Monroe North Carolina Craft Cocktail Scene Grows With Speakeasy Plans
We lived in Monroe for many years. Of course, we saw many changes in the social scene during that time, particularly in the number of breweries and craft cocktail spots. The whole downtown vibe is fun with no shortage of pop up events and live music. And, one of our favorite places to visit is Southern Range Brewing. So, it’s exciting to get this news! Now, The Charlotte Observer reports the owners of the Monroe North Carolina craft brewery are opening a craft cocktail bar on February 18. Local Logic craft cocktail bar opens at 2 p.m. on the 18th at 128 S. Main St. It’s the former location of The Studio Boutique and right behind the brewery on South Stewart Street. It’s hard to believe it’s been seven years since Dustin and Elise Gatliff opened Southern Range. But, we have enjoyed many good times at Southern Range, and we’re thrilled to see the Monroe North Carolina craft cocktail scene grow.
The owners Facebook page announced they plan to serve beer, wine and an extensive bourbon list. Furthermore, they also point out the bourbons will include some that are high end and hard to find. And, the cocktail menu features classics like smoked old fashioneds and Manhattans. Plus, last year the city designated the Monroe Social District in downtown defining outdoor spaces where customers can legally drink beverages bought from ABC permitted businesses. Local Logic features a 1930s decor with black and dark teal colors, gold fixtures and mirrors. They refer to it as a “speakeasy” type spot. The space seats 80 with 22 at the bar, large tables, small front lounge and sidewalk tables. And, the bar will have snacks. Plus, there are lots of options for delivery nearby including Main Street Bistro, Franklin Court Grille and Exchange Pizza Depot. Also, there will be food trucks on Fridays and Saturdays. Looks like more good times as the Monroe North Carolina craft cocktail scene grows!
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North Carolina's Best Whiskey Distilleries
I came across a story this morning that had two words together that immediately piqued my interest: bourbon tourism. Uh, where do I sign up?! Attendance at distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail surpassed 2 million in 2022 for the first time ever. Total visits exceeded 2.1 million last year, easily beating the pre-pandemic record of 1.7 million stops in 2019. In the past decade, the “amber adventure” has had a 370% surge in attendance. The distillers’ association created the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in 1999 to give visitors an intimate, educational look behind the state’s most historic distilleries. Total attendance at its 18 participating distilleries nearly reached 1.4 million last year. But, what about North Carolina’s best whiskey distilleries?
Hey, wait a minute. Nothing against Kentucky, but there is PLENTY of whiskey joy right here in the Tar Heel State to keep you sated. My wife and I have a set of friends that we spend “Sunday Fundays” exploring North Carolina breweries and wineries. This year, we’re branching out into craft cocktail spots and distilleries. In no particular order, here are five spots that are on our list to visit, tour, sample their wares, and pick up a bottle or two for our stock. So, enjoy our list of North Carolina’s best whiskey distilleries.
