Charlotte’s Best Nightlife

Best Bar to Party with Your Pooch [1]: Dog Bar [1] is the only dog-friendly bar in Charlotte where four-legged revelers are the life of the party.

Best Bar to Be Rewarded for Imbibing [2]: Join the UFO Club at the Flying Saucer [2], with a mostly college crowd. Drink 200 different beers and get inducted into the Ring of Honor for your efforts.

Best Dance Club for ’80s Music [3]: It’s all ’80s, all the time at Uptown’s Breakfast Club [3].

Best Drag Show [4]: Few things are more fun than an old-fashioned drag show — except perhaps a drag show coupled with karaoke. Dragaoke at Petra’s Piano Bar [4] is the most fun you can have on a Wednesday night in Charlotte.

Most Historic Live-Music Venue [5]: Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan have taken the stage at The Double Door Inn [5], which opened its doors in 1973 and continues to attract top-notch acts.

Most Popular New Venue [6]: The North Carolina Music Factory [6] opened in late 2009, and the plethora of clubs and live bands in the multi-venue development have quickly made it a Charlotte favorite.

Best Venue to See Live Rock and Punk Bands [7]: The bands that perform at Tremont Music Hall [7] are used to mosh pits and crowd surfing.

Best Lounge for Cigar Aficionados [8]: Cutter’s Lounge & Cigar Bar [8] is a true gentleman’s club, complete with an on-site humidor.

Best Sports Bar [9]: With 30 flat-screen TVs around the bar and one at every booth, BlackFinn American Saloon [9] is by far the most impressive place to watch your favorite sporting event.

Best Martini [10]: With more than 50 martinis on the menu, it’s hard to choose a favorite at Therapy [10] — but there is no better place to try.