Connolly's on 5th

Connolly’s on 5th is one of those bars that just seem to have recreated, in perfect detail, the feeling of being in a real Irish pub. It’s as if the bar was uprooted out of Dublin, put on a ship, and brought oversees to Uptown Charlotte. 

Connolly’s on 5th, specifically 115 East 5th Street, opened in 2001, but patrons could be convinced that it has been there for decades. The two-floor bar is small and cozy and is oozing with charm. As soon as you walk in you will see Irish flags hanging behind the bar, and framed photos of futbol and rugby matches lining the walls.

Attractive female bartenders, and bulky male ones, will be happy to pour you a pint of Guinness or one of the other half-dozen European draft beers like Smithwicks or Harp Lager. Even though the drafts are $5, and they rarely run drink specials, you will indeed be served a proper 20-ounce Irish pint — not the 16-ounce ones some bars pass off as pints.

The bar itself is dark and dimly lit by flickering candles -- well, candles and some giant flat-screen televisions. The pub is one of the most popular places in Charlotte to watch soccer and rugby, and the pub lists schedules for upcoming matches on its website.

Although the pub has two floors, there is almost no difference between the first and the second floor layouts. They are basically symmetrical bars laid out on top of one another. The top floor is closed off during most days of the week, but opens up for rowdy weekend nights.

The pub is open seven days a week from 3 p.m . to 2 a.m. It should be included on any bar crawl through Uptown Charlotte. The slogan for the pub is, “If you can’t drop in, smile as you pass.” As polite as that saying may be, you may be missing out on one of the most authentic Irish pubs in all of the Charlotte region if you don't drop in. Erin go Braugh!

- by Mike D'Avria, Charlotte Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

He worked for the daily newspaper, The Athens Banner-Herald in Athens, Ga. before turning to freelance writing and video production.

Mike is the Executive Editor of CampLeadership.org, and has lived in Charlotte for four years.