At last, I found what I was NOT missing in life... cigarette smoke-laced food at a pub. (They allow smoking at bars still in Charlotte?) Thomas Street Tavern offers your standard pub-grade food: it will fill your tummy, stall or soak up the alcohol and get the job done.
What I enjoy about Thomas Street is that it's unpretentious: what you see is what you get. Pool table, back patio, plenty of seating, decently priced beers and adequate service. TVs that are just perfect for moving your eyes towards when your conversation lulls or when that hot guy you've been checking out catches you staring at him (just pretend you're looking past him, right? Hehe.)
Verdict: not a bad neighborhood pub, if your expectations are for a neighborhood pub.