We try to make time to come here once every few weeks for a date or with friends! The ambience, service, and cocktails are unmatched in this area! Last night was no exception. Excellent bar. read more

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I LOVE Idlewild. And I hear they are building a new location at Southend! No menus. You tell the waiter what type of cocktail you like and they make you something truly unique to your palate. It's wonderfully tucked away in NoDa I definitely recommend a reservation before heading over. read more

Fresh ingredients and great liquor. This cocktail bar is my favorite place to take guests that come in from out of town. The atmosphere is great and every custom drink I've had has blown me away. The drinks are a bit pricy but totally worth it when combined with the full experience. I recommend getting a seat at the bar to watch the bartenders do their thing. read more

Idlewild - Bar seating - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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This tucked-away bar at the 36th Street light-rail station is a gem! Came here on a week night and honestly I had low expectations because of its location in a brand new apartment building with its exterior being less than noteworthy. However, don't let that throw you off, the interior is very nice, feels like it's been there for decades. The space is comfortable, intimate, and frankly cozy even with some more modern appointments. The gig here is that the bartenders ask you several questions to get your flavor preferences and from that select and make a drink accordingly. They nailed my preferences and I could not have been happier with my drink. If we didn't have to meet someone for dinner, I would have had another. The bartenders are amiable and appear to love their craft. The popcorn appetizer we got was yummy, even if it were a bit overpriced. read more

Idlewild - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Idelwild has become one of our favorite cocktail places in Charlotte. No drink menu, no problem....just tell the bartender what kind of alcohol and flavors you like and he/she will make you something delicious. There is always a concern at a place like this that the staff can be pretentious or intimidating, but like most places in Charlotte, these guys are super friendly and want you to have a good time. The place is pretty small, so I would recommend going on off hours or days if you want to get the full experience at the bar. Looking forward to more drinks here. read more

Idlewild - Gin rickey & bramble - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Went here on a Saturday evening with a few friends. As many reviews before me have mentioned, it's not your typical place - there's no drink menu, instead you tell your server what you're in the mood for and they bring you something. It's super innovative, different, and fun! It's a very intimate place, with very limited seating done on purpose. That really helps the atmosphere and environment, and stands out as one of the few high-end bars around that area where it's not overly crowded on a weekend. I personally loved that. The staff were all exceptional. They were very friendly, polite, and really took their time with each individual patron. The entire place was super classy without being pretentious about it. I know a lot of places out there claim to be an experience, but this place actually is one. Highly, highly recommended. I will definitely be back! read more

Cool vibe, have a reso as walk-ins are tough. Drink was amazing - had a great time trying new Bevs.

It was horrible. I got pre-judged! Tall guy said bar was reserved! I just walked out and spent my money elsewhere! I moved in above and people were out front (not getting in) complaining to each other about the same thing. One of those guys that still wears the safety badge like 7th graders. read more

Idlewild - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Let me start by saying this review is based on my first visit, which I truly don't like to do, but I wanted to provide my initial thoughts and will definitely update my review, if I feel otherwise, after my next visit or two. I met some friends here on a Thursday night around 9:00pm for a few drinks. We were the only table there and the service was fine. When I say fine I would have hoped to say good when we were the only table. The waitress was very nice, explained the concept of the bar, which is create your own drink, and then disappeared for more than 20 minutes. Once we ordered and received drinks I will say they were great. They can make whatever you would like. They have fresh ingredients and will accommodate to your preference when it comes to alcohol. I will say that they use plenty of ice with several drinks so if you don't drink it fast enough it ends up watered down..and at $13 each a little pricey for me. Overall I think the concept is cool, space is inviting and trendy, but just not sure this would be a go to spot for a Friday or Saturday night. Pricey drinks, no drink menu, limited food options...you decide to check out. read more

While I don't have an exhaustive list of cocktails I've tried in Charlotte, I do get the sense that Idlewild is the pre-eminent cocktail lounge in the area. It's a smallish room, so I would say either make a reservation, or show up right when they first open. Except for food (which, by the way, truffle popcorn - get it), there is no menu to speak of. In this way similar to Attaboy in Nashville, you have a conversation with your bartender or server about what kind of drink you're thinking of. Think of a base spirit, whether you want your cocktail to be more spirit-forward or refreshing, then think of secondary characteristics like herbal, fruity, spicy, sour, smoky, etc. I always say that if you're going to a place like this that offers "bartenders' choice," for best results, be as specific as possible. Here, though, I may not worry as much, as these servers are pretty good about leading those customers who may not be as hyper-specific as I tend to be at places like this. The location in the NoDa area is pretty accessible and convenient. Basically, I'm telling you that it would be a mistake *not* to go check this place out. read more

A very unique experience if you like drinking adventurously - name your favorite spirit and leave it up to the highly capable bartenders to whip up a concoction you've never had before. Fantastic and creative place for drinks. read more

Idlewild - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

My boyfriend and I headed here the Sunday night after their opening a few days prior. We arrived and were seated quickly in a booth. We were given waters immediately and explained the process of ordering drinks. After expressing our likes/dislikes , the server relayed the message to the bartender. The basis of this intimate bar is paying a flat rate of 13 dollars to have a cocktail specialized to your tastes. No cheap liquor worries, everything on their shelf is great quality, and even have an array of fresh ingredients displayed along the bar. Two people moved from the bar, so we asked if we could move, which was quickly accommodated. I was appreciative of this for two reasons. 1, I felt the booth was a tad too dark, and 2, we had the pleasure of speaking to Vince who was not only making our drinks, but was also the owner. My boyfriend and I both have family members who are entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry. It's an enormous amount of work and I thought it was awesome the owner of the place was front and center on a Sunday night. He provided excellent services. Now for the drinks. Both were meticulously crafted to absolute perfection. I must say I enjoyed watching Vince craft our drinks just as much as I did consuming them. Service was amazing and I was served something I'd never heard of or would have thought to try (although I completely forget what it was called). This is not your average bar. There is very limited seating, and it is a more "intimate" and personalized experience. Great place for a date night or to go with a smaller group of friends for snacks and amazing cocktails. For those who are unsure of spending the money on a mystery drink, beer and wine options are available. We did not order any of the appetizers, but everyone else's looked great! Part of me hesitated to write this review in fear that this awesome place will become impossible to get in to, but this incredible place filled with attentive staff deserves to be found. My only suggestion would be to hide some purse hooks under the bar for the ladies. I'm digging here, but it is always appreciated when I don't have to shove my purse behind my back. Such a unique experience than any other bar I've been to. I can't wait to go back and see what other creations they come up with! read more

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I mean, what can I say that hasn't been said?! I was practically running to my computer to write this review. We finally checked out Idlewild after making a reservation almost 3 weeks in advance, and I'm so glad we did. The space is mid-century modern and airy. I love that they don't have a cocktail menu and can make anything for you. As people have mentioned, the space is small, so certainly making a reservation in advance is a must. We headed next door for a few small plates to their sister concept. Charlotte needs more bars like this! read more

This place has some delicious cocktails. They will pretty much make anything you like. Or you can give them ideas and they will whip sometime up just for your liking. There is a $1 membership fee and then you can come whenever and bring a guest. The staff is friendly and helpful. The space is beautiful. It's small and intimate. I like the location in NoDa, but set off to the back, not in the exact middle of everything, so it's fairly quiet. The cocktails are pricey, but it's a fun place to go before or after dinner for something special to drink. read more

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Idlewild knocks it out of the park. It is a welcome addition to the neighborhood and is a totally new concept in Charlotte. Idlewild is a "no menu" cocktail joint where your drink is handcrafted based on what you tell the bartender you want. This makes the experience extremely personal and unlike anything else in the city. All cocktails are $13 which makes it super easy and straightforward. The atmosphere is very laid back and the music is an eclectic mix that enhances the vibes. The drinks are off the charts delicious. I've been a few times and have loved each experience. Where Idlewild really nails it is the little things. Drinks served for the tables are on wooden tray with a candle that is a nice touch. The hand chipped ice and other specialty ice cubes also make each drink special. The owner, Vince, is super hospitable and out to make sure everyone is having an incredible experience. read more

Idlewild - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Idlewild has firmly held my TOP spot in Charlotte for cocktails, since I stepped foot in the door last year. This is a special experience. Approachable enough for a first date, formal enough to be a milestone celebration, and accessible enough to be a late night-cap after a night out on the town. You need to appreciate craft cocktails, and have a flexible enough palate, to fully enjoy this experience. Yes, you can order a simple drink, but what's the fun in that? Your mixologists learn about your preferences and tastes, and you leave it up to them to create a unique and custom drink just for you. Every drink I've had from Idlewild has been fantastic, and many of them classify as top tier. I go to a lot of cocktail bars - in Charlotte, and across the country - and I'm glad we have this place in the Queen City. Tyler (mixologist) and Vince (owner/host) are both great guys - I saw a recent review with some information on Vince that is a bit alarming, but I've never personally had that experience. I've always felt very safe and taken care of at Idlewild and I hope that does not change. The only thing that I can dock them on a bit is that some of their seating is a bit awkward (chairs with no backs, close quartered booths, etc) but it's not inconvenient enough for me to lower my rating. Overall - if you are searching for an elite cocktail program with great ambiance in Charlotte, you need to try Idlewild. read more

I'm so glad that I've found my favorite bar in Charlotte! :) I grabbed a reservation for a friend and myself, we were able to sit at the bar 20 minutes before our time! I'm a big whiskey drinker + craft cocktail fan but my friend doesn't drink much generally, so I was worried it may not be a great fit for her but boy, was I wrong! The staff is so friendly + there is not a cocktail menu in the spot. It's essentially all bartender's choice. Your bartender asks your your spirit of choice, boozy/refreshing, plus a little more then they grab a recipe out of their 1000+ recipes in their database/minds. Tyler took great care of us -- he started me with a Sutter's Mill cocktail after I told him I wanted something with bourbon yet refreshing, then I had the last shot of Nikka Coffey Grain Whiskey in the bar (so delicious and worth the money), I had a tiki style bourbon drink and had a Pioneer Spirit as my nightcap -- a delicious take on the old fashioned with applejack and orgeat. When you get your check, they gift you a refreshing shot of Montenegro. My friend had too refreshing cocktails that she loved but I don't remember their names lol! I can't wait to come back and explore more drinks with Tyler! read more

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I've been a NODA resident for a little over 3 years and it's changed a lot over the years. Places have come and gone so happy to see a new idea as far as the bar scene goes. Idlewild is one of the newer spots if not the new spot that doesn't give you the glits and glam, just good drinks, fresh ingredients & personable bartenders. Idlewild is an experience, coming from NYC I've been a bit spoiled by the different variety of bars and cocktail experience and this spot is on par. I've read a few of the negative reviews which isn't mine so hoping all of my experiences are like this. My cocktail was made with that NODA love from my boi & bartender Matt who has worked at a number of spots in NODA and I've never had a bad drink. I was asked what I wanted which I'm a brown, herbal enthusiast so give me tons of herbs with a brown and I'm golden . Idlewild is small and doesn't hold a lot of people but again it's worth the experience to bond with your bartender and get an idea of what the hell you're drinking. If you don't care and just want to dump drinks in you then this isn't the spot. The artisan drinks are made with various mixes and fresh fruit, herbs just to name a few. I saw some awesome drinks and they can literally make you anything. I'm told their cocktail list is roughly 250+ so you won't get the full list but understand you should have an idea of what you like so they can make magic around that. They'll also give you ideas. If you're in the NODA area and looking for a NYC style bar experience check out IdleWild. If they're busy, try again next time and then try again and again if you have too. It's a small spot with the big experience just be open to the wait. NODA is filled with other spots so come back. You won't regret it read more

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Great spot for after dinner cocktails in Noda! They don't have a menu so you tell them what you like and they make something that falls in line with your preferences. Staff is super friendly. It's a small space but not claustrophobic, dark moody vibe and a great time! read more

Idlewild - Mai Tai/ Mojito inspired cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Very satisfied with the service and cocktails. Drinks are crafted based on your palette and let me say they did NOT miss!!!. I will be a returning customer read more

This is the type of place that you would visit for the experience. It isn't a typical bar with TVs, a pool table or jukebox. It's very relaxed, geared towards a more mature crowd and for the lack of a better word, earthy. Upon entrance you will be hit with the aroma of eucalyptus (or the like) and you may need to make a reservation. It's a small space but it's not crowded & very relaxing. You have the option of sitting in a booth / at a table or experience the bar. I say experience because the mixologists are highly skilled at their craft and there is no menu. Tell the mixologists what you like and they'll prepare it like no other. Don't be afraid to step outside of the box, you won't regret it. read more

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Tyler is an excellent bartender. It's fun sitting at the bar watching him make drinks. He made us excellent drinks just off of what we like. Don't expect a drink menu, just tell him what you like and he'll take care of you. Great atmosphere. read more

If I could give you all 10 stars, I would! All the staff was extremely friendly and these craft cocktails were out of this world good. I love the concept of no menu. You tell the bartender what flavor profiles you like and they get creative! With the bartender having creative control over your drinks, you'll likely be trying drinks you've never thought of and will love them! Truly can't get over how great everything was! Thanks again. read more

Idlewild - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Update: I've had one of their "bananahands" cocktails twice now, and it is seriously the best cocktail I've ever had. I love Campari, but would never have thought to mix it with anything banana flavored. The bitter and sweet complement each other perfectly. I highly recommend ordering one. read more

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Love this place.... Been here a few times now. They probably have the best cocktails in the city by far... plus their approach of not having a menu but asking your likes to make you a drink is very cool read more

A small cozy cocktail bar that serves up craft cocktails customized just for you! You simply tell the waitress or bartender what you are in the mood for and they will whip up something yummy! The ambiance is great and Idlewild is a great pre/ post dinner spot to grab a drink! I just with they had a better small plate menu. Nonetheless I am happy that this bar is open and operating safely during these Covid times! read more

Idlewild - Custom craft cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

I met a group of friends here, the ambiance was great, our waiter was super friendly and provided the best service. I also had probably the best mocktail I have ever had. Definitely recommend! read more

Idlewild - Mocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

One of the best cocktail bars in Charlotte. I highly recommend a reservation on weekends. However, Monday's and Tuesday's are pretty quiet. Ambiance is perfect for date night or even a night out with friends. They do not offer food on their menu, but they are perfectly placed in NODA where there are several food options. Fairweather, their sister location, is next door. Be sure to check them out as well. read more

Do not expect a respectful environment! We were asked to leave our table after 1 hour because our party was 15min away. Justin gave great service and our tab would have been greater than $500 with generous tip but the manager was more interested in sitting outside smoking than servicing his customers. FIRE HIM!!!! That is NOT how you approach customers paying your salary!!! read more

No menu -- it's between you and the professional. She/he will ask what you do or don't order and then they'll come back with an amazing cocktail just for you. No complaints. read more

TLDR: They offer a diverse selection of adult beverages ranging from PBR in a can to custom-made cocktails crafted specifically to meet your expectations. If you want to experience something new in the world of adult beverages, Idlewild is certainly worthy of consideration. read more

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Idlewild? More like IdleMILD! All jokes aside, the service, ambiance, and quality of drinks were superb. Had a great time here I highly recommend! read more

Idlewild - Manhattan with a sweet maraschino cherry - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Amazing bar that is wonderful at providing a cocktail for your preference. Best bar ever,

Greattt ambience & even better service. It's real intimate even when there's a little crowd because of the vibe. The menu is nice it's more appertivos & tasting foods I think to pair with their drink menu. I also really enjoyed their wine collection read more

Wow wow wow. We popped in close to opening and staff said that they were super busy, but he took my number down and promised to call later if they had a cancellation. They called less than 10 minutes later! We had a great time in this super cozy, romantic spot. I can't wait to go back. I had a blood orange drink with gin and my companion had an old fashion. He said it was the best old fashion he had in Charlotte. 10/10. read more

BEST COCKTAILS IN CHARLOTTE Yes, a bold statement but true. Mason took care of us. The absence of a menu is a dream because it allows the staff to be as creative as they wish without limiting them to a 10 drink menu. I first mentioned a penicillin but was feeling a bit more spirit forward than that. Mason quickly told me they make one of the best penicillin drinks and actually do it right. I was intrigued so started there and was so glad I did! The best penicillin I've ever had. The ginger really came through on the end more than I've ever tasted. And of course the honey and peated scotch helped round out the drink. I was then feeling a tiki drink but nothing too sweet. He made me a killer drink with absinthe and plantation rum. Again, one of the best drinks I've ever had. My husband had a spirit forward scotch drink, a mezcal/coffee creation, and we both shared a riff on a Vieux Carre to finish. These guys are artists. True creators. The experience was incredible and we will be back! Truly one of the best cocktail experiences we've ever had. read more

The only thing that would have been better was me not having a headache the next morning Very intimate space lovely ambiance and creative concept. read more

My date and I walked past Novel NoDa on a Tuesday evening, and jumped at the chance to try this place. It was deserted except for one other customer, so we had plenty of time to speak to the staff and our bartender. Everyone was so attentive and friendly there, we immediately felt welcome. She ordered a Pimms Cup and I got a caipirinha, which are great summer drinks. The bartender took his time mixing the ingredients and shaving the ice, all the while we had a great conversation. He let us try some of their homemade creme de violet since we inquired about it and even gave us a another shot of exotic liquor on the house. Our drinks were perfectly made and delicious. The doorman was not all that busy that night so we also had a great time talking to him. Sometimes service makes a place, and this is the kind of spot that I'd like to be a regular at because of the great service we received... if my wallet can take it! read more

Idlewild - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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I had been trying to get here for months.. finally made it on a Tuesday night and absolutely loved it! Drinks are curated based on what you tell the bartender and let me just say I have never had drinks quite so refreshing. I said I would remember the names of them all but of course that didn't happen. Each drink was tequila based and varied with like, cucumber, pineapple, orange, cinnamon, and mint. Each one was unique and extremely fresh. Vince was great - super friendly, attentive, and clearly skilled and creative. The space is extremely intimate so definitely make a reservation on the weekend, but well worth trying this place out! read more

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I was so excited to take my date here from the recommendation of a friend. My date and I, after 30 minutes of waiting, finally got some seats. It was our first time and so we ordered something close to what we wanted, since there is no menu. The drinks came out after about 5 minutes and they looked great... for a bit. Maybe 10 SMALL sips later and my entire drink was gone. Hers was a little more, but still not enough to warrant the INSANE amount of ice they used. We were both unimpressed to say the least, but and decided to leave. We asked for the check and got met with $38 for TWO "drinks". Never again will I come here, but if you must try it, ask for no ice... read more

Idlewild - My drink after I had been eating the ice for about 5 minutes... - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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