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The Philosopher's Stone Tavern
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants American (Traditional) Pubs, American (Traditional) [Edit]
1958 E 7th StCharlotte, NC 28204
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
(704) 350-1331
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 2 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
36 reviews for The Philosopher's Stone Tavern
Review Highlights
"...food is good too - don't miss the pepper jack mac n cheese."
(in 3 reviews)
"Oh - and they have ping pong and corn hole to play to."
(in 6 reviews)
"Ping pong, cornhole, pool inside, it's all here."
(in 10 reviews)
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36 reviews in English
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Review from Danielle G.
Charlotte, NC
8/15/2011
It's one of those places. You know, one of those bars that is dingy enough that it makes you feel at home and dirty just enough to make you feel a little dirty, yourself. I can only imagine that there used to be a haze of smoke around the bar in the days when it was legal. It definitely looks like one belongs there. For those of us who prize those qualities along with cheap drinks, and a good crowd over atmospheric expectations, this bar is for us'ns.
Great outdoor area, great live music, mediocre service, surly crowd, low lights.... it's a good place. I can't comment on the food, since this strikes me as more of a games and drink place over a food/munchies establishment. Every experience there has been a unique one, from talking to the bands, to beating the interesting characters of Murph and 'Sparkles' at pool. All around, good times.
The only complaint I have is that the drink specials could be a bit more fair. As a fan of quaffing with the men-folk, I get some jealous looks at my beer, which is half the price of theirs on Ladies Night Thursdays. -
Review from Nicole W.
5/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Sweet, sweet patio. I adore thee. P Stone has earned a special place in my heart because I kicked my husband's a$$ in corn hole on the patio. That's really important, folks.
But seriously, this patio is really great for people watching, grabbing a few drinks and thoroughly enjoying the gorgeous weather that Charlotte experiences 70% of the time. Ping pong, cornhole, pool inside, it's all here. Service was a great blend of friendly and aloof - and I mean that in a good way. Our server pretty much left us alone unless our beers looked less than half full.
With super drink specials and a fab patio, I know I'll be back here soon. Plus, I plan to beat my husband in corn hole again....I'm sure he'll need a rematch.Listed in: Outdoor Cocktails, Enamored With Elizabeth
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Review from Scarlett J.
Charlotte, NC
11/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Threw a big party/event (40th party) for my boyfriend here last weekend. Had some appetizers put together buffet style for guests and we had the back room with the foos ball and pool tables. Had a great bartender, Kevin, who took very good care of us. Great drink specials, very accomodating... and an ourdoor patio area with a fire pit (that was lit and very warm)! The wings were good (we had hot and the jerk), and the spinach dip was A-MAZING. I was very pleased adn will definitely go back again and again! Just be careful if you park across the street-a young lady was killed while crossing two weeks ago... it's very dangerous (especially after a few drinks!!)
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Review from Suzanne S.
Charlotte, NC
6/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've gotta give Pstone a solid 4 stars. As my patronage continues to grow, I may even give a bump to 5! This laid back bar serves the Elizabeth area well. And hey, if you aren't feeling a good vibe here, you can walk next door to Jacks! Last week, I spent much of my evening out on the patio. We played corn hole and ping pong AND, got to watch a performer do some hula hoop tricks. Can't get any better than that. I love me some free entertainers!! The drink costs are cheap compared to the uptown prices. As you can see in my name, "Bacardi Makes My Party," I know the prices of Bacardi all too well :p At Pstone it's only $5! I usually pay $6.50 everywhere else.
Everyone here is very laid back, I don't think I can emphasize that enough. I found most people to be very approachable and super cool. I've actually heard some great things about the food, but I have yet to try it! At times it can get a hippie feel to it which is quite relaxing.
I'll be back this summer fo' sho' -
Review from Lindsay S.
Durham, NC
4/10/2011
I wasn't really sure what to expect from this place. We don't hang out in Elizabeth very often, but some friends in town for the Avett Bros wanted to meet up here before the show. I think everyone else had the same idea - we got there a little after 5, and the place was Hoppin. It didn't help that a thunderstorm was moving through, so no one could take advantage of the outside patio.
Luckily, we scored a booth in the corner by the bar, and there we parked for a couple hours, out of the way of the already-drunk, Super Charlotte crowd.
Most of our party needed to eat, but I was glad I didn't, as the menu didn't particularly stand out to me. They had a few veg-friendly items, everything deep fried and doused in butter and/or cheese... general pub food, though, and nothing terribly spectacular. In addition, because they were "slammed," according to our server, it took the food at least an hour to arrive...
They didn't have a great beer selection on tap, but we were able to subsist on Fat Tire. I doubt it would ever be a regular watering hole for me, but the outside area did look fantastic, and I can imagine spending another evening outside with friends (and with pleasant weather) subsisting on Fat Tire for a few hours. I can imagine it. -
Review from Todd W.
My first visit to "P-Stone"! Had a great day to sit outside and take it all in. Easy description/conversation of the afternoon:
Todd..."I'd like a PBR and an Old Milwaukee"
Waitress..."you want both?"
Todd..."yes I would, as I have two hands"
Great location, great friends and great times. They even have bags and ping-pong outside for all you athletes out there. Will I be back...absolutely! Sorry it took so long P-Stone. -
Review from A P B.
High Point, NC
7/8/2011
Decent place. Lots of picnic tables outside. Service is alright. Prices are good.
Menu is somewhat vegetarian friendly. Several options. I had the Jerry-G's Kind Veggie Grill, which was not bad. Love fresh-grilled veggies with goat cheese. Though not fantastic, I probably would have given them a 4, except...
One of their signature drink items is a tower of beer ( I believe about 7 beers worth). We ordered a tower of beer and the server said they were out of towers. It was a weekday, and only about half full, so not really sure what was going on there. We ended up ordering a bottle of wine, but I can order a bottle of wine anywhere. -
Review from Elisabeth P.
Charlotte, NC
10/10/2011
I have a special place in my heart for places in walking distance of my house where I can bring my dog. So P. Stone gets points off the bat for that -and the water and treats they always bring my pup. Sit outside and there is live music often. The food is hit or miss- but not pricey. I like the mashed potatoes- pepper jack mac and cheese and nachos of knowledge (clearly I've eaten healthy here) but I love the backyard vibe even if your server will often go missing for a while.
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Review from Krishan I.
Charlotte, NC
8/23/2010
Probably not the optimal place to watch a game. We may have picked this place since it was close to my friend's restaurant, and she refuses to travel more than 5 minutes on a weekday (go figure).
The server was really friendly, and the outside area was super chill - complete with a cornhole set. They have a bar outside as well, but I guess since it was weekday they weren't using it. Also, they are dog-friendly for their outside tables so it was nice to get Rusty some much due babyspeak and attention.
I ordered a burger and mac n' cheese. It was good, not great. One thing I wasn't so excited about was the luke warm nature of my side - it was quite good, but would have been top of the charts if it was served while it was still hot.
I love the laid-back nature of the place, but if you are the type that can't handle things moving a bit slower than life I'd come prepared. All in all a great place to kick it on those evenings you want to spend outside. -
Review from Chad E.
With NorCal nutjob Crazy Hazel G. in town and tearing up the QC, we decided to have another impromptu UYE - this time at The Philosopher's Stone Tavern. Annie W., Denise E., Hazel G., Wild Bill F. and myself gathered for a late-afternoon session at the P-Stone.
Mostly we just waited, as those in the know will understand - you wait to order, you (generally) get something, and you wait to order a refill, and you wait a while longer, and so on. At least we were there to keep each other company.
Because the weather outside was bordering on frightful, we hung out at a booth on the inside and noshed on a few eats that were generally somewhat tasty and just talked about the East Coast vs. West Coast.
When things cleared up headed outside for a game of Cornhole, to show the Hazelnut how to play, since she had no idea what it was about. Wild Bill schooled us all, though Hazel did manage to score, including one in the hole! Unfortunately, with everything so nasty outside, it involved a good deal of dirt on the hands in the process...
We never did see Pourina R., and at least a couple of the Charlotte bunch were across the state at an elite event, so it was just the five of us, but that doesn't mean it wasn't worth it. Next time you should join us!
Oh yeah - #600 FTW!Listed in: The QC Burger List, 2010-08, Monroe Road Madness, You Have a Purty... Patio, Coffee... Tea... or UYE?
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/2/2010
You definitely get a wide variety of options at the P-Stone. One of those is probably not great… Read more »
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Review from Kevin N.
9/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
Three stars is probably about right: if The Philosopher's Stone Tavern were a car, they'd be a borderline interesting sedan - few surprises lurk within, but that doesn't mean those within can't be happily transported. I wandered in here on a Saturday night, on the September breeze that brought me. What I found was a fairly spartan arrangement, patio seating out front, and a cozy bar inside nestled in a corner.
I chose the latter. Interesting though: when I asked if they carried an Ayinger Dunkel (there was a branded chalkboard hanging next to the bar), the bartender looked at me like I was speaking French and didn't know what a dunkel was...offering me a Chimay instead. I drank it, and for the next hour and a half or so I settled into a familiar rotation which included the tasty beers they did have on hand and some regular, solid wait staff service. Not a remarkable experience, per se, but definitely not a bad one. I'd try 'em again if the time was right.Listed in: Charlotte!
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Review from Seth A.
Matthews, NC
7/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
Philosopher's Stone is one of those bars that masters the art of being "chill". If you're like me and hate the "scenes" that some places tend to attract, you'll be pleased to see how this unpretentious place is overall a good hangout.
First of all, they have options for seating. You can sit outdoors, in the covered patio, or nest to the action indoors. It's your choice. Second, you can play cornhole, listen to a jam band, or play trivia inside. Philosopher's Stone is not like a club/bar with thumping music-you don't to this bar to stare at beautiful people. Third, the atmosphere is what keeps me coming back. The bar is "chill"-you don't have to dress a certain way, most people go to hang out (like me) and not get plastered drunk, and the clientèle is mixed. This is a place for young and young at heart. Fourth and final point- Philosopher's Stone doesn't ride on the hype and thus is not overcrowded like a certain karaoke bar nearby (AHEM!!!). Sorry for being a party-pooper.
Having extolled its virtues of P.S., the food service is kinda spotty. Attention is scant when there are crowds, so I would recommend eating food at off times. It's good Americana dishes as I recall. Otherwise, this place is a great place to have drinks and catch up with friends. -
Review from Brian K.
5/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really do enjoy coming here on a sunny afternoon to drink their $2 beer specials and sit outside with friends under the trees. The staff is really friendly and you can also bring your pups to hang out with you. Oh - and they have ping pong and corn hole to play to. I have not had their food - that is a must for next time, so my four stars are for beer prices and atmosphere - really casual.
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Review from Shauna H.
3/22/2010
We went to P-stones this weekend because we were looking for a place with live music -where we could sit outside. We didn't get the live music part but that was ok we could at least sit outside.
Outside was a fun place to sit- a lot of people had their dogs with them (being a dog person I thought it was cute)...People playing pool (yes a pool table outside, cool right?!) ...there was even a bum walking around harassing people but it all added to the hipster like atmosphere - so I didn't mind.
My guest and I were excited to see a Bloody Mary bar - and quickly accepted the challenge to create our own tasty versions. Lets just say I am glad I am not a bar tender because my version had far too much horseradish but at $5 for a pint size Blood Mary it wasn't much of a loss- I just wish we had the option of having the bartender make it haha.
We started off with the crab dip and had the option of getting pita toast points or tortilla chips- we went with our servers recommendation of pita. The dip was good not great - the pita was delicious and dusted with this really yummy spice.
Next we moved on to our dinners- I had a Reuben and she a Philly Cheese steak. My Reuben had mustard rather than the usual thousand island (the menu did not say mustard) and it just didn't cut it. Again it wasn't awful but wasn't my favorite.
Overall our service was lackluster (the server was MIA for much of our dinner) and the food just ok. The price was so cheap so you can't complain too much $17 for a split appetizer,sandwich, and Bloody Mary = not too shabby. Overall this wasn't my favorite place but I wouldn't write it off just yet. -
Review from Greg P.
Charlotte, NC
5/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like the P-Stone. It may not be for everyone, but it's my kind of place. If you are a music lover you will know what I mean. The vibe is very chill from the live local music, pool/ping pong tables, outdoor patio and inside decor. They even have a back room where I've seen bands play too, but I prefer it when something is going on in the courtyard! The food is decent, but I like it for more of a hangout spot than a restaurant. The food is just an added bonus when you get those munchies ;). They have an awesome jukebox for all the jam band heads and good beers on tap. Two knocks for me is the lack of TVs and the potential for spotty service. I would give it 3.5, but I round up because it's my favorite Jukebox in Charlotte.
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Review from Jim M.
Charlotte, NC
7/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is a dive but is strangely appealing. The food was good and reasonably priced. Service was friendly and fast. The outdoor patio is amazing with ping pong and corn hole. They even had a band outside on a Wednesday night. Great hang out joint. Wii definitely be back.
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Review from Julia S.
This is not the kind of place I'd ever consider spending the entire night at, as it tends to attract the frat crowd. But for simple food, and for vegetarian friendliness, I come here pretty often.
The appetizers I've had have ranged from amazing (zucchini sticks-- perfectly battered with herbs, panko, and parmesian, soft and juicy, arranged in a jenga-like tower) to gross (spinach dip that couldn't have been more than cheap cream cheese and frozen spinach) with little to nothing to pick from if you want to stay away from the deep fryer. The salads are not what to order here, as they are overpriced and sub par. But the nachos are good, the veggie reuben and grilled squash sammie (I believe the name of that particular dish had Garcia in it somewhere) are better than good, and the veggie burger is a behemoth.
There are no fries here, only chips. But they're like Kettle Chips on steroids. Delish.
They have a decent selection of beers on tap. Anything on tap can be served in a tower, I don't remember exactly how much beer is in one of those because usually, by time I reach the bottom, my memory's fading.Listed in: Vegetarian Venues in ze CLT, No more TV Eye
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Review from Annie W.
5/17/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Great patio area! Def a place you go to just for the outside area.
Got the veggie quesadilla and it was A-Ok, needed some hot sauce and all I got was watered down Tabasco. It wasn't overly busy when we got in, but service was still quite slow. They didn't have Coors at the outdoor bar so the bartender had to keep going inside for more. Played some cornhole on the uneven ground and managed to trip on a tree root. Ended up with a wicked bump on my shin thanks to the cornhole platform. There are some intense cornhole-rs at this place...
Nice place to sit outside with a cold beer, reveling in the Carolina heat and humidity. Got real crowded later on and parking was a tad difficult to find. There's an old pool table sitting outside, free to play. And a platform that looks like it could hold a small 4 person band.Listed in: Neighborhood bars
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Review from Jenna B.
Charlotte, NC
1/8/2011
I've been here a few times to drink, pretty chill atmosphere, a little grungy but didn't have high expectations. I went last week to eat there for the first time, we sat at the corner booth and within minutes of sitting down we noticed a HUGE roach.. I'm talking like 1 1/2" - 2" long. YUCK. We told the waitress and her response was, "Well Jack's is open, you can go there."
How about trying to get rid of it? We waited a few minutes to see if anyone would come over to take care of it... or at least apologize? After no response we left.
I still have not tried their food... and not sure that I want to. -
Review from Jason L.
5/11/2008
Philosopher's Stone. Philosophers... stoned. This is a drinkers bar. By that I mean where else on a Saturday afternoon can you find 50 - 60 year old men sitting at the bar downing beers and Jaeger shots while watching Ultimate fighting on the tube and heckling the bartender.
Lower than low-key. Keep one hand on your drink and the other on your wallet while inside. Outside there's a nice patio that wraps around the building and on sunny days there are a handful of people chatting with a beer. It's self service if you sit outside so you'll need to take turns sending someone in to get the next round. -
Review from Amy R.
Seattle, WA
10/15/2008 1 photo
I really love P-Stone as a bar - from afternoon drinking to long nights - but I was disappointed when I had lunch there the other day. I went in with pretty low expectations, and even those weren't met. I got a bacon cheeseburger and sauteed veggies. The burger was pretty boring and forgettable. The veggies were kind of cold and soggy. My boyfriend wasn't very impressed with his pulled chicken barbecue sandwich.
The menu is pretty wide, so that's a plus. I just hope the rest of the food is better. I'll be sticking to P-Stone for my drinking - and maybe late-night dining, when I'm not quite as picky. -
Review from Garrett G.
Charlotte, NC
8/30/2008
Go to the P-Stone on a Friday and visit with Alan, the bartender, he's real friendly, and he has jokes and stories for days. Even though there is really nothing philosophical about the place, there is a very diverse crowd that chills here every night. Like Joy mentioned, there is a wide variety of places to sit and a change of scenery for every different one.
I thought the games were great, especially the ping-pong table outside in the dirt, and corn-hole with beanbags in the backyard (kind of a twist on horseshoes). I really could spend hours here with my friends, and the drink specials are very affordable. -
Review from Nick S.
Gastonia, NC
9/9/2008 2 photos
Now you can go to Philosopher's for one of 3 reasons, for the food, for the drink, or for the atmosphere. But for me, the outdoor seating can't be beaten by anyone in Charlotte.
From the outside, this looks like a grungy hippie bar/restaurant, & maybe it is a little. But take a chance & pull up a seat outside, whether it's just to take in the view with a brew, or to grab a bite to eat. If the weather is nice, I don't think I'd go anywhere else in Charlotte midday. Starting with the beer, they have a pretty good selection & now have beer towers, which is basically a personal draft of 5 pints at your table. They also have a pretty good lunch menu with the typical bar fare but also some stuff you really wouldn't expect, & it's all pretty good. But I think the kicker at Philosopher's is the outside area that has ping pong & cornhole, & the occasional band. People sit outside all day here & play games & drink beer under the shady trees.
This place is definitely a fun midday visit if the weather is nice. Bring your friends & plan on staying a while to drink & relax away the day.Listed in: Best Patios
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Review from Jacqueline N.
Charlotte, NC
1/13/2011
If I could eat the pepper jack mac and cheese all day long, I would. I get it every time I go. The sandwiches are pretty good too. It's got a great, laid back atmosphere where you can get pretty decent bar food and a have a beer or two.
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Review from Joy S.
Charlotte, NC
8/28/2008
P-Stone has great food, a casual atmosphere, and pretty friendly staff. It's a unique spot with all the different spaces you can sit...inside, outside, the back side, the screened in porch.
It's great to go with friends, but it's also surprisingly fun alone. They've got Wi-Fi, which always is a selling point for me, and it's great to go and sit alone with the computer.
The games in the backroom are a lot of fun, and I've been to a few shows there. It can get a little loud, but you can always get away if you're looking for a conversation. -
Review from Tim B.
Charlotte, NC
10/22/2008
I had a great burger here the night--it was a no-frills deal, like something you're mom would've made if she were in a rush. But it was tasty. Coupled with a few beers (and the P-stone has a TON), it was a great little meal.
The P-stone's a cool little place, although it doesn't look like much from the street. In fact, it really doesn't look like anything at all, really. Groovy, mellow crowd hangs here, so it's not a real rowdy scene if that's what you're looking for. Very familiar feel--like a mom and pop deal, if that makes sense. It seems like a cook place to hang out with a bunch of friends on a random, quiet night. -
Review from Amber B.
6/30/2010
Great beer selection and lots of Activities. The food is good too - don't miss the pepper jack mac n cheese...holy cow!
Listed in: NCeats
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Review from Heidi S.
Charlotte, NC
9/25/2010
Philosopher's Stone is definitely a nonpretentious hang out where you can come as you are. Mixed clientele. Indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoor you can shoot pool, play ping pong, cornhole, or just hang! We didn't eat. We went late night to hear a great jam band inside. Will definitely go back on a pretty evening to sit outside and chill.
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Review from Callan C.
8/14/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I agree with Seth below, this place is the epitome of chill. I really enjoyed it. The food was pretty good, the service was slow. Great location, amazing outdoor areas.
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Review from Lauretta M.
Charlotte, NC
7/19/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Good outdoor place. Okay food
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Review from Kristin F.
Charlotte, NC
8/28/2008
I love the P-Stone, plain and simple. This was the first bar in Charlotte that I went to and the one I still frequent the most. The juke box is always rockin', the patio outside is large enough to accommodate a crowd, and the beer is (usually) nice and cold. The crowd is a nice blend of folks....hippies, frat boys, cute drunk girls, and older regulars....the usual, right? They often have live music on the weekends and Sunday afternoons. If you can crawl out from under the rock that is your hangover on Sundays, the bloody mary bar is made for you. The food is not bad, bar food making an unpretentious attempt at being more than just grease and well, grease. Prices aren't bad and who doesn't love an ice cold $2 PBR bottle? Not this girl!
Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Kenny R.
5/3/2010
Good beer, good food, good music, good people.
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Review from Ryan B.
12/21/2008 2 Check-ins Here
This is just a cool bar to hang out in. I've not had the food, but I enjoy the beer on tap and the relaxed atmosphere. People are cool and there's a nice mix of professional types and hipsters.
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Review from Rebekah P.
Charlotte, NC
7/31/2008 2 photos
This is a great place to spend some time with friends and hang out. It had great food and a really laid back feel to it. A nice patio makes dining alfresco a real treat. They also have some great lunch specials for only $5, so if you're low on cash but still want a good meal this is the place to come. Even the decorations on the walls live up to the establishment's name. There are pictures and quotes from everyone from ancient Spanish philosophers to Jerry Garcia.
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Review from Bob H.
Downers Grove, IL
11/5/2009
Stopped in before heading to Springsteen concert Wed. night. Nice local tavern feel to it. Staff was very helpful. Decent beer selection. Tried the Caswell Chicken Oscar sandwich on staff recommendation. Good sandwich. Cold Beer. Good selection on the juke box.
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Review from Jonathan P.
Charlotte, NC
2/13/2008
Philosophers Stone or "P-Stone" is a pretty chill place in the same vein as Thomas Street. Its only a couple blocks away, and I has the same owners, I think. P-Stone has a very laid back vibe, is pretty dark inside, and serves good beer. They have a chill yard as they're on the corner of 7th Street and N. Caswell Rd in the Historic Stanleyville section of Charlotte. In the yard they have a bean bag toss game, some call it "Corn-Hole", and sometimes they have a ping-pong table set-up. I've never played there, and I'm not sure where the balls would go when they're hit off the table cause they don't have the netted courts like Thomas Street, but still ping-pong and beer on a nice Carolina night can't be a bad idea. Clientele tend to be of the hippy variety, but everyone isusually laid back. No need to get dolled up when heading to the "Stone". So throw on your parka, rub down the patchouli, and get ready to throw back a few while grooving to the jam band music pouring out of the speakers. Its P-Stone baby!
