A guide to the top 18-and-over clubs in Charlotte
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Being under 21 in Charlotte in hard on anyone, I know. But there are ways to ease the pain. Here’s a list of places that are 18+ friendly that you’ll find in the city — from hookah bars to clubbing all night.
Red@28
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This is by-far my favorite hangout space. Red’s is a hookah bar with two locations—one in NoDa and the other off of University. This is an eclectic, cozy spot to hang with friends or a Tinder date meet-up, even if you don’t enjoy the hookah scene. On Sundays, the Red’s in NoDa hosts a poetry night (cover charge is $5 this night, but you can get in free with a valid student ID) and anyone is eligible to participate. From karaoke to a live DJ, Reds will keep you entertained. Reds is also located in the same atrium as Amelie’s, a.k.a. the best French bakery ever, so after you finish your drinks and hookah, walk across the hall and get a salted caramel brownie. I just ate two.
Prohibition
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Better known as “Pro,” this is a hot spot every Thursday night, especially on my college campus. I’ve been to Pro less than five times in my college career because the music never interested me, but this past Thursday I decided to follow my peers after Homecoming festivities and see what the hype was about. I had so much fun.
Yes, Pro is extremely packed and if you come with a group, it’s easy to get lost, but besides that, the music is hype (now) and the bartenders keep you laughing. This will be a new regular for me especially since there is no cover charge for 21+ all night. For my young folks, get there before 11 p.m. to party for free. It’s $10 after that and who wants to pay to dance?
Bar Charlotte
Bar Charlotte has been under different management since my freshman year so the music and themes are constantly changing, but what remains consistent is the fact that they have a bar that you can dance on.
Label
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Label, located in the NC Music Factory, has also been a staple in my Thirsty Thursday college nights. Label is an upscale, two-story club. The music is top 40s with a techno spin. On Sundays, Label does a complete 180 and plays rap non-stop to cater to a more urban crowd — except this night isn’t open to the 18+ people all the time.
Suite
Suite is located in the EpiCentre. I’ve only been once, but it was cool. They are always hosting celebrities there like R&B artist Ginuwine and Ray J was there a few Fridays ago. Suite does have an older crowd and they play hits from the early 2000s majority of the time, but once in a while you will get to hear a Drake song or two.
Remember, you won’t be underage for long, but check-out these spots to make the wait worthwhile.
Cover image via the Label Charlotte Facebook page