New cocktail lounge in north Charlotte opens as a one-stop nightlife spot
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Aura HiFi will have no cover. Reservations are preferred to secure a table. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios
Aura HiFi recently soft opened in University City, within walking distance of PNC Pavilion.
Why it matters: The team behind the new cocktail lounge hopes the place will serve as a go-to pre-show hangout for concertgoers — and a potential afterparty spot for the performing artists themselves.
What they're saying: Aura's events director, Brittany Reed, says the proximity to the music pavilion makes the lounge a convenient extension of the area's music scene.
- "We're so close that we're looking to bring some of those artists in after hours — maybe even for dinner before their sets, or as a kind of green room," Reed told Axios.
What to expect: The boutique lounge transitions from a mellow dining experience to an energetic nightlife scene, with music gradually increasing in intensity throughout the night. The idea is to give guests the option of a full evening in one place — from dinner to dancing — without moving to another venue.
- DJs from Miami and New York will spin open-format sets blending a mix of top 40, house, R&B, and Latin influences.
The vibe: The space seats about 300 inside, which includes seating for 120 people in VIP booth sections. It also has a handful of patio tables.
Dig in: The menu features shareable plates like empanadas, shrimp peri peri, a tuna tower, and lamb chops, plus vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes. The kitchen stays open until 1am for those looking for a late-night bite to eat.
- One of the signature dishes is an oversized salad called a "girl dinner," which is served in a 32-ounce martini glass.
- The lounge also offers premium shisha with a list of flavors.
- Guests can choose from craft cocktails, an extensive champagne list, and customizable bottle service. Enhancements on the menu will let groups mix it up — for example, adding green tea shots to a bottle of Jameson so everyone can share without waste, Reed says.
What's next: A grand opening weekend is set for Oct. 10-11. Eventually, the plan is to add brunch services and monthly themed events.
Stop by: Find Aura HiFi at 200 Pavilion Blvd., next to the Regal Starlight movie theater. Open Thursday through Sunday from 5pm-2am.
