Idlewild Charlotte Review : Secret & Classy No-Menu Cocktail Bar
If you’re a cocktail person you’ve probably heard of Idlewild, which is one of the best bars in NoDa Charlotte NC! Idlewild differentiates itself by being a no-menu cocktail bar – instead offering custom craft cocktails handmade by the bartenders based on your individual taste. Read my full Idlewild Charlotte review to find out everything you need to know before you go!
*I’m not being paid for this review, and I only write reviews for places I’m very impressed with and highly recommend to fellow travelers!
Idlewild Charlotte Review : Quick Summary
Idlewild is the best cocktail bar both my husband and I have ever been to, and I believe it’s one of the best things to do in Charlotte NC for couples. The no-menu concept is brilliant and feels really intimate. Of course, the cocktails would be no good if it weren’t for the artisan bartenders! The cocktails the bartenders created for us based on our drink preferences were all fantastic, which we got to sip on in the classy but relaxed atmosphere. Think speakeasy style, high ceilings, dim lighting, chill deep house style music, candles and a variety of plush chairs and intimate seating areas.
The whole staff provided great service and we felt welcomed from start to finish. Lastly, I do recommend making a reservation ahead of time if you’re going between Thursday and Sunday, but they offer walk-ins if needed. For anyone who likes to sip on a great cocktail or appreciates a more personalized bar experience, Idlewild is a must-visit spot while in Charlotte NC.
Full Idlewild Charlotte Review
Parking & getting to Idlewild
Idlewild Charlotte is one of the best bars in NoDa Charlotte NC and there are plenty of ways to get there. Since this is a cocktail bar, I’m always going to recommend taking Uber, Lyft or public transportation. The Charlotte lightrail is a great choice, connecting most of the city, and the 36th Street Station is right next to Idlewild.
Idlewild Charlotte parking
If you decide to drive, you could get lucky and get one of the free spots in the small parking lot in front, especially if you come during the week or less crowded times. If not, you can either pay to park in the remaining nearby spaces via ParkMobile or pay to park in the nearby parking garage.
How to find this Charlotte speakeasy
Idlewild Charlotte can be a little tricky to find as the windows are usually blacked out to create a dimly lit atmosphere, especially at night, but just look for the sign as seen below and you’ll find it! As soon as you walk in you’ll know you’re in the right place.
Address: 📍 424 E 36th St Unit 2, Charlotte, NC 28205
Do you need a reservation at Idlewild Charlotte?
Idlewild is definitely a place you’ll want a reservation at, especially if you’re visiting on a Thursday night or weekend night. While this is true, it’s also worth it to call and ask if they have tables available if you decide you’d like to come in at the last minute, as they do take walk-ins.
My husband and I decided last minute that we wanted to try to stop by on a Thursday. When we called, the representative we talked to was so kind and responsive, and told us he would try to squeeze us in. He called us back when there was a table available and we were in! That being said, next time I would just make a reservation in advance. You can make your reservation for Idlewild here.
Idlewild Charlotte Review : A romantic and high-end atmosphere
My personal favorite part about Idlewild is the atmosphere. The vibe of the place is really romantic and cozy, with dim lighting and soft but upbeat music going – not too loud so that you can’t talk but loud enough that you can’t hear the people next to you. The two story high ceilings really add to the atmosphere also, and the bar has tall shelving adorned with lots of candles and bottles.
There were soft couches and chairs to sit in, which is always so much better than the hard chairs you find at most restaurants. My husband and I were seated at a small table with 2+ chairs the side of it which was perfect for us. Last but not least, every team member we interacted with was so great, from the guy at the door to our waitress. The service here is excellent! The atmosphere and intimacy of the place is what landed it on my list of the most romantic things to do in Charlotte NC.
Cocktails you can’t get anywhere else
Now the important stuff. The no-menu concept at Idlewild was new to me and I loved it! It felt like a really custom and luxurious experience compared to other cocktail bars. Having no menu means that instead the bartenders act as artists who make custom drinks based on your preferences.
After we were seated our waitress asked for our preferences in cocktails, such as whether we like sweet or dry drinks, specific liquors we like and don’t like, what we look for in a cocktail etc. Personally I like more fruity cocktails that aren’t too sweet, and I prefer tequila and gin as they’re easier on my stomach compared to other liquors. My husband usually likes liquor forward cocktails and prefers vodka but isn’t too picky.
The first round of drinks came out quickly and we were very impressed! The waitress told us what each one had in it (which I’m forgetting, but was impressive!) and we both loved our individual drinks. They tasted really unique and had great presentation too which doesn’t hurt. I liked how they made sure to bring our drinks out in matching glasses each time. 🤗
Eventually we ordered another round, this time opting for something different, and the bartender(s) killed it again. I think it’s so amazing that the bartenders can come up with custom drinks that quickly – each round only took a few minutes to come out!
I’ve put together a collage of photos with different examples of cocktails they make at Idlewild, so you will have inspiration for what to ask for when you go! Idlewild doesn’t offer a full food menu but they do have bar snacks. Make sure to ask the bartenders what they have available. The bruschetta looks amazing.
All in all, 5 stars! Head to the Idlewild website to make your reservation.
After you make your stop at Idlewild, make sure to walk down the street and see all the great things to do in NoDa Charlotte NC which I’ve created a guide to here.
Certain cocktail bars I put into the luxury travel category because of how much you’ll drop on a few drinks and snacks. It’s definitely a splurge, but it’s worth it every once in a while for an amazing experience! If you’re looking for more tips on luxury travel and how to experience the best that the US destinations have to offer, visit my Inspired Luxury Traveler blog.
Lauren Kessel
Lauren Kessel is the author of this blog post and the creator of the Inspired Backpacker travel blog. She is a passionate digital nomad, with the mission to make slow travel a more accessible way of life for everyone. Lauren believes travel is an important means of education and more importantly, a way for people of different cultures to come together and understand each other better. She has a BS in Tourism and has planned countless domestic and international trips for herself, her family and friends, having visited over 12 countries and 30 states so far.
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