Charlotte has both on-street parking and numerous parking garages, but at certain locations, parking can be difficult and time-consuming, especially when you are trying to make your dinner reservation time, or catch a show.  It can be especially challenging to find a convenient parking spot at high density entertainment complexes such as the EpiCentre, the Metropolitan, the NC Music Factory and Charlotte’s entire Center City. Take advantage of valet parking available at area clubs to smooth your entry into a great night out. The convenience of valet parking make it “priceless” in many circumstances, but several clubs offer complimentary valets—so all it will cost you is a nice tip.

Enso Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar
The EpiCentre
210 East Trade St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 716-3676
www.ensocharlotte.comThe Sake Lounge in this trendy sushi bar is one of the EpiCentre’s hottest night spots. Enso is elegantly appointed with low-key lighting, contemporary Asian décor, couch seating and a DJ spinning techno music most evenings, as well as a creative cocktail menu, signature sushi rolls and large selection of import Asian beers and sakes. This spot is a favorite with Charlotteans and out-of-town visitors, especially on weekends when the lounge is open until 2 a.m. Sushi is available every evening until 11 p.m. Enso often has a lengthy line waiting for seating, but with so many other nightspots, including Mez, Suite, Howl at the Moon, Whiskey River, Kazba, Strike City, and the roof-top Pavilion, all located in the EpiCentre complex, fun is never far away. Valet parking for all the EpiCentre venues is available from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day of the week at the College Street entrance for $15 per car.

Related: Best New Clubs and Bars in Charlotte

Blue Restaurant and Bar
206 N. College St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 927-2583
www.bluecharlotte.comLocated on the street level of the Hearst Tower along College Street, Blue offers complimentary valet parking beginning at 6 p.m. Its central location in downtown makes Blue a convenient stop before or after a show at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or a game at Time Warner Arena, and customers are welcome to park free during their event. Blue offers a pre-show dinner menu, three courses for $34.95, as well as a happy hour special of two appetizers in the bar for $10 from 5-7 p.m. every Monday through Friday. Late night, the bar scene here heats up with live jazz Tuesday and Wednesday nights from 8-11 p.m., and Thursdays and Fridays beginning at 9 p.m.

Vivace
The Metropolitan
1100 Metropolitan Ave.
Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 370-7755
www.vivacecharlotte.comExquisite views of the Charlotte skyline are one of the main draws at this modernistic Italian spot in the Metropolitan complex in Midtown. The couches on its covered patio and in the stylish upstairs lounge are favorite evening destinations for Charlotteans seeking a scenic and fun spot to party. The lounge features house-made limoncello, limecello, and orangecello liqueurs in a host of cocktails, as well as crisp-crust brick oven pizzas, and a menu of authentic Italian specialties. Free valet parking is available just outside the front door, as well as in front of Dressler’s Restaurant a few doors down. The valet parking is good for the entire Metropolitan complex, allowing you to bar hop to La Paz, the Hickory Tavern, and Pisces Sushi Bar and Lounge, as well as Vivace and Dressler’s. Free concerts are held on at the Metropolitan outdoor stage Thursday evenings in the spring and fall months.

Crave Dessert Bar
500 West 5th St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 335-0588
www.cravedessertbar.comThis loft space in the Camden Cotton Mills building has been renovated into one of Charlotte’s top late-night upscale destinations. A menu of tempting house-made sweets, appetizers, and cheese or chocolate fondue, plus a creative cocktail menu, lots of nightly specials and fruit-flavored hookahs are among the draws. Frequent special events range from fashion shows to live jazz. Valet parking for $5 per car is available Friday and Saturday nights from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Free parking is available in the Camden Cotton Mills parking deck, Tuesday-Saturday evenings.

Osso Restaurant & Lounge
NC Music Factory
1000 NC Music Factory Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28206
(704) 971-0550
ossocharlotte.comWith a spacious patio and interior created by cutting-edge designer François Fossard, Osso is a must-see. Fossard is known for his award-winning décor at Mansion in Miami Beach and New York City, PRIVE in Las Vegas, and other trendy nightclubs. Osso emits a hip vibe backed by DJ driven beats that accelerate as the evening moves on from dining to a late night dance scene. Frequent patio parties, with live music, grilled appetizers and a mojito bar, fill the warmer months. The NC Music Factory offers valet parking Wednesday through Saturday evenings for $5 a car at the Fountain Courtyard. In addition to Osso, you can access all the many nightclubs at the Factory from the valet parking or large free ground lot, including Butter (also designed by Fossard), Halo, The Saloon, VBGB Beer Hall and Garden, the Fillmore music hall, and Comedy Zone Charlotte.

Related: Charlotte’s Most Exclusive Nightclubs

With 15 years of experience covering restaurants in Charlotte and the Carolinas, and two regional guidebooks under her belt, Renee Wright examines the dining scene with enthusiasm plus a deep knowledge of food trends and outstanding local eating ops. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.