I love Idlewild and their unique concept. In a land full of basic, cookie cutter cocktail bars, Idlewild provides some respite from the pumpkin spiced lattes of the booze world. I’ve been twice now and I have to say, it’s the best cocktail bar I’ve ever been to - and this is compared to cocktail bars in DC, NYC, Phoenix, etc. So, it bums me out to see bad reviews from people who don’t understand the concept of what they’re trying to do. Here are some digestible pro tips so you’re not disappointed and find yourself writing a poor review for a small business: - this is a VERY small, intimate bar. There are only a handful of tables, which are meant to accommodate parties bigger than 2 but less than 6. The bar seats accommodate parties of 2, are reserved seats, and are NOT meant to be waiting areas until a table opens. - make a reservation. For the love of all that’s righteous and holy, make a reservation. They CAN take walk-ins if they’re able (I was a walk-in my first time) but on weekends, chances are slim. It’s also unlikely you can increase your party size and this is just due to the lack of space and coordination of reservations on the books. - if you’re a walk-in waiting or early to your reservation, take the VERY SHORT jaunt across the parking lot to Wooden Robot and have some of their amazing beer until your seat opens. It’s really simple. Idlewild will text you when your table is ready! - reservations have a time limit so that other reservations can be accommodated later in the evening. This isn’t atypical of restaurants/bars these days and is noted when you make the reservation on Resy - membership of $1/year is required by NC law; not by Idlewild. I don’t get it either but if you go anywhere in Charlotte, they’re likely charging membership fees and many are a lot more than $1 (looking at you, Vintage) - there is no menu. The concept is, you tell the bartenders what you like and they make it for you. The more you know what you do or don’t like, the higher the chances are that you’ll get a unique, amazing cocktail. I hate sweet cocktails, love creamy and spicy, and I got something different and amazing each time. Dont like drinks with a ton of ice? No problem - just tell them. Where else can you get a concoction using coconut milk and cucumber? If you want a martini or Old Fashioned, you may wanna try a regular bar - this is NoDa, not South End. Both times, I saw diversity in both patrons and staff which is something I really love about NoDa. Staff have always been kind to me and other patrons around me so I never detected any discrimination. In summary, and in defense of this thesis, the goal of Idlewild (from what I’ve read and experienced) is to provide a tailored cocktail experience in a very intimate environment so that their talented bartenders can focus on crafting Karla-specific cocktails instead of slapping rum and Coke together. Does this sound appealing? Then make a resy, catch a buzz in 2 hours, and don’t cancel last minute. If you’re looking to bro down with Chad, Brad, and Kyle and reminisce about your Sig Ep days while slamming Jäegerbombs, skip this place and go to….literally any bar in South End.

This is absolutely the best cocktail bar I've ever been to. I love that there's no menu and the mixologist makes you a drink based on the ingredients you like. The atmosphere is chill and sexy. Great for a relaxing date night or to just hang out with friends. This is my new spot!! Oh and for ice lovers, THIS is heaven!

I absolutely love the ambiance and concept of this establishment. I enjoyed each of my drinks, especially curated for me. Our server was knowledgeable with a great personality. The bar was well stocked, and the bartenders nailed it every time. I will definitely be going back. Small, intimate and great for date night, meet/greet, or hanging out with besties.

We frequent this bar, and it is exceptional. The craft cocktails are flavorful, potent, and beautiful. We went for their New Year's Eve celebration, and it was exactly what we expected. The open bar for two and a half hours is spectacular. Unfortunately, I can't remember the names of anything we had; greatfully, they are going to start adding the drink names to the tabs.

Tristan was our server and honestly it felt more like a complete experience! She was amazing and every drink was a new level of amazing. It may seem like a very minor thing but we even got very soft napkins to clean our glasses because they steamed up from our masks. 10/10 will go again. If I didn’t have to leave I wouldn’t have. Thank you for the great night out.

Loved the concept of describing what you are feeling instead of going off a menu , Reagan made some great cocktails and was on point on each one of them , they don't skimp on the alcohol as well. They are easily my favorite cocktail bar in Charlotte .

I was smitten by this place! I enjoyed the handcrafted cocktails and the ambiance. The chips and olives yummy. Very grown and sexy vibes. Ashton was our server and he was very attentive and knowledgeable. Definitely coming back again.

The drinks are great but I recommend sitting at the bar so that you can speak with your mixologist directly! Each drink was $15 and we got there on a Wed or Thurs night right when it opened, no reservation, since I was staying walking distance. It got packed and all tables gone within the hour. Their restaurant/lounge next door is just as nice so I recommend both for different ambiance if you like that stuff. All in all, I preferred drinks here but next door had delicious caviar and oysters. For the pictured drink, I asked for something with gin and purple. That’s it!

One of the best craft cocktail bars I've been to. No drink menu, everything is curtated for your liking. Friendly staff and an inviting space. Pushing can be challenging but well worth the time to experience a drink inside this venue. If you have not been, put it on your list. I'll be back with more friends! Yum!!

My friends and I recently celebrated a big closing at Idlewild, and it was an unforgettable experience! From the moment we stepped in, the ambiance was simply fantastic. The dim lighting with actual candles added a touch of elegance, making the place even more appealing after dark. The cocktail selection was top-notch, and our server, Eric, was exceptional. He provided us with personalized recommendations that perfectly matched our tastes, ensuring we had the best time possible. Eric’s attention to detail and warm demeanor truly elevated the evening. Idlewild is undoubtedly an upscale cocktail bar that exceeds expectations. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a delightful night out, this place has it all. I can’t wait to return and create more wonderful memories at Idlewild! Cheers, Caleb Sherrill

Omg. This little hidden gem is amazing. Had a great date here. He picked this place. Kudos! The service is the best I had in a long time in Charlotte. Very nice, patient, and knowledgeable. It's like a speakeasy. Vibe was everything. If you're looking to have a nice nightcap or chill, this is it. Date night, girls, etc. The drinks were everything!!!!! Omg!! They do allow outside food, but its small place not too much food. They do have popcorn, though. This will be added to my favorite laid-back places in Charlotte.

The concept of a cocktail bar with no menu is fascinating and well-executed. Our waitress was attentive, asked thoughtful and specific questions, and chose cocktails for us that were completely divine. We got two cocktails each and both were things I likely would not have chosen off a menu, but enjoyed thoroughly. We ordered a charcuterie board as well to snack on. Cocktails were listed at $15, no matter what they brought you. This didn’t happen to us, but the man at the table next to ours didn’t like his drink. It was whisked away and replaced immediately with something he liked better. It has a moody, cool kids atmosphere and stellar service. We will definitely recommend Idlewild to all our friends and will certainly be back when we find our way back to Charlotte.

Very cool spot. They had no menu so you get a really unique experience here. Top tier bartenders that you explain the types of drinks you like. They can either make known drinks or give them a few things you like and they will whip something up. This is a fun experience and the drinks are great. This is a very small and intimate bar so prepare accordingly. We were lucky enough to be able to walk right in.

Finally was able to check out this bar and I loved every minute of it. Pretty sure Jacob, our bartender, is a mind reader because he served us exactly the kind of drinks we wanted. This is such a cool concept and I couldn’t believe I loved everything he whipped up for us. Definitely will be coming back and hopefully will get to have Jacob as our bartender again!

Very cool place. I love that I get to try drinks I’ve never had or would have never thought to order. Our bartender was great and the atmosphere was one of the best I’ve experienced at a cocktail bar in Charlotte.