Q: What are your best unpretentious dive bars?
Tom: The gentrification of Charlotte’s more avante-garde neighborhoods is making true dive bars harder to find, but thankfully there are some still keeping the faith. Tommy’s Pub had to move out of its original Central Avenue location a few years ago, but its current Eastway spot maintains all its divy ambiance and traditions. It’s also where you’ll find many of Charlotte’s top mixologists unwinding after hours. Thirsty Beaver on Central Avenue gained national acclaim by giving condo developers the middle finger by refusing to sell — forcing the building to be built around them. Great place for a pickleback, and Hee Haw runs continually on the television. It’s also where Mick Jagger staged a photo op in 2021. Smokey Joe’s Cafe on Monroe is laid back and dark with a loyal clientele — plus carries some high-end bottles where you can enjoy a premium shot at dive bar prices. If you are up for a “dive and nosh,” check out Tipsy Burro on Monroe, Steamers off Albemarle Road, and Old Pineville Premium Pub in LoSo.

Q: Any chance y’all are going to offer the Old Fashioned sampler kits again this year? My husband still talks about it from a couple of years ago!
Kristen:  We should have them by early next year. We’re getting them bottled to be shelf-stable, which requires much more work and processes. We’ve gotten our recipes approved and are hoping to schedule production soon. Stay tuned!

Q: Where is the best place to buy short ribs? To cook at home, not at a restaurant.
Tom: Head to your local farmers market. It will be harder after this weekend since many will be closing out their seasons Saturday. A number of beef vendors can hook you up with quality locally-raised beef short ribs no problem, including Windy Hill Farm (South End, University City, and Regional), Rocky River Farm (Cotswold, at their farm in Monroe, and online), Edgerton Farm (North End, Cotswold), Parker Farms Cattle & Co. (Uptown, Regional), Underwood Family Farms (Regional), Allen Family Farm (Uptown, Matthews), and Flynns Farm (Regional) — to name a few.