Idlewild

Very cool spot. They had no menu so you get a really unique experience here. Top tier bartenders that you explain the types of drinks you like. They can either make known drinks or give them a few things you like and they will whip something up. This is a fun experience and the drinks are great. This is a very small and intimate bar so prepare accordingly. We were lucky enough to be able to walk right in.

Very cool place. I love that I get to try drinks I’ve never had or would have never thought to order. Our bartender was great and the atmosphere was one of the best I’ve experienced at a cocktail bar in Charlotte.

We frequent this bar, and it is exceptional. The craft cocktails are flavorful, potent, and beautiful. We went for their New Year's Eve celebration, and it was exactly what we expected. The open bar for two and a half hours is spectacular. Unfortunately, I can't remember the names of anything we had; greatfully, they are going to start adding the drink names to the tabs.

I love Idlewild and their unique concept. In a land full of basic, cookie cutter cocktail bars, Idlewild provides some respite from the pumpkin spiced lattes of the booze world. I’ve been twice now and I have to say, it’s the best cocktail bar I’ve ever been to - and this is compared to cocktail bars in DC, NYC, Phoenix, etc. So, it bums me out to see bad reviews from people who don’t understand the concept of what they’re trying to do. Here are some digestible pro tips so you’re not disappointed and find yourself writing a poor review for a small business: - this is a VERY small, intimate bar. There are only a handful of tables, which are meant to accommodate parties bigger than 2 but less than 6. The bar seats accommodate parties of 2, are reserved seats, and are NOT meant to be waiting areas until a table opens. - make a reservation. For the love of all that’s righteous and holy, make a reservation. They CAN take walk-ins if they’re able (I was a walk-in my first time) but on weekends, chances are slim. It’s also unlikely you can increase your party size and this is just due to the lack of space and coordination of reservations on the books. - if you’re a walk-in waiting or early to your reservation, take the VERY SHORT jaunt across the parking lot to Wooden Robot and have some of their amazing beer until your seat opens. It’s really simple. Idlewild will text you when your table is ready! - reservations have a time limit so that other reservations can be accommodated later in the evening. This isn’t atypical of restaurants/bars these days and is noted when you make the reservation on Resy - membership of $1/year is required by NC law; not by Idlewild. I don’t get it either but if you go anywhere in Charlotte, they’re likely charging membership fees and many are a lot more than $1 (looking at you, Vintage) - there is no menu. The concept is, you tell the bartenders what you like and they make it for you. The more you know what you do or don’t like, the higher the chances are that you’ll get a unique, amazing cocktail. I hate sweet cocktails, love creamy and spicy, and I got something different and amazing each time. Dont like drinks with a ton of ice? No problem - just tell them. Where else can you get a concoction using coconut milk and cucumber? If you want a martini or Old Fashioned, you may wanna try a regular bar - this is NoDa, not South End. Both times, I saw diversity in both patrons and staff which is something I really love about NoDa. Staff have always been kind to me and other patrons around me so I never detected any discrimination. In summary, and in defense of this thesis, the goal of Idlewild (from what I’ve read and experienced) is to provide a tailored cocktail experience in a very intimate environment so that their talented bartenders can focus on crafting Karla-specific cocktails instead of slapping rum and Coke together. Does this sound appealing? Then make a resy, catch a buzz in 2 hours, and don’t cancel last minute. If you’re looking to bro down with Chad, Brad, and Kyle and reminisce about your Sig Ep days while slamming Jäegerbombs, skip this place and go to….literally any bar in South End.

I recently visited Idlewild, this place creates drinks based on your input, and it was a truly unique experience. The concept of personalized cocktails is a game-changer. The bartenders were skilled and attentive, asking questions to understand my flavor preferences. The result was a delightful concoction that perfectly matched my taste. The ambiance was chic, and the staff was friendly. It's a must-visit for anyone looking for a tailored cocktail adventure.