Get your creative juices flowing at Evening Muse

For my last entry, I wanted to travel back to my favorite area of Charlotte: NoDa. This artsy community is home to unique bar finds, friendly people and good food.

At the corner of North Davidson and 36th streets sits the Evening Muse. This venue has been drawing in crowds for years and appeals to local musicians. For those not wishing to showcase their artistic abilities, it's a relaxing atmosphere to sit back and appreciate independent artists.

The Muse has been open for about a decade now and has catered to thousands of independent music acts throughout the years. The stage has hosted genres ranging from acoustic, reggae and country and blues to alternative, pop and rock.

And while NoDa is my favorite neighborhood to visit, especially for a late dinner with friends, I had never been into the Muse until now. But I've always noticed the young, artsy crowd spilling out of the venue and onto the curb.

The night I visited I heard an alternative band that was actually pretty good. One great option about the Muse is that concerts are open to all ages, unless specifically noted. This opens the range of talent coming through the doors and allows a younger generation to be exposed to the creative outlet.

Inside, exposed brick walls are home to featured artwork from area talents and a stage is set up to host the next gig. A few round tables sit next to large widows looking onto the street for those patrons who want to relax with a beer or glass of wine.

Those interested in viewing artwork can also check out the venue's gallery crawl on the first and third Friday of every month.

The Evening Muse
3227 N. Davidson St.
Charlotte, N.C.
704-376-3737
Hours: Open Wednesday and Thursday from 6 p.m. to midnight; and Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. until ...
http://www.theeveningmuse.com/

Solstice Tavern packs full house for trivia

Behind a wall of painted blue brick, bar goers in North Davidson can find a watering hole unique to the Charlotte area.

The night I visited Solstice Tavern, trivia night had this NoDa bar packed with a diverse crowd. Folks ranged in ages from mid 20s to early 60s, a blend of personalities perfect for people watching. My favorite character of the night was a short black man, probably in his 50s. He was rocking a Mohawk, dark aviators, tight black jeans with a long key chain, black combat boots and a sleeveless black tee. The first thing he said to the woman he walked in with was, "do they have liquor?" She moseyed her way to the bar while he made his way to the arcade games at the back of the room.



Drink specials at the tavern on Mondays include $3 Select Drafts; Tuesdays offer trivia and $3 well drinks; Wednesdays offer Red Oak on draft for $3.25; Thursdays are $6 vodka Red Bull's; Fridays are Patron XO shots for $5; Saturdays are $5 Jager bombs; and Sundays are $12 Bud Light and Miller Light buckets and $5 flavored vodka bombs.

Along with drink specials, patrons can also find an affordable menu at Solstice - one of the best I've found on this journey, actually. All items range from $3 to $8, so every budget can dine without breaking the bank. The menu includes dishes like zucchini and squash chips, quesadillas, grouper sandwiches, chef salads and more.

And when the Charlotte heat fades to cooler fall, the enclosed back deck with bright art at Solstice would be the perfect spot to spend the night out with friends.

Solstice Tavern
3221 N Davidson St.
Charlotte, N.C., 28205
704-342-2556
http://solsticetavern.com/

Chat about the past at Fox and Hound Smokehouse

I didn't expect to spend my night sitting at an uptown bar reminiscing about "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" or Tiffani Amber Thiessen in "Saved By The Bell" over a dirty martini. But for some reason, my friendly bartender at Fox and Hound Smokehouse in uptown was hooked on the '90s.

I typically don't like exploring chain restaurants and bars, but I always pass by the smokehouse and it is packed with people. So, I decided to drag a group of friends out with me and give it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised by the friendly staff and low-key atmosphere at Fox and Hound. We found a long stretch of seats at the bar where we sat and enjoyed a few drinks and snacks. The venue is perfect for a group because it's spacious and offered plenty of seating.

Aside from the occasional '90s sitcom reference, our bartender debated with the guys I was with about Panther' football and the NBA. They argued for a steady 10 minutes about if Kobe or LeBron was better.

While the boys talked sports, I checked out the menu. Dinner entrees ranged from $8 to $15 , while lunch options were a bit more reasonable and cost between $5.99 and $6.99. To accompany my drink, I ordered mozzarella sticks for $6.99. Apparently they were too delicious for my friend Andrew to resist because after he finished his basket of wings, he scarfed down my leftovers too.

Some of the weekly drink specials at Fox and Hound include Monday 45 cent wings, $2.50 Bud and Bud Light bottles, $4 Skyy and Bacardi u-call-its; Tuesday $2 Bud Light, Coors Light and Miller Lite drafts; Wednesday $3 Newcastle drafts and $4 Jack; Thursday $2 domestic drafts, $2.5 craft/import drafts, and $5 thin crust pizzas; Friday $3 Corona and Corona Light bottles, $5 monster bombs and $5 cheese nachos; and Saturday offers $3 Bud and Bud Light aluminums and $5 Cazadores margaritas.

Fox and Hound Smokehouse
330 N. Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
704-333-4113
http://www.foxandhound.com/

Thomas Street Tavern a hot spot

Dozens of readers have suggested Thomas Street Tavern in Plaza-Midwood. Last night, I finally had the chance to check it out.

Inside the brick building, classic rock played on the jukebox. Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams give the tavern an open feel and slightly reminded me of a large barn, minus the horses and pigs, of course. Photos of Elvis, Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Holly hang on the walls, a mural of street cafes and shops above the bar and there's beer memorabilia all over the place.



The tavern was a completely relaxed atmosphere where old friends gathered for drinks after work. A couple members of an adult softball league sat at the bar and enjoyed burgers and beer.

Near the entrance there's a pool table to keep patrons entertained. Two couples played a round and one woman had a blast dancing around her boyfriend, trying to distract him. I didn't see a single person that wasn't in a good mood in the place. I started to understand why so many of you had steered me in the tavern's direction.

The night I visited, I had a glass of La Terre Cabernet for an expected $6. All beers on tap were $4.50. Aside from reasonable drink prices, the tavern also had a wide menu that includes favorites such as cheese fries, sirloin sandwiches, melts, burgers and hot dogs. Prices were extremely reasonable and ranged anywhere from $6 to $10.

If bar goers want to relax outside, the tavern also offers a some seating out front and a spacious area out back with games and comfy seating.

Thomas Street Tavern
1218 Thomas Avenue
Charlotte, N.C., 28205
704-376-1622
Hours: Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday from noon to 2 a.m.

Patrons can kick it at Kickstand

With just a few more days left in my bar hopping journey, I was looking for something new outside of the uptown club hustle and bustle.

My boyfriend and I got in the car that night and decided to aimlessly drive south, hoping to stumble upon a hole-in-the-wall joint with a bit of undiscovered character. Driving down Central Avenue, the lights of a burger bar caught our attention and we thought we'd give it a shot.

We parked in an open gravel lot behind Kickstand Burgers -N- Bar and went in through the venue's back porch - which was one of the better outdoor seating areas I have seen at a bar. Lights were strung along the deck, darts and corn hole were in the corner and over-sized woven lawn furniture served as seating.

The unique bicycle-themed bar was well know for an extensive menu and creative burger selection, but also had a variety of drink specials for those looking for a late night watering hole.

The night I visited with my boyfriend, our bartender, Tim Arnette, recommended the Horseradish steak flatbread. The crisp flatbread was topped with marinated steak strips, red onions, jalapeno strips, arugula and horseradish mayo.

We couldn't resist after hearing a couple in the bar that night say it was the best steak flatbread they had eaten in Charlotte. The hearty small pizza-like portion cost $7.50 and was plenty to share.

Everyday specials at Kickstand include $2 PBR 16 oz., $3 Fat Tire, $4 Jagermeister, and
½ price appetizers from 4 pm. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The bar also features 24 craft beers on draft for patrons to choose from.

If burgers and beer aren't what you're craving, no worries. The bar is connected by a short hallway to Loco Lime, where patrons can find a variety of Mexican dishes and plenty of margarita options. I suggest hungry bar goers visit Loco on Tuesdays for $1 tacos, or Mondays for half-priced house Loco-ritas and jalapeno margaritas.

Inside the sports bar though, there are only good seats to view whatever big game is on television. Kickstand features 30 HD television screens in the bar, with some even located in booth seating for an optimal view.

The night I visited, my boyfriend and I were able to watch both of our favorite baseball teams play without compromising because there were multiple screens above the bar. Unfortunately I had to watch my Braves lose to Pittsburgh, while his Yankees pulled out a 10 to 3 victory over the Mariners.

I have to say, my favorite bars on this excursion have been locally owned establishments like Kickstand, instead of overcrowded corporate venues. Check out some of the local bars when you get a chance, you always feel at home and you keep the local scene alive.

Learn more:

1101 Central Ave

Charlotte, N.C., 28204

704-332-1010

Hours: Open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday from11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

http://kickstandcharlotte.com/

Kennedy's lures patrons in from street

The tiki torch flames and brightly colored porch lights at Kennedy's Premium Bar and Grill quickly drew me in from the street when I was searching for my next bar stop on this journey.

The Elizabeth neighborhood bar was completely packed and had customers overflowing onto the front porch terrace deck. It instantly felt like I was walking into a giant party when walking up the brick stairway to the front door because a live band played Kings of Leon, diners were dancing with beers in hand and a few girls were playing corn hole on the lawn. It was the perfect way to spend a summer night in Charlotte.

The night my friend and I visited Kennedy’s, we also checked out the bar’s menu. The food was absolutely delicious. We stuck to the appetizer menu since it was later in the night and ordered teriyaki skewers with chicken and shrimp that came with a light dipping sauce for $8.95.

We also had the black bean hummus with lime and cilantro served with warmed pita wedges for $5.95. The hummus was a bit more soupy than I anticipated and I thought it was going to be a traditional black bean hummus rather than black beans swirled around in a garlic hummus. But not the less, it was tasty.

Other items on the menu included a Dublin broil, Sheppard's pie, pasta, and shrimp and grits, among others. On Mondays at Kennedy's customers can also enjoy all-you-can-eat crab legs for $19.99.

As a whole, the menu prices were very reasonable and portions were generous. To be honest, the appetizer portion was the size of an entire meal.

If an entrée doesn’t quite do the trick, brave souls can take on the garbage plate at Kennedy's for $30. This mammoth meal boasts six 8 oz. patties, two pounds of French fries, one pound of macaroni salad covered with homemade meat sauce, and six slices of French bread. Challengers have 30 minutes to take down the plate. If they succeed, they get their photo placed on the Hall of Fame wall and the meal is on the house.

If you are trying to avoid the traditional Irish cuisine and pounds of food at Kennedy's, the bar also offers drink specials each day.

Specials during the week include: Sundays $15 unlimited mimosas or bloody Mary's, $5 carafes of mimosas and bloody Mary's, and $2 PBR; Mondays are $3 pint night, and $2 PBR; Tuesdays are $2.50 select drafts, and $2 PBR; Wednesdays offer $2.50 select drafts and $2 PBR; Thursdays are $4 wells, $4 wine, $4 martinis, and $2 PBR; Fridays and Saturdays are $2 PBR. Every night at the bar features $5 Irish car bombs.

Aside from drink specials, bar hoppers can take part in trivia every Tuesday at 8:30 p.m.

Learn more:
366 N. Caswell
Charlotte, N.C., 28204
704-375-0218
Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

'New friends meet' at Ed's Tavern

If you're looking for a local bar "where new friends meet," Ed's Tavern in Dilworth is the place to be.

I knew it was a good sign when I had to drive up and down the line of parking spaces beside Ed's trying to find a spot for a few minutes. The place was brimming with bar goers.

The first thing I noticed when I stepped into Ed's with my friend Katy was a loud packed house and a man to my left rattling off trivia questions to the rowdy group. A short guy with a Jersey accent and a draft beer in his hand shouted an answer from the corner. We made our way to the back of the bar, hoping to find a seat.

It took a few minutes to squeeze by the crowd who were mostly standing at this point. I only saw three empty bar chairs in the entire venue that night, so if you want to grab a seat for trivia, make sure you get there early.

As for the drink selection, the bar has 25 beers on tap and 50 bottle selections to keep patrons happy while they play games or trivia throughout the week. There were also two patios to check out when the inside is overflowing with people like the night I visited Ed's.

As for entertainment in the bar, most of the center high tables in the venue had checkerboard games embedded in the wood. To the left of the entrance, there were also pool tables and at the back of the bar, patrons can find skeeball and a boxing game.

If that doesn't do the trick, the tavern's 13 televisions tuned into the biggest sporting events should keep your attention.

Bar hoppers can also participate in some of the tavern's nightly entertainment. Tuesdays at the bar are open mic nights at 10 p.m., while Wednesdays and Thursdays offer trivia and name that tune at 8:30 p.m.

Ed's also offers specials every night. Some of the continuous specials throughout the week include $1.50 Coors, PBR, Miller High Life, $2.50 any kind bottles and Iron City. Daily specials and menu items can be found on the tavern's website.

Learn more:

2200 Park Rd.

Charlotte, N.C.

704-335-0033

http://www.edstavern.com/

Basic works for Philosopher's Stone

From the road, there's nothing special about the faded red building of Philosopher's Stone Tavern, but the crowd of people in the parking lot suggested otherwise.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I entered the Elizabeth neighborhood tavern, but I was surprised that the inside of the bar wasn't as packed as the outside crowd suggested. I later learned that the clump of sweaty people in athletic gear outside were a part of Charlotte Runners. The group meets every Thursday for a 4.5 mile run, then hits up the Stone for a few beers and delivery pizza on the back porch.



Inside, the bar was very low key and casual. A pool table and vending machine sit to the right of the bar, opposite the high-top tables in the dining area.

My friend and I sat at a table facing the games and watched as two guys playing foosball jammed out between scoring to music coming from the jukebox. One guy had to completely stop playing so he could throw his head back, clinch his eyes shut and lip sync.

The decor of the bar is simple, but suits its personality. Rustic beams run low over the worn wood dining tables and the floor is concrete. The dark wood bar is tucked in the corner and seems to have just enough space for the two bartenders working that night.

The only downfall of the small bar was how hot it was inside, because people were constantly coming and going from outside porches to get beers. If it manages to be cooler outside, I say take advantage of the Stone's front deck. There, bar hoppers can enjoy live music and play corn hole with friends.

Specials on Monday include half-price wings with the purchase of a beer tower from 5 to 8 p.m. and trivia at 9 p.m.; Tuesdays are acoustic dinner with Quincy on the patio from 6 to 10 p.m., a pool tournament at 9 p.m., and $3 pint night; Wednesdays are home to Early Evenin' Pickin' with the PStone Pickers on the screened-in porch; Thursdays are ladies night, $3 well drinks, and $2 drafts and domestic bottles; Fridays are half-priced appetizers from 5 to 7 p.m.; Saturdays feature a bloody Mary bar; and Sundays offer the bloody Mary bar, free live music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and breakfast is served until 3 p.m.

The Stone also offers a full menu including burgers, crab cakes, wraps and desserts.

Philosopher's Stone Tavern
1958 East 7th St.
Charlotte, N.C., 28204
704-350-1331
Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
www.philosophersstonetavern.com

Locals gather for beer, music at Gin Mill

As soon as I walked in The Gin Mill South End, I felt like I was in an episode of "Cheers."

The smell of wood and whiskey hit me as I walked in the front door and neon Fat Tire and Smithwick's signs caught my attention.

My friend and I were greeted by an older man munching on fried foods as he checked IDs and collected covers at the door. I was taken aback when the man asked for a $3 cover because I wasn't expecting the bar to charge in the middle of the week.

Aside from the draw back of a cover charge, this laid-back establishment seems like a place where old friends come together after work and enjoy live music and a cold beer. Charlotte Catholic football team photos are framed on the walls and other local teams are on plaques hanging near the bar.

The night I visited, two young guys were freestyle rapping on the wooden stage to the right of the bar. They were actually pretty good for an open mic show. They were followed by a local jam band who brought their posse of friends to cheer them on.

We saw all age groups at the bar that night. One interesting man wearing black Adidas pants with an '80s maroon shirt and golfer's hat had to be in his upper 70s. He sat at a table near the stage, sipping a mixed drink and bobbing his head to the music of a performing guitarist. Also that night, a couple in their 50s sat at the corner of the bar and blended in with a few college kids.

The patrons were varied in more ways than age; everyone from University City fraternity guys to artsy NoDa girls and Boone-like hippies were all out for a good time. While most people flocked towards the stage to get seats for open mic night, a few played darts and other games at the back of the venue.

There's also more entertainment located right beside The Gin Mill at Amos' Southend. So those wanting to catch a show at Amos' can hit up the Mill to catch local talent and grab a drink first.

Drink specials the night I visited included $2.50 imported bottles, $4 Wild Turkey and American Honey, and $5 Whippets. Wednesday nights are also open mic nights.

The Gin Mill South End
1411 South Tryon St.
Charlotte, N.C., 28203
704-373-0782
Hours: Open Tuesday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., and also open Sunday.
http://www.ginmillcharlotte.com/

'Nightlife enlightened' at Dharma Lounge

Dharma Lounge in the Camden area of South End, offers a unique alternative to the traditional nightlife experience - "Nightlife enlightened," to be exact.

Brightly colored, cushioned cabana beds set the perfect scene to zen out under large paper cranes that hang from the ceiling. The vibe at the lounge is very much Asian fusion with a touch a punk. Japanese graffiti art and strips of bamboo decorate the clay orange walls and create a mellow tone.

Behind the bar, a giant gold Buddha sports headphones. The soft light from tea light candles bounced off his round belly and an orange glow came from the bar below.

There are only a few bamboo-topped, two-person tables in the spacious lounge, which gives the bar an open air, chic L.A. vibe. The open space also caters to free power yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at noon. Participants are asked to bring a mat, towel, water and donation for the instructor.

While the urban/Asian theme is different from the bars I have visited so far, the people in the lounge are equally as trendy as the venue. The crowd is also ethnically diverse, a nice change from the after-work business bar crowd in uptown.

Most of the hipster girls were dressed in high-waisted, faded earth-colored skirts and gold bangles, while the guys were a mix of Pete Wentz and Carey Hart. Most sported sleeveless jean shirts, fedoras, tattoo sleeves and had gauged ears with carved wooden earrings.

To keep the artsy vibe going the night I visited, the bar played a variety of music. From heavy metal to African tribal music to Drake, the lounge's playlist hit a bit of everything.

I guess because the bar is super trendy I expected the drinks to be a bit on the pricey side, but drinks at Dharma were right on track with others in the area. A whiskey sour cost $4 and was made perfectly - not too strong, with enough sour mix to make you pucker.

Dharma Lounge
1440 South Tryon St., Suite 105
Charlotte, N.C., 28203
704-334-8336
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Cool down at Jackalope Jack's

Nothing cools a warm Charlotte night like sitting on a porch with misters and drinking a Woodchuck. Luckily, Jackalope Jack's in the Elizabeth neighborhood has both.

This funky bar appeals to a variety of crowds, which makes it a good place to party with friends on a weekend or grab lunch during the week. For those looking for a bar with no specific crowd or age group, this is one the best I've found for age diversity in the area.

Inside there are multiple dining and entertainment options. In one room, bar goers can dance to live music set up on a small stage, while people in the back room spend time playing skeeball.

Neon bar lights help illuminate the amber-colored wood in the dining areas. And while some may not consider Jack's a true sports bar, I would come to watch any big game at the establishment. There are large flat screen TVs on almost every wall, and screens circle the spacious bar at the center of the restaurant.

Patrons who prefer to be outside can happily sit under misters on the wrap-around porch, or sit at patio tables to watch friends play a game of corn hole on the fake green turf.

The night I visited Jackalope Jack's, we stayed inside and enjoyed drinks and queso dip with chips as we listened to a music mix that ranged from The Jackson 5 to The Script. (However, it was difficult to sit back and listen to music when we couldn't stop laughing at the pregnant lady a few tables down from us. The agitated young woman kept screaming to her husband about how much she needed a burger.)

Thanks to all the readers who recommended Jackalope Jack's. It's a bar I plan on visiting again.

Jackalope Jack's
1936 E. Seventh St.
Charlotte, N.C., 28204
704-347-1918
Hours: Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight.