Tropical themed bar now open in Belmont neighborhood

The concept, from the ETA Group (Stroke, The Ice Trade), aims to transport guests to paradise, serving classic tiki drinks and frozen rum-based cocktails.

What to expect: Skyline views, bright colors and vintage furniture round out the bar’s “urban oasis” vibe. There’s an interior bar, patio, rooftop deck and private event space.

• Mixologist Larry Suggs heads up the cocktail program. He’s also a business partner at sister concepts The Ice Trade and Stroke.
• The Paper Plane Deli & Market is partnering with The Royal Tot to provide tropical dishes like tequila pineapple marinated Spam, Kona coffee-rubbed chicken wings, tuna poke and ceviche.
• The entire space is very Instagrammable.

The big picture: This concept is the latest from the ETA Group, which also owns the mid-century modern putt-putt bar Stroke and a new concept that sells crystal-clear ice called The Ice Trade. The group is also the founder of Axe Club of America, which they sold in 2019.

• Owners Ashleigh and Scott Gadd’s businesses have helped transform Charlotte’s bar scene. Like Stroke, they want The Royal Tot to give guests an experience beyond just having a drink.
• “The goal is to escape you to a tropical island for the time being, even though you’re five minutes from Uptown,” Scott says.

Layout: The two-story space has several distinct zones for gathering.

• Ground floor: The main level will have seating around the bar, in the dining room and on the patio. If you want a more upscale experience, this is where you’ll want to be. Reservations are recommended.
• Rooftop bar: Go up the grand stairwell for stunning skyline views and a more laid-back vibe with frozen cocktails and tiki drinks. No reservations needed up here, Scott says. “This will be more of a party [atmosphere].”

• Pick-up window: Back downstairs, there will be a pick-up window for Dole whip, a pineapple-and-vanilla soft serve with a cult following, Scott says.

Location: The Royal Tot is located at 933 Louise Ave., Ste. 350 on the edge of Plaza Midwood and Belmont.

1 fun thing: The Royal Tot is named for an old tradition from the Queen’s Navy in which each British soldier got a daily ration of rum. In keeping with its name, the bar will have a rum club that introduces members to rare and vintage rums.

Here’s a look inside:

And a preview of the drink menu: