Barreled at the Lift is a speakeasy with a turntable twist
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Hidden away in the college-saturated Montford is one of Charlotte’s most diverse bars. Barreled at the Lift is a Prohibition-style speakeasy that is literally behind a lift (that means elevator). What separates Barreled from all the other so-called speakeasies that popped up during the Moscow mule craze is that it is also a hookah lounge and a haven for Charlotte DJs.
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The origins of Barreled date to over eight years ago when co-owners Terri and Austen West first met, which was also the start of Terri’s bartending career. By 2013, the Wests had looked for four years for a place. “We looked in a bunch of different cities. We had a lot of concepts. But when we walked in here (Barreled), it was the only place that I didn’t feel weird about it,” Terri said.
Known by regulars as just “Barreled,” the name for the bar came naturally. “I love barrels, whiskey barrels, so it had to be a ‘barrel’ name,” Terri said. With an intimate location behind the elevator shaft, “at the Lift” was added to the name.
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DJs weren’t originally part of the business plan. Barreled began with a karaoke following, but that eventually fell through. Around the same time, Terri had an interest in learning how to DJ, which eventually led to her booking multiple DJs each evening. She chose the name “Amalgam” as her stage name, which alludes to her many talents of bartending, DJing and crafting hookahs.
At the start, Terri played solely EDM. “For me, I think that’s one of the easier music to play. It helped me to get to the point where I am now,” she said. The DJ culture in Charlotte is larger than it is in most cities, she added. “It’s huge. It’s definitely a lot more supply than demand. I think it’s a great scene, though. There are a lot of really amazing DJs in Charlotte,” Terri said.
Barreled contributes to the DJ scene, creating a place where aspiring DJs can meet veterans and more experienced performers. “Open Deck Wednesdays” is essentiality the open mic night for DJs.
N.C. state laws are threatening hookah bars throughout Charlotte. Though it would be a huge blow for Barreled, the bar would still remain with its speciality cocktails and nightly DJ performances.
Terri put in a lot of time concocting her hookah blends that use a combination of flavored tobaccos and fruit bases like oranges. She recommends anyone new to the pipe to try a lighter and sweeter flavor that makes it easier and smoother to smoke.
“It’s all combined and synchronized. You get to come in here, sit down and be comfortable. You can walk around and hang out,” Terri said.