At the corner of E Matthews & N Trade sits Kristophers, yet another in Matthews' decent lineup of sports bars. Other than a nice outdoor area plus TVs lining every interior surface, nothing's worth writing home about. However -- and this is an important however -- a couple of Kristophers' strengths are (1) its waitstaff demonstrating consistently friendly, knowledgeable service and (2) its neighborhood clientele crafting one of the most Cheers-esque bar atmospheres this side of Charlotte. Great times are guaranteed here.
My personal experience places Kristophers far atop any of downtown Matthews' other sports bars, namely Beantown. The overall property feels not only livelier than most but considerably friendlier... you'd be hard-pressed to witness a fellow patron not being welcomed warmly. And though the vibes at either Carolina Beer Temple or Black Chicken Wine Cellar (both but a few steps away) are more to my liking, their accommodations pale in comparison to Kristophers.
Rating specifics (i.e. 1-5, low-high)...
- Overall recommendation = 4.25
- Food taste and quality = 4 (typical fare, yet executed better than Beantown)
- Portion size = 4.25
- Price = 4.5
- Atmosphere = 4.5 (at first glance, it might seem semi-dated to some...)
- General service = 4
- Waitstaff = 3.5
- Location = 4.75 (lots of private parking!)