The famous exterior-awning--removed during the last renovaton
1979 menu
1970's matchbook (courtesy of Robert McEwen)
Charlotte's longest-running sports bar has closed. Opened for over thirty years on Montford Dr, the Press Box closed its doors for good at the end of January 2009. Nestled in the heart of a street filled with a large assortment of restaurants and bars, the Press Box was always a popular destination and had developed a loyal following. It was one of the first area bars to feature an outdoor patio and its "Camel Rider" sandwich was an area favorite (hot ham & cheese on a pita with homemade Italian dressing). Between its outdoor patio and red leather booth interior, the Press Box quickly became a Charlotte institution. Throughout the '80's and early '90's, the Press box also had a second restaurant called the Coach's Corner at Carmel Commons Shopping Center (same menu/same interior).
New plans call for the restaurant to be completely gutted by the new owner and transformed into a "gastro pub" (a pub that offers high-end food versus standard pub-fare of wings and burgers). Throughout the years, the Press Box had become a favorite of many. It will be greatly missed.
The Camel rider was one of the all time great sandwiches. I used to alternate between that and the Matheny burger. Sorry to see it go.
ReplyDeleteRe-openinga under another name soon...not sure if they're keeping any of the old sandwiches.
ReplyDeleteLooks like it will be completely different--all new interior and an all new menu.
ReplyDeleteThe new owners are great people! It's going to be a fabulous place!
ReplyDeleteI hope they keep the same cooks with the same burgers, sandwiches, and wings!!
ReplyDeletePress Box's fries were the best dipped in ranch. Love the metheny burger
ReplyDeletethis sucks. I loved going there for basketball games. double-dipped wings were amazing. It was great b/c it was shitty and had character. I can't imagine caring about some high-end barfood bar.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I also really disliked the last renovation. The high-backed booths were amazing.
Oh well. It's a big loss for Charlotte and for me. The Press Box + Car Bombs + Davidson winning = just about perfect.
My favorite dive bar ever....Ill never go back now.
ReplyDeleteI used to go there back in 1980. I lived with my brother for the summer. The Matheny Burger was the best. I never got around to taking my daughters there. I hate that I didn't. Good memories.
ReplyDeleteThe other Press Box location at Carmel Commons was actually called "The Coaches' Office". Not Coaches' Corner.....
ReplyDelete