My friend recommended we come here for drinks.. to start we went with Flower child , Petal the fool both decent drinks not bad on the alcohol. Also, tried city lights cosmo , quarterback not bad as well. Next visit we went for , Taken for Granate & an apple pie cider not bad, they do have fun drink names, alcohol wise could be better but then again that depends on what u like. The bar area itself is a decent size, good amount of seating around the bar if u are lucky enough to catch a seat. Service was good, prices are a bit on the high side for the cocktails but doable, we enjoyed our dinks. read more

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Bartender was super nice! Ordered a 'sweater weather' and it was delicious! Super glad to see they now serve their drinks in glassware (used to be plastic cups), I could drink these all day long after my head freeze wore off. Sooo delicious and total fall vibing!! Even the cinnamon apple chip garnish was yummy! read more

The Spindle Bar - Frozen Sweater Weather - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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This bar had a lot of different options. The cocktails are super fun and creative. Including the one I ordered, which was called "day at the beach". It was super fruity and fun. The bartender was super nice and made our drinks quickly. There was also a smaller version of the bar in a little truck in the courtyard. There I was able to order a couple seltzers. They also had some beer and cider options as well as a couple cocktails. While it's a little on the pricey side, that is to be expected at a place like this. However, the quality is there so it's OK. read more

The Spindle Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

On New Year's Day, I had some time to kill and stopped by Optimist Hall. I ended up at The Spindle Bar while looking for a comfy spot to eat my empanada. The servers were very friendly and helpful. I asked for a recommendation on the seasonal holiday menu, and ended up getting a cider-like slushie. Outside of the brain freeze in the thick of winter, it was a great option. My husband ordered an Old Fashioned and said it was as basic as they come, but it wasn't horrible by any means. I doubt I'd return before summer, but I'd for sure stop by again. read more

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Cool bar joint, mixed drinks are a tad bit on the pricier side. Service was fine, no complaints. Drinks were decent and offer enough of what you may be looking for. read more

The Spindle Bar - Ring Toss - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Order the Maleficent Fairy! This is the Optimist Hall Bar. They don't serve any food BUT there is food all around so don't be sad. The service is a very low key, Hipster Bar vibes so don't expect warm and fuzzy service here. The service is speedy though. My go-to is (as you may have guessed) the Maleficent Fairy. Smoky Mezcal, Sweet Passionfruit, Spicy Thai Chili and Bubbly Soda all premixed on tap and garnished with a lime wheel. I always order TWO because they are LIKE THAT. If you're a Mezcal person and you like spicy-sweet over everything? Don't miss this gem. read more

The Spindle Bar - Maleficent Fairy - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Service was so quick. Love that. It was pride weekend and they had a featured Pride drink, loved that too. I had 2 drinks: flower child (decent) and a day at the beach (i liked that one). Not gonna lie, coming from Cali, these prices were a bit shocking at $15 a cocktail. That's a lot imo but seems like cocktails are just pricey wherever you go. I'd definitely come back for a cocktail here read more

I have always been a fan of stopping by Spindle bar for cocktails while grabbing food inside of Optimist hall but this new airstream they have added to the mix is elevated and they are taking it to the next level. This new airstream is located in the courtyard of Optimist hall. We were greeted with shots,& i tried the new inspired themed cocktails added to the Spindle bars new menu. All were tasty my favorite was the Aqua Fresca not only was it a pretty & purple but it was light and refreshing just like I like my drinks depending on the day of the week. The airstream is only available Friday to Sundays. The theme will be changing just in time for Christmas. So I suggest you grab your friends this weekend and go have drinks at this new cool airstream, thank me later. read more

The Spindle Bar - Aqua Fresca - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Every time my husband and I take a trip to optimist hall, the first tenant we visit is the spindle bar! Not only are their drinks wildly creative and beautiful, they are delicious! During our most recent visit we ordered the Miami vice (pina colada and strawberry daiquiri mix) and it was heavenly. We added a rum shot on top for only $1 and you can't beat that! If you need to wet your palate before diving into one of optimist halls food kiosks, visit spindle bar first! read more

The Spindle Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Love the choice of drinks here, and was stuck on the Flower Child. Extremely refreshing and tasty! Bartender whips it up as soon as you order. Though not a fan of paper straws, each straw here is too cute! read more

The Spindle Bar - Flower child - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

This was my first time, so I saw drinks that like so very good, but the waiter was very sweet and helped me decide which drink to get. I tried the Flower Child and it was AMAZING!!!! I definitely had to grab another one! It wasn't loud and the ambiance was great! I will recommend this spot! read more

Great and easy spot to grab a cocktail while wandering around Optimist Hall. Quick and easy while still being great quality cocktails. read more

The Spindle Bar - Cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Loved this place My wife got the PSL which she of course acted like she didn't want due to the sugar but which in reality 2 would have done fine We quickly referred the couple behind us to the PSL also , check it out! I got the old fashioned with chocolate bitters and loved it. Very well made read more

The Spindle Bar - Old fashioned half drank - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

I went here recently to have a drink and enjoy a book (sometimes I take a book with me to read, but it mainly sparks conversations). I sat down and the bartender was prompt in acknowledging me and bringing me a water. I ended up ordering a Hallelujah (think of French 75 with a twist) and it was REALLY good! The bar is at the end of Optimist Hall which allows for a small group of friends to enjoy some drinks at the bar without feeling crowded or rushed to make room for others. There's also a register at the end of the bar (directly across from the pizzeria) to order a drink to enjoy with your food from any of the select places. The total for one cocktail and a glass of rose... $27. Not too shabby and affordable considering uptown bars. So if you're wanting to go grab a drink and potentially get food afterwards (or before), I say go and visit Spindle...you'll be glad you did. read more

The Spindle Bar - Hallelujah cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

If you're looking for a place to get a cocktail at Optimist Hall, this is the easiest place to go. I tried several of the holiday cocktails including: Merry Christmas You Filthy Animal, Yipeekayay, Christmas Vacation, This Side of the Nuthouse, and Hallelujah Holy Shit Where's the Tylenol. My favorites were probably the Merry Christmas You Filthy Animal, Yipeekayay, and Christmas Vacation. O Overall the cocktails were good, but there are definitely a lot better cocktails for the price in Charlotte. They are also very small cocktails. I was shocked by the $8 craft beer. This felt really expensive. I wouldn't go out of my way to come here, but if I were in Optimist Hall and wanted a drink, I would come back. read more

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So.... To be quite honest I was a little taken aback by these prices. I'm right by Plaza, & typically drinks aren't above $10. With that being said, they were pretty tasty and the interesting flavors of the cocktails worked really well together. I'd recommend. read more

This past Saturday 11/4 at around 3pm my daughter and I visited. We did both the inside bar and outdoor trailer. Inside both guys weren't overly friendly but they were pleasant enough. Now the trailer outside is a whole other story...the heavyset white guy with the beard didn't even bother to look up from his phone, he just said what's up...excuse me? She was trying to get some help on what wine she should get instead since they didn't have the red she was looking for...he gave her something warm with a lemon in it. We were only a few feet away (still within their eyesight) she tasted it, and then let him know she really didn't like it. He began to challenge her by saying it was what she wanted and if she didn't like it she could go inside and get what she wants. He was beyond rude and the other white guy (thinner with a beard) sided with him. Mind you she also originally gave a tip!!!!!!!! Which is beyond me. I hate to say this but I feel she was treated this way because she's black. Ruined our whole visit- I wish she could get her tip back! Black folks, proceed cautiously. read more

The Spindle Bar - Outside Trailer - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

A decent bar for an informal after work drinks. It's a bit pricey for basically a cafeteria atmosphere. I did not have any service issue that some reviewers mentioned. The staff was friendly and service was fast so would go back again if I am in the area with business associates. read more

The Spindle Bar - Pina colada - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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The Flower Child was the better of the two drinks (especially if you like Grapefruit). The Optimist Old Fashioned was nothing special. Aside from being conveniently located at Optimist Hall, the drinks are nothing exceptional and a bit pricey. read more

The Spindle Bar - Flower Child and Optimist Old Fashioned - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

I've always been disappointed with this bar. I've wanted to like it, but I've just always been disappointed. The mixed drinks are always too sweet and always way too weak. On top of that, they're just way too expensive for the quality you're getting. In fact, everything here is overpriced. A draft beer is $8. Plus, I always feel bad with everything being disposable rather than reusable here (but that's the case with everything in Optimist Hall, unfortunately). Just not worth the money you'll spend here, unfortunately. read more

Worth a stop every time at Optimist! The menu is always rotating and if you love a slushy drink, then this is your place to go. They also have "the good ice" aka small pellets. The drinks are flavorful and made with fresh juices. Totally worth the money. read more

The Spindle Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

This new bar is located in Optimist Hall and takes up the entire west wall of the building. Because it has so much space and the high ceilings from the building it has a very open and airy feeling. The white bar countertops give this place a feeling of clean and approachable. Alex and I ordered two drinks; he had the What He's Having IPA from Wooden Robot and I had the Benevolent Norn, both fantastic! See picture of menu for more dets! Note that during the weekday the bar can be full with people working while enjoying their beverages. So many electronics out from the millennials working "from home" that we felt more like we were in Seattle at some tech start-up than in Charlotte (not in a bad way). Heck if I could "work from home" at this bar I totally would - this is pure jealousy rearing it's ugly head! All in all solid bar, solid staff and solid space. Would definitely return! read more

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Drinks are pretty weak overall for the price and service is mediocre. Got a cocktail (vodka elderberry soda) and while it tasted great, it also tasted and felt like there was no alcohol. I sipped through it In 4 slurps like a soda. Nothing. That's unfortunate for a 12 dollar cocktail. If it were 6 bucks I'd give it 4 stars, but for 12 dollars that was a waste of money. My significant other also got a cocktail, the drink with black tea lemonade and whiskey, and same situation. Before we learned of the other bar options downstairs with cocktails, we returned (thinking it was the only place serving cocktails) and I got the rose all day (13 dollars) and my s/o got the optimist old fashioned and asked for a double, which came out to 15.50, and was much more "bang for your buck." It tasted good as well. My rose all day was also decent. However, if I return to optimist hall I think I'll stick to el thrifty downstairs for cocktails and they also have an excellent vibe. Cheaper, bigger, and higher quality drinks. Pass on this place unless you're just grabbing a beer. read more

The Spindle Bar - Rose all day - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

So I'm always willing to give places multiple tries before reviewing but this place deserves 2 stars. The cashier great but the bartenders were awful. I don't understand why you had so much enthusiasm for the parties before me but I had to ask was this my drink. Both times I got a snarky, short answer. I didn't appreciate that! The drinks were mediocre and i also didn't like one of the bartenders coughing without covering his mouth. We are in pandemic just in case you forgot. I order two drinks but was planning on ordering more won't the group i was with but decided against it! I won't be giving my money here at all! read more

Located in Optimist Hall - one of my favorite places to eat work and play in Charlotte. I love that I can order my multiple cocktail drinks and not have to feel the need to chug it. Season drink cocktails to match the occasions. Average cocktail price. The frozen cocktail drinks are very much needed in the heat and humidity especially if you're sitting outside. Their regular drinks are posted online but if you check their Instagram they usually have what the week or day's special cocktail is. They have a full size bar with seating, a walk-up to order drink to-go( you'll still need to consume on Optimist Hall property) and pick up area for your drink orders. I always get at least (1) drink when I'm at Optimist read more

I always see people walk around with delicious drinks and post pictures and today I was finally able to try one of their drinks . Try the flower child not sure if it's seasonal but it's delicious. It Vodka, Elderflower, Grapefruit, Soda, not a fan of grapefruit but it was absolutely delicious and refreshing. Definitely wanna go back tomorrow to get another one. read more

The Spindle Bar - Flower child - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Great cocktail selection! I ordered the Gingham and it was very refreshing! The only thing I would change about this drink is how the rosemary is incorporated. The bartender just stuck a twig of rosemary in the drink. So it has the smell of rosemary, but no rosemary notes. I recommend making a rosemary simple syrup instead. If not, this drink will take like a cranberry mimosa. read more

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The bar is located at the end of Optimist Hall where the main entrance is. It has a very nice modern and sleek look. Right now is the only bar there., but that will be changing soon. Their craft cocktails look good and they have a wide selection of beer. BE PREPARED to pay A LOT for a draft beer!!!!! We had two beers one was $10 and the other was $12 and neither were high gravity or small batch brews. I will be curious if the prices stay that high when Fonta Flora opens their location there. Right now there is free and ample parking but we will see if it is enough once more things open. read more

Good selection of beer and wine. Good cocktails too and friendly bartenders. Good place to get some work done or study. read more

The Spindle Bar - Negroni - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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The customer service was great. He even gave me a straw to match my hair! The drink was great as well. read more

The Spindle Bar - Turnt Signal - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Great prices, great cocktails, and great service - what more could you want? I also totally love any place who went the extra mile to get a liquor license so I can walk around Optimist Hall with my drank. Mad, mad props for that. On top of the convenience and novelty of the bar, the cocktails we had were really delicious. Goose ordered the bourbon peach sweet tea (he doesn't even like sweet tea itself!) and was literally raving about it all day. He ordered three! I got the Benevolent Norn and really loved the unique take on a brunch cocktail (we were there prior to a Panthers game). Additionally, we talked to one of the guys who helped open and run it, and he was super nice and down-to-earth. He clearly knows what he's doing, and we'll definitely be visiting Billy Sunday when he opens that next! read more

I don't mind paying more for good wine. I don't mind paying more for a large pour of wine. If I'm lucky, I'll occasionally run into a large pour of good wine. Today was not one such day. The wine was decent, but $11 for this pour was really annoying. Just charge me $7 more, match NYC prices and give me more than a quarter glass. Service was fine and the bar seemed clean, but the lack of value is enough to prevent me from coming back. read more

The Spindle Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Of all the wonderful places to go for a cocktail in Charlotte, this is not a bad one, but there are so many better options. This is where you get a cocktail because the other nearby "food court" area vendors don't sell cocktails. The best part of the experience is that I truly did enjoy my drink - the Monte Carlo. The drink itself was of a nice restaurant quality, which is the price you pay at $13. However, for that $13 at a nice restaurant or bar you don't get a plastic cup and you get a WAY nicer atmosphere and experience. On the thread of prices, their beer prices are insane enough that if you go, stick to the cocktails. The end of the experience, as always, is paying the bill and tipping. The defaults are an absurd 20, 25, or 30%. The option to tip "other" is available, but I want to know how many people have a cocktail and are tipping way too much because they're not paying attention. A bit greedy, if you ask me. read more

When visiting Optimist Hall, this is a must-try spot for cocktails. I got the "sweater weather" aka an adult apple cider slushie. It was everything I dreamed of and more. On top of that, the staff was super friendly and helpful when trying to decide what to try. A definite go-to from now on when I'm in the mood for a nice atmosphere and delicious drinks! read more

The Spindle Bar - Sweater weather - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Located on the top floor of Optimist Hall. They have a great selection of beers and cocktails. The holiday cocktails were so tasty. Especially the frozen ones!! read more

I love that Optimist Hall has a bar, but the price for my Dixie cup of mediocre, "red" wine was ridiculous. read more

The Spindle Bar - Coke bottle for scale. $9+??? Seriously?!?! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Bartender (Mason) was friendly and helpful, we enjoyed his beer and cocktail recommendations. Service was quick, Optimist Hall allows you to bring your food from any vendor to sit at any bar or any open table in the hall. The Aurora Collins cocktail was great and refreshing - would recommend. Looking forward to next time! read more

The Spindle Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

I have been to spindle bar on several occasions and never been disappointed. Great service and the craft cocktails are excellent. Holiday menu is read more

The Spindle Bar - This side of the nuthouse was fantastic - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

1st time visit - not impressed. Over priced drinks and they don't give you change back if you pay in cash and they Don't tell you this upfront! Example: I gave them a$10 for a 8 dollar cider and he only gave me a $1 back - that's crazy! Got me Once, never again. read more

Stopped by to get a drink and was very impressed with their cocktail program!! Definitely stop by when your visiting Optimist Hall!! read more

The Spindle Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina