Review: Humbug

In May 2023, Humbug opened their brick-and-mortar cocktail bar in Villa Heights after gaining popularity in their temporary location. Described by owners as "always delicious, never pretentious," Humbug fulfills their slogan in an expertly-crafted manner.

The Menu

The menu at Humbug is ever-changing to make room for more original creations. Their take on an espresso martini comes with salted coconut cold foam, which is unique and delicious. My personal favorite is a selection from one of their old menus made with Japanese gin, matcha, mango and coconut milk. Not only are the selections unique, but their names are also fun. From "that goddamned espresso martini" to "birds aren't real" and "no mango for you!" You'll spend a while deciding which creatively-dubbed cocktail to get. Food selections are limited to little bites like olives, pretzels and nuts, but hey — it's a cocktail bar.

The Experience

At Humbug, the ambiance is intimate and cozy without being stuffy. The lighting is moody, and candles light the booths and tables against the wall. The space is a bit small, so I wouldn't take a large group (anything more than 5 or 6 people) there often, but they did just add extra seating that might make it easier.

The Value

I tend to scrutinize places with $12 cocktails that consist basic ingredients - stuff you could easily make at home for $4 (think screwdrivers, for example). Even at $14 per drink, Humbug is far from falling into this category. Every concoction has unique ingredients and combinations that I doubt I could have come up with. I can confidently say that although a night out at Humbug is not a cheap excursion, it is well worth the money you spend for the creativity and care they put into every delicious cocktail.

Overall

I give Humbug a 9/10. As far as cocktail bars go, I can't think of a place in Charlotte I would rate above Humbug. The pride they take in their creations is apparent, and the atmosphere is exactly what you want when ending your night with an espresso martini. Although the food selections and indoor space are limited, Humbug is a can't-miss destination for drinks and ambiance.