The Workman’s Friend image

The Workman’s Friend

Restaurant Bar Gastropub Irish pub

Intimate gastropub with craft beer, elevated bar fare & specialty cocktails, plus outdoor space. People often mention good, soup, great, fish, chips, nice, time, server, drinks,


Address

1531 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

Website

theworkmansfriend.com

Contact

(980) 224-8234

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 3 PM to 2 AM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 11 AM to 2 AM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 2 AM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 10 AM to 2 AM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 3 PM to 2 AM
  • Tuesday: 3 PM to 2 AM
  • Wednesday: 3 PM to 2 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (12) soup (9) great (8) fish (8) chips (8) nice (7) time (6) server (6) drinks (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 HJC 9 months ago on Google
    This is my third time at The Workman’s Friend in Charlotte North Carolina. It’s in a great location and they have a really nice space. There’s two sides to the space. When you walk in, it’s a dark bar with tables. It reminds me of a pub in Ireland. There’s also a bar as well and a fireplace in the back during the winter months. They also have another side that’s open and not air-conditioned. It was a super hot day yesterday, but it was still comfortable. They have a really nice staff. The hostess was accommodating and our server was quick and knowledgeable about the menu. The food was pretty good but I remember it being better last time. The mussels were delicious- very fresh and came with an amazing broth to dip the bread into. The sliders were good. They used to give you three but now there’s only two - I believe at the same price. I still would order it again. The sausage roll was my least favorite. I remember it being better last time. It was under cooked and tasted frozen. They also have a very good list of drinks, including beers, wines, and cocktails at reasonable prices. Workman’s is great- I will definitely continue to go there!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Matt B. 1 year ago on Google
    The full Irish breakfast was best I’ve had in years! Too many other places think the English/Irish breakfast platters are a bunch of separate ingredients slapped on a single plate. Workman’s Friend got it right, with quality ingredients cooked together for proper cohesion. Very nice atmosphere too. The cocktails were okay, but I feel they were overpriced being rather small and light on the liquor.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kenise T. 2 years ago on Google
    Definitely a great place to stop after a hard days work on a Monday. Great drinks and pub food. I tried the beef stew and a side salad. The salad came in a Togo cup but it was delicious either way. Definitely stopping by here again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 van S. 2 years ago on Google
    This is an Irish pub as the name suggests. Really liked the ambience. Our server Eli (sorry if I spelt it wrong) was soo courteous and sweet. Ordered our drinks tea and 2 honey badgers for cocktails and really liked it. Ordered the cauliflower pate for app and it was a bit sweet-ish to a point that he couldn't taste his tea nor could I taste my cocktail. I don't know how better to explain this - overpowering flavors. Ordered another cocktail with the raspberry and he enjoyed it. For mains he ordered the lamb and beef Shepard's pie topped with mashed potatoes which was good. Really good. I ordered the chicken curry soup as soup of the day and it was delightful. Heere are the issues I faced which were the put offs - 1.the server wasn't really sure and didn't have the chef to ask if the soup has any seafood in it 2. Chicken soup that came out with sliced bread was cold. The server politely took it back, heated it up and brought it out and it was warm - mostly cold again. I didn't send it back. 3. This is embarrassing but the bread that came with soup, even tho came sliced but not to the end - I literally had to tear it apart as I couldn't slice it to the end with the knife. Now, im not sure if I was to use my hand or was it the knife or was it the bread .. either ways it tasted good. I have to say I highly suggest you try the beef lamb shepards pie and the chicken curry soup. Tasted good. Very clean rr. Might be back.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashley S. 2 years ago on Google
    Totally awesome ambient place. That kitchen crew; they have are some real MVPs because the dinner was amazing, the fish was cooked perfectly and the potato wedges were out of this world. I also got a mango carte and it's super sweet and nice for someone who doesn't drink normally. Also the music all night was the cherry on top, they had Depeche Mode going if that makes it clear.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brittany N. 9 months ago on Google
    Had the Sausage Roll as an appetizer and the Working Man's Burger - both were friggin delicious! The fries..... PERFECT. We loved the vibe of the whole restaurant. Sat out in the patio area that just elevated our meal. Will most certainly be back!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emily 7 months ago on Google
    It's such a cute place to start a date night! We had the best service, with our server giving me ideas on what to order, and when my partner was late, she even checked in to make sure I was okay. For drinks, we had the blackberry cocktail, which was perfectly tart and sweet, and a Guinness that had just the right amount of head to it. For our meal, the fried pickled okra was a nice start with a large portion. The entrees we had were also great in flavor and portion. I had the purple potato gnocchi, which was a little heavy on the tomato but balanced nicely with the mushrooms and greens in the pasta. My partner had the fish and chips with the breading being light as well as perfectly crunchy. The chips were also wonderful and not at all greasy. Definitely recommend as a date night destination.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 zoe k. 6 months ago on Google
    Nothing but good things to say about this place! Staff was super friendly and gave great recommendations! The espresso martini’s were to die for!! The honey badger cocktail was also amazing! Also definitely recommended the burger with the thick cut bacon, super yummy and juicy! We went here for date night and it’s the perfect date spot, definitely will return!!

  • 4/5 Sporadic T. 2 years ago on Google
    Went with friends for St. Patty’s day. We were all slightly disappointed that they were only offering a limited menu, however we all found something to eat. One of my friends got fish and chips which she liked. She ate all the fish, but didn’t finish the fries or the peas. My second friend got the Workman’s burger and both of them said it was one of the best burgers they both have ever had. I don’t eat meat, so I didn’t try it. I had really wanted the purple potato gnocchi and or some mashed potatoes and cabbage or some other vegetable vegetarian dish, but they refused. So I went with the grilled cheese and it wasn’t anything to write home about. I had the potato leek soup, which tasted more like flavored mashed potatoes, but it was ok because I was craving mashed potatoes. The staff was cordial. The ambiance and decor was really nice. It reminded me of being back in Belfast. I really liked sitting by the fireplace as I was cold and it warned me up! It was quite clean and the restrooms were sufficient. Overall, I would visit again when they are offering the full menu or if I was talking friends to the bar- the bar is partially outside and fully stocked!

  • 5/5 Miche P. 9 months ago on Google
    The sliders were excellent! Fish and chips were also very good, fish was just a little too greasy, but still very enjoyable. The chips were just perfect! We will be back!

  • 5/5 Rob R. 9 months ago on Google
    Great atmosphere. Great server. My wife loved her wine. Loved the grilled cheese sandwich. The fish and chips were decent. Fries are chubby and not my personal preference.

  • 5/5 Christina S. 7 months ago on Google
    We did brunch here one Saturday. Amazing! They do give you a lot of food. Solid version of a Bloody Mary and love the potatoes.

  • 5/5 Daniel k. 1 year ago on Google
    Place is awesome! Seriously great atmosphere and food. The waitress was great, I cant remebr her name but she was tall and a red head. My mother got the burger and said it was TOP 5 burger of all time for her. The fish and chips were out of this world! Seriouslt can't recommend this place enough. They also have a awesome outdoor space when the weather is nice.

  • 3/5 Anya F. 1 year ago on Google
    The atmosphere with dim light, the leather, the candles and decoration in general makes it more than a pub, a rather romantic restaurant, of what we ordered, the appetizers (asparagus and scallops) and all drinks were delicious, the scallops are somewhat overpriced for the amount they serve 😵‍💫 I don't recommend the tomato bisque, it only tasted like tomato puree, we had to return it 😕 my soup of the day was decent but like the 🥧, it was short of salt We are quite patient, however the food took a little bit more time that we expected to reach the table and the appetizers were served with the soup, as everything was at the same time on the table, almost nothing fit well. Another thing that happened is that, before we left, apparently the waitress was really distracted or busy with something else because she completely forgot about us to give it the check (that we had already ask for it) and I had to got out from my seat to look for her 🤷 I don't know… It’s 40-60, they have very delicious dishes and others that are not worth it, they have attentive waiters and others very distracted, the place is beautiful but I don't know what to say about it

  • 5/5 Brandy B. 1 year ago on Google
    Needed to get out my house and this was a perfect little place to go. I was with my friend and we sat at the bar, not overly crowded but full. Met some amazing puerile that we talked to while there having drinks. I got hungry and ordered the curry vegetables I saw another patron order because it looked so good. The portion is enough for two people. Very delicious and glad I ordered it. Might need another night out when my work travel is done.

  • 5/5 Mackeever Coates (. 1 year ago on Google
    Stopped in for an early dinner, around 5:30, and there was plenty of seating available. The inside dining area has such a cool vibe, and the music playing was all the good hits from the 70’s. Our food was incredible. I had the grilled cheese, my friends got the fish and chips, and it was all so fresh and full of flavor. I will definitely come back! 😊

  • 5/5 Jim C. 2 years ago on Google
    This is the perfect pub. Not quite a restaurant and more than a bar, it is sometimes just what you need. You won't get to sit and have a quiet conversation at your table as it can be a bit loud, but the people watching is fantastic. The food is excellent and I really enjoyed it.

  • 4/5 Joan M. 2 years ago on Google
    Fun bar, great street counter. Seems like a great place to meet friends and share a drink or two. Bartender friendly, good service and suggestions. Would really like classic cherries instead of the “fruit cocktail” version for my upscale drink. Will give them another chance to get it right though!


Call (980) 224-8234 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Free of charge street parking
    • ✓️ Somewhat difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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