A new season means new flavors in Charlotte’s culinary scene. Read on for the latest openings, menu updates, news and events to know for September.

OPENINGS & CLOSINGS

Livy’s Neapolitan Pizzeria

Now open inside Heist Brewery and Barrel Arts, Lucy’s focuses on Neapolitan-style pizza, cooked for 90 seconds in a wood-fired oven. The menu also includes classic and original pies, with a featured pizza of the week. Our main focus: Neapolitan style pizza. Hooked on your favorites from Heist? You can also order classics like beer cheese and wood fired wings. Closed on Mondays. Find them inside Heist Brewery and Barrel Arts at 1030 Woodward Avenue.

Harriet’s Hamburgers opening Sept. 14

Harriet’s Hamburgers will open its debut location at Optimist Hall on Monday, Sept. 14. The menu is simple, and that’s kind o the point. Expect just four items: hamburgers, French fries, pop (soda) and water. For the first week, Harriet’s Hamburgers will fulfill online orders only and guests can pick up their order at the exterior Hot & Fast window next to the Harriet’s stall. In-person ordering at the stall will begin on Sept. 21, and five people a day for the first five days will be randomly chosen to enjoy their meal for free.

Counter CLT opens Wedsnesday (9/9) in Wesley Heights

Opening in the City Kitch space, which is a commercial community kitchen facility. Counter will offer only prepaid seasonal tasting menus ($110 per person) at this time focused on the history and roots of Carolina cuisine.

Two new locations for BW Sweets Bakery (one’s in South End)

BW Sweets Bakery, a full-service bakery offering fresh baked goods, cakes, cheesecakes, cookies,
doughnuts and pies daily, is planning two new locations in the Charlotte area. Frankie White, owner of BW Sweets Bakery, has moved the flagship store to a larger location at 5820- L East W.T. Harris Blvd., just three doors down from the former location in the East Town Market Shopping Center. The new space, which boasts more than 2000 sq.ft. of space and increased seating capacity, will allow the team to continue delivering their daily dessert bar with more than 70 fresh baked items, plus cake decorating and baking courses. Be on the lookout for a grand opening celebration Sept. 12.

They’re also expanding into South End, with an “express” location opening in the neighborhood’s Centro Railyard building at 1425 Winnifred Street. Selections at the South End location will include cupcakes, cheesecakes, macaroons, cookies, brownies and grab and go cakes. Guests can also expect vegan and gluten free options, plus treats for pups, too. The express location will open the week of September 21 with a grand opening planned for September 26.

Great Wagon Road Distillery

Great Wagon Road Distillery has found a new home in NoDa after closing its South End location in early 2020. Coming soon to the former Bold Missy Brewery space, they’ll have space to produce their flagship spirits as well as offer guests cocktails and pizza.

Sweet Spot Studio – Reopening

The Sweet Spot reopened with a revamped studio space, retail options including specialty ingredients, tools and gifts, and revamped offerings, including hands-on classes and a subscription model cookie club, where you can learn royal icing decorating techniques via video and decorate on your own or with a friend.

CLOSINGS

Sadly, Uptown’s The Wooden Vine has closed. The wine bar had been open since 2011.

FOODIE NEWS TO KNOW

New bar manager and burger special at Dogwood Southern Table & Bar

Dogwood and Rare Roots Hospitality announced that Eli Privette, one of the popular bartenders from Fin & Fino, is now the bar manager at Dogwood. Highlight from his all-new cocktail menu:

• Chips n Salsa – Cilantro, Aperol, Salt, Citrus, Tequila, Benedictine
• Mint-Chimi Daiquiri – Mint Chimi rum, lime, sugar
• Tiki Asada – Tequila, Asada Sauce, Citrus, 4-Nut Orgeat
• Strawberry Prez – Strawberry & Spice Gin, Vermouth, Negroni Milk Punch Sidecar (comes in 2 glasses)

Additionally, Dogwood has brought back its $5 burger special every Tuesday from 5-9pm. The burger, made with ground sirloin, Gruyere cheese, worcestershire onions, heirloom tomato, arugula, and bacon aioli, typically sells for $18. On Tuesdays, guests can enjoy it for just $5 with a side of fries, along with a selection of craft beers to enjoy for $3, $4, and $5.

$5 fish tacos at Fin & Fino

Head to Fin & Fino for $5 fish tacos every Tuesday starting at 5 pm. What can guests expect? Fried mahi, crispy zucchini sticks, cabbage, red bell pepper salsa and poblano lemon crema on house made flour tortillas.

Farm-inspired Dinner Series at The Porter’s House

Enjoy an all-new four-course menu inspired by local farms, plus wine and cocktails pairings, in one of the restaurant’s private dining rooms. Available Tuesday-Thursday with 24 hours notice. Make your reservation by calling 704.930.7878.

Legion Brewing SouthPark launches new vegetarian menu

Vegeratians have a new reason to venture over to Legion Brewing’s SouthPark location. The brewery and taproom recently introduced a new vegetarian menu, which features plant-based choices including multiple Impossible sandwiches (available with a gluten-free bun or UnbelievaBun for a keto-friendly option), eggplant “manicotti,” salads and a selections of salads and starters.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

Virtual Wine Tasting with Kokomo Winery
September 18

Sonoma Restaurant Group will host a special Virtual Wine Tasting with Erik Miller, Owner/Winemaker Breaking Bread and Kokomo Wines. Erik will educate guests on “Natural Wines” and what the buzz is all about. Each wine kit includes three bottles for $75, with the option to add a Charcuterie & Cheese Board for an additional $20.

BBQ & Blue Jeans 
September 18

Make plans now to enjoy a BBQ meal and support a great cause on September 18. While this year’s BBQ & Blue Jeans event is moving to a drive-thru to keep guests safe, you can still expect two things: a great family meal pack from Midwood Smokehouse and that your participation will support the vital work at Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center. Reserve your pick-up meal now!

Wooden Robot Beer Dinner
September 22 | Queen City Craft and Gourmet

Queen City Craft and Gourmet’s September beer pairing dinner will feature a five course menu from Chef Jon paired with five Wooden Robot Brewery beers. $65 per person. Call 980.339.5610 to make your reservation.

Chappellet Wine Dinner
September 23 and 24 | The Pump House

Make your reservation now to enjoy an intimate five-course dinner, limited to just 24 guests. $99++ per person. Call 803.329.8888 for reservations.

Pahlmeyer Wine Dinner
September 25 | Napa on Providence

Napa on Providence will host a Pahlmeyer Wine Dinner featuring wines from this Napa Valley brand. $125 ++ per-person. Call 704.900.8535 to save your spot.

Virtual Greek Cooking Class 
September 25 | 5-6 pm

In this virtual cooking class, Chef Alyssa will teach you how to prepare Greek dishes including dolmades (grape leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts, currants and herbs) and spiced seared lamb steak with tomato chutney, feta cheese and fall greens. The full recipes, ingredient and equipment lists will be emailed one week prior to the class. Want to make it even easier? The optional ingredient box add-on includes the locally sourced ingredients you’ll need. Portions will feed 2 to 3 people.