Cosmic Charlie’s

Oh dear, how many nights have I found myself here? Back in the day it was my spot and I love that I can always run into old friends here, but honestly, I’ve grown sick of this place. The atmosphere is so blah and dark and it just makes me sleepy. It’s filthy and makes me sick. They have an impressive enough looking sound system but always seem to be blowing out their speakers. The bartenders can be downright rude and have been known to overcharge or let strangers put drinks on your tab. Don’t go into the bathroom, just don’t. They must have a great booking agent though because they really do pull in some great acts. I swear I’m not just mean and old, there are so many better places than this in Lexington but I’ll keep coming back to you dirty Charlie… for the music and friends.

Great atmosphere and music diversity!

Great venue with different acts every night of the week. Good drink specials and a variety of options. Staff is great/​atmosphere is fun.

Definitely a favorite! The staff are fantastic and they have a solid beer selection. I’ve seen everything from burlesque to bluegrass at Cosmic Charlie’s and I’ve always had a great time:)

Great tap selection for such a small venue. Absolutely amazing acts booked and not a bad seat in the place. Just inside the for and you’re still sitting in the band’s lap! :-)

The staff is absolutely fabulous. The drinks are cheap. They book good bands. That’s the bottom line of my review. Here is the part that I think makes this place great… I came in and lost my wallet here. I was worried that I’d never see it again. The next night they were open I came in to check if someone had turned it in. Not only had someone turned it in; but as soon as I walked in the door the guy checking ids told me my wallet was at the bar. Everyone tending the bar knew who I was and was happy that I got my wallet back. The owner even came up to me to ask me about it. In my mind this is a top notch establishment. I will come back many times and recommend it to anyone I meet.

Cosmic Charlie’s is, in many respects, the best local music venue you will find in Fayette County, possibly Kentucky, and arguably all of the North American territories.
Its staff is top flight, from it’s ‘take no guff’ security, who is there keep your experience safe and legal to the potion wizards whom, upon command, will concoct delectable elixirs that will leave you pleasantly fulfilled.
There is plenty of seating for you and your friends to convene. There is also a rather large open space in front of the stage where, at times, the future great minds and leaders of America will congregate to observe their favorite musicians and performers.
Cosmic Charlie’s is famously known for its enormous (yet incredibly realistic) portrait of guitar great Jerry Garcia. Legend has it, if you stare into Jerry’s eyes long enough you will see how you will die.
Some the hottest musical acts from across the country have graced the stage at this all American landmark. Musical acts like Fifth on the Floor, Moon Taxi, Zach Deputy, Afroman, and of course Shemale Fiesta. They deliver performances that, if you are lucky, will remain among those last fading memories you cling to as you lie upon your deathbed, at a ripe old age.
They have bathrooms.
At the heart of Cosmic Charlie’s is a terrific selection of beer. Ranging from lower end swill such as Stella Artois, Heineken, and Guinness; to more delectable beverages that you’ll find local aristocrats (such as myself) consuming in moderation, beverages like Miller high life, Old Style and the always classy, always cold Pabst Blue Ribbon. If you are a connoisseur of these fine beverages like I, make sure to ask the potion wizards about the icy cold 16 oz PBR’s. Yes, you read that right, icy cold 16 oz PBR’s. They also serve many of our favorite micro brews like Bell’s, Founder’s, and West Sixth.
As you can see there are many high points and terrific reasons to pay homage to this historic landmark. But it is not without its blemishes. Cosmic Charlie’s has a mild to moderate hipster infestation. There are, unfortunately, occasional flares of overwhelming infestation, usually when there is a dubstep show. Do not let this deter you from experiencing all that Cosmic Charlie’s has to offer, just go to
and check their calendar to see when hipster prone musical acts will be performing and use your best judgment.
All in all I give cosmic a 4.5, with room to grow as they continue to work through their unfortunate hipster issue.

This place is great. There’s a wide variety of music at a decent price. The bathrooms look really cool and punk because there’s graffiti everywhere. Plus there’s free water in the corner of the venue so you can dance as much as you want an not worry about getting dehydrated!

I used to go to Cosmic all the time, until one night when I thought my friends band was playing but instead it was a metal night. No big deal, just not my friends band. I like metal, but I got off work & was wearing a tie, so didn’t look like a fan, apparently. When I asked who was playing tonight the bouncer just pointed to a sign & I said I thought it was xyz band, he said, nah, it’s probably too loud in there for me anyways. When I told him I didn’t like the particular band playing he responded, «I could tell.» Cool. I don’t give business to places that don’t want my business.

First time at Cosmic Charlie’s — success!
I was at a sold out benefit concert and loved the atmosphere. Even being a packed house, I never had wait more than a minute to get a drink throughout the night.
Friendly folks, decent prices… can’t wait to go back!

Great atmosphere at Cosmic Charlie’s! A venue with various types of bands.
The first place to go for fair priced entertainment. Friendly atmosphere.

Had a great time at Cosmic Charlie’s! Nice beer selection that was fairly priced. Friendly staff and good-​natured crowd that wasn’t entirely made up of UK students. The band sounded great, but not so loud that I wasn’t able to converse with friends toward the back of the venue. Next time I’m in Lexington for a night, I’ll definitely visit this venue again, which pulls in a diverse selection of bands.

Having spent my college years in Lexington, I often travel back to visit friends and I always pay a visit to Cosmic Charlie’s. The music is always top notch and if I’m not familiar with the band I’m often times turned on to something new which is great! One thing I really like about CC’s is that a person is able to have a conversation near the bar even if a band is playing so there’s a choice which I appreciate. The people who work there are really nice and the bartenders are quick to get their really affordable drinks out to customers even if the place is totally packed (which it usually is). The vibe is always friendly and I can usually count on seeing a familiar face or two… or ten when heading over to Cosmic Charlie’s for a fun night of drinks, people and really great music.

Great small venue that holds about 350+ concertgoers. They book great acts, have great drink specials and a huge beer selection. Quick and friendly bartenders and pretty cheap drinks overall. Sound system is high end and there are great sightlines of the stage from anywhere in the club. Highly recommended!

Cosmic Charlie’s in Lexington Kentucky is an awesome venue that offers a wide variety of great live music every night of the week. Their sound system is amazing and will rock your face off. I’ve been to Cosmic Charlie’s countless times and have never been disappointed. They have a great beer selection and at great prices.

I have been going to Cosmic Charlies for several years now, and have always had a great time! This venue hosts a lot of different types of music genres and I have always been happy with any show that I have attended there. The workers are really nice and put on a great show, from sound to mixing drinks! I would definitely recommend any show at Cosmics!