9 spots that make Montford the coolest strip in Charlotte

But if you tell me we’re going to Montford, where there’s room to move, bars I can actually have a conversation without yelling in, and a bowling alley? I’m all over it.

10 Park Lanes

What it is: The city’s go-to spot for bowling and good food since 1960. 1960!

Why it’s so cool: It was cool before this, but I met Drake Bell here once. It’s also been featured on The Food Network’s Rebel Eats. Also noteworthy is the outside area, which includes ping pong tables and cornhole.

Come for the: Bowling, obviously. Make sure you reserve a lane on the weekends.

Stay for the: Food. This surprised me. Its extensive menu includes barbecue plates, sliders, tacos, and stacked mason jars for the times you just can’t decide. Pro tip: Pimento Cheese Dip. Every time.

Stop by for: The lunch special. Two games of bowling, a pair of shoes, and an item from the lunch menu for $15.

Angry Ale’s

What it is: A sports bar that makes you feel like a MacLaren’s regular, à la How I Met Your Mother.

Why it’s so cool: The patio is huge, so dogs are regulars. And dogs and beer just work.

Come for the: Drink specials.

• Monday: $2 domestics, $5 Kamikaze shots
• Super Tuesday: $4 32-ounce BAC Draft Blue Moon

• Wednesday: $2.50 Miller Lite, $5 American Honey, half-price wine
• Big A** Thursday: $4 32-ounce BAC Draft Blue Moon and MOFO Light
• Countdown Friday: $8 Ale’s Liquor Pints, $5 Beam Fire shots, $2.50 Miller Lite. I don’t know what we’re counting down, but count me in.
• Saturday: $15 Light buckets, $8 Ale’s Liquor Pints, $5 Grape Gatorade
• Sunday Fun Day: $15 Bud Light Buckets, $4 Bloody Marys, $3 Mimosas

Stay for the: MoFo Wings. 10 for $7.99, 20 for $14.99. And if you’re just that hungry, grab 50 for $36.99 or 100 for $69.99.

Stop by for: The impressive trivia. Takes place every Tuesday (Music Trivia at 8:30 p.m.), Wednesday (Pop Culture Trivia at 9 p.m.), and Thursday night (Name That Tune at 9 p.m.). The real winner is the team with the best name.

Brazwells Premium Pub

What it is: A Bottle Cap Group restaurant serving everything from wings to Bolognese.

Why it’s so cool: They’re constantly hosting events like Adopt-A-Thon, Trivia Night, and Friendsgiving Food Drive.

Come for the: Live music on the patio, complete with $2.50 Miller Lite and $4 well drinks, every Thursday.

Stay for the: Game. Sunday specials include $6 Montford Coolers, $5 Captain Morgan, $2.50 Bud Light, and half-price wings.

Stop by for: The $4 Bloody Mary Bar. All weekend, every weekend.

Duckworth’s

What it is: Half restaurant, half sports bar.

Why it’s so cool: They’re home to the Duckworth’s Hopman Beer Club. Present your card every time you get a beer to keep track of your points. One beer = one point. Points get you things like:

• Duckworth’s credit card beer opener (100 points)
• Local brewery tour for you and three friends (475 points)
• A trip to a regional beer festival (1,000 points)

Come for the: Beer list. It’s constantly changing, and Creative Loafing named it the city’s Best Beer Selection.

Stay for the: Fajitas.

Stop by for: A late-night meal. They serve the full menu until 2 a.m. This is a big deal.

Good Food on Montford<br/>

What it is: A Bruce Moffett restaurant known for its small plates and tapas.

Why it’s so cool: It’s been featured in Southern Living, the New York Times, and the Washington Post. None found anything bad to say. Read the reviews here.

Come for the: Steamed Bun, with its five spice rubbed pork belly, hoisin, and pickled vegetables.

Stay for the: Dessert. The Chocolate Brownie and Pear & Cherry Cobbler only scratch the surface.

Stop by for: Cocktails, including a Blackberry Bramble, Hot Chocolate Martini, and Just Beet It.

Jeff’s Bucket Shop

What it is: The best karaoke in Charlotte.

Why it’s so cool: It’s nothing like you expect. There’s a reason it’s been voted Best of the Best for Karaoke three years running by Charlotte Magazine. Go find out.

Come for the: Opportunity to make a complete fool of yourself on stage. Don’t worry, you won’t be the only one.

Stay for the: Cheap liquid courage all week long, but especially Friday and Saturday.

• Friday: $2.75 Budweiser, $6 X-Rated, and $5 Fireball
• Saturday: $2.75 Miller Lite, $6 X-Rated, and $5 Fireball

Stop by for: The free popcorn.

Maverick Rock Taco

[UPDATE: Now closed, RIP.]

What it is: A rock ‘n roll bar with a Mexican menu.

Why it’s so cool: Take one look at the decor and you’ll know. Honorable mentions include Homer Simpson and a “This Guy Needs a Beer!” sign. It’s also home to the five pound burrito challenge.
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Come for the: Mexican Street Corn. It’s a side. And a must.

Stay for the: Impressive selection of unique margaritas. Think everything from a Texas Rose to a Most Interesting Mangarita.

Stop by for: $1 Tecate, $2 Chicken Tacos, and $3 Margaritas every Wednesday before Trivia Night at Angry Ale’s.

Moosehead Grill

What it is: A tiny “watering hole” at the tip of Montford.

Why it’s so cool: Expect the unexpected, like Florentine Potato Skins and Bee Sting wings.

Come for the: Wings. Not only have they been voted best overall in Charlotte, they also took second place at the national Buffalo Wing Competition. There are 10 different flavors. Try Uncle Donnie’s Famous Blackened Wings.

Stay for: Conversation with other regulars on the rooftop deck.

Stop by for: Lunch. Lunch specials change, but they’re always $10.

The Roasting Company

What it is: A no-bones-about-it spot for great chicken. No bells or whistles, just great food. It’s been around since 1991.

Why it’s so cool: A few recipes and the marinade that all serve as the heart of the menu came from a small spot in Costa Rica.

Come for the: Chicken. And make good use of the sauces provided.

Stay for the: Local beer selection. 22 are on tap.

Stop by for: A late-night, post-Montford meal. Full menu until 1:45 a.m.

There you have it. Make a Saturday night out of it. Or a Wednesday. Or even a Monday. Whatever you night you want. No judgment here.