Restaurant
Unclaimed profileThe Workman’s Friend
Charlotte, NC · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Workman's Friend pairs an Irish-pub soul with a cocktail list that doesn't follow the script. The menu runs from a Jameson-based namesake to a THC-infused Midwood Maith, with a house lager brewed in North Carolina and a draft lineup leaning heavily on local IPAs. The wine list is compact but spans continents, and non-alcoholic options include Heineken 0.0 and Guinness 0.
- What should I order?
- Start with the namesake The Workman's Friend (Jameson, vanilla bean, ginger root cane syrup, fresh orange) or the Black Manhattan (Traveller Whiskey, Amaro Averna). For something different, try the Midwood Maith, a THC-infused cocktail with blackberry syrup and lemon. Beer drinkers should not miss the house Workman's Friend Lager.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who like a cocktail list with personality and a side of Irish tradition. The THC-infused option and the breadth of local North Carolina beers will appeal to adventurous types, while the Irish coffee and hot toddy section suits those who prefer a warm, whiskey-based pour.
- When should I go?
- Anytime the weather calls for a hot whiskey drink—the Nose Warmers section (Irish Coffee, Hot Toddy) suggests a cold-weather visit. The draft list's mix of Irish staples and local IPAs makes it a solid stop for an after-work pint.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Pricing is not listed on the drink menu, so expect typical bar prices. The lack of price transparency is a minor drawback, but the range of options suggests a mid-range spend.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The Workman's Friend stands out for its THC-infused cocktail, the Midwood Maith, and its house lager brewed in North Carolina. The drink menu leans into Irish heritage with Guinness, Smithwicks, and a dedicated hot whiskey section, while also supporting local breweries like Birdsong, Noda, and Wicked Weed.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
A creative cocktail list with a mix of originals and classics, featuring a THC-infused option and a Nose Warmers section for hot whiskey drinks. Uses a wide range of spirits, from Jameson to mezcal.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse cocktail list with creative ingredients and a mix of classic and original drinks.
- — Includes a THC-infused cocktail option, catering to alternative preferences.
- — Provides hot whiskey-based drinks (Irish Coffee, Hot Toddy) for cold weather.
Standout selections
- — The Workman's Friend: Jameson Irish Whiskey, vanilla bean, ginger root cane syrup, fresh orange.
- — Midwood Maith: THC-infused with Nowadays 5mg, blackberry syrup, lemon juice, and soda.
- — Black Manhattan: Traveller Whiskey, Amaro Averna, Angostura bitters, orange bitters, cherry.
Pricing: No pricing information available.
Wine
A compact wine list with 10 selections spanning Portugal, New Zealand, Italy, Chile, Spain, Oregon, California, and Argentina. Includes both still and sparkling options, though depth is limited.
Menu strengths
- — Wine selection includes a variety of regions and styles, offering choices for different preferences.
- — Includes both still and sparkling wines, covering a range of occasions.
Standout selections
- — Herdade de Sao Miguel Rose from Alentejo, Portugal.
- — The Ned Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand.
- — Domaine Bousquet Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina.
Pricing: No pricing information available.
Beer
An extensive draft list with 18 options, focusing on Irish beers and local North Carolina breweries. Includes a house lager, a variety of styles, and non-alcoholic beer options.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive draft list with 18 options, including many local North Carolina breweries.
- — Includes a variety of styles: stouts, ales, lagers, IPAs, ciders, and pilsners.
- — Offers non-alcoholic beer options (Heineken 0.0, Guinness 0) and hard seltzers.
Standout selections
- — Guinness Stout from Ireland, 4.2% ABV.
- — Birdsong Higher Ground IPA from NC, 7% ABV.
- — The Workman's Friend Lager, a house beer brewed in NC, 4.4% ABV.
Pricing: No pricing information available.
Nonalcoholic
Non-alcoholic options include Heineken 0.0, Guinness 0, Topo Chico, Liquid Death, and Resident Culture NARC NA. Coffee and tea are also available, with a house blend from Giddy Goat Roasters.
Menu strengths
- — Provides a variety of non-alcoholic beverages including beer, sparkling water, and canned water.
- — Includes coffee and tea options, expanding non-alcoholic choices.
Standout selections
- — Heineken 0.0 and Guinness 0 for non-alcoholic beer choices.
- — Giddy Goat Roasters' The Workman's Friend Blend coffee.
Pricing: No pricing information available.
Spirits
A well-stocked bar with a focus on Irish whiskey, bourbon, tequila, mezcal, gin, and vodka. No standalone spirits list, but the cocktail menu reveals a wide range of brands.
Menu strengths
- — Wide variety of spirits used in cocktails, indicating a well-stocked bar.
- — Includes both well-known and craft spirits, catering to different tastes.
Standout selections
- — Jameson Irish Whiskey and Roe & Co Irish Whiskey for Irish whiskey fans.
- — Buffalo Trace and 1792 Bourbon for bourbon drinkers.
- — Sombra Mezcal and Hornitos Blanco tequila for agave spirits.
Pricing: No pricing information available.
How it sits with the food
The drink menu's Irish lean suggests pairings with hearty pub fare. The house lager's crisp profile would complement fried foods, while the Black Manhattan's amaro bitterness could stand up to richer dishes. The wine list's international picks offer flexibility for lighter or heavier plates.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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