Sidelines, a gay sports-themed bar in the South End

In the same shopping center as the Eagle gay leather bar in Charlotte's South Side, friendly Sidelines Sports Bar and Billiards (4544 South Blvd., 704-525-2608) is a convivial place to socialize, drawing a mix of gay guys and lesbians to shoot pool, play darts, watch football and basketball on huge TV screens, play Nintendo Wii games, and basically have a good time. A welcoming staff, eclectic crowd, and excellent beer selection make this spot a winner, although the location is a 10- to 15-minute drive south of downtown Charlotte.