Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Concord (Kannapolis), NC

FOURTH WARD. One of Charlotte's best-kept secrets, "Al Mike's," as regulars know it, is the perfect neighborhood...

FOURTH WARD. One of Charlotte's best-kept secrets, "Al Mike's," as regulars know it, is the perfect neighborhood restaurant/bar. It's the type of place where everybody truly does seem to know your name. Here, you'll find standard pub fare, including favorites like nachos, burgers, and fried pickles. The bar stays open long after the kitchen has closed for the evening ­ so plan to kick back and hang a while.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

UPTOWN. What's the recipe for fun at Dixie's? Try this on for size: Big Easy-style eats, DJs and great-looking...

UPTOWN. What's the recipe for fun at Dixie's? Try this on for size: Big Easy-style eats, DJs and great-looking clientele. Open Sundays at noon during NFL season.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-2am Hours May Vary Seasonally

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

UPTOWN. One of the Queen City's more popular watering holes, the multi-level Rí~Rá offers all the charm and...

UPTOWN. One of the Queen City's more popular watering holes, the multi-level Rí~Rá offers all the charm and comfort of a traditional Irish pub ­ in fact, considering that the Victorian-style bar itself was once part of the officer's mess hall at the barracks in Dublin's Phoenix Park, this place IS as Irish as you can get. Among the pub's more fascinating characteristics are its collection of Dublin ledgers (some of which date back to 1800), an antique Guinness mirror, and portraits of many of Ireland's greatest literary figures.

Hours: Mon 11:30am-Midnight; Tue-Wed 11:30am-1am; Thu-Fri 11:30am-2am; Sat 10am-2am; Sun 10am-Midnight

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

ELIZABETH. Nothing fancy or over-the-top, this cozy brick home with the big deck may be a popular neighborhood watering...

ELIZABETH. Nothing fancy or over-the-top, this cozy brick home with the big deck may be a popular neighborhood watering hole at night ­ heck, it even gets high marks for its specialty martinis, country-fried chicken and hearty, homemade meatloaf. But what has truly impressed the regulars over the years is Jackalope Jacks' Sunday brunch, which is billed as the "best in town." Considering the tasty choices include omelets, eggs Benedicts, and traditional English breakfasts, who can argue with such a claim?

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-2am; Sun 10:30am-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express

UPTOWN. Formerly the Liquid Lounge, TILT is a great place to blow off steam after work and on the weekend. A barometer...

UPTOWN. Formerly the Liquid Lounge, TILT is a great place to blow off steam after work and on the weekend. A barometer of what's cool on the Uptown scene, TILT features great live music, eight flat-screen TVs, classy chandeliers and hardwood floors, an outdoor patio and plenty of top-shelf elixirs. Indeed, TILT is a place that has no problem attracting hordes of beautiful, stylish young professionals seven days a week, and its upscale vibe is enhanced by a strict dress code.

Hours: Mon 6:30pm-2am; Tue-Fri, Sun 5pm-2am; Sat 7pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

ELIZABETH. The doors at the Double Door Inn on Charlottetown Avenue have been open since 1973. That's called staying...

ELIZABETH. The doors at the Double Door Inn on Charlottetown Avenue have been open since 1973. That's called staying power, and judging from the crowds on any given weekday or weekend night, Double Door will be rocking for the next quarter century. Monday nights are always packed for a Double Door staple, \"Monday Night All Stars\" ­ blues and jazz being the mainstays. Noted as a blues club, the place rocks with local funky blues and also plays host to national acts.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2am; Sat 8:30pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card

UPTOWN. This restaurant and wine bar brings a sense of artsy cool to the Queen City. The main dining room sports...

UPTOWN. This restaurant and wine bar brings a sense of artsy cool to the Queen City. The main dining room sports polished hardwood floors, bold colors, sharp geometric lines, and thought-provoking sculptures suspended from the ceiling ­ a modern homage to the art of fishing. This bold sensibility carries over to the kitchen, which delivers edgy, beautifully presented steak and seafood dishes like filet mignon topped with lump crab meat or seared sea scallops over black beluga lentils. Two things to note: If the weather is nice, ask for a table on the terrace, and be sure to arrive early so you can enjoy one of their signature martinis at the bar.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-10pm; Sat 5pm-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

SOUTH END. 300 East has a sophisticated European feel ­ a bit Bohemian, a bit Champs-Elysées ­ and always...

SOUTH END. 300 East has a sophisticated European feel ­ a bit Bohemian, a bit Champs-Elysées ­ and always makes for a memorable evening. The antique mahogany bar is where you'll find one of the best martinis anywhere, and, unlike some bars, 300 East's food is the perfect complement to your libations. They also boast a full Sunday brunch menu, including veggie eggs Benedict and a light breakfast of bagels and fruit. Sandwiches, salads and selected entrées are also available. On seasonable days, snag a table on the outside patio surrounded by cascading lantana and black-eyed susans.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 10am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

PARK ROAD. If the exterior of this popular watering hole looks familiar, that's probably because Moosehead occupies a...

PARK ROAD. If the exterior of this popular watering hole looks familiar, that's probably because Moosehead occupies a building that once housed a Pizza Hut. It's true that the place isn't as pretty and stylish as hipster joints Uptown, but what it does have going for it is this: Long-time Charlotteans claim that the kitchen serves what may be the best bar eats in town. Add to that the fact that you don't have to put on airs to come in and have a good time, and it's easy to see why the place has such broad appeal.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2am; Sat-Sun Noon-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club