Idlewild

Idlewild is the NoDa cocktail bar on East 36th Street that runs without a menu: you tell the bartender what you like and they build a drink around it. Charlotteans voted it the city’s second favorite cocktail bar, and its regulars would argue for first. Drinks run about $17 and the room is small.

It moved into the 36th Street space after years around the corner, and it is quiet on weeknights and packed on weekends, when calling ahead for a seat is the smart move. Parking in NoDa is tight; the 36th Street light rail stop is a short walk.

What to know

• No menu; the bartenders build each drink to order.
• Voted one of the top three cocktail bars in Charlotte.
• Small room, so reserve or call ahead on weekends.
• Steps from the 36th Street Blue Line stop.