The Workman's Friend. Charlotte, NC.

1531 Central Avenue

Guinness Tag: $7.00 | Overall Rating: 9.45

Today's Dedicated Pint: Rocco "The Rock". Charlotte, NC.

Charming, inviting, and beautiful are all understatements to The Workman's Friend located in The Plaza of Charlotte, North Carolina. For being a Pub that poured its first Guinness in just 2016, it surely has a lot of patina. Every square inch of this place has been clearly examined, planned for, and cared for. From the nestled booths, authentic furniture, unique signage, fireplace, patio, and overall craftsmanship; the owners of this Pub have dedicated much more TLC to this place than the vast majority of what other Pub owners do with theirs. The owners here have been around for a while and definitely know what they're doing.

The decor, ceilings, fixtures, and tangible assets all seem like they've been hand picked out of rustic antique stores, grandma's attic, and an old gold rush museum. You can't stress enough just how cozy the environment is in here; especially the patio (which we'll talk about in a second).

The bar itself is a nicely crafted L-Shaped bar that holds about 18 or so patrons. You'll find real flame lit candles, real greenery, coat hooks, outlets, and sunk-in fruit caddies above and below the counter. If you come during the day (or for breakfast, they open at 10am!) you'll notice a perfect touch of natural sunlight that isn't blinding. Their food here seems to be fantastic although nothing was indulged on our parts this time around, although the food that we've seen looks marvelous. They serve many of the Irish classics such as Shepherd's Pie and Stew, but no Reuben...?

The Guinness pours are magnificent, and they'll set you back 7 bones. Their draft beer selection is well above average offering every Irish beer your little heart could crave such as Magners, Harp, Sully's, Smithwick's, and Kilkenny. There's plenty of whiskey selections to choose from and anyone who's into wine will have a good time. The tap handles (especially the Smithwick's one) are marvelous and they even offer "Tayto" chips for some light snacking.

As you head toward the toiletries (which are clean and tidy) you'll notice to your left that there's quite the gorgeous patio. Its got its own bar, its own greenery, exposed brick, splendid signage, tables, and Craic.

With the constant fire going in the back, the smiles from staff, the slight Craic from the bartenders, and the overall warm atmosphere you really can't find any blemishes about the place unless you are dedicated to finding them. As one of the signs above your head says, "Life's too important to be taken seriously"; we quite agree. We loved everything about The Workman's Friend and we advise everyone within the 100-mile radius to make the trip for a pint or three.

Slainte!