FireWater in Charlotte, NC

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Telephone:	+1 704-549-0050
Website:	www.firewatercharlotte.com
Address:	8708 JW Clay Blvd, Charlotte, NC, 28262 University City
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:	1.5 miCATS Park & Ride
Categories:	American (New) Wine Bars

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Bussiness info

Takes Reservations	Yes
Delivery	No
Take-out	Yes
Accepts Credit Cards	Yes
Good For	Dinner
Parking	Private Lot
Bike Parking	Yes
Good for Kids	No
Good for Groups	Yes
Attire	Casual
Ambience	Classy
Noise Level	Average

Music	DJ
Good For Dancing	No
Alcohol	Full Bar
Happy Hour	Yes
Best Nights	Sun
Coat Check	No
Smoking	Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Outdoor Seating	Yes
Wi-Fi	Free
Has TV	Yes
Waiter Service	Yes
Caters	No

Today

Today	11:00 am – 2:00 am Open now
Local time (Charlotte)	14:33 Monday, 23 June 2025

Business hours

Monday	11:00 am – 2:00 am
Tuesday	11:00 am – 2:00 am
Wednesday	11:00 am – 2:00 am
Thursday	11:00 am – 2:00 am
Friday	11:00 am – 2:00 am
Saturday	11:00 am – 2:00 am
Sunday	11:00 am – 2:00 am

Description

Specialties

Firewater sets the standard for casual, upscale dining in the Charlotte, North Carolina University area. Our eclectic American cuisine, extensive wine list and… contemporary atmosphere are perfect for intimate and group dining.

History

Established in 2011.

FireWater matches an eclectic atmosphere with inventive American cuisine, an award winning wine list, a full service bar and impeccable service. FireWater offers casual dining perfect for intimate dinners and parties of any size.

Firewater offers private and semi-private dining Monday through Saturday, and exclusive private events on Sundays. We are north Charlotte’s premier location for corporate dinners, group luncheons, rehearsal dinners and intimate wedding receptions.

FireWater can customize any event from 6 — 100 people. We specialize in custom creations for business dinners, anniversaries, graduations, wedding receptions, and birthdays. Contact our catering team at

(704 −347−3420) to book your events.

Meet the Business Owner

Ralf S.

Business Owner

Born in Caracas, Venezuela in 1969 to German born parents, Ralf took an interest in the hospitality industry at an early age. Upon graduation, Ralf decided to embark on his dream and attended the Les Roches Hotel Management School in Switzerland where he graduated with a degree in hotel and restaurant management in 1993. Les Roches is among the top 3 hospitality management schools in the world for undergraduate studies.

When deciding on a career path, Ralf worked as food and beverage manager for Intercontinental Hotels in Venezuela for five years. During his time there, he met his wife, Maro, and quickly decided to venture out on his own and start his first restaurant in Venezuela, followed by two others. During this time, Ralf was also the operator of his family’s long line tuna boats in Venezuela, a company he still operates from Charlotte.

In 2008, Ralf and his wife decided to move the family to Charlotte, NC and purchased Firewater in February 2009. «I decided to move my family

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20 reviews of FireWater

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Karen M.

Place rating: 3
Carrboro, NC

Ok, so I respect that Firewater has been trying to re-invent themselves and for the most part they are successful. However, it’s almost as if they ran out of money by the end of the menu. One thing that was not available was espresso, which really surprised me considering their prices. Then I asked for a French coffee and was brought a martini with brandy and Kahlua. When I said that wasn’t what I ordered they poured it into a pint glass with coffee and cream. I was a little disappointed because the appetizers (calamari) and the entrée (NY strip and salmon) were delicious.

Emily I.

Place rating: 2
Charlotte, NC

We were here for New Year’s Eve, and the place was not very busy. The upstairs VIP with the DJ seemed like it might have be «jumpin’», but downstairs was not very exciting… Individuals and couples occupied the booths on the other side of the bar… The heat lamp was not on outside…
Based on their advertising, we were in after 11 and paid the cover ($ 10) … However, when the flyer said free wings 11:30 — 12:30, I’m not sure what they were talking about; we ordered drinks ($ 9/shot of Ciroc) then asked about the wings since it was after 11:30, at this point. The bartender looked at me and said «all we have are hot wings»… I nodded and said «that’s fine.» He said «10?» then as he cashed us out, he also added the hot wings to our drinks. I wasn’t too worried about paying for the wings since we were out with friends trying to have a good time… However! The hot wings were $ 11, and the worst part is that they only gave us 9 wings! Smh.
Then, to make matters worse, the champagne toast they advertised was apparently not available to men because my boyfriend and my friend’s boyfriend both tried (as we were behind them), and the bartender didn’t give them to us until my girlfriend asked.
We were not impressed.

Wyona G.

Place rating: 4
Durham, NC

Visited in October 2015 on a Saturday night as first time patrons. We sat in the bar area. Ordered salmon, penne with shrimp, food was good. No complaints.
They had a DJ, that started around 10pm. The music was Awesome! and unexpected. We danced and enjoyed ourselves.

Wiggle W.

Place rating: 4
Charlotte, NC

Great place. I love daydrinking here on their patio with the view of the water.
The people are nice. The food is usually good. There are some items my friends have gotten that they haven’t been thrilled with, but the staff did everything they could to make her happy.
They have a new chef, so definitely check them out if you haven’t done so recently!

Grissel G.

Place rating: 2
Claremont, CA

On a business trip and decided to try something new. I stumbled on Fire Water and decided to give it a shot. Eh not impressed. The restaurant is beautiful. Nice décor, nice bar, nice outdoor seating but the food lacks creativity and most importantly lacks flavor. I ordered the Fire Grill side salad which was the best part of my meal. My main dish was the Mahi Mahi that was dry and had the strangest combinations of flavors. They didn’t complement each other at all. Under seasoned dry fish with a sour taste to the vegetables. The waiter obviously didn’t know the menu. I asked what the restaurant was known for and he said everything… and what he recommended was the Mahi. His recommendation was not the way to go. This was on the dinner menu, I noticed other reviews mentioning burgers. I wish I saw a burger on the menu. Or an Entrée size salad would have been great. Oh well on to the next.

Toad M.

Place rating: 4
Alpharetta, GA

4 stars for the service. We were a party of 8 that rolled in on a Monday night at 915pm. They were not really prepared but made it work. They were out of several items but the attention we received made up for any lack of menu items. This caprice salad you must order. It is so well prepared with a light tomato consume. The pickles were good. We order crab legs, rack of lamb, pastas, filet, gyro, seared tuna… everyone said their food was good. Overall great evening in this establishment.

Rudy D.

Place rating: 5
Dallas, TX

Came here for a late lunch. Great atmosphere, good prices for lunch.
I ordered the FireWater Burger with sweet potatoe fries… did not disappoint.

David P.

Place rating: 3
Bakersfield, CA

The atmosphere is very cool and the restaurant is nice. I ordered the NY strip and didn’t care for it. It was very bland. My friend got the burger and said his was very good. So you may want to go that direction of the menu.

Margaret E.

Place rating: 5
Concord, NC

So far this is so good. Fried pickles on point. My husband got the scallops and risotto and the risotto was like out of this world. Rich and creamy. Heavenly. I got the Firewater burger. So good and flavorful. My hubby got the gyro and the lamb was so full of flavor. Our friend got the rack of lamb and he said it was good. I got Mac and cheese on the side. It was so good. We got cheesecake and a brownie for dessert. It was all incredible. Definitely coming back.

Jose S.

Place rating: 1
Charlotte, NC

So the host was asleep at his post when we walked into the restaurant. Once we got seated we ordered the Brie cheese and fruit appetizer, which was the best thing we ate that evening. My girlfriend got the fire water salad which was the saddest looking salad I’ve seen. $ 7 for a tiny side salad that was supposed to be a meal. I got the pasta with vegetables. Definitely NOT worth the money. Pasta was cooked properly but that was it. No flavor at all. Not going back there.

Steve M.

Place rating: 3
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA

Lamb burger was good, but not great. Somewhat smaller and cooked well done. The sweet potato fries were OK. Somewhat overcooked, but then they brought us out some fresh ones too. Overall I was not impressed with the restaurant, would come back here in the future, it just would not be my first choice

David S.

Place rating: 4
Dry Ridge, KY

Had the surf and turf premium with a Caesar salad. Presentation was good, service was good, taste and temperature were right.
My guest had the salmon special and a burger. Both thought it was good but the salmon was just a touch overlooked.
We had the calamari appetizer I would recommend it but only for two people.

Shauna S.

Place rating: 1
Cherryville, NC

We were looking for a place that had steak in North Charlotte after a long day of Baby Nursery shopping. We found this place online and where we got there the signage was a little old looking. It looked like a bar and not a restaurant. When we were seated I looked around and noticed that the decoration was like my grandmother tried to decorate old timey about 6 months ago and neglected to dust since then. The walls were dirty and the shades that would divide a room were hanging lopsided. They left the door open and cigarette smoke was coming in to our table and gnats were flying around my food! Yuck!!!
Onto food… I ordered pickle chips a cesar salad, and the filet, which came with seasonal vegetables, mashed potatoes and some sort of sauce.
The pickle chips were great! Thats all I can say good.
The ceasar salad was canned cheese and store bought croutons on some wilted romaine.
The filet was not cut right.
I am glad I got the sauce on the side. it was like milk and butter with some mushrooms floating in it, The mashed potatoes sure tasted like they were instant and very grainy. The seasonal vegetables were overcooked squash and some bits of broccili and bell peppers. This was not good either. I felt it was slightly upscale hospital food.
I would avoid the place.

Shelley Z.

Place rating: 4
Waterford Township, MI

Great atmosphere and great food! Was here for work and we tried a little of everything. Overall review was very happy. Friendly and accommodating staff and good selection of goodies to choose from.

Marlies D.

Place rating: 3
Fox River Grove, IL

Good atmosphere, decent food, not too extremely expensive. Nice in between bar food and fancy food.

Sydney H.

Place rating: 5
Charlotte, NC

I really liked this place. Came here for a get together once, met the owner, a very nice person. Came another time on a date and the food was incredible. Drinks were great and the location is perfect for a date night. Right beside the pond. Great for an after dinner stroll or to sit on the patio and people watch. Either way, I recommend this place.

Tim S.

Place rating: 3
Winston-Salem, NC

Nice looking restaurant. Great bar area. Very nice outdoor seating area as well, when the weather is nice. Very diverse menu ranging from burgers, fish tacos and steaks.
Been here a few times. Always a good time. That said, not sure any of the entrees have ever stood out as great. Just okay or good. My last entrée was the fish tacos. Probably will not order that again. Just okay.
So in summary, very nice looking restaurant with decent food. Good for large parties as well.

Lena A.

Place rating: 3
Graham, NC

Okay, let’s get the good parts out of the way… The food was really good. I had the FireWater salad, which had dark greens, cranberries, candied pecans, apples, goat cheese & balsamic viegarette. It was super tasty, but kinda small for the price. I also got the veggie medley & coconut rice. They’re sides, but I don’t eat meat, so I was happy. I felt though, like the total of $ 9 for some rice & veggies was a bit high. It’s JUST rice and veggies, y’all. My husband got the blackened tilapia fish tacos. He said they were very good, but the meal only came with two, and for the price, there probably should have been three. He also got the cheddar mashed potatoes, which I sampled and they were very creamy and smooth. All in all, I would give the food four stars, but it really wasn’t super special or unique. Not many options for vegetarians, but that happens.
So, the rest… there were two groups of loud women there, and we were sat between them, which sucked because we were there for a quiet dinner out. We asked to be moved. The waiter obliged, understandingly. Once we were moved, we were bugged again by the awful club music. I am all about some LMFAO at the gym, but not on a romantic dinner date. We also were serenaded by Lil John & Rhiana. Blah. I went to the restroom before leaving & it was a hot mess. There was tp everywhere. The counter/sink area was kinda nasty, as was the floor. Two of three stalls were totally unusable. The air in the restaurant wasn’t moving much & I felt sticky/flushed the whole time.
The waiter was nice and attentive, which was a plus and made the experience tolerable.
Bcause it didn’t really give me that «wow» feeling, I probably would not recommend this place to a friend or go back on my own, but if I had to go for a group event, I could deal.

Joe M.

Place rating: 4
Hope Mills, NC

Although they had a cover charge (yeah, a restaurant with a cover charge???), the food was actually on point.
We ordered 5 different items:
Brie cheese and fruit
Crab legs
Prime rib sandwich
Fried trio
Ratatouille ravioli
And every one had an entirely different flavor. We were pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food and drinks.
Staff was slow to take order, but food came out quick.
Would definitely come again… If they took off that stupid cover charge off the meal ticket.
Thanks Farshad for excellent and attentive service.

Angie W.

Place rating: 3
Columbia, SC

The outdoor seating was nice.
The service was attentive.
Food was meh.
The shrimp taco had a huge chunk of avocado (yum) and shrimp was well seasoned but the sauce was yucky. My friend had chicken alfredo and liked it.

FireWater

Charlotte, United States