Historic Plaza Midwood tends to draw an edgier crowd, and if you haven’t frequented PM lately, you may want to give it another-go this fall because the food spots and even boutiques are evolving and growing up, as is the neighborhood. Plus, it’s walkable, and there are plenty of ways to spend the day inside and out on the crisp fall days. Of course, it’s a people-watching feast for your eyes, but don’t miss the new mural painted on the side of the restaurant formerly known as John’s Country Kitchen; see if you can spot all of the references to PM’s past and present.
Here are a few of my favorite spots & plus some brand new restaurants to try while you’re in the neighborhood:
Best brunch: This is a toss up between Bistro La Bon & Soul Gastrolounge. Sample the edible art of Bistro La Bon’s small plates or share this delightful charcuterie spread.
Best Home Goods: Slate Home decor bliss. My happy place. Prepare for unique pieces and sensory overload!
Funkiest Clothing Boutique: Boris & Natasha amazing, unique fashion, complete with a store pup, Odie. Feels like you’re wandering into a NYC boutique, except it’s twice the size.
Best Gift Shop: Moxie Mercantile – local goods, fresh and light-filled shop right across the street from Common Market. Former bridal dress store, this older craftsman style shop is beautiful inside and out. Best of all it has a chalkboard wall for kids (or adults) to write or play while others shop. If you’re looking for a NC or Charlotte gift, think Moxie. It’s like an Etsy store right in PM.
Best Homecooked Meal: Dish Feels like you’re sitting at your grandmother’s kitchen table in the late 1970s. The best part is it travels well too, so take out is definitely doable.
Best Sushi: Soul Gastrolounge. Yama has great noodles, but Soul steals the show for sushi – beautiful presentation too. Don’t miss their cocktails while you’re there. Might as well plan on sipping while you wait because there’s always a wait, but worth it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZpAKG4DDCl/?taken-by=soulgastro
Best Brewery: Legion Brewing. They have board games and a life-size Jenga. It’s family and dog-friendly, need I say more?
Best Place for Kids/Grandchildren: The Pizza Peel & Tap Room They have a astroturf “lawn” where kids can roam, and it almost feels like you can have a date or a real discussion without little guys wandering here or there. This is an option every day except Thursdays when they have bocci ball, which could also be fun, minus the kids/grandkids. Also, the nearby Midwood Park has an ampitheatre complete with garden and playground. Fall Festival is something you don’t want to miss.
Best Breakfast: Zada Jane’s Corner Cafe – Craveable Bunny Rancheros (creative breakfast) and really should call it brunch because if you eat it for breakfast, it pretty much counts as lunch too.
Best Barbeque (& Brisket) – Midwood Smokehouse See tantalizing photo below. Nothing to add except, stop drooling!
Best Secret Spot – Harris Teeter Rooftop. You can eat lunch on the second floor, and it’s quite a respite away from the City, people; however, it can still be noisy.
Best City View – Midwood Smokehouse ‘s rooftop or Whiskey Warehouse, even though it’s crowded. Whiskey Warehouse is a great spot to watch Sunday afternoon football or baseball in the spring.
Coziest Spot – The Workman’s Friend has amazing food. Their cheese fries, aka “Bag of Chips” are to die for. It’s a perfect place to eat with an intimate group – the low-lighting and fireplace make for the ideal location for a fall dinner with friends (or foe, if you’re into self-sabotaging).
Best Authentic Mexican Food – Three Amigos
High-end Mexican Food – Comida
This is in the old Penguin building, so it is a bit difficult to get past if you are a past Penguin fan. However, Comida is in an entirely different concept than The Penguin. If you sit at the counter, you can watch the person that evening tediously make tortillas from scratch, and they offer an extensive cocktail menu. The best part – the grass wall outside near Petra’s.
Most Likely Misunderstood Locale Name: Resident Culture – new brewery where food trucks frequent on the weekend – great patio and place for large group gatherings…homemade, hewn tables and laid back vibe to end an afternoon.
OPENING SOON ~ The Roasting Company (RoCo) – New location set to open this month. This is in addition to the Rock Hill and Montford Drive locations. Expect tasty southern sides with rotisserie chicken, and it will be in the same plaza as Healthy Home Market and Bistro La Bon.
OPENING SOON ~ Coaltrane’s Plaza Midwood – Argentinian fast, casual dining with a newly constructed rooftop and amazing new lighting. This is located on the corner of Thomas and Central Avenue in the former John’s Country Kitchen location. They are working on the entrance now and will likely be open when you read this. If you can’t wait, they also have an Uptown location.
