New ‘Ugly’ Dive Bar Opening In Familiar NoDa Spot

From now thru early spring is one of my favorite times of the year.  No, it has nothing to do with weather, Well, maybe a little.  Let me explain.  This is the season of "Sunday Funday" for my wife and I and our best friends.  We hop in a candy apple red, fully restored, 1972 Chevy Blazer and head out "in search of."  It could be in search of the best craft beer spot.  It could be in search of the newest/best wineries or distilleries.  However, my personal favorite is when we go in search of the best craft cocktail bars.  One that is now getting added to the list is 'The Ugly' in Noda.

If for no other reason, I'm all in because of the name.  I mean seriously, how great is 'The Ugly?!'  That being said, I'm not as much convinced that this is a new bar as much as it is a re-branding.  The Ugly opens today (11/15) in the spot that was formerly 'Idlewild.'  'Idlewild' is moving next door to the space where its sister bar, Fairweather, used to be.  Confused?  Don't be.  Owner Vince Chirico explains to Axios Charlotte that it solves a duplication issue.  "Instead of having two similar bars side-by-side, we’re going to have two drastically different concepts right next door to each other.” 

Idlewild is one of the Queen City's coolest cocktail bars because of its unique concept.  See, there's no menu.  This is one of those spots where the genius behind the bar is just that.  You tell them the kind of cocktail you like, and he/she creates.  If you've never experienced this, you GOTTA try Idlewild.  'The Ugly' is just that (at least in the mind of Chirico).  The owner affectionately describes it as Idlewild's "ugly little sister."

The Ugly is a way more laid-back dive bar with no assigned seating, no reservations and no waitlist.   The Ugly's menu has six pre-batched cocktails for about $12-$14, plus beer and spirits.  It's open 6pm-2am daily at 424 E 36th St.

In the mood for a cocktail? Well, it is thirsty Thursday! Today March 24th is the national cocktail day. According to Dictonary.com, a cocktail is an alcoholic drink consisting of a spirit or several spirits mixed with other ingredients, such as fruit juice, lemonade, or cream. If you are looking to enjoy one in the Charlotte area, there are plenty of places to sip them shaken or stirred.

Whether you are looking for a night out or just a stress break, cocktails taste great. We did some research and compiled a list of 15 of the best and coolest cocktail bars in Charlotte, North Carolina. Check out the full list below.

This is the Charlotte speakeasy. You can enjoy a modern cocktail and some grub too. It is located at 2433 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203. You can see more on planning a visit here.

Located at 144 Brevard Ct Ste B Charlotte, NC 28202. They have some cool options including ones on fire! If you don't drink, you can even enjoy a mocktail. You can see more on this cocktail bar here.

I love the look of this place. It is an upscale cocktail bar. Located at 127 N Tryon Suite D 28202 Charlotte. You can see more about this cocktail bar here.

Located at 101 W Worthington Ave. #140 Charlotte, North Carolina. If you scan through their Instagram you just might fall in love. They have some gorgeous cocktails. You can see more on this cocktail bar and eatery here.

This is a classic cocktail lounge in Charlotte. It is located at 4237 Park Rd B, Charlotte, NC 28209. You can see more here.

ldlewild is a cozy cocktail bar in the NoDa neighborhood of Charlotte. It is located at 424 E 36th St Unit 2, Charlotte, NC 28205, You can see more here.

Located at 1221 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205. You can see more on getting a cocktail here.

Located at 1320 S Church St Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28203. The owners designed Lincoln Street Kitchen and Cocktails to be local inside and out. You can enjoy some tasty small plates and innovative cocktails. You can see more about this Charlotte cocktail spot here.

Located at 1957 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204. You can enjoy classic cocktails with a tasty modern twist. You can see more on this cocktail bar here.

Located at 1212 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205. This is an eatery and cocktail bar. There is even a hidden speakeasy! You can see more on this cocktail bar here.

Located inside Optimist Hall you can enjoy fruit-forward flavors and creative spins on classic cocktails. You can see more here.

Located at 1500 B Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205. You can enjoy some fine dining and cocktails at this Charlotte spot. You can see more on the cocktails that Soul Gastrolounge offers here.

Located at 933 Louise Ave Suite 350, Charlotte, NC 28204. This is a tropical cocktail paradise. You can see more on booking a cocktail trip here.

The flowers on this bar are epic. Located at 123 East 5th Street in Charlotte, NC 28202. There is a dress code for this cocktail bar. You can see more on it here.

This cocktail spot is located at 204 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202. They serve food as well. You can see more on this cocktail bar here.