Runaway Whiskey & Wine

2135 Thrift Rd Suite 104, Charlotte, NC 28208, United States
+1 704-817-8196
$$$ Bar , Cocktail bar , Restaurant , Wine bar
(116 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

Welcome to Runaway Whiskey & Wine, where culinary artistry meets a spirited atmosphere in Charlotte's vibrant Thrift Road district. This exceptional restaurant combines a diverse selection of dishes with an impressive array of cocktails, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike.

The cuisine at Runaway Whiskey & Wine is a delightful fusion that emphasizes shareable small plates and hearty mains, perfect for those looking to indulge in a memorable culinary experience. Start your journey with their Shaved Brussel Salad, a crisp blend of toasted almonds and pomegranate, drizzled with a tangy cider vinaigrette that's refreshing and utterly satisfying. For something cozy, the Corn Crab Fritters served with chipotle aioli offer a delightful crunch paired with a hint of spice, while the Truffle Frites, hand-cut and tossed in truffle oil with a decadent truffle aioli, provide an irresistible accompaniment to any drink.

As your palate explores further, let your taste buds revel in the decadent Duck Confit or the boldly flavored Wagyu Burger & Frites. Each dish is thoughtfully designed to showcase rich, nuanced flavors that linger long after the meal. The Salmon elegantly plated with beet puree and herb oil adds a touch of sophistication and artfulness, making every bite an experience to cherish.

Of course, no visit would be complete without sampling their expertly crafted cocktails. Cheers to LAST NIGHT AT RAY'S—a refreshing blend of Fords Gin, watermelon, and dragon fruit that dances on your palate. Alternatively, explore the tropical notes of THE FIVE FAMILIES, featuring El Jimador Repo and roasted pineapple. Each drink is a testament to the creativity of the mixologists—perfect for unwinding with friends or making a special evening even more unforgettable.

As you settle in, you'll find that the atmosphere at Runaway Whiskey & Wine is as appealing as the menu. The art deco interior invites you to linger, with intimate seating arrangements bathed in warm light, creating a welcoming vibe for date nights or celebratory gatherings. Patrons rave about the beautiful decor, which enhances the overall dining experience—it's a lovely backdrop for the culinary gems that grace the tables.

Recent reviews highlight the restaurant's commitment to excellence, with guests appreciating not only the quality of the food but also the delightful service. Danielle DeVizia recalls her "amazing experience" and was particularly impressed by the well-portioned charcuterie board. Meanwhile, Molly Gray celebrated a romantic evening filled with fantastic cocktails alongside delicious small plates, emphasizing the restaurant's perfect ambiance for special occasions.

Whether you're a local looking to discover a hidden gem or a visitor eager to indulge in Charlotte's thriving dining scene, Runaway Whiskey & Wine promises a remarkable culinary journey. With skilled chefs crafting delightful dishes and talented bartenders mixing exquisite cocktails, this restaurant is truly a runaway hit in the heart of the city.

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Great wine list
Popular for
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Brunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Gender-neutral toilets
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Openings Hours

Monday

05:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

05:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

05:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

05:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

05:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

116 Reviews
Danielle DeVizia

22 Oct 2025

Had an amazing experience on a Monday night with half priced espresso martini flights and our bartender, Patrick. It was our first time here, and we loved the vibe and fun seating. We were so impressed with the quality and amount of meat and cheese in the charcuterie—a rare Charlotte charcuterie board that’s actually worth the price. Most importantly, the 4 espresso martinis we had in our flight were amazing. One of us had a tree nut allergy, so Patrick made two of our espresso martinis without hazelnut. One was a creation of his own—a pineapple agave espresso martini with chocolate shavings—and this might be one of the best if not the best espresso martinis I’ve ever had. Patrick was thoughtful, talented, and made it a great experience for us. Great Charlotte cocktails can be hard to find, and we found it here. We will be back—for Patrick to make us that pineapple agave espresso martini again! Thanks for an incredible experience! —Danielle and Allie

Molly Gray

22 Sep 2025

We came on Valentine's day to celebrate recent nuptials for my friends. Cocktails were fantastic (although took some time to arrive). Food was delicious. Service was great. For 3 of us, with 5 cocktails and 3 small plates, spent about $150. Great for a special occasion. The space is beautiful and intimate. Highly recommend for a special night out.

Emily

08 Sep 2025

It's a really cool spot! It was such a nice place for drinks with friends or a date night. The inside is beautiful art deco, and the food is delicious. The deviled eggs are a must try. The drinks were strong and very tasty, with the Saint Charles being our tables favorite of the evening, it had a nice smokiness to it. The only thing we want to see is maybe a vegetarian dish and a gluten-free option as there were none. Our server, Jameson, was wonderful and attentive! Definitely recommend checking this spot out.

Lex Spencer

05 Sep 2025

Stopped in with my date before our reservation at Restaurant Constance. Free parking lots all around this area. No stress of having to find parking! Jordan was our bartender. She was inviting right from the start! When you walk in the bar is absolutely gorgeous. You can tell someone put thought into the small details. The texture on the walls, seating, lighting, and chandeliers are all incredibly satisfying. We ordered a glass of wine and one of their craft cocktails. I asked for a glass of wine to pair with the tuna tartar and it was a perfect pairing. The cocktail went well with the small plate as well. They make everything in house from the syrups to the garnishes. Jordan took the time to explain all of the drinks she was making and what was inside them. She is incredibly personable, kind, and easy to talk to. All attributes to an incredible bartender. The tuna tartar was balanced, flavorful, fresh, and an awesome start to our night out. We can't wait to come back and try the rest of the menu! This is the perfect spot to have a romantic night out with your partner. Cocktails, wine, and elevated bar food. I will be back for more small plates and cocktails!

Yolanda Hampton-Squires

17 Aug 2025

Yolanda with Offline - Love the decor and atmosphere. Salmon was cooked perfectly and very favorable. Calamari was good, Shaved Brussel sprout salad wish the dressing had more flavor. Great corn crab fritters. yuza tuna tartare was good but seem to be unfinished. I loved the presentation of all the food. I didn't do any cocktails but plan to return to try the rest of the menu with drinks. Service was excellent.

Michele

14 Aug 2025

Cute restaurant. Great service. And really good food. Get the duck confit, the mushroom risotto on that plate is soooo good! I also enjoyed the calamari steak, the truffle fries, and the shaved Brussel salad (may need extra dressing). The espresso flight was also fun to try.

Kymberli C.

11 Aug 2025

My girlfriends and I had an exceptional experience at Runway this past weekend. Firstly be aware that the entrance to this establishment is at the rear of the building. The signage was a bit confusing but once found it make sense.the inside was so posh and comfy. Patrick, our waiter was very nice and also provided the drinks. Everything was delicious and well thought out. I would highly recommend!

Yazmin DeHaven

06 Jul 2025

Stepping into this whiskey bar is like entering a bliss for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The decor is out of a magazine. What truly elevates the experience, however, is the welcoming and passionate bartender, Patrick , who eagerly helps you explore the great cocktail menu and is ready to recommend something unique based on individual preferences. From knowledgeable recommendations to expertly balanced drinks, this bar consistently delivers a first-rate whiskey experience that keeps people coming back again and again. I recommend !

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