Twenty-Two is a very cute little spot. Its located on the corner of Central & Pecan so there is a ton of parking next door where the CVS is located.
The gallery is adorable and always has interesting art. The furniture is very minimal so if you come with friends you need to grab a seat fast!
This is my second time here and the service was great both times.
Unfortunately on my last visit on 4/20/13 I realized that the wine I paid $22 for was being sold around the corner at the Common Market for $9.99. We had our bottle at Twenty Two and decided to go over to the market after we finished. My friend opened up their refrigerator and said wow check this out. Same bottle but not the 50% markup.
Twenty Two is a real nice place and I dont think $22 is to much for wine but, at least give me a bottle of wine that is worth the price. I understand they may have to markup prices to pay rent and make a profit but $12. Hmmmm. Interesting.
We head to twenty-two every time we do the plaza midwood pub crawl. Â Love the wine flights and ever changing beer selection, but its the constantly rotating artwork from local artists that keeps us coming back to see what's new.
Very cool that a bar can change its menu and atmosphere so often and keep people coming back. Â Not sure of any other place like twenty-two in the QC.
I enjoy stopping in here every once in a while when I'm in the Central area. They only serve beer and wine which is perfectly fine for what they are (a art bar) and their selection is always decent on both accounts. The inside can get a little noisy since they only have the concrete floors but it isn't something you notice too much. Also, there isn't a lot of seating or milling around area so this is more of a "4-6 people in our group" max type place. Some of the art exhibits they have from local artists are awesome. The one that always really impresses me is the annual one using Skate Boards as the canvas. The only bad thing I would say about this place is the staff is always like "whatdoya want?" in a none to friendly manner. Guess the pretentious nature just comes with the territory
Review Source:Such a great place to grab a few drinks either before or after dinner in Plaza Midwood. Â It is a beer/wine only bar, so don't expect to see any liquor. Â I ALWAYS come down and grab a beer that I've never tasted before, if I'm waiting for a table upstairs at Soul (When is there NOT a wait for Soul?). Â Something new is always on tap and you can try anything before you get a full glass. Â They keep it fresh and that's the thing I love about it. Â The bartenders are always cool too, great with recommendations and good conversation from my experiences. Â They've even let me put my own iPod on the sound system when it was a slower night. Â The walls are covered with local art, usually from the Carolinas from what I've seen. Â They change it up about every month or two and it's all based around some sort of theme. Â From the outside it looks very upscale, but it's really laid back and chill once you get inside. Â I try to make it up here at least twice a month for a little art, booze, and shmooze.
Review Source:Very neat place. This is a second art gallery/bar I have been to. I came here for a going away party for a friend that I haven't seen for 6 years! So this place in my mind will be a special place to start off. Anyways, down to the details shall we?
When you walk in you'll notice the very unique lighting and how everything is nicely lit and the paintings and artwork on the wall is clearly displayed. Next, the bar (or you'll notice the bar first without noticing anything else...) is lighted with LEDs at least part of the bar, which I thought was really cool. They have about 12 beers on tap when I went there tonight and they range from either pint or 11 oz glasses depending on the beer and the alcohol content (which me sad I wish they could give me high alcohol in a pint!). Another notable thing to me was that their bathroom sinks were awesome! Very unique i must say.
So why give them a 3? I felt that the music taste was just not there. If they had something more of a blues music something a little more quiet then definitely, 4 stars...maybe even a 5. But, due to the event on why I was even there was to talk to other people, the music made it very difficult to listen to each other and hear what everyone was saying. The music selection there is rock/pop, which was pretty loud.
Overall though, this isn't really my scene so I can't really say that I would come back and drink. If I were to drink, I would might as well go to the Common Market down the street. I do have to hand it to them the artwork was pretty neat.
Super Cool Gallery/Bar... Art /Booze/Schmooze as they say! Â Does this place make Art look better or do they only choose great Art to suit the space? Â Maybe Both! !! !!! Â
This is a GREAT Looking spot! Â At night you get a preview before entering because the glass front and part of one side is Huge Modern Display Storefront! Â During the day the black curtains add mystique and amplify natural curiosity! Â One of the coolest Galleries in Charlotte and as my friends who say "I'll met you in the Bar" will only be a few chairs from those of us who are: "just here for the Art"! Â This Gallery offers one of the most diverse ranges of styles and Artists I have noticed. Â It seems each exhibit is remarkably different than the previous.
I really, really, really dig this spot! Â Not to mention it sits below one of my favorite restaurants, Soul Gastrolounge.
The concept is what is near & dear to my heart. Â Art gallery + bar + trendy / hip, sure!
Not being a huge drinker, I've only sipped on wine here one time, but my boyfriend is a huge fan of the Lambic line of beer & they always have it there.
I go for the art shows! Â Painting to photography to chalkboard cut out figures to skateboard decks...something for everyone's art tastes! Â Several of my friends have entered works / pieces into these showings, so it's great to come out & support them in this space. Â The lighting too....oh I love it!
The place is kinda small, so be mindful you may or may not have room to move, but hey...if you're into bars you should be used to that. ; )
Art gallery/bar. Â Cool concept for sure. Â The interiors are stunning and very trendy but at the same time....kind of cold. Â Lots of grays and stone give it a cold feeling in my opinion but that's what the owners are going for I believe. Â The leather chair seating is great though and very comfortable. Â Place was crowded the night I was there so seating was limited. Â I'm not much of an arts/museum guy but I do like to look. Â They change out the art often and so every time you visit you will likely have something new to take a look at.
PS. Â Acoustics here aren't the greatest, with the cold stone/concrete decor, sound just bounces off everything with nothing to absorb it.
Super chic place - it looks like they cycle artwork in and out so it makes you feel like you are in a showing! I love the beer-snobbiness of the place. The only criticism I have is that it is SOOOO LOUD! The tiny room echoes and it is hard to hear your friends that are two feet from you, the acoustics will wear you out. Those are just on the busy nights though I guess. Will I be back? Eh...maybe a pop-in to check out the art if I am in the area and it doesn't look to crowded.
Review Source:Art. Â Booze. Â Music. Â Schmooze. Â Throw family in there and that would be my top five list of things that make my world go round.
With a rotation of local and regional art once a month, you always have at least ONE reason to go back. Â The shows are always well presented with good lighting. Â And it is nice to see reasonably priced works in a place that embraces local talent.
The wine and beer lists are impressive and ever evolving. Â That being the case, I usually find the staff well educated on what they are currently offering.
Attention to detail was not lost on these guys when they put this place together. Â I even like the lavatory facilities. Â The music is never too loud that you cannot hear the people you came with and the seating is comfortably put into conversation areas.
The crowd can vary with the proximity of, almost polar opposite, Soul and Snug. Â But that is the Wood is. Â Ecclecticly delicious.
This is my go to spot when I want to get out of NoDa and enjoy a nice quiet evening with some good company.
They have Old Rasputin on tap! For my fellow dark beer lovers you must try this, it's soo much better on tap than from the bottle. They also have plenty of other great beer on tap.
I like to stop in here for one or two drinks before going to Common Market. I love to see all the artwork and just chill out. The bartenders are pretty nice folk.
Other than the art and awesome drinks, it's really not my kind of place. I seem to be more comfortable being unknown here, at least by other patrons. The bartenders know my drink when I'm there however.
Bottom line, if you like art and good booze, GO! It's quite ace.
Art gallery meets wine bar? How have I lived here for three years without hearing about it? I need cooler friends.
Even though this month's art wasn't my thing (matter-of-fact genitalia is so 90s) I love the bar's concept. It elevates itself above your run-of-the-mill drinking establishment, but manages not to be snobby about it. But is also avoids the classic art gallery mistake of being so hoity toity that you just wanna punch its powdered wig. There are a few "don't touch the art" signs, yet the space exposes the work much more generously than a stuffy gallery might. That takes the edge off what might otherwise be a pretty douche-y setup.
I'll be back, for sure.
I went into this reluctant. I was unsure of it. It has a little bit of a prententious vibe from the outside. And there is no food. I like food with my booze.
I was wrong (Thank you, Julia).
What sold me? The beer and wine is impressive. That is enough to get me. The environment wasn't stuck up. The art was an excellent topic of conversation. The music was good. This is solid and a nice addition to Plaza Midwood.
This is a wine bar/art gallery with a very laid back feel. Â The decor is very contemporary and includes original artwork covering the walls. Â There is stool seating right at the bar or you can elect to sit at a table for a more private experience. Â The bartenders are very down to earth and are more than happy to help you pick a bottle of wine or a beer you will enjoy. Â In fact, they will usually offer you a small sample before you commit to the full deal. Â So don't worrying about getting cold feet ;)
Thursdays take advantage of 1/2 price bottles!!
I resisted Twenty-Two for a long time because I felt like it wasn't the kind of place where I belonged, but as it turns out, they didn't feel the same way.
I'm your second-hand jeans, wear it cause its comfy, drinking craft beer on a budget kind of gal and from the outside Twenty-Two looked, straight up, too posh for me. But after some goading from Julia S. I sucked it up and gave them a try. Now I look forward to making it a regular staple. They have a wonderful beer selection, both on tap and in bottles (expect to pay about $6 a beer, which isn't terrible). The art is well displayed and interesting. The chairs are comfortable and the atmosphere is conducive to having a long conversation in the way a bar generally may not be.
Oh, and the bathrooms are fabulous. You know, just so you know.
This place seemed to have a bit of a slow start, but now it is one of my absolute favorites. Â The place lacks pretention without losing out on style and there is always a mixed crowd. Â The bartenders are awesome and some of my favorite people. Â You'll also find one of the best beer selections in Charlotte...although the sparkling shiraz is more my style ;)
Review Source:How have I missed this place? Â The last time I was paying attention it was some sort of clothing boutique. Â Like so many other places I've been to in Charlotte, my maiden voyage here was for the beer. Â And what beer it was! Â There are not an outrageous number of taps (something like 8 or 9, but who's counting?), but each beer that the owner had chosen was solid. Â
I dug the atmosphere here. Â Some other reviewers have stated that they lighting is somewhat harsh, but it did not seem that way to me. Â The local art on display is nice and gives people something to look at and discuss, but the amount of art is not so overwhelming that it dominates the space. Â Twenty-Two is definitely a great place to mingle with friends and I'll be mingling again.
With a phrase like "Art Booze Music Schmooze" how can you refuse?
Twenty-Two is a clean, quiet art gallery with alcohol. They update the art once a month and at the beginning of the month there is more of a Gallery Show feeling to the place.
Some of the customers are a little too hip for my taste, but overall the array of diverse people is refreshing.
I'm a sucker for environment over the drink choices and Twenty-Two is very different from most pubs/bars/lounges (in a good way). The clean, white gallery room with clean, white light accentuates the artwork and the comfy arm chairs are a nice touch.
Twenty-Two is definitely different. I'd highly recommend checking it out at least once.
Twenty-two is a nice concept. Â It is a art gallery and bar. Â At the beginning of the month there is a new art installation and pieces are available for purchase. Â The great thing is that they are from local artists and relatively affordable. Â The environs are clean and trendy and the crowd is an eclectic mix - lots of hip and artsy people of all ages, but definitely young. Â Most of the drinks were pricey, but they still offer items for the value consumers: PBR and Miller High Life "Ponies" which were pretty popular at $1. Â A great spot to stop for a drink and enjoy some art.
Review Source:I have to say that I am so conflicted about Twenty-Two. Â I love the concept of local art, wine, beer, sake etc, and music in an atmosphere where you can relax and talk. Â The lighting throughout the space could be softer as some reviewers have already stated.
As others have also stated, what I have trouble with is the vibe I get from the owner. Â On more than one occasion, she has made me feel and many of my friends feel, that she was running the place for herself and we didn't belong there, not only that but we should leave. Â It's not that she said anything in particular, but her attitude is consistently disconnected and aloof. This is a total shame because it makes me debate about returning. Â Despite these experiences I have been there about 6 times. Â The remaining staff has been friendly and helpful with positive attitudes.
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I know not everyone can be talkative and excited about art and wine all the time, but if you are the proprietor of a place like Twenty-two wouldn't you want talk up your business when an enthusiastic client walks through your doors?
A superb selection of beers and wines, albeit a bit over priced, but that's I can handle if the selection is unique. The artworks featured are higher quality with each exhibition, which is great. Twenty Two is somehow escaping the vapid, 'crafty local' art scene that dominates NODA. Kudos to them.
My only complaint echoes Larry S. -the staff is pretty smug, not helpful and generally look annoyed that you're there.
Been here a few times now and have enjoyed myself each time. They rotate art out monthly and this time around was skateboard deck art from local artists. Even bought one! Very affordable place to purchase localy made art for your place. Don't forget they have cold drinks and hot ones, too. You can pair your drinks with a baked good as well. Check it out.
Review Source:Bumping it to 5, ya'll, for these reasons:
Ever-rotating tap beer selection to keep their ale from getting stale
Consistently beautifully hung, well lit shows, with a minimum of high school outtakes
Sake selection continues to edify me
Comfy chairs
Uh
Who cares. I come here a lot, feel really comfortable but also like I'm treating myself, see many a work that reminds me to make more money so I can actually collect art instead of stare at it, and enjoy interacting with everyone that works here, whether they're a pal o mine or not. Best Gallery in Charlotte? For all o me, seems to be.
The fine art of comics installation is up until June, it is well worth making a visit to check it out. Â There are many things I like about Twenty Two, first of all the wine and beer list is hand selected, you can tell by their choices that if they like it, they buy it. Â They also have a small menu of sake, their sake selection is better than most Japanese restaurants. Â Totally off topic, you should try some of the fancy sakes, much fun. Â
The space itself is beautiful, it is the perfect balance of natural and modern. A great neighborhood addition.
Was strolling through midwood and had never noticed this place!
The word awesome comes to mind and then I wish I would have come up with the idea. I frequent the NODA galleries which are all great art venues, but now I can get a glass of red without having to drink out of a small plastic cup!
Walked in today and there was just one person there, the owner, she was cool and let me sample some wines and told me about the new show they just put up. Very cool, all about comics, for the rest of you geeks who are into it, it's pretty rad. She also said they were having a huge party saturday and that alot of the artists would be there.
Great find!
All the pros and one big con:
PRO'S: great location/great interior concept/KILLER beer & wine selection/bar area is really unique/bathrooms are unlike any i've ever seen/litting sitting areas are cool/artwork is always eclectic and unusual/SOUL is upstairs if u get hungry.
CON'S: Unfortunately the owner. Don't know her all that well, but the little contact I've had w/her she comes off as abrasive (and from talking to Plaza folks who know/have known her, this is how she is a lotta the times). Asked her a question one time & got an answer that reeked of "what kinda dumbass asks a ? like that?". Her attitude would work in a place like the Bird or the old Fat City, but not in a "swanky" place like this......
As an artist (fine art photographer) and having recently moved to Charlotte, I'm looking for places to hang my art work for a few shows.....and to have a gallery where I can both look at art AND drink a cold beer is the best of both worlds for me!
I'd seen Gallery Twenty-Two, but it seems I came by a few times when they were closed (Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday). Â But last night I just happened to head on over to Plaza Midwood and check them out on a Saturday night at midnight. Â The crowd was low, but the place had a feel of more of a coffee house than a bar.
The gallery space is large and the lighting bright....a bit too bright. Â I realize you have to show the work, but I think if they had thought it out a bit better, they should have painted the ceiling black and the columns in the middle black. Â Add in tubed lighting to have very focused beams would have toned down the glare from the white walls....or perhaps they lower the lighting on non-gallery opening receptions nights.....but I'm really getting off track.....can you tell the brightness REALLY got to me.
The bar staff was good and bad...the guy behind the bar was a little engaged and the woman was a little  disconnected.  The lack of engaging bartenders was made up with the excellent beer selection....though I didn't have wine, the selection appeared to be even better!
Décor is very modern...just the way I like it and don't worry about falling off the bar stools or tipping over...they are built like tanks...and weigh close to them as well.
This hybrid bar/gallery does an Opening for a new/different artist every month on the first Friday, excluding holidays. Â This year is totally booked, so don't worry about showing up with nothing to view. Â In addition, there is a comic book convention in July in which the gallery is timing art work in the same vein.
All and all a great change to the Blackfinn's of the world with oak and brass and just plain boring surroundings. Â They say life is art....and after seeing Gallery Twenty-Two....bars can be art too.
This is a fantastic addition to Plaza Midwood, and evens out a scale that would otherwise be leaning toward buffoonery with the recent addition of "Whiskey Warehouse."
Although the front two thirds of 22 is a bit brightly lit and austere, the bar itself, toward the rear of the space, is more darkly appointed and has the feel of a little nook. Â The bar stools are very cool. Â They look like the stonehenge monuments, and they're just about as hard to move. Â
The place serves double duty as a bar and art gallery, and when we went, a lot of the art was very interesting. Â It's probably a good place to meet on a first date, as the art will give you something to talk about. Â Behind the bar, you'll find a very decent beer/wine/sake selection that ranges from the ubiquitous PBR cans to high-end wines by the bottle (too rich for this guy).
Haven't spent much time here yet, but enjoyed my first visit and will be back.