Best Bars For Cornhole In Charlotte

What started as a way for tailgaters to kill time before the big game has become one of the most popular activities on the bar scene. Patios across the Charlotte region feature cornhole boards where would-be "cornstars" can perfect their aim. A variation on the traditional bean bag toss, cornhole has developed its own culture and vocabulary. A bag that lands on the board is a "cow pie" or "ace" and worth one point, while a cornhole or "drano" counts for three. There are even "cornaments" with cash prizes, including the Carolinas Cornhole Tour offering a $5K grand prize. Here's a list of the top places in Charlotte to toss a "gusher." For additional options, see our related story, Best Bars With Drinking Games In Charlotte.
10 Park Lanes
1700 Montford Drive
Charlotte, NC 28209
(704) 523-7633
www.rollten.com

This family-friendly spot on Montford Drive is a great place for kids to enjoy a game of cornhole on the big patio that wraps around Park Lanes, a landmark for fun in the Park Road neighborhood for generations. There are other games as well, including ping pong and bocce ball in the Garden and Game area, available for free play. Meanwhile, adults who don't want to toss the bag can enjoy a drink made of moonshine or watch sports on the big-screen TVs. And on days when the weather is too hot or too wet, nothing beats a few frames of bowling for family fun.

Related: Best Bowling Alleys For A Night Out In Charlotte

Connolly's On Fifth
115 E. 5th St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 358-9070
www.connollysirishpub.com

Set in the very heart of the Center City, you wouldn't expect this Irish pub to have much in the way of cornhole action. But you'd be wrong. Connolly's boasts one of the largest patios in the uptown area. You can enjoy a game of cornhole here and never miss a minute of the soccer and rugby matches showing on the big screen. There's a ping pong table as well, plus great up-close views of the city skyline.

The Philosophers Stone Tavern
1958 E. 7th St.
Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 350-1331
www.philosophersstonetavern.com

The Philosophers Stone sits at the corner where Pecan, Caswell and 7th Street meet in the heart of the Elizabeth neighborhood. The shady patio at the P-Stone is a great place to play a game or two of cornhole or ping pong. Kids and dogs are welcome, and on the weekends, there's music on the outdoor stage as well. The action carries on into the evening, with grown-up games joining the cornhole, plus food served into the late night hours.

Solstice Tavern
3221 N. Davidson St.
Charlotte, NC 28205
(704) 342-2556
www.solsticetavern.com

Solstice Tavern has NoDa's largest patio, and also the most colorful. Bright murals back the outdoor bar while a huge collection of beer signs add interest to the high wooden fence that ensures patrons' privacy. The cornhole boards tucked into a shady corner is the site of frequent games and even play-for-cash "cornaments." Check for daily food and drink specials to fuel your game.

VBGB Beer Hall & Garden/Restaurant
920 Hamilton St.
Charlotte, NC 28206
(704) 333-4111
www.vbgbuptown.com

The "garden" mentioned in this spot's name turns out to be one of the most enormous patios in Charlotte, tented and heated in the winter and packed full of fun all year. Located in the NC Music Factory, VBGB specializes in craft beers with a German-style menu of brats, pretzels, burgers and beer cheese to go with, but its real claim to fame is the rowdy good time had by all out back on the dog- and kid-friendly patio. Numerous cornhole boards keep local cornstars aiming for that swish, but there are other games as well, including Giant Jenga, beer pong and a huge chess set, plus trivia, live bands and other fun activities. Sand volleyball competition is ongoing all summer at the courts set up in the adjacent lot. When the sun goes down, the huge JFG Coffee neon sign, long a Charlotte icon, lights the party scene.

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With 15 years of experience covering restaurants in Charlotte and the Carolinas, and two regional guidebooks under her belt, Renee Wright examines the dining scene with enthusiasm plus a deep knowledge of food trends and outstanding local eating ops. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.