I really wanted to love this place! We excitedly waited outside in the cold for about 35-40 minutes. Thank God for the heaters! The gentlemen at the front kept checking in with us letting us know they were working on it which we really appreciated. The hostess came out and let him know there was a table for us but they were cleaning it up. A couple then walked up to the rope unchained it and walked in. He greeted the gentlemen at the front and walked inside. Turns out we now no longer had a table ready for us and had to wait some more. As we waited some more we witnessed several people walking up and walking inside or being able to walk in if their party was inside so that made the wait even longer. After about another 20-25 minutes the lady stepped out talked to him and told us she was cleaning our table off. Finally it was our turn! We were ready to get inside have a seat and enjoy some good music. He charged us our $10 per person and we headed in! As we walked in the hostess let us know our table was in the back corner. As we walked over we realize it is just a tall table in the corner for us to stand around. Not once did he mention we would be standing or asked if it was ok. Earlier he had offered a seat at the bar with one of us standing and we said we’d rather wait so we were highly confused. Another table was beside us and a party of four was sent there so now I couldn’t even see anything and on top of that the window although covered was still radiating cold air so I was still freezing. After 10 minutes we were bummed and decided to head out. Not sure if we’ll give it another try in the future but if you do be ready to wait and watch several people skip in...
Read moreA Perfect Night Out in Charlotte
I had the opportunity to check out Eighty Eights Jazz and Wine Bar on a Saturday night, and it was a fantastic experience. My party and I arrived around 9:30 pm and had to wait in line outside, but the wait was less than ten minutes. The bouncer was super friendly and kept us informed the whole time, which was a nice touch. As people left, their tables were promptly cleaned, and the next group was allowed inside. Once seated, we had a great view of the stage, though I’m confident there’s not a bad seat in the house.
We had some unexpected company join us, and the staff was incredibly accommodating, quickly adding seats to our table without a hitch. Despite the packed house, it was clear everyone was having a blast—enjoying the live jazz, drinks, and great company. Our waitress came around to take our drink orders and checked in periodically throughout the night. You could tell she was managing multiple tables, but she did an excellent job ensuring we were all set and having a good time.
My only recommendation, and this is purely personal, is to offer more water options beyond just tap and sparkling (I can be a bit of a water snob!). That said, it didn’t take away from the experience—just something to consider.
Overall, Eighty Eights is a wonderful spot to visit, especially on weekends for live music or during the week when they’re open in the evenings starting on Thursdays. I’m also looking forward to visiting during the day to work remotely and try their coffee. It’s great to see Charlotte growing as a hub for evening activities. A quick side note: they don’t serve food, so be sure to grab...
Read moreReview: A Hidden Gem for Jazz and Cocktails
I recently had the pleasure of visiting this spot- a newly opened jazz bar that effortlessly combines smooth tunes with expertly crafted cocktails. Tucked away in a cozy corner of the city, this place offers an intimate setting perfect for unwinding after a long day or for a special night out.
The ambiance is warm and inviting, with dim lighting, vintage decor, and plush seating that evokes a classic jazz club feel. The sound of live jazz fills the room, with talented musicians playing everything from bebop to soulful ballads. The acoustics are fantastic, allowing the music to be a centerpiece without overwhelming conversation.
The cocktail menu is a standout feature. Each drink is thoughtfully crafted, with a balance of creative flair and classic sensibility.
What sets them apart is the attention to detail—whether it’s the impeccable service, the beautifully garnished drinks, or the perfectly timed jazz sets. The staff is knowledgeable and attentive, happy to recommend drinks based on your preferences or to chat about the evening’s performers. Kiara and Ben were incredible! Can’t wait to see what they do with the place.
If you’re looking for a spot that offers the best of both worlds—delicious cocktails and authentic live jazz..It’s a refreshing addition to the local scene, and I’m excited to see it become a go-to destination for jazz lovers and cocktail...
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