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Fancy, Trendy, & Dives— The Best Bars in Fayetteville, NC

Fancy, Trendy, & Dives— The Best Bars in Fayetteville, NC

Fayetteville, in Cumberland County, is known for its nightlife scene. Sports pubs, cocktail lounges, and bars with food, live music, and dancing are found throughout the area. Many of the bars and dives are located near The Cole Apartments in the heart of Fayetteville. 

The Waiting Room 

Attached to the upscale, southern comfort restaurant Circa 1800, The Waiting Room is one of Fayetteville's trendiest cocktail bars. Decked out with unique decor, black and white-striped walls, and cozy seating, The Waiting Room is the perfect place to enjoy a creatively refined drink with friends and loved ones. Choose from cocktails like the "Amore Mio" made with dark rum and amaretto, the "De Sangre Caliente" mixed with tequila, blood orange, and lime, or the impressive martini flight featuring a chocolate, pomegranate rose, and espresso martini. The Waiting Room also serves light bites to go along with your drink such as calamari, oysters, and a delectable bananas foster. The Waiting Room is one of downtown Fayetteville's true hidden gems.
A group of people are toasting with drinks in a bar.

Paddy's Irish Pub 

Located at 2606 Raeford Road, Paddy's Irish Pub is a local tradition, well-known for craft beers. Paddy’s has live comedy shows on Thursday evenings. Pub grub includes burgers, pizza, fish and chips, along with a variety of beers and beverages, including Irish Piss, their signature beer. Events include trivia nights, line dancing, and dance lessons. Enjoy special Paddy's House Parties with music from various DJs. Paddy's is open Wednesday through Saturday from 6:00 pm until 2:00 am. 

The Church Entertainment Lounge is part of Paddy's. This section of the pub has craft cocktails and food, along with dartboards and pool tables. There is a multi-functional event space for private party rentals on Sundays through Wednesdays from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am. Saturday's rental space is open from 12:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Guests of an event booked on Saturdays do not pay a cover charge. 


District House of Taps 

This is the place for beer lovers at 1240 Fort Bragg Road in the historic Hilltop House. This is a taproom with a wall of 40 self-pour taps. The rotating taps include the best local craft beers, wine, cider, sours, and craft cocktails. Guests can sample a variety of red and white wines as well as beers. The friendly staff is always willing to make suggestions based on each person's preferences. The menu offers local specialties, including the fried green tomato stack with cheese and balsamic glaze. Other specialties include Flatbread Pizza, Garlic Cheese Curds, Cajun Chicken Egg Rolls, and Reuben Egg Rolls. The District House of Taps is open Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm; Friday from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am, Saturday from noon to 12:00 am, and Sunday from noon to 8:00 pm. The District House of Taps has versatile private rooms designed to accommodate a wide range of group sizes for various events. 

Two glasses of iced tea with mint leaves on top.

Charlie Mike's Pub 

Charlie Mike's Pub is located at 195 Starpoint Drive. This pub is a casual bar and grill offering Thai food and live music on Saturdays. It is considered one of the best dive bars in Fayetteville!  Charlie Mike's offers a Ladies’ Night on Wednesday with half-price appetizers and espresso martinis. The special Kids’ Karaoke is offered on Sundays from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm. There is also a kids' lunch menu and $5 mimosas for adults. Pool tables are free on Sundays. The pub also features a trivia night and outdoor seating. Take-out is available. This pub encourages local musicians to perform on Saturday evenings.  Charlie Mike's is open daily from 11:00 am until 11:00 pm.


A group of people are standing together holding drinks.

The Cole Apartments 

The Cole Apartments in Fayetteville are located in the Westover neighborhood near Fort Bragg. They feature floor plans with six European-inspired designs. The one, two, and three-bedroom apartments include open concept kitchen layouts with energy-efficient appliances. Floors have plush carpeting and a hardwood finish. Large walk-in closets are also included in bedrooms.  

Amenities include a saltwater swimming pool, a professional fitness center, and an outdoor sports pavilion. Pets are welcome with an enclosed dog park as part of this apartment community. The location offers easy access to shopping, dining, and nightlife in Fayetteville.