KID-FREE IN THE QC
Short on time for a date? Here are 3 fun local places for couples watching the clock
All parents need some adults-only time to laugh, enjoy a meal, or catch a show or exhibit. A meal and an activity can seem like a big commitment when you factor in time and the cost of a sitter. These three Charlotte establishments combine food and fun for a date night with your favorite person.
210 E. Trade St., D-164
704-716-9300
Uptown’s rebranded Queen City Quarter features Bowlero Charlotte, a hub for arcade games, bowling, and dining. More than 30 television screens, lights, music, and a DJ on Tuesday nights sets the scene for a party atmosphere. The bar’s seating overlooks the bowling lanes and arcade games.
Challenge your better half to Halo, Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Tomb Raider, or just outscore them at old school basketball hoops. Smooch in the photo booth and share a milkshake and an order of garlic parm fries. Bowlers can secure lanes online, which are billed hourly, or walk-in for per person/per game billing.
The two VIP Lounges each accommodate 25 to 60 people and feature private bowling lanes and plenty of space to celebrate special anniversaries and events.
Pro Tips:
- Arrive before 8 p.m. to beat the crowds.
- Look for drink specials, alcoholic and nonalcoholic, Monday through Thursday. Signature cocktails such as Berried Alive Lemonade and Boarding Pass are served in mason jars.
- Purchase a Premium Summer Season Pass and bowl until September 2 for one flat rate.
- Make reservations online but walk-ins are welcome, too.
- Share the Alley Sampler with Buffalo wings, chicken tenders, cheesy dippers, pretzel pins, and fries.
- Show up four hours before closing, Sunday through Friday, for unlimited bowling at a flat rate.
Bowlero Charlotte
5336 Docia Crossing Road
980-825-7500
Cinergy Dine-In Cinemas, open in Charlotte since 2022, dials up the tired “dinner and a movie” routine with drinks and food in a theater setting in northeast Charlotte. Eat in the lounge area before or after the show, or while you watch a movie in one of 10 theaters. The menu includes burgers, chicken tenders, pizza, salads, tacos, and wings, plus adult bevvies like Bahama Mama and Electric Lemonade.
In July, plan a date night around the release of “Deadpool 3” and “Twisters,” or during Shark Week when “Jaws” and “Sharknado” hit the screen. Certain food and beverage items will match the movies’ themes.
Pro Tips:
- Look for sensory-friendly movies on the third Saturday of each month.
- Save on Tuesdays with discounted tickets.
- Skip the check-in line and scan your tickets when you arrive.
Cinergy Dine In Cinemas
3521 Dewitt Lane
980-300-8090
This 15,000-square-foot space has gold chandeliers, velvet couches, and a dining area where you can order some of Chef Blake Nolen’s specialties. His brunch menu features Peanut Butter & Bacon French Toast, based on a late-night snack he made years ago. The Fried Chicken Sandwich, served between two waffles, is a four-day process, to get just the right combination of tangy and spice. The House Gnocchi and Cheerwine Pork Belly are popular as well.
You also have your choice of activities like bowling, foosball, billiards, a shuffleboard table and board games. The Fly’n Duck Duckpin Bowling is different than the game you see at a traditional bowling alley. The lanes are shorter, the balls are smaller, and the pins are lighter.
Pro Tips:
- Check out board games such as Sorry, Uno, and Yahtzee for free.
- Reserve your spot on Resy.
- Play foosball and shuffleboard at no charge.
- Watch for drink specials throughout the week.
SupperClub South End. Photo courtesy of Amy Witt Photography.
