Nightlife
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Scorpio Returns with New Location Just in Time for Pride
“To the haters: talk crap if you want to, but we were packed tighter than a drag queen’s suitcase!” – Scorpio Charlotte Facebook post on its recent grand opening success. I’ll never forget the first time I visited the original godmuva of LGBTQIA+ nightlife in the Queen City. My gaze…
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5th Street Live Brings Back Alive After Five Vibes
When I received an invite to check out 5th Street Live, the new Thursday happy hour hotspot, I was hesitant to accept. After witnessing the beautiful chaos of Uptown’s coveted weekly “networking” event known as Alive After 5 (aka AA5) in the 2010s, did I want to behold yet another…
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Maneki Pop-Up Set to Become Permanent Late-Night Spot in Uptown
Kushiyaki (noun) ku·shi·ya·ki: grilled and skewered meat or vegetables in Japanese cuisine; typically seasoned with soy sauce, salt, or other flavorings and cooked over an open flame or grill. “Sometimes you gotta pop up and sh(o)nigiris,” I jokingly said to the boo (sorry, not sorry, Kendrick Lamar’s “They Not Like…
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Sneak Is a New Meet-Cute Cocktail Lounge in Elizabeth
Tucked in the back of the Pecan Point shopping center at the corner of East 7th Street and Pecan Avenue in Elizabeth, next to longtime tenant Bang Bang Burgers, now stands a new kid on the block. What started as a deli bar concept, according to co-owner Jamil Whitlow, evolved…
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Substrate Delivers on Vermouth Cocktails and Cozy Vibes
In chemistry, a substrate refers to the substance an enzyme or microorganism acts on to produce a specific reaction. At Substrate, a brand-spanking-new wine and vermouth bar in Optimist Park, it’s clear the patrons are the catalysts and the reaction is … we’ll get to that. “What do you think…
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A Visit to Menya’s Omakase Speakeasy in Elizabeth
“We’ve got a birthday tonight, is that right?” I could feel the embarrassment rushing to my cheeks as I lifted my head and realized the question was directed at me. I’d forgotten that my girlfriend thought it would be funny to say we were celebrating my birthday when she secured…
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Tequila House Named in Suit Alleging Infringement Against Songwriters
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) announced Tuesday that it has filed a lawsuit against 13 bars and restaurants across the country for allegedly infringing on the copyrights of songwriters, composers and music publishers represented by the organization, according to a Tuesday press release. Tequila House Night…
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Horoscope | What’s your sign saying this week?
BORN THIS WEEK: You always try to do the right thing — and for the right reasons. No wonder people have come to depend on you. ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Stop being the wool-gathering Lamb and start turning that dream project into a reality. You have the ideas,…
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Raving at Blackbox Theater for Club Mythos Reunion Night
When you overhear your favorite larger-than-life barber telling someone, “OMG! It’s going to be the party of the century!” while getting your hair done, you turn your head (not too quick) and listen. I lifted my heavy head, keeping my platinum-blonde tresses dangling in the wash bowl, craning my neck…
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Horoscope | What’s Your Sign Saying This Week?
BORN THIS WEEK: You can observe people and situations with absolute honesty. You’d be a fine social worker, psychoanalyst or member of the clergy. ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Put that restless Arian surge to good use this week by preparing your winter-weary home for spring. Also, be more…
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Taking on Tiki Sundays at Tommy’s Pub with Uncle Jerry
Asking your girlfriend what she wants for dinner usually sets you up for that scene-turned-meme from The Notebook in which Ryan Gosling pleads desperately with Rachel McAdams, “What do you want?!” In our house, the question is, “Let’s go somewhere new tonight. Got any ideas?” That’s when the deliberations begin.…
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Charlotte Bar Owners Speak Out About New Law’s Impact on Business
Starting next year, bars in Mecklenburg County that serve any type of food will be required to obtain a health department permit. Passed on Oct. 2, the new law will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024, but some bar owners in Charlotte say it will hurt them financially. Passed…
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Going to Frankie’s Fun Park in My 30s
As a 30-somethin’ who gives a suspicious side-eye anytime I’m carded, it was a surprisingly easy yes when I received an invite to a friend’s 40th birthday party at Frankie’s Fun Park. Your girl may not cave to rollercoasters, house parties, or large social gatherings in general, but when it…
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Nightlife Readers’ Pick Winners: Best in the Nest 2023
Best in the Nest Readers’ Picks were chosen exclusively by readers through a one-month nomination process followed by a one-month voting process. The nominations were not tampered with by Queen City Nerve staff at all — save for removing ourselves from a few categories to proactively dispel any notions of…
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Nightlife Critics’ Pick Winners: Best in the Nest 2023
If there’s one thing we’ve done our research on, it’s where to have a good time in this town. We’re more than happy to share what we’ve found. Back to all categories Winners: Download your award graphics here Support our work by becoming a Nerve Member BEST NEW NIGHTLIFE SPOT:…
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Losing Friends at a Country-Fried Chicken Chase Bar Crawl
A couple of weeks ago, the boo and I got a text from my girlfriend inviting us to a “Chicken Chase” bar crawl for her boyfriend’s birthday. Normally, we’re not the type to commit to a social gathering prematurely, especially when it involves day drinking — or chickens. It was…
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