After visiting a few low-key bars in the area, it was time to step it up a notch and go where people flock on the weekends. That lead me to the EpiCentre, and BlackFinn Saloon.
While it's a little more pricey than recent spots I've visited, the bar's central location is spot-on. Because it's nestled in the heart of the EpiCentre, BlackFinn is a prime place for people-watching and catching the action.
Inside BlackFinn, the vibe is a bit different than the rowdy sidewalk crowded with overly excited students. The saloon offers four different seating options for patrons: the patio, dining room, pub or saloon. My group opted to sit upstairs in the saloon.
The scene was pretty tame upstairs, but tables were nearly full. We sat at the bar in the center of the level so we could take in the entire crowd covering the large space.
While I was enjoying a $6 glass of BV Century Chardonnay, my friend Andrew was schmoozing with the young bartender and trying to figure what he could munch on. She gladly amused him and flirted right back. After a few minutes of contemplating, he went with a juicy bacon cheeseburger with a hearty portion of french fries to go with his Guinness. The ultimate bacon cheddar burger set Andrew back about $11, but he said it was the best burger he'd ever had. And starting at 11, the bar offers a late night menu of flatbreads.
If late night dancing and a club scene are more up your alley, then the EpiCentre is the place you've got to be.
BlackFinn Saloon
210 East Trade Street
Charlotte, N.C., 28202-2413
704-971-4440
www.blackfinncharlotte.com
Hours: Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
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5 comments:
"Andrew was schmoozing with the young bartender and trying to figure what he could munch on". Now that's funny.
Hey, why did they take this off the homepage??
I like this place...If you think $6 for a glass of wine is expensive then you probably run with a crowd that I would not want to see coming to a place that I would go to...I wish they would charge more for drinks than they do so it would keep the college age riff raff away
Well, as a recent former employee, I would say that her review is spot on in some areas yet incorrect in a few.
It is a great spot, no doubt about that, and it has a spot for everyone (as far as diners, families, bar-hoppers or the dance crowd), it's all there. And they do have the best burger I've eaten as well, and I'm a skeptical burger snob.
It is a bit pricey, but far less than I would expect for that location...after all, Hickory Taverns all over town will charge just as much with far less quality, especially on the food menu (Blackfinn actually has amazing food, it is one of their strong qualities, I promise you will get what you pay for in the $10 burger).
Upstairs is usually so packed and the deejay is right there, so Thursday, Friday, Saturday are standing room only, with people out to dance and drink and have a good time. Maybe she sat upstairs a bit early in the evening since she described the atmosphere as "tame," or perhaps she was there earlier in the week. I just am going by the blog being posted on a Saturday, assuming it was a Friday night.
Upstairs is where you will find extremely hot bartenders that are also charming willing to flirt back to keep your attention, as she mentioned, which is great for some young singles.
That's not what everyone is looking for, and if you are a couple, or a bit past that party stage but still want an upbeat, full and busy environment that is also low-key and you feel more at home, sit in the downstairs bar area.
Although it has high traffic at times and is always full at night, the bartenders and cocktail servers in the downstairs pub are also having fun, but have enough time to chat with you long enough to where they know your name, and remember what you drink.
Parking is a pain though so plan on adding twenty bucks to your budget for that.
This place is weak and has some real jerks working in it. Some people are ok - but some are pure trash. I am certain you know who you are...
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