Once again I got an early start to the weekend after getting off work at a decent time on Friday. I had originally planned on a night at Strike City in EpiCentre, but opted for some much needed alone time — after all, I’m an only child. But that didn’t last long. After a couple glasses of wine at my condo, I decided to venture out on my own.
I hit up Hattie’s Tap and Tavern located on The Plaza. I reviewed the spot shortly after they opened last year and have made an effort to check in every once in a while. An intimate spot featuring live music, games and an outdoor patio, it’s the perfect place for one-on-one’s or quiet time by yourself. The patrons are friendly enough to have a conversation with but aware enough to know when you don’t want to chat — qualities that I love when I’m out by myself.
I managed to finally meet the owner, Jackie DeLoach as she ran home to prepare for the night’s entertainment — a Prince tribute band and local DJ, That Guy Smitty. Two vodka grapefruit juices later, I was thoroughly engaged in an entertaining conversation with a couple who worked for an event set-up company. They shared some of Charlotte’s best-kept secrets that they’ve stumbled upon while working. That conversation really left me intrigued. (Sidenote: Be on the lookout for a later column on underground spots in Charlotte.)
After finishing up my last drink I decided against keeping the party going. Feeling like an adult, I headed home. For the first time in a while, I exercised self-control, hopped in the shower and turned in before 12 a.m. on a Friday night.
The next morning my boyfriend and I had to coordinate a trip to Rock Hill, South Carolina, for yet another basketball tournament he was coaching at. In between games, we decided to check out a local spot. On the way to The Pump House — the area’s newest on-the-water restaurant and bar — we passed a wine bar. Who needs food when you have wine right? We grabbed a couple stools at Grapevine, a wine shop and bar just a hop, skip and a jump away from The Pump House.
A beautiful venue featuring industrial accents, an outdoor patio, charcuterie, cheeses and a vast selection of wine and beer, I was more than satisfied with the switch in our choice of venue. And I was even more satisfied once my eyes settled on a sour ale I haven’t tried. I chatted a bit with the bartenders about nightlife in Rock Hill, but from the sounds of it, outside of quirky little spots like Grapevine, there isn’t much of it.
The next morning I woke up without a hangover, which felt amazing. After my boyfriend’s second game ran late, nachos from Duckworth’s and a movie sounded like a dream come true, so that’s what we did. We were much more excited for Sunday Funday as the rainy weather started to clear up. I made reservations for us and few friends to grab brunch at 5Church.
A popular spot for drinks and food, I was ecstatic to add another brunch spot to my list. I was worried that we were going to run into issues making a reservation so late in the day, but after calling to secure a spot for six at 2:15 p.m. with no problem, I was relieved and looking forward to the experience.
The last time I had the pleasure of stopping by, bottomless mimosas were still a thing. But apparently a law was passed in North Carolina preventing that this year (talk about a buzzkill!). No real happy hours, no bottomless mimosas and legal discrimination in public bathrooms, North Carolina apparently just doesn’t want us to be great.
Nevertheless, a mimosa is only $2.50 at 5Church during brunch. Quite a deal if you ask me, and they also offer $28 pitchers for those that like sharing. If we all could grab a few of those bad boys at that price regularly, I guarantee we wouldn’t be worried about which bathroom we needed to use once the seal was broken. Did I mention the food was awesome? Try the croque madame.
After 5Church my plan was to head back home, but my crew was more interested in keeping the party going. We decided on VBGB Beer Hall and Garden for drinks and then ended the night at The Workman’s Friend in Plaza Midwood for dinner. This all left me exhausted and I ended up falling asleep on the Uber ride home. But guess what? I still managed to get in bed before 12 a.m. — that’s three times in one weekend! I think it’s safe to say I’m finding a balance between nightlife shenanigans and being an adult.