Chupitos: Charlotte’s first shot bar is finally getting ready to continue construction and open
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Anyone who has been to BB&T Ballpark, or even down Graham Street for that matter, has likely noticed a “Chupitos” sign in the old dumpy building at MLK and Graham. Plans called for a shot bar to open last year and in May 2014 they had a marketing push, but then things fell silent.
No one really knew why construction halted or what was going on with the space and many thought the project was dead.
Well, it’s not and it has a new lease on life. Chupitos is coming for us all.
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What is it?
Chupitos: Chupiteria & Lounge is a unique concept to Uptown Charlotte. The Chupiteria concept offers a broad variety of specialty shot drinks (“chupitos”) along with a world cuisine tapas menu.
Frank Lleras of Optimum Income Properties, co-founder of the project, told me “Our overall vision focuses on improving the experience of shot drinking in the American culture.”
Sounds like a plan to me.
He continued by saying, “our Chupiteria and lounge will keep its European roots but with a twist of sophistication, it will not be so casual like they are in Europe and South America.”
Prices will be an average of $4.50 for shots, $10 for cocktails, $4.75 for beers (including drafts), and $8 for wine by the glass.
Why do you care?
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In American culture we generally see shots as a way to quickly get drunk or use them in a celebratory nature. In Europe and South America, shots are seen as more of a craft with a focus on the flavors. Chupitos hopes to spread that culture here.
The main focus of their drink menu will be the specialty shot drinks from a menu, which will be ever changing.
The menu will also maintain a list of signature shots that will cater to the local environment by infusing their recipes with a hint of local history. (I love this.)
There will also be a full bar with a specialty cocktail menu and a selection of wines. Lleras recognizes Charlotte’s love for its craft beer and will serve local craft, as well as a variety of domestic and imported beers.
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I think this is a great concept. It’s something that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the city. Uptown needs some variety in its bars. Somewhere different. Somewhere that offers an experience beyond a regular club or bar. This place seems to fill that void.
Oh, and there will be a patio – we love those. Lleras also said there are future plans to include a rooftop patio as well.
When can you use it?
Currently the plan is to be open late this year in time to capitalize on some of the Panthers seasons.
Chupitos is another piece of 3rd Ward’s growing arsenal of solid bars and restaurants focusing on growing this area into Uptown’s “place to be.”
Renderings, brand brief and site plan via Optimum Income Properties.