If you’re into the nightlife scene, Charlotte is the place to be, but for the 21 and under crowd it can be challenging to find the right hang out spots (that don’t include your parent’s basement, anyway). Luckily, many Charlotte clubs offer college and 18 and up nights, which allow those of non-legal drinking age to enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife scene without having to cough up an ID that says you’re over 21. Here are the best nightlife spots in Charlotte, for the 21 and under crowd.

Whiskey River 
210 E. Trade St.
Charlotte, NC
(704) 749-1097
thewhiskyriver.com

Price: Cover charge ranges from $7 – $10

Whisky River is located at the EpiCenter in uptown Charlotte and is owned by NASCAR great, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. On Tuesday’s college night, this is the spot for the under 21 to go to dance, let loose and have fun with friends. This hotspot has a little something for everyone. Whiskey regularly features a live DJ and plays decent mix of country, rock and dance hits, so you can line dance, fist pump and sway your way across the dance floor. There is a definite casual, country vibe inside, with free rides on a mechanical bull to go along with it.

Related: Best Country Music in Charlotte

Phoenix Charlotte
300 N. College St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 375-8675
www.phoenixcharlotte.com

Price: Cover Charge $10 if under 21, $5 if over 21, Ladies are free until 11 p.m.

Phoenix Cameo Thursdays with The Beatnox is hands down the best college night in the Queen City and the perfect place to dance the night away. Inside the nightclub, there are three rooms of diversified sound. The Main Room hosts The Beatnox, DJ Frenzy & DJ Red; The Doma Lounge features A Huff and DJ Magnum; and the Roof Garden is where you’ll find DJ Adrenalin & Shawn Firestone. On college night, Phoenix averages around 1,500 people in attendance.

Butter NC 
NC Music Factory Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28206
(704) 295-1565
buttercharlotte.com

Price: Cover charge varies from $10 and up

Butter NC is located at the North Carolina Music Factory. While this venue isn’t necessarily known for catering to the 21 and under crowd, they do host plenty of 18 and up evenings, so check the calendar of events before heading out. Butter has a unique style with a modern interior. From the posh chandeliers to the grand spiral staircase leading down to a dimly lit and intimate dance floor/seating area, Butter is known for being upscale and trendy — a city club done right. There are two levels with a dance floor and bar (to order those soft drinks and keep hydrated on under 21 nights) on each level. The DJs do a great job at keeping the tempo up and the crowd moving. Butter resident DJ Ciprian is one of the hottest DJs playing in Charlotte’s club scene. He cultivates his incredible knowledge of music and develops it into his mixing style.

Suite 
210 E Trade St
Ste A300
Charlotte, NC 28202
suitecharlotte.com

Price: Cover Charge $9

Suite is also located at the EpiCentre and is one of Charlotte’s most exclusive nightclubs. The posh ambiance and gorgeous views of the Charlotte skyline make Suite the ideal venue for those looking for a unique night out. Every Wednesday, Suite hosts college night for those who are 18 and over. The DJs are very talented and there are always plenty of people on the dance floor. The Sound system is well placed, making the volume inside very tolerable without being overwhelming. Suite also has an outside terrace which is an awesome place to carry out a conversation and take a break from showing off your dance moves.

Related: Best Exclusive Night Clubs In Charlotte

The Fillmore Charlotte 
1000 NC Music Factory Blvd.
Charlotte,  NC  28206
(704) 916-8970
fillmorecharlottenc.com

The Fillmore Charlotte is considered a night club and a music hall, and it is a great hang out spot for both the 21 and under crowd. Unless the calendar specifically notes otherwise, most shows hosted here are all ages. It is located at the North Carolina Music Factory, a historic textile mill, and is themed in the tradition of the legendary Fillmore in San Francisco. The venue opened its doors in June of 2009 and offers a robust stage presence with audio equipment and visual lighting that makes performances unforgettable. Many area residents will attest they have never attended a bad show at the Fillmore, so it’s the perfect place to catch your favorite band or performer.

Nichole Jaworski is a freelance writer for various publications in Charlotte, North Carolina. Nichole is an extremely versatile writer who writes about Public Policy, Social Issues, and Arts and Entertainment. Nichole is also the founder of a local nonprofit called Serve Charlotte’s Homeless. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.