VBGB (Very Big German Beer)

VBGB is like no other bar in Charlotte! It is designed for interaction and brings everyone together. VBGB stands for Very Big German Beer. The bar runs with the German theme with beers and food. The restaurant serves brats and pretzels, which have become a popular meal at VBGB. What’s interesting about the space to me is their decision to use long picnic tables inside and outside for seating.

Picnic tables force people to sit next to strangers and start up conversations. Whether you are eating or drinking, you are bound to meet some new people! The inside space is dedicated to the large bar, which can be reached from almost 360degrees, and their restaurant. The inside space smells great and is often loud with happy people. The walls are painted black with paintings of white trees growing from the floor. VBGB uses chandeliers and cool patio stringed-lighting to help set the mood. Even though the floors are finished with gloss over cement and the bar and chairs are made out of wood, the room feels comfortable and fun.

VBGB decided to create an outdoor patio that is extremely unique to Charlotte. Not only is it the largest patio in the city, it is filled with tailgating games and more picnic tables. People come to VBGB to socialize. The games out on the patio are placed on the outside perimeter against the fence. Seating takes up most of the room, but there is still plenty of standing room. In the center of the patio, VBGB built a mini stage that also acts as a huge chess board!

VBGB did a great job deciding how to use the space they were given. I love going there and having a good time. Everyone is friendly and shares the space. Every week, there is live music on the patio and a DJ on Saturday nights. Not only is this a bar and restaurant, but it turns into a small dance venue. Everything (except the bar) in VBGB can move so they can create more space for dancing or any other events they hold.

VBGB was also strategically placed in the NC Music Factory. It is an entire venue of bars, clubs, restaurants, and concert venues. VBGB pulls from a lively crowd and truly makes a mark at NC Music Factory.  They get so much business before and after concerts and are always packed on the weekends. People want new and interesting places to go and VBGB gives them that option!

Watch the VIDEO about VBGB to find out more!

WFNZ Dog House

The dog house is an old car garage across from the Bank of America stadium that has been transformed into a sports radio station broadcast center and bar. It is the ultimate tailgate location in Charlotte. Inside of the garage, is an open space for drunk spectators to watch one of the 10 TVs mounted to the walls and is also home to the bar. From the garage, you can see into the broadcast room and actually see the radio hosts speaking as you hear them on the radio. Behind the garage is a connecting deck where tailgaters can over look the miniature turf  football field.

Every event at the Dog House is different and so are the layouts of the space. Today, the space was utilized to make tailgaters watch the game on the TVs. Next to the turf, was a huge mobil coffee RV that had a huge flat TV mounted in the side of the vehicle. Everyone who was not on the deck, surrounded the RV and watched the game on that. Adjacent to the RV was where DJ Incognito was set up and playing music. The entire crowd was tipsy and on the verge of intoxication. The space was very crowded. You only had three viewing areas (the bar, deck & RV). There was also a limited number of seats.

On the positive side, there were multiple mini bars set up all over the place! Woohoo! This allowed for people to stay in their viewing areas and only move when they wanted to use the restroom or find food. For the most part, people walked through the door that connects the inside bar and the deck. The second most traveled path was around the right side of the building. For security and alcohol reasons, WFNZ set up an orange parameter fence to keep everyone in with their drinks. They were also keeping people from bringing in their own drinks.

Towards the end of the event, children stormed the turf and began to play football. Most of the tents and mini bars were taken down and the music stopped to help encourage people to leave.  It didn’t work. Overall, the space was fun to interact in. It kept everyone close and felt like a party environment, even though it was family friendly. We should all go to the next tailgate party!