May 10, 2023 - Food and Drink

5 hot new nightclubs in Charlotte

Charlotte’s nightlife scene is booming as more clubs open — and stay open later.

The big picture: The center of gravity for Charlotte’s late-night bar scene has gradually shifted south with openings like RSVP, Resident Culture and Cloud in and around South End.

And more’s still to come. Eden will open soon in the former Peculiar Rabbit three-story space in Plaza Midwood, and Charleston’s Trio will expand to Charlotte with a focus on electronic music.

Here are 5 nightclubs to check out that opened in the last two years.

Encore

Vibe: The nightclub gives off a Miami feel. It’s an expansive Uptown club with a capacity of over 1,000 people. Expect a live DJ playing hip-hop and house/EDM hits.

Dress code: According to Encore’s site, jerseys, baseball caps, athletic wear, flip flops, graphic tees, plain white tees, camo, doo rags and sleeveless attire for men aren’t permitted.

Hours: 10pm-2am Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Cover: No cover on Fridays, $20 cover for men on Saturdays and Sundays.

VIP: Booths are $400 for 8-15 people. They’re available on Encore’s website for a $100 deposit.

Vibe: RSVP in South End packs four vibes into one with different zones, including a rooftop and a club dance floor. That’s great because if you’re not feeling it in one space, you don’t have to pay for a new cover to experience something totally different.

Dress code: RSVP’s site says the attire is “business casual,” but that’s more formal than the vibe we get.

Shorts, sandals and hats are permitted.
But no jeans with “excessive ripping,” bathing suits, or jerseys (except on game days), among other rules.

Hours: 6pm-12am Thursday, 4pm-2am Friday, 12pm-2am Saturday, and 12-9pm Sunday.

Cover: Cover is typically free, but expect a long line, especially on Saturdays.

Pro tip: Pay $40 to skip the line. Book in advance here.

VIP: A deposit on a table for 8-15 people costs $250. The deposit goes toward the table minimum of up to $800 on Fridays and $1,200 on Saturdays. All VIP guests receive a welcome champagne toast, complimentary valet, separate VIP entrance and private bottle service the whole night.

STAGE portion of RSVP South End. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios

Bazal

Vibe: A high-end Vegas club experience at the Music Factory with an art gallery and luxe touches.

Dress code: Go all out with the fit at Bazal.

Hours: Bazal is only open for private events during the first part of 2023, according to its Instagram, as it adds a full kitchen. Events and hours are posted regularly on Instagram.

Cover: Varies.

VIP: $100 deposit with three bottle minimum for 8-15 people. Bottles range from $175 for Titos or Jack Daniels to $1,500 for the nicest bottles like Ace of Spades brut champagne and Johnny Walker Blue.

Hive

Vibe: A bit younger crowd than the above spots with largely hip-hop music, located in Uptown. If you’re looking for a large dance floor with a disco ball, this is a good spot for you. Hive keeps the cocktails pretty simple and cheap with most options under $10.

Dress code: N/A

Hours: 10pm-2am Thursday-Sunday

Cover: Usually $20.

VIP: Hive’s booths are on the more affordable end with a $300 minimum for a six-person table and up to $900 minimum for 15 people. Reserve in advance here.