5 most highly anticipated bars opening in the next 6 months

The new lakeside concept from Joe and Katy Kindred has already landed spots on nationwide most anticipated restaurant lists from Eater and Tasting Table. True to form, the Kindreds are planning a cocktail menu that will hold its own alongside a food menu that’s sure to attract a whole lot of attention. A three-tiered patio and seasonal tiki bar accessible by boat suggest Hello, Sailor will rule the summer on Lake Norman.

Read more: Inside Joe and Katy Kindred’s new lakeside restaurant

#2 Dot Dot Dot

Industry veterans Conrad Hunter (Foxcroft Wine Co. owner) and Stefan Huebner (award-winning mixologist) have teamed up to open a private, members-only club in The Backlot at Park Road Shopping Center. The pair promises a “booze-first,” Prohibition-era vibe in a discreet location that hasn’t been leased since 1955. Here’s hoping they accept my application for membership.

Read more: Foxcroft Wine Co. owner to open speakeasy in Park Road Road Shopping Center

#3 Graham St. Pub & Patio

A nondescript little white building on Graham Street will be a major game day destination once it opens this spring. Graham St. Pub & Patio, conveniently located between BB&T Ballpark and Panthers Stadium, will be a chill neighborhood bar with a killer rooftop patio and a menu featuring food truck-inspired items like sliders, skewers, tacos and more. Seriously, look at that view.

Read more: Finally, new plans for a rooftop bar at the ill-fated Chupitos building by the ballpark

#4 Kimtpon Rooftop

With little more than a rendering and Jason’s photo of the view from the construction site, we already know the rooftop bar atop the Kimpton Hotel will be a major draw. The 217-room boutique hotel is part of the new development at 300 S. Tryon and the top-floor bar will offer sweeping views of Third Ward overlooking Romare Bearden Park and Knights Stadium. Swanky.

Read more: You’re going to love the Uptown views from the 217-room Kimpton Hotel and its rooftop bar

#5 Queen Park Social

Queen Park will add an enormous 18,000-square-foot entertainment destination to the already-on-the-rise LoSo district home to Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Sugar Creek Brewing, Great Wagon Road Distillery and Goodroad Ciderworks. The space features a restaurant, bar, bowling lanes, shuffleboard, ping pong tables and more.

Read more: Massive unnamed social house will take this entertainment district next level

Header photo of Hello, Sailor via Instagram