Gin Mill South End

A simple bar with affordable drinks– a great place to drink prior to a show at Amos. Rooftop deck and occasionally local bands.

Relaxed bar atmosphere! The rooftop deck is pretty amazing and can offer views of uptown. They run killer specials on Jameson!

This was your average dive bar that we happened to grab a drink at before a concert. They have free popcorn which is pretty unique.

Mmmm inhale that smell of fresh popcorn! Not gunna lie a bar can totally buy my affection with free food, especially warm, salty, comforting popcorn. You don’t even know you have the drunk munchies until you smell it and then it is game over. Munch away.
Let me put my imaginary popcorn down for a moment to talk about the rest of the bar. We walked over to this place after our whirlwind South End brewery tour. We went to the bar and my companion ordered a whiskey and I ordered a beer. The bar had a really good selection and the interior was clean. Though the bar was crowded the bartender was quick and efficient. Prices weren’t bad either.
After we got our drinks we headed to the rooftop. We passed patrons playing all sorts of games which gave the bar a nice laid back feel. Not a bad view when we got to the top but not a lot of seating and it was definitely busy around 10pm on a weekend. While there was some variety the majority of the patrons looked about like what you would see at a college frat party.
It was a fun bar and I look forward to returning the next time I am in the area.

Do you remember when bars were actually bars? Not «sports» bars or lounges or brew houses or any other such nonsense. I’m talking about real bars with dark interiors (especially during the middle of the day), games to amuse yourself while drinking (pool, darts, etc.), and a casual atmosphere where you could strike up a friendly chat or be left totally alone.
Gin Mill is one of those few places. It’s not a seedy dive, so you don’t have to bathe in Purell afterwards, but it’s beautifully old school. I’ve been there after a show at Amos’ Southend or in the middle of an all day beer crawl and no matter what it’s consistent and comfortable.
They even have popcorn as a free snack which is a million times more sanitary than beer nuts (just remember to use the scoop, you drunk bastards).
I’m happy that places like the Gin Mill are still around. Unpretentious, relaxed bars that let you enjoy a beer and forget about the outside world.

At first I wasn’t sure why my friends always wanted to come here, but I quickly learned its one of the most hopping places in south end Charlotte. Lots of games to play in doors and out, free popcorn, live music, and a rooftop bar. It’s a little divey and dress is definitely casual, but once you get past that it’s a great time!