It’s officially NFL Draft Day, and instead of watching it from the living room, tonight is an excellent time to get out and experience the energy of the Queen City — home of the team with the number one draft pick.
Whether you are a hometown Panthers fan or root for another team, several bars will be showing the draft.
QCity Metro reporter Jalon Hill has rounded up five of his favorite bars in the area.
*This list is in no particular order.
JackBeagle’s Morehead provides the perfect neighborhood bar vibe. They offer a bar, booth and outdoor seating with 10+ TV to view no matter where you sit. They have a wide selection of drinks and offer different specials each day.
*My food recommendation: Jack Mac and Jack tenders with Bourbonyaki Sauce
Duckworth Bar (Uptown) – 330 N Tryon St
Duckworth has a prime location in the heart of Uptown. It has over 150 beers on tap and a selection of craft cocktails. Its menu perfectly balances bar food, like wings and sliders and entree options, including salmon and steak.
Food recommendation: Supreme Pizza (green peppers, mushrooms, red onions, black olives, sausage, Canadian bacon & pepperoni)
QC Pour House balances a brewery and a high-end cocktail bar. My favorite cocktail is the Panther Punch. There is plenty of standing and sitting room to socialize with friends and strangers.
Food recommendation: The Pepperoni and Cheese Handpie (mini calzone)
Clutch – 601 S Cedar St
Clutch is within walking distance of Bank of America Stadium and has been the perfect pre-game and post-game spot for my friends and me whenever we go to a game. They offer a range of menu options from wings and burgers to wraps and loaded fries. They also have dog-friendly patio seating.
Food recommendation: The Clutch Sampler Platter (perfect for sharing)
Picasso’s offers 8+ TVs and a giant big screen at their University bar. They offer a range of bar food like load fries, wings, pizza rolls and a wide beer selection.
Food recommendation: Caribbean Creeper wings
Ten58 – 430 W 4th St
How can you be a Panther fan and not patronize the bar of Panther great Thomas Davis? Davis’ bar features bar and southern cuisine menu items that Davis himself said he enjoys. There are several TVs in the front of the back, but it also offers a lounge area in the back.
Food recommendation: Comeback crab cakes.