Friday, July 15, 2011

NY-themed tavern offers beach vibe



While you can get a great burger for lunch at Phil's New York Deli & Tavern, the bar is also a good spot to grab a late-night drink in uptown.

I typically go to the tavern for a quick lunch and I get tuna sandwich and sweet potato fries (which I highly recommend). Aside from the fast service, the large sandwich only sets me back $6.39 and I'm always looking for a good deal.

This time around, I wanted to get a glimpse after work hours.

As expected at a New York-style deli, Yankees memorabilia is scattered along the walls. But for me, nothing said New York like the giant portrait of "Seinfeld's" Kramer hanging next to my high top table. Luckily, the staff was extremely pleasant and I didn't get thrown out of this soup kitchen. There's also a touch of Charlotte with NASCAR hoods dangling from the tavern's ceiling.



Aside from the obvious city vibe, there was also an interesting beach vibe at Phil's. Jimmy Buffett swept me away again to margaritaville over the speakers, simple blue laminated menus sat between ketchup and spicy mustard bottles on the table, and large Corona posters were placed near the bar.

For a minute, you forgot you are sitting in a New York-themed bar in Charlotte and think you've just wandered in off the beach for refreshments. Fine by me.

On a Tuesday night, the tavern special was $2 bottles, and bar goers can find all glasses of wine $6 during the week.

Phils' New York Deli & Tavern

105 East Fifth Street
Charlotte, N.C., 28202
704-347-0035

Hours: Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Sunday from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Find some hidden gems, please. Not bars that everyone who's ever lived here for more than a week already knows of. My advice - Alexander Michaels. It's on E. 9th Street off of N. Graham St. Try the Honey Chicken.

Anonymous said...

So this bar has no identity?

Anonymous said...

Enjoying the blog Brittany! My cousin did a similar series several years back when she got out of Auburn. You seem to be getting a good variety of places, but hopefully you'll visit SouthEnd and the Lake Norman area! Vinny's, The Liberty, Dirty Martini, just a few favorites in those areas with unique vibes. Just a suggestion. Keep up the good work!! Too bad so many online readers haven't gotten with the times to comprehend what a blog is. You can tell their age by their comments...

AM

Anonymous said...

What the heck? This is the crappiest bar I've been to in Charlotte - literally. The food was ball-park quality - weird cheese, stale chips, and frozen french fries. It was almost offensive that they call it a New York Deli. I've never had food like this in New York. This place is down there with the Burger Company on Morehead.- I agree with the first comment- Alexander Michaels.

Anonymous said...

Libretto’s is a suggestion with two locations, uptown & in the Ballantyne area.

MB

Anonymous said...

12:08: Don't act like you've never been to a New York themed NASCAR beach bar.

Anonymous said...

Liking the blog..similar to the Charlotte John blog. Phils has some trashy bartenders if Im not mistaken.

Anonymous said...

I agree, Phil's is a gem. If you're a sports fan, it definitely caters to NY based teams. A nice "perk" is that all the female bartenders/waitresses are - how shall I say this nicely - quite top heavy.

Anonymous said...

Please,add more drinks and menu items to your "blog". I do not know many people that dine or party at a place because of the menus or decor. Those are addages not the reason for going to a special place.

Anonymous said...

Every single bar is the same...how are we not seeing this!!!

Buck said...

Two things could help this blog - First, become a little more geographically challenged - when the places you are reviewing are next door to each other, then you are clearly not branching out at all. Second - everybody has drink specials, try to evaluate the food or special drinks or something unique about the bars you are going to. All of these posts have pretty much been identical, and none of them have made me want to go to any of the places that you have visited.