I have been anxiously anticipating the opening of Ink N Ivy especially since I work very close to the building and have been watching the construction for a long time now.
Well! My first visit here was for drinks and dinner before the Panthers Thursday night game and arriving at 6:30pm I'm not sure what I expected but the place was extremely packed! Hey the more the merrier ! Until you want a drink from the bar and its Amazing Race challenge to get a drink. I cant blame the place for being packed, it was game night and Ink N Ivy is the newest and hottest spot downtown. The outside bar and patio was great even with the crowd. It is definitely an unofficial networking event after work hours lol. The beer, wine and cocktail menu has a great variety and the prices are pretty much the going rate as far as I can recall.
The inside dining area and bar is very nice! But crowded as well but less crowded than the bar. All of the wait staff was great! I really wish I could remember my waitor's name but he was awesome!
I heard the food was really good and was glad I could eat dinner even in the madness on the patio. We order a lot of appetizers so we could just share with everyone in our large party. The Nachos with pork was great!! They were a big hit with our group and was gone quickly! The Quasadillas with chicken were pretty good but the sauce that comes on the side was really good. I really wish I paid more attention or drank less when I was there lol The Chicken wings are great as well!! They were a big hit for our group.
Overall this is a great spot for game day, after hours or the even a dinner date before the crowd gets there. There was a DJ playing inside, I'm not sure if this is an every night thing but it was a nice touch and he wasn't overpowering with his music. Cant wait to come back for another Panthers pregame or even dinner to try more of the menu. I heard the oysters are awesome!!