Whenever my wife and I feel like doing something lounge-esque but don't feel like dealing with the douchebaggery (from both men and women) that passes for the norm at bars and clubs on Tryon Street, we'll venture to Soul Gastrolounge for good food, stiff cocktails, and some well-chosen chillout music.
Soul Gastrolounge, thankfully, is devoid of the bling-ridden, obnoxious pretension that soulless dead ends like Cosmos Cafe is so guilty of. Here, you'll find a mix of urban professionals, hipsters, regular joes, all walks, so to speak. You won't be made to feel out of place here. The staff, from the hostess to the waitstaff, are very friendly; the waiter who served us the last time around offered a few suggestions that were first-rate, and he did so with cheerful aplomb. Did I just use the word "aplomb?" Of course, expect crowds on a Friday or Saturday night, but if you time it just right, you can get a table right after 9pm or so, when patrons fool enough to go hit the bars and clubs on Tryon vacate their tables. Suckas.
I love the vibe here. Dimly lit, but not dark, the music loud enough but not deafening, and, yeah, it's crowded on Friday and Saturday nights, but you never get the feel that you've got someone brushing up against you. Unless you like having someone brush up against you. Whatever works, son.
The food itself is the attraction for me. Soul Gastrolounge takes its culinary cue from the classic tapas bar set-up; you're hungry, but you don't want a big meal, you want something you and your party can pick on and share together. There's definitely much on the menu in terms of appetizers and tapas to choose from. The sushi is also quite spectacular, surprising for a non-sushi restaurant.
I particularly enjoy eating and drinking on the balcony. At night, you're blessed with an uncluttered view of uptown Charlotte. The balcony's a bit crowded, since it's quite narrow, but the view's pretty nice, plus, if you're lucky, you'll get to see the freight train come across the heart of Central Avenue.
Honestly, I'd eat at Soul Gastrolounge any time, even when we're not feeling lounge-y. This is one of my favorite places to eat in town.