Usually I'm of the opinion that there are far too many Irish pubs around. It seems everyone who decides to open a bar can't come up with anything more creative than Irish pub or sports bar as a theme. But I'm willing to make an exception for the Belfast Mill, if for no other reason than they opted to represent Northern Ireland for a change...if only in name. It will be interesting to see how the presumably republican bars on 5th and Tryon react.* Cue U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday".
After a few trips here I'm wondering how this place stays open (perhaps some help from Big Ben in South End). Every time I've gone my friends and I have been the only people there. I'm not necessarily saying that's a bad thing. If I go out with friends I'm primarily there to talk with them. Meeting new people is welcomed but not necessary for a good time. That being said, the bartender is really nice and a pleasure to talk to; and of course, we never had to wait long for a drink as there was never any competition for his attention.
I haven't tried the food here yet so I'll have to reserve judgement. But the bar has a sufficient amount of Irish charm and the drinks are done well. Hopefully this is representative of how the food is done too.
So go here. Have a casual meal and maybe stay for a couple drinks. Just don't be a dick and order an Irish Car Bomb here! Not cool.
*Disclaimer: Any reference to "The Troubles" is purely for (admittedly dark) comedic effect. Obviously, Irish pubs in Charlotte don't take sides in decades old sectarian/political disputes in foreign countries.