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Heading out? Read on
The reasons to head to Charlotte during the winter just keep increasing. Diners and drinkers are fully embracing the newest addition to the area's growing number of restaurants — Hose 22 Firehouse Grill, on Stutson Street near Lake Avenue.
The place
Located in a beautifully restored firehouse from the early 1900s. Hose 22 pays tasteful homage to its history. A glowing fire pit in front of the building to welcome patrons. Inside, an old-school wooden bar offers lots of seating at stools. The bar also divides Hose 22's other seating areas — in front are small tables that look out onto Stutson Street, and in back a full dining room, where dinner is served five nights a week.
The crowd
Although Hose 22 has only been only open since October, its cozy ambience appears to have made it a fave. During our visit on a recent Saturday evening, it was standing room only with a full bar.
The drinks
Because of an obscure local law that prohibits establishments from serving hard liquor within 200 feet of a church (there's one right across the street), Hose 22 serves wine and beer only, says Michelle Putnam, 31, of Webster, the bar and grill's director of operations. The beer selection (there are 22 on tap and 50 bottled) includes 22 Amber, created for Hose 22 by CustomBrewcrafters.
The food
Hose 22 serves traditional American food for dinner Tuesday through Saturday and for lunch Thursday through Saturday. Playing off the firehouse theme, Hose 22 has the menu broken into five sections, or "alarms." (The 1st alarm includes appetizers, for instance, and the 5th includes entrees.)
Lunch (salads, sandwiches) will run you about $8; dinner ranges from $13 to $22.
Coming soon: Hose 22 will open its second floor for private parties of 65 to 85 (such as small weddings), Putnam says, though she didn't give us a date.
Good to know
What: A new bar and grill in Charlotte.
Where: 56 Stutson St.
Hours: 4 until 10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday.
Food: Full menu with traditional American favorites ranging from wings ($8 for 10; $16 for 22) to full a rack o' ribs ($20).
Drinks: A large selection of wine and beer (no hard liquor). Three Bud Lite bottles ran us $9 (before tip). Wine ranges from $6 to $9 per glass.
Cover: None.
Contact: 621-2200 or www.hose22.com.
