While the Northside of Uptown has seen its fair share of closes (Cosmos and Re:Public both shut their doors in January), there appears to be a sign of fresh new life at 314 College Street. The space that formerly hosted the beat-throbbing dance club Re:Public is now occupied by Flight, a beer/concert hall with more than 90 beers - most of which come from local and regional craft breweries and indoor/outdoor German-style table seating.
Though Flight officially opened in April, the venue is having its Grand Opening party on Saturday, June 18 — and all are invited to celebrate. (Tip: RSVP to amy@flightclt.com for VIP tickets, which include complimentary food and beer from 8 p.m.-9 p.m. Folks can also enter the grand prize drawing for a chance to win tickets to Carolina's Aviation Museum and for a helicopter ride for two via Queen City Helicopters).
We hit up Flight prior to the weekend's festivities and here are five reasons we think you should check it out this weekend.
1) It's a craft beer hub in Uptown. While neighborhoods like South End and NoDa have breweries within walking distance of one another, Uptown has been pretty stagnant in terms of stops that provide craft beer with a brewery-like feel. Flight feels like a brewery mixed with the Music Factory's VBGB, only bigger and nestled in the heart of Uptown.
2) You can drink and play. Giant Jenga, board games and other activities are there to give patrons something to do while they drink. And, you know how much adults like to play these days. There's "Name that Tune" trivia on Tuesday nights, too.
3) Lots of live music is slated to go down on the venue's indoor stage. We can't promise it'll be good music, but since this new spot is coming during a time when some local venues have closed and others are struggling to stay open, we're pretty excited about the potential. There's Country Night on Thursdays, in addition to more live music of varying genres on Fridays and Saturdays. Flight also hopes to launch Live Band Karaoke, as well as an In-Flight Movie Night in the future.
4) They have a full kitchen on site and the menu is full of options. Would you prefer something to nibble on like IPA-battered asparagus, potato pancakes or a Local Loaf soft Belgian style pretzel or are you in need of a loaded brat (so many ways to customize these babies), a burger or sandwich? if you're hungry, you won't need to stray.
5) Local art is all over the walls. Check out the celebrity corner on the back wall by the stage where there is also a smaller bar with music memorabilia. Nicole Desourdy pays tribute to music legends like Amy Winehouse, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Diana Ross, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Madonna, David Bowie and more.
Look closely and for preliminary sketches of future additions. Matt Moore and Matt Hooker, known simply as "The Matts" in the local art community, have also painted the area behind the main bar, as well as the painting of the girl on the rocket at the venue's entrance.
Flight is located at 314 College St. Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sunday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-12 a.m. 980-474-1551. www.flightclt.com.
