Wednesday, January 23, 2008

A Tuesday in Plaza-Midwood

Two years ago, one of my regular haunts was Thomas Street Tavern in Plaza-Midwood. I don't remember why I phased it out of my regular routine, but I went back for the first time in more than a year Tuesday on a cold and rainy night -- really, it's the best time to go to the cozy neighborhood bar. I stopped in long enough to have one beer, but in that short amount of time, I remembered why I loved it so much in the first place.

  • An eclectic mix of people of all ages. If you want to get away from the cleavage-baring tops and predictable button-down shirts of the crowd uptown, Thomas Street (and probably any bar in the Plaza-Midwood area) should be your first stop. Ladies, you can walk in with a messy ponytail and baggy sweater and not feel out of place.
  • If you feel like you're merely putting in "face time" at Cans or Forum, Thomas Street is where you can grab a table with friends and talk all night (without shouting over the music coming from the jukebox).
  • The bartenders are always friendly and attentive, no matter how big the crowd.
Also Tuesday night, I checked out the (relatively) new Intermezzo Pizzeria & Cafe in Plaza-Midwood after hearing about 10 different people mention it in the past week alone. I'll have more about my experience there in my Paid to Party column in the Observer's E&T section on Friday. Until then, I leave you with a few pics to keep you curious.







10 comments:

Anonymous said...

In the last picture of the two men in the booth, why is it that some people always make the stupid faces and hand gestures when they get their picture taken? It's not the least bit attractive for men or women. Grow up.

Anonymous said...

I'd like to hang at Thomas Street too but the last time I went in there it reeked of smoke so badly I had to leave after about five minutes. Why can't all bars in Charlotte be smoke-free?

Anonymous said...

non-smoker - why must you fuss at the last public place people can have a beer and smoke? if you don't like it go somewhere else.

Anonymous said...

smoker - a bar is not the last public place people can have a beer and smoke. second of all, don't make me pay for your bad decisions in life, i would love to be able to go out to a bar and not reek of smoke when i leave. instead, i am stuck inhaling second-hand smoke all night...
i have faith that eventually NC will go smoke-free!

Anonymous said...

Agree Non-Smoker! I can't handle that place based soley on the smoke.
Paris recently went smoke free people! The French! I understand the local implications of a smoking ban, but moving here from a smoke-free state- I find it very backwards...and disgusting.

Anonymous said...

To the first comment, get over yourself. Your negativity is not the least bit attractive either. Some folks aren't necessarily comfortable in front of the camera. No telling with this particular fella, but who really cares.

As far as the smoking goes, I agree that we will eventually be smoke free. As a casual smoker it doesn't necessarily bother me. It will take time to adjust but it's for the greater good. In the meantime, if it's a smoking establishment, smoke up! Just be semi courteous, that's all most people really ask.

Anonymous said...

Over the Christmas holiday I went up to Ohio which is a smoke free state. On 2 different nights, my smoker sisters and I,the only non-smoker, went to a few different bars and the fact that it was non-smoking didn't really make a difference at all. Both places were packed despite the freezing temperatures and technically it wasn't totally smoke free. It wasn't hard to find an outdoor patio or courtyard that would a couple heat lamps that would keep people warm while they enjoyed their smoke break. It was so great being able to go out and not come home smelling like a giant cigarette. I personally can't wait for NC to become smoke-free and it sure sounds like I'm not alone.

Anonymous said...

Damn, Sarah is hot!

Adam Butler said...

Every bar owner in Charlotte can make their bar smoke free. If you don't like the smoke, tell her owner they should go smoke free. It won't necessarily hurt their business. The smoke free Thirsty Beaver Saloon opened Saturday and was packed all night.

Anonymous said...

I used to live in Boston and frequent NYC and Cali for biz. The bars in the major metro's are always packed with beautiful people and wonderfully smoke free. The cloud of smoke indoors is appalling when you are accustomed to more progressive atmosphere. Going out in Charlotte is sadly like going back in time.