Breathe it in ladies and gentlemen…cleansemi-clean air circulates throughout all the bars in Charlotte!  All who have entered the billowing waterholes feel my joy. From Boardwalk Billy’s in the University Area all the way to the top of the greased up mechanical bull at Whisky River in the EpiCentre…SMOKE FREE BARS! Honestly, it’s one of the best things to ever happen to my clothes and hangover the next morning. Nothing is worse than smelling like the chain smoker standing next to you. Who would have thought the Nation’s largest producing state of tobacco [North Carolina] would be smoke free?

So I compiled a list of who will suffer more with this new law:

1) Dry Cleaners  [less smoke tainted clothing from Friday night and less patchwork from an innocent bystander's walk-by cigarette burning]        

2) People who hate the cold + smokers = angry drunks [everybody loses]

3) Those ‘promotional’ people who unload free packs of Marlboros on bar patrons [You know who you are Boardwalk Billy's].

-KRAwL of Shame

[Drinking is from 21+, Drink in Moderation and Live Responsibly]

Rest. In. Peace. Cans. The bar and canteen officially closed January 4, 2010 due to reports/rumors of “money problems.”

I rang in the New Year with Cans and I have to tell you..it was one hell of a party.  We got there at 8:15pm to find ourselves waiting in the most frigid, buzz-killing line of the century that wrapped around the building. Of course we were towards the front…I’m always a fan of getting to places early [especially when 'all-you-can-drink' is included with admission]. Once in, I assumed the ‘all-you-can-drink’ would be stale Natty Light kegs and/or a watered down liquor drink with compromised packaging. That was not the case. All top shelf liquors were fair game [lights out].

We quickly winded down the steps to the bottom floor and found our watering hole oasis [huge wrap around booth/table] next to the staircase…perfect visual range to scope out the talent entering the party. New Years swag littered the entire bar AND noise makers have never experienced the lushes that stumbled throughout Cans.  Of course, there was ‘that girl’ who made her rounds [without friends]..i think to ring in the new year with a baby bump or at least a prescription. And happily to oblige was ‘that guy,’ who found his hammered soul-mate gyrating across the dance floor beside the pizza buffet…classic. 

And, no, it wasn’t me..it was only 9:30pm.

Not soon after, Crown. Royal. hit me like a ton of bricks and getting as many girls to dance on our table was a mission.  Mission = successful, but not without some casualties [ie. my Crown. Royal + high heels]. Oh and some girls dropped like flies off the table- no bodily harm, just ‘What-did-I-do-last-night?’ bruises found the morning after.  Midnight came and that’s it, that’s all folks. You can finish this story.

Cans Bar and Canteen is one place that maintained a uniqueness among the ‘fall-in-line’ bars we have around Uptown Charlotte now.  Cans Bar and Canteen was a huge ‘beer-can-slingin’-Carolina-Panther’s-celebrating-staple-of-debauchery.’ Everyone looked forward to the post game events poppin’ off at Cans, where thousands could call home among the 3 floors. Cans was more than a bar…it was a part of Charlotte’s culture and Panther Pride. Thank you Cans.

-KRAwL of Shame

[Drinking is for 21+, Drink in Moderation and Live Responsibly]

So, who has plans for NYE??? I know I do.  Who knows how they’ll be getting home??? [And no, your potential midnight hookup is not the right answer]

Let’s talk cabs. Cabs in Charlotte are virtually impossible to get on New Year’s Eve. I remember waiting over 45 minutes one year just to get a ’safe’ ride home.  I use that term loosely, because on the way home in that cab, his tire exploded into these little rubber-night-bombs all over highway 85…so we played on a hill [yes, in traffic] until it was fixed. See? ‘Safe’ used loosely.  This year I vowed to stay out of Uptown Charlotte, but word got around about all these inclusive drink/buffet deals and I couldn’t resist. Uptown will be my destination for NYE.  All those following my lead, stay clear of the watch guard towers and paddy-wagons full of cops ready to get anyone who might be is breaking the law. Towers are prepped, the DUI bus is gassed up, and patrols are heavy. Find a designated driver or a ’safe’ cab to get you home New Year’s Eve/New Year’s Day. So before you lose yourself in the 10 second countdown of anticipation to the lip-lock catch of the year…remember to plan a way home, or CMPD will do it for you.

-KRAwL of Shame

[Drinking is for 21+, Drink in Moderation and Live Responsibly]

[Stadium chant] Kiss-mas! Kiss-mas! Kiss-mas! [End chant] It’s finally here…Jason Derulo, Kris Allen [who I had the opportunity of driving him + band to Amos'], Iyaz and Hey Monday will be performing LIVE tonight at Amos’ Southend! For those of you who didn’t know…it’s now a 18+ 12+ show, so while you’re funneling down domestic beers like you’ve been lost in the Sahara Desert for 10 days– that chick/dude you hit on might be underage [Dun Dun Dun!!!]. Aha, a revelation, you’re welcome. Now you can’t say that someone didn’t give you a heads up.

For those that care >>> be prepared for a similar set composition as Grave Digger’s Ball. The concert starts at 6:30p with Hey Monday and ends about 11ish with Jason Derulo. Make sure you get there on time so you don’t miss all these awesome acts! Of course, one of the crowd pleasers will be there..no, not Kris Allen or Jason Derulo, but DJ Complete- our local claim to fame.  DJ Complete [dude who made "I Love Charlotte" a parody of Asher Roth's "I Love College"] spins some of the best dance club mixes in Charlotte. The party won’t stop in between sets! 

 For those of you who are 21+…there will be awesome domestic beer specials [don't hold me to it, but I heard domestic beer was $2]. That’s a complete switch from some other venues around Charlotte.

That’s it that’s all Charlotte- See you at Amos’ Southend @ 6:30pm!

-KRAwL of Shame

[Drinking is for 21+, Drink in Moderation and Live Responsibly]

I traveled to Brick and Barrel Town Tavern on the corner of 5th St. Uptown to check out the ‘new’ bar.  Guys are charged $5 cover to get in and ladies are free, which is good for morale [guys hate paying covers/more girls to go around]. The place was pretty cool and is 2 levels…main level gets a little cramped with an awkward hold my beer close to my heart flow of traffic to/from the bar.  One thing that really bothers me are those signs that say “$15 Minimum Credit Card Purchase.” Really?  Let’s be honest- I just paid 5 bucks and that more than covers any credit card charges rendered from my purchases and a couple other people…so no, all i want is a few $3 beers and close me out. The bartenders were pretty attentive and served up some great drinks…I wouldn’t expect less from a BMG Bar [including an inflated beer price & cover charges].  Can’t hate- they gotta get theirs, but mine usually ends elsewhere.

After exploring the ‘talent’ upstairs [2 thumbs up], I ventured downstairs into the basement. I was immediately hit by a strobe light and lasers right square in the face [I felt like I just entered a neighbors basement where the parents may or may not know there's a party going on while they're out-of-town]. It was a nice change of pace from upstairs and I found myself 2-stepping my way over to the bar catching the beat. Okay, okay- I know, dancing, not my thing BUT it was dark down there with great music and people raging…[it was infectious].  After a few hours and a few beers it was time to go…and no, there was no minimum charge for my 3, $3.  I rang out under $10.

Overall, Town Tavern holds it’s own and remains somewhat unique/a change of pace for the Uptown bar goer.

-KRAwL of Shame

[Drinking is for 21+, Drink in Moderation and Live Responsibly]

Finally! The rain breaks and the sun finally comes out! What a great way to start your weekend…and just in time for the Dixie’s Tavern Anniversary Party!  I look forward to this event every year and in case you didn’t know; there’s always a great buffet and drinks– for FREE! This year Dixie’s stepped it up a notch by providing FREE aristocratwell drinks– keepin’ it classy! Needless to say, I was ecstatic about this revelation and decided to double fist & get the most out of my night.

Their buffet was incredible and showcased many new menu items that I’m sure to hit up, and even pay for next time! After the two-hour free for all [and many Blue Moons/Whisky Gingers later]…Buckhead was the next stop on the agenda.  They waived the cover charge for those who took part in the Dixie’s Tavern Anniversary ___ -show [be creative].  The place was pumping out great music and the drink specials themed the night. 

After enjoying the crowd and some select beverages later…my body turned to auto-pilot mode, and I cruised my way over to Fuel Pizza [my late-night eatery], but not without some casualties on the way. My crew discovered my food ambitions and quickly figured out where I had disappeared too..I was unstoppable. Following my lead, they screamed for me to slow…but I was on a mission. 

[Now, let's take a break from this story to reflect upon how many valet drivers there are in Uptown Charlotte...they're EVERYWHERE! Running up and down the streets, and driving quickly to not miss out on a potential customer...and now back to the story.]

With my destination in sight, a member of my crew was hit by one of these reckless ‘valet drivers’ rounding a corner…now it’s OK to laugh [she's OK], seriouslyit was the best part of the night…when it was repeated to me the next morning. With her feet on the ground and a few curse words later…mission completed. KRAwL 1, Uptown Charlotte 0

KRAwL of Shame

[Drinking is for 21+, Drink in Moderation and Live Responsibly]

Gravedigger’s Ball 2009 is this Saturday, October 24th @ Dixie’s Tavern!  This is the biggest one Kiss 95.1 has EVER put on!  Headlining the concert is:  The Backstreet Boys [yes, apparently they're making a come-back and have a decent song on the radio] with Priscilla Renae [girl who sings "Dollhouse"] and Who’s Bad?, The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band; which, by the way, I’m pretty stoked to get my Thriller on [minus the choreographer].  Every year Gravedigger’s Ball delivers hot, scantily-clad ladies strutting their best for the ‘Sexiest Costume’ contest[^winners posted above ^] and for ‘Best Costume’, but this year there will also be another addition to the contest…Michael Jackson look-a-likes.  OK, I get it.  It’s because there’s a tribute band coming and MJ’s no longer with us.  I love the guys music, but to dress like him is over-kill [no pun intended] and I’m pretty sure that’s one of the top 5 most popular costumes in the nation.  It’s all good though…I’d do it too to snatch up $500 because I can’t hate on the hustle.  Oh- and if you haven’t bought your tickets to the biggest Halloween party/concert[Gravedigger's Ball] in Charlotte …maybe even North Carolina…they’re still available.  As of today, over 4,000 tickets have been sold!  Scoop one up before it’s too late…and prices might go up at the door!  Click here to buy!

I’m done- time for the final touches on my costume and no, I’m not telling you about it…just keep your eyes peeled for a video camera.

-KRAwL of Shame

[Drinking is for 21+, Drink in Moderation and Live Responsibly]

So there’s been a lot of buzz lately around “Dilworth” bars and I decided to see what it was all about.  Last night I ventured [by way of crazy cabbie who I think was color blind and red=green] over to Braswells on Monford Dr. behind the Park Road Shopping Center. Monford Dr. was poppin to say the least!  There’s a lot of bars just a drunk lean and a stumble away from each other…I thought to myself…JACKPOT!  My crew walked in and it was an incredible difference from the BMG choke-hold on all bars in Uptown Charlotte.  The views were especially appealing with beautiful girls scattered all around the place.  Although, I will say the bathrooms were less than sufficient for a bar..i found myself in a small lavatory with just one toilet and one urinal and thinking that at any moment someone will try to play ‘swords’ with me.  After some drinks and a Tour de Braswells, I found my newest party oasis.  Outside there was a sick patio overflowing with high-spirited folk…but it could have been the $2 High Lifes kicking in.

I definitely give Brazwells 2 thumbs up and salute you for your specials, bar staff and location. Thanks for a change of pace.

-KRaWL of Shame

[Drinking is for 21+, Drink in Moderation and Live Responsibly]

Aaahhh the crisp smell and refreshing feeling of Fall is in the air, and that can only mean one thing..FOOTBALL SEASON is here!  I hope you’re as excited as I am and Charlotte has been buzzing with anticipation for the new Panther’s season [minus their incredibly successful preseason- good thing it's just 'practice'].  With the Panthers season comes alive the ‘unofficial’ Panthers after party..CANS Bar and Canteen located on 5th street Uptown. Every season, hundreds of people swarm CANS on foot upon exiting the Bank of America Stadium.  Maybe it’s because CANS resembles the stadium…beer is comparable in price, there’s always a line for service and they run out of things..IE. Bud Light! Who runs out of Bud Light when you know a huge crowd of Football fans are hustling to quench their thirst?!  Regardless, people will still be back after every home game, so count on getting there early before you lose your chance to catch some prime real estate. All in all, CANS Bar and Canteen is the place to be after a Panther’s home game, but beware..all of Charlotte will be there and I recommend a good ol’ fashioned double fist whenever you do get served at a bar.

-KRAwL of Shame

[Drinking is for 21+, Drink in Moderation and Live Responsibly]

Ahh yes another weekend in Uptown Charlotte!   This weekend was the epic Irish Festival and Bar Crawl throughout the mingling Uptown streets of Charlotte!  It was actually nice to see crowds of lushes walking the streets bouncing from bar to bar.  Nothing gets Charlotte energized like a reason to drink…any reason…real or made-up…no, but seriously we drink for anything [Irish Festival? Really? It's August].  Fifth street was the main attraction including Phils Tavern and the Irish Pub Connellys.  Phils Tavern is one of Charlotte’s smaller bars, but has some BIG attractions.  Some of the hottest female bartenders in Charlotte call Phils Tavern home, serving up your favorite drinks in tip-worthy attire.  They’ve got plenty of TVs to watch your favorite games and even a projection screen. Although the dance floor is small and the bathrooms smaller, their DJ packs a punch!  I’ve never heard such an awesome play list with great remixes to the hottest songs and even classics! $2 beers + sick tunes = accelerated drinking so be careful and if you end up stumbling around..you’ll bump into some of the hottest Charlotteans our nightlife has to offer!

-KRAwL of Shame

[Drinking is for 21+, Drink in Moderation and Live Responsibly]