Unearth The Voyage
North Carolina’s bar scene goes way beyond standard watering holes. From retro arcade games to mystical lounges and tropical escapes, the state offers unique drinking experiences that combine creative environments with fantastic drinks. These themed establishments transform a regular night out into an adventure worth remembering. Ready to discover some extraordinary spots where the atmosphere is just as important as what’s in your glass?
Boxcar Bar + Arcade — Where Nostalgia Meets Nightlife
Remember blowing your allowance at the arcade? Boxcar Bar + Arcade in Raleigh brings those memories back—with adult privileges. The satisfying click of pinball flippers and electronic beeps from vintage games create the soundtrack to your evening.
With over 70 arcade cabinets ranging from Ms. Pac-Man to Mortal Kombat, every gaming generation finds something to love. The bar boasts an impressive rotating draft selection featuring local North Carolina breweries.
What makes this place special is how it balances competitive gaming with social drinking. Challenge friends to Skee-Ball while sipping craft cocktails, or bond with strangers over shared nostalgia for Street Fighter II. The quarters are always flowing, just like the drinks.
Jack of the Wood — Celtic Charm in the Blue Ridge
Hidden in downtown Asheville’s bustling streets, Jack of the Wood transports visitors straight to the heart of Ireland without leaving North Carolina. The dark wood paneling, stained glass accents, and forest-green walls create an atmosphere that feels centuries old despite being established in 1996.
Local musicians gather here regularly, filling the space with traditional Celtic tunes, bluegrass, and folk music that perfectly complement the pub’s old-world ambiance. The bar proudly serves Green Man ales, which were originally brewed on-site before the brewery’s expansion.
Locals swear the shepherd’s pie pairs perfectly with their signature stout. When conversation flows as freely as the beer, you’ll understand why this pub has become a cherished Asheville institution for both tourists and residents alike.
Arcana — Mystic Vibes in an Underground Sanctuary
Tucked beneath Durham’s streets, Arcana beckons the curious with its enigmatic atmosphere. This subterranean lounge isn’t advertised with flashy signs—you either know about it or you don’t, adding to its mysterious allure.
The walls showcase rotating exhibits from local artists, often featuring occult-inspired works that complement the bar’s mystical theme. Velvet curtains, antique furniture, and candlelight create intimate nooks perfect for hushed conversations or tarot readings that occasionally take place in the corner.
Bartenders craft cocktails with names like “Seventh Seal” and “Divination,” using house-made infusions and unexpected ingredients. The small stage hosts everything from ethereal folk musicians to experimental electronic artists, making each visit a unique experience that feels slightly outside ordinary reality.
The Royal Tot — A Tropical Getaway in the Queen City
Step through The Royal Tot’s doors in Charlotte and suddenly you’re on a Caribbean vacation. Palm fronds sway overhead while bamboo and rattan furniture create the perfect backdrop for colorful, umbrella-garnished concoctions.
The star attractions here are rum-based drinks served in quirky vessels—ceramic tikis, coconut shells, and even a smoking volcano bowl meant for sharing. Bartenders don Hawaiian shirts as they craft potent potions using recipes that would make any pirate proud.
Weekends bring themed parties like “Havana Nights” or “Polynesian Luau” complete with special menus and occasional live music. The Royal Tot offers the perfect escape when winter blues hit or when you need a mental vacation without the airfare. Their rum collection, featuring over 100 varieties, might be Charlotte’s most impressive.
Vinyl — Where Music Lovers Raise Their Glasses
Music isn’t just background noise at Vinyl—it’s the main character. This South End Charlotte hotspot celebrates analog sound with walls adorned with album covers spanning decades and genres. Actual vinyl records spin on turntables behind the bar, creating a warm, authentic soundtrack you won’t find on digital playlists.
The cocktail menu reads like a greatest hits compilation, with drinks named after iconic songs and artists. “Purple Haze” arrives with a smoky presentation, while “Rocket Man” features a flaming cinnamon garnish that sparks conversation among strangers.
Guest DJs regularly take over the turntables, spinning everything from classic soul to indie rock. Vinyl’s small plates menu offers perfect sharing options for groups debating the merits of Miles Davis versus Coltrane or Beatles versus Stones—musical debates that inevitably arise in this melody-driven establishment.
The Thirsty Beaver — A Defiant Dive with Character
The tiny orange cinderblock building housing The Thirsty Beaver stands defiantly surrounded by luxury apartments in Charlotte’s Plaza-Midwood neighborhood. This David-versus-Goliath tale of development resistance has made the bar famous, but locals loved it long before the headlines.
Country music legends stare down from walls plastered with vintage concert posters, license plates, and the occasional undergarment left by particularly enthusiastic patrons. The beer is cold, the whiskey pours are generous, and pretension is strictly prohibited at the door.
Regular patrons range from tattooed bikers to corporate types seeking authenticity after hours. The jukebox—stocked with Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, and Dolly Parton—provides the perfect soundtrack for this unapologetically old-school establishment. When developers offered millions for the property, the owners famously replied with a two-word answer unsuitable for print.
E.O. Athletic Club — Redefining the Sports Bar Experience
Coming to Durham in 2025, E.O. Athletic Club is already generating buzz for its fresh take on the traditional sports bar. Unlike the typical masculine-coded spaces dominated by mainstream sports, this inclusive venue promises to celebrate athletics in all forms—from roller derby to women’s soccer and everything between.
The design plans reveal vintage gymnasium elements: polished wood, old-school scoreboards, and historic sports memorabilia representing North Carolina’s rich athletic heritage. Food offerings will elevate standard bar fare with New England-style pizzas, gourmet loaded potatoes, and wings with house-made sauces.
Founders envision community events like Olympic viewing parties and sports trivia nights that welcome fans regardless of team allegiance. E.O. Athletic Club aims to prove that sports bars can be sophisticated, inclusive spaces where the love of competition brings people together rather than dividing them.
