New Retro Bar Opening in Uptown Charlotte

A two-story club with throwback flair opens Friday at 200 North Tryon St. The spot brings fresh energy to Uptown Charlotte's night scene.

Mike Palladino has transformed the former SIP Bar & Cellar into a music-filled space. When guests step in on Aug. 15, they'll find two distinct dance areas pumping out hits spanning three decades.

Upstairs catches the eye with a glittering disco ball and music videos on screens. Below, the Retro Cellar sets a different mood: dark walls shine with moving pictures of music stars from past eras.

Behind the bar, mixologists shake up time-tested drinks plus six special mixes priced $16-$20. The spot sits steps away from Blumenthal shows, aiming to pull in theater crowds.

For Palladino, this marks a fresh start after running SIP at this address for 13 years. His track record includes Must Be Nice in South End, plus years of Charlotte event planning.

The club steps in where The Roxbury left off. That spot shut down in 2023, taking with it Uptown's main source of retro tunes.

First drinks pour this Friday at 8 p.m. Doors stay open until 2 a.m. Saturday starts earlier at 5 p.m. Sunday runs noon to 2 a.m., welcoming Pride parade crowds looking to keep the party going.

Mark your calendars: the big launch happens Aug. 22. Find it at 200 North Tryon St., right where Sunday's Pride parade marches past.