Location: 1500 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
So breaking away from my food theme for a moment I figured I would give credit to an unrated Plaza Midwood establishment named Twenty -Two Gallery. Although technically not a place where you can “Eat it”, it is a fun spot that is a great kick off to night in Plaza-Midwood. It is perfect place to grab a drink while you wait for your table at Soul, or any area eatery. With a great atmosphere and very reasonable prices I can find myself spending hours just enjoying the artwork. Twenty Two Gallery holds a distinction of being one of my top bars in Charlotte.
The Good: There is a lot to love about this small art bar, but what puts it above the rest is the atmosphere. Stretched across the walls are the works of many local artists. The pieces change periodically (not sure if it is monthly or once every couple of months). The combination of an Gallery/Bar makes Twenty-Two a perfect first date spot. You can spend the entire time discussing the art, which various from bad to great to bizarre. The crowd is the typical younger hipsters, found in the area, which adds to the laid back environment. Prices are also very good, with some nice weekly specials.
The Bad: Although there isn’t much to criticize about, there are few things that may turn some away. First, they only serve wine and beer, they do not offer any liquor drinks. A greater selection would enhance the experience. Secondly, It would also be nice if they had some food available. I’m not talking a full meal, but a meat and cheese plate would be a plus. There have been many times when Soul Gastrolounge has left me hanging with an extended wait time (2 hours +), and something to nibble on would have gotten me through some rough times.
The Ugly: The ugliest things about this bar are some of the works of art. Yes, most of the time the pieces are good, at times exceptional, but there are other times when the pieces are horrid. You never really know what you’re going to get when you walk in and some might be offended by the results. A friend of mind complained she didn’t want to see a rat chewing on a eyeball when drinking wine. Personally, I would prefer that to a sea of Panther Jerseys and big screen TVs.
The Verdict 7.5 out of 10 EAT (or Drink) IT: The neighborhood, the atmosphere and the prices always make Twenty Two Gallery a great visit for me. Perfect for a date night or just to meet up with friends, you will always have plenty to talk about when visiting this fun, quirky bar.