Social Habit: Where Kernersville's Downtown Renaissance Comes to Life

In the heart of downtown Kernersville, housed within the charming walls of a 115-year-old building at 242 North Main Street, Social Habit has quickly become the town's premier destination for expertly crafted cocktails and genuine social connection. Since opening its doors in 2024, this intimate cocktail lounge has captured the spirit of Kernersville's booming downtown revitalization, offering locals and visitors alike a sophisticated yet welcoming space where conversation flows as smoothly as the bourbon selections. With 709 Facebook followers and a 100% recommendation rate, Social Habit is proving that good things happen when community, creativity, and exceptional drinks come together.

The Visionary Behind the Bar

The story of Social Habit begins with Mark Stamper, a Kentucky native and entrepreneur whose journey to Kernersville is as colorful as the cocktails his bartenders create. Stamper's path to opening a cocktail lounge wound through multiple careers and adventures—from working as a tire technician in the racing business to running Stamper's restaurant in Greensboro (which he sold in 2007), and even spending summers gold mining in Alaska, where he put his diving skills to use and ended up appearing on the reality TV series "Gold Rush: White Water."

Returning to North Carolina around 2017, Stamper worked as property maintenance manager at Castle McCulloch in Jamestown for a while. But it was his discovery of Kernersville and its potential that would lead to his next chapter. The sale of some Alaskan gold allowed him to open Folly's Drafts and Snacks in 2020—right in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic—at 210 North Main Street. Folly's evolved into one of Kernersville's most popular spots for beer and live music.

Just a block down the street, Stamper saw another opportunity. "Man, this town is booming," he explained, "and I wanted to be one of the cheerleaders on Main Street to make it happen." While he jokingly said he opened Social Habit because he was "getting tired of drinking draft beer," the truth is more meaningful: he wanted to create a space that would complement downtown Kernersville's growth while offering a different atmosphere than Folly's.

"The name represents what it's about—a place to be social, talk with people," Stamper said. Social Habit embodies his vision of contributing to Kernersville's downtown renaissance while providing a sophisticated yet accessible gathering place for the community.

A Space with History and Soul

Social Habit occupies a beautifully preserved 115-year-old building that Stamper has transformed with his signature upcycling philosophy. Unlike corporate cocktail bars with manufactured ambiance, every element of Social Habit tells a story and contributes to its authentic character.

The interior features comfortable vintage couches—including one reportedly owned by Frank Sinatra—creating an eclectic, lounge-like atmosphere perfect for intimate conversations or small group gatherings. Exposed brick walls provide texture and warmth, while the space is adorned with antique and vintage fixtures throughout, honoring the building's historic character.

One of the most striking features is the walls covered in mirrors and artwork, creating visual depth and showcasing pieces from local artists. This commitment to supporting regional talent adds a vibrant, ever-evolving dimension to the space. Various lighting fixtures hang from the ceiling, casting a warm, inviting glow that transitions seamlessly from afternoon relaxation to evening sophistication.

The layout encourages social interaction with a variety of seating options—from cozy corners for couples to communal arrangements where strangers become friends. A golf arcade game at the back provides entertainment, while the overall vibe remains decidedly adult and conversation-focused rather than loud or overwhelming.

The space balances posh sophistication with relaxed inclusivity, creating an atmosphere where you're equally comfortable whether you're dressed up for a special occasion or stopping by after work in casual attire.

Expertly Crafted Cocktails: The Heart of Social Habit

What truly sets Social Habit apart is the exceptional quality of its cocktails. This isn't a place for rushed drinks or basic mixed spirits—the highly trained bartenders and mixologists approach cocktail creation as both art and craft.

Signature Cocktails

Social Habit features an impressive selection of expertly hand-crafted cocktails, with special attention to seasonal offerings that showcase unique flavors and creative combinations. Customer favorites include:

Smoked Old Fashioned
A standout signature drink featuring the classic spirit-forward profile elevated with smoking techniques that add depth and complexity. The presentation alone is worth the visit.

Lavender Moon
This fan-favorite cocktail balances floral notes with complementary spirits, creating a drink that's as beautiful to look at as it is to taste.

Baklava Cocktail
A fall and holiday season specialty created by bartender Amy, this inventive drink captures the essence of the beloved dessert with honey, nut, and spice notes perfectly balanced in liquid form.

Flannel Shirt
Another seasonal favorite, this fall-themed cocktail brings cozy autumn flavors together in a warming, satisfying drink perfect for cooler evenings.

K-Vegas Mule
A local twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this cocktail celebrates Kernersville (affectionately nicknamed "K-Vegas" by some locals) with refreshing citrus and ginger notes.

An Impressive Selection

Beyond creative cocktails, Social Habit offers:

Bourbon Selection: An excellent array of bourbons that would impress any Kentucky native, befitting Stamper's heritage
Wine: A carefully curated wine list with options by the glass or bottle, including special pricing on select evenings (like $5 glasses of wine on Thursdays)
Bottled Beers: Craft and imported selections complementing the cocktail focus
Classic Cocktails: All the standards, expertly prepared with premium spirits and fresh ingredients

The bartending team—including standout staff members like Hayden, Amy, Rita, and Leiden—consistently receives praise for their friendly, attentive service and exceptional cocktail knowledge. They're skilled at creating personalized drinks based on your preferences and are always happy to make recommendations or adjust recipes to suit individual tastes.

Events & Entertainment

While Social Habit maintains a more intimate, conversation-focused atmosphere than some bars, it regularly hosts events that bring the community together and showcase local talent.

Live Music

Social Habit features live music performances, particularly acoustic sets and small ensemble performances that complement rather than overwhelm the lounge atmosphere. Recent events have featured artists like Ashton and Patrick, with performances typically scheduled in the evening hours around 7:00 PM.

The venue's acoustic properties and intimate setting make it ideal for singer-songwriters, jazz trios, and acoustic duos where patrons can actually hear the music and lyrics while still being able to converse between songs.

Special Events

The cocktail lounge hosts various themed events and community gatherings throughout the year, including:

Kernersville Spring Folly Events: Partnering with downtown celebrations
Seasonal Cocktail Launches: Special tasting events when new seasonal menus debut
Happy Hour Specials: Regular promotions to encourage after-work gatherings
Holiday Celebrations: Themed events around major holidays with special cocktails and decorations
Local Artist Showcases: Rotating art exhibits featuring regional talent

Private Events

Social Habit welcomes groups and can accommodate special gatherings, making it an ideal venue for birthday celebrations, small wedding parties, corporate happy hours, or any occasion where you want exceptional drinks in an intimate setting.

The Food Situation

Social Habit operates primarily as a cocktail lounge without a full kitchen. However, Stamper has ensured guests have food options:

Food Trucks: Nearby food trucks often park in the vicinity, and Social Habit welcomes guests bringing in food from these vendors
Downtown Dining: The location on Main Street puts you steps away from numerous restaurants
Outside Food Welcome: Guests are encouraged to bring in food from nearby establishments to enjoy with their drinks

This approach allows Social Habit to focus on what they do best—creating exceptional cocktails—while still ensuring patrons can enjoy a full evening out.

The Atmosphere: Sophisticated Yet Welcoming

Walking into Social Habit feels like discovering a hidden gem—which, given its somewhat tucked-away presence in a historic building, it genuinely is. The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between upscale and approachable, where first-timers feel immediately welcome while regulars appreciate the consistent quality and attention to detail.

The Vibe

The crowd at Social Habit tends to be diverse: young professionals unwinding after work, couples on date nights, groups of friends catching up, bourbon enthusiasts comparing notes, and cocktail aficionados appreciating the craft. The age range skews slightly older than typical bars, reflecting an audience that values quality drinks and meaningful conversation over loud music and crowded dance floors.

Reviewers consistently describe the atmosphere as "relaxing," "cozy," "fun," and "vibrant with a dark and moody feminine speakeasy vibe." The lighting sets a sophisticated mood without being so dark you can't see your companions, and the vintage decor creates visual interest while maintaining comfort.

Unlike many bars where you have to shout to be heard, Social Habit's acoustics and layout facilitate actual conversation—revolutionary in today's bar scene. The music volume is set to enhance rather than dominate, creating ambiance without interference.

Local Art & Community Connection

The gallery-like display of local artwork throughout the space demonstrates Social Habit's commitment to supporting Kernersville's creative community. These rotating exhibits give regional artists exposure while creating a constantly evolving visual experience for regular patrons. It's a reminder that Social Habit isn't just about consuming drinks—it's about celebrating the talent and creativity that make Kernersville special.

What Guests Are Saying

The reviews for Social Habit tell a consistent story of exceptional quality, friendly service, and genuine hospitality:

"Excellent place!! I am a bartender and the cocktails are special class, I will return here a thousand times!"

"Had a great experience, Hayden is so fun behind the bar and every drink of hers I tried was delicious. Fun night, pretty atmosphere but bartender made it worth while."

"Great spot to lounge with friends or go out on an evening for cocktails with friends, loved ones or family. The fall special cocktails were a delight!"

"Great bourbon selection for K Vegas and good bottled beers! Love the atmosphere and got to sit on Frank Sinatra's couch! All around a lovely environment and a great addition to downtown Kernersville!!"

"What a nice gem to find! Legit cocktail bar with an adventurous menu. Smoked old fashioned and excellent whiskey selection. Cool vibe with lots of art."

"This is such an awesome place to meet with friends and have some fantastic drinks."

The consistent praise focuses on three key elements: exceptional cocktails, friendly staff who genuinely care about the guest experience, and an atmosphere that feels authentic rather than manufactured.

Part of Kernersville's Downtown Renaissance

Social Habit has opened at a pivotal moment in Kernersville's history. The downtown area is experiencing significant growth and revitalization, with new businesses, restaurants, and attractions drawing both residents and visitors to North Main Street.

Nearby establishments contributing to this renaissance include:

Folly's Drafts and Snacks: Stamper's other venue, just a block away
Breathe Cocktail Lounge: An upstairs cocktail destination at 221 N Main Street
Little Brother Brewing: A craft brewery downstairs from Breathe
Gypsy Road Brewing Co.: A family-owned brewery on East Mountain Street
The Brewer's Kettle: A bottle shop, taproom, and restaurant with craft beer selection
Körner's Folly: The historic house museum that celebrates Kernersville's unique heritage

This concentration of quality establishments has transformed downtown Kernersville from a sleepy historic district into a destination for food, drinks, and entertainment. Social Habit plays a crucial role in this ecosystem, offering an upscale cocktail experience that complements the area's beer-focused venues and casual dining options.

As Stamper noted, he wanted to be "one of the cheerleaders on Main Street" helping this transformation happen. By investing in a historic building and creating a business focused on quality and community, he's doing exactly that.

Practical Information

Location: 242 N Main St, Kernersville, NC 27284
(In historic downtown Kernersville, one block from Folly's)

Hours:

Sunday-Thursday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday-Saturday: 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM (Hours may vary; Monday-Wednesday sometimes open until 2:00 AM, Thursday sometimes closes at midnight)

Contact:
Best to check their Facebook page for current information and events

Pricing: $$ (moderate pricing for craft cocktails)

Services:

Dine-in at the bar or lounge seating
Good for groups
Happy hour specials
Private events accommodated

Payment: Credit cards accepted, mobile payment apps, cash

Accessibility:

Wheelchair accessible
Free Wi-Fi
Parking available on Main Street and nearby lots
Pet policy: Best to inquire

What to Know:

Focus is on cocktails rather than beer or food
Outside food welcome from nearby establishments
21+ establishment
Reservations not typically required but groups should call ahead

Social Media & Staying Connected

Stay up-to-date on events, specials, and new cocktail creations:

Facebook: Social Habit (709 likes, 100% recommendation rate)
Instagram: @social_habit_nc (206 followers)

Facebook is the most active platform for daily updates, event announcements, and drink specials.

The Future of Social Habit

As downtown Kernersville continues to grow and evolve, Social Habit is well-positioned to grow alongside it. The combination of Mark Stamper's entrepreneurial vision, the talented bartending staff's dedication to craft, and the community's enthusiastic support suggests this is just the beginning of Social Habit's story.

Plans likely include expanding the events calendar, introducing new seasonal cocktail menus, and continuing to support local artists through rotating exhibits. As more people discover Kernersville's downtown renaissance, Social Habit will undoubtedly play a key role in showing visitors what makes this community special.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Bar

Social Habit represents something increasingly rare in today's world: a place purpose-built for genuine human connection. In an era of scrolling feeds and digital interaction, it offers an analog experience—real conversations over real drinks in a real space with character and soul.

The name "Social Habit" is perfectly chosen. In a time when many people have fallen out of the habit of gathering in person, when we've forgotten how to simply sit with friends over a well-made drink and talk, Social Habit gently reminds us of what we're missing. It's not about getting drunk quickly or checking in for social media points—it's about the ritual of gathering, the pleasure of a beautifully crafted cocktail, the unexpected conversations that happen when you're present rather than plugged in.

Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast eager to try their Smoked Old Fashioned, a bourbon lover exploring their Kentucky-worthy selection, someone seeking a sophisticated date night venue, or simply a Kernersville resident looking to support local businesses while enjoying exceptional drinks, Social Habit delivers an experience worth making a habit of.

Stop by this historic building on North Main Street, settle into one of those vintage couches (maybe even Frank's), order something from the seasonal menu, and discover why Mark Stamper is right about Kernersville booming—and why Social Habit is helping lead that charge, one perfectly crafted cocktail at a time.

After all, as the name suggests, some habits are worth cultivating. And gathering with neighbors and friends over quality drinks in a space that honors history while celebrating community? That's a social habit worth having.