1. Blackfinn American Saloon
City: Epicentre, NC
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (704) 971-4440
Address: 210 East Trade St.
Description: BlackFinn was one of the first bars to open in EpiCentre and is probably the most popular. There are good crowds at this two-story speakeasy from Wed through Sat, and on Sun during football season. BlackFinn provides a nice atmosphere with solid wood furnishings, brass accents, and hardwood floors. It’s a classic bar done right. You can enter on either level, although the main entrance is downstairs. The lower level features a separate dining room, and a bar area that is more laid back than the upstairs bar. The crowd is generally a little older downstairs and the music is not as loud. Upstairs is where the action is on Thurs, Fri, and Sat nights. The bar is in the middle with access on all sides, and the tables in the back area are cleared to make way for a dance floor as the evening wears on. There’s a DJ booth overlooking the dance area, and there’s also a private room available, which has its own fully stocked bar.
2. Suite
City: Epicentre, NC
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (704) 999-7934
Address: 210 East Trade St.
Description: Suite brings all the big city trappings to Charlotte. There are four private suites, appearances by celebrity models and personalities, waiting in line behind the ropes, and an ultra-sleek interior with a great sound system and light show. It’s the place where pretty people in their 20s and early 30s go to see and be seen. One side of the club is glass walls and provides nice views of the Uptown skyline. The dance floor is situated in the center of the club, which gets everybody involved. Suite has a stricter dress code than most Charlotte nightspots—no T-shirts, hats, sneakers, shorts or baggy clothing.
3. Whisky River
City: Epicentre, NC
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (704) 749-1097
Address: 210 East Trade St.
Description: In the early years of his career, NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. transformed his basement into a makeshift nightclub. “Club E,” as it was called, became the inspiration for Whisky River. When Earnhardt debuted Whisky River in early 2008, it was one of the EpiCentre’s first businesses and set the tone for how popular the entertainment complex would be. Whisky River is a hybrid. It takes a back-woods honky-tonk and blends it with a big-city dance club. Much like Earnhardt himself, it appeals to a wide audience, not just NASCAR fans. The music ranges from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Lady Gaga to Kanye West, sometimes in the same set. There’s usually a line out the door on weekends, although it tends to move quickly. Earnhardt makes occasional appearances, staying strictly in the limited-access VIP area. The beers are cold and the vibe is hot. One tip: If you have to go to the bathroom, start your trek early. The restrooms are in the back corner of the club and only accessible via a crowded area that often becomes part of the dance floor.
4. Strike City
City: Epicentre, NC
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (704) 716-9300
Address: 210 East Trade St.
Description: The best sports bar in Uptown is actually a bowling alley. But don’t fret, this ain’t your father’s bowling alley. Strike City is a state-of-the-art palace of bowling with as much emphasis on the sports bar as the lanes. There are 75 high-def televisions, including big screens, and an awesome, easy-to-read sports ticker running continuously along one wall. Strike City subscribes to all the major satellite packages; therefore, chances are they’re showing your game. If you love Ohio State University, this is the place to be on a fall Sat when the Buckeyes have a big matchup.
5. Blackfinn American Saloon
City: Epicentre, NC
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (704) 971-4440
Address: 210 East Trade St.
Description: Although it is popular as a nightspot, BlackFinn is also a very good spot to grab lunch or enjoy a nice meal. The dining room is on the first floor and completely separate from the downstairs bar area. The décor and furnishings are classy, and the menu features more than just bar fare. General manager Gregg McConnell, who played college football at Duke, says the most popular dinner entrees are the filet mignon and sautéed lemon chicken cutlets. The shaved prime rib sandwich is a big seller on the lunch menu, along with the ahi tuna salad and seared ahi tuna appetizers. Beef, pork, and chicken sliders are also in demand. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.
6. Jason’S Deli
City: Epicentre, NC
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (704) 688-1004
Address: 210 East Trade St.
Description: Yes, this is a national chain, but it is an insider favorite. The extensive menu offers everything from soups and salads to wraps, sandwiches, po’boys, pasta, and baked potatoes. Jason’s is health conscious, listing the fat content and calories of many items, as well as offering vegetarian items and organic choices. There is a large choice of soups daily, and the salad bar goes on and on and on. After your meal, take advantage of the free low-fat soft-serve ice cream. Did we mention it is free?
7. Enso Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar
City: Epicentre, NC
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (704) 716-3676
Address: 210 East Trade St.
Description: Not only the newest sushi hotspot in Charlotte, but considered by many foodies as the best sushi in Charlotte. You basically can’t go wrong with anything on an extensive menu of sushi, seafood, and wagyu Japanese beef. A favorite is the sexy salmon roll, consisting of spicy salmon topped with apple sauce and black tobiko. Open for lunch Mon through Fri, and dinner daily. Reservations available online.