street Tavern's patio is the feeling that you're on someone's deck while actually being just a few feet… Continue

Best Strip Club

Uptown Cabaret

108 E. Morehead St 704-344-0802

http://www.uptowncabaretclubs.com

A repeat winner. Once again, the venue of choice for buffets and booty-dropping is Uptown Cabaret. With its infamous amateur night on… Continue

Best Beer Selection

World of Beer

222 E. Bland St. 704-333-2080

http://www.wobusa.com

You name it, they have it. From obscure breweries to local favorites, World of Beer will have you globe-hopping. The customized flights… Continue

Best Cocktail Selection

Enso Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar

210 E. Trade St., Suite A-108 704-716-3676

http://www.ensocharlotte.com

Enso not only offers delicious rolls and cuisine, but it's also home to a delectable selection of adult beverages. The drink menu… Continue
Reader Picks

Best Concert Venue

Winner: The Fillmore Charlotte Continue

Best Concert of Past 12 Months

Winner: ColdPlay @ Time Warner Cable Arena Continue

Best Live Music Club

Winner: Snug Harbor Continue

Best Dance Club

Winner: Dharma Lounge Continue

Best Nightlife Event

Winner: Shiprocked @ Snug Harbor Continue

Best Place for a First Date

Winner: Soul Gastrolounge Continue

Bar With Hottest Patrons

Winner: 5Church Continue

Bar With Hottest Staff

Winner: Whisky River Continue

Best Pool Hall

Winner: Elizabeth Billiards Continue

Best Bowling Alley

Winner: Ten Park Lanes Continue

Best Neighborhood Bar

Winner: Thomas Street Tavern Continue

Best Downtown Bar

Winner: Ri Ra Irish Pub Continue

Best Sports Bar

Winner: Sidelines Continue

Best Gay/Lesbian Bar

Winner: Petra's Piano Bar & Cabaret Continue

Best Bar/Restaurant Patio

Winner: Thomas Street Tavern Continue

Best Strip Club

Winner: Uptown Cabaret Continue

Best Beer Selection

Winner: World of Beer Continue

Best Cocktail Selection

Winner: Soul Gastrolounge Continue