Now that we’ve turn the page to 2021, it’s time to start thinking about the culinary spots expected to open in the new year. Read on for must-know information about 19 spots we’re looking forward to visiting in 2021.
The Eagle Food & Beer Hall
Where to find them: South End
Expected opening timeframe: January
What to expect: A focus on fried chicken made in custom-built fryers and served with house made hot honey. Classic southern sides include mac and cheese, succotash and white cheddar grits while the “snacks” portion of the menu is equally as tempting, offering brown sugar bacon and the southern spread: house ham salad, pimento cheese, pickled green bean, blackberry jam and Ritz crackers.
Orto
Where to find them: 424 East 36th Street, NoDa
Expected opening timeframe: January-February
What to expect: Coming soon from James Beard-nominated chef Paul Verica, this Italian restaurant is likely to become a new NoDa favorite.
Supperland
Where to find them: 1212 The Plaza, Plaza Midwood
Expected opening timeframe: Mid-February
What to expect: From the owners of NoDa favorites Crepe Cellar and Haberdish, among others, comes Supperland, which will focus on regional Southern cuisine served in a renovated historic church. When Supperland opens in mid-February, the kitchen will be run by Executive Chef, Chris Rogienski, who is currently the Sous Chef at Haberdish. Until then, you can shop their custom designed plates featuring southern birds, foliage, and vegetation online.
New concept replacing Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth
Where to find them: 500 South Tryon Street in the Mint Museum Uptown
Expected opening timeframe: Mid-February
What to expect: Halcyon has closed in anticipation of a new concept opening in February from Mother Earth Group. Stay tuned for more details.
D9 Brewing Company – Pavilion in Uptown
Where to find them: 650 E Stonewall St., Uptown
Expected opening timeframe: Be on the lookout for a soft opening in February. Stay tuned on Facebook
What to expect: This much-anticipated addition to Uptown will include an outdoor brewery, beer garden and concert venue.
Optimist Hall Openings: Xiao Bao and Mezeh
Where to find them: Inside Optimist Hall at 1115 N. Brevard St.
Opening timeframe: Stay tuned on Facebook.
What to expect: Two new tenants will join the bustling food stalls and restaurants at Optimist Hall this year. Xiao Bao will follow-up their popular Charleston location with a stall serving Southeast Asian dishes from Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. Mezeh will also join the popular food hall, serving up Mediterranean-inspired bowls, wraps and pitas with a create-your own option.
The Exchange at 36th
Where to find them: 451 36th Street, NoDa
Expected opening timeframe: Early 2021
What to expect: Soon, expect a new market concept in NoDa from Bistro la Bon executive chef Kevin Samuel. The Exchange at 36th will offer grab and go sandwiches, artisanal products, a bar and pantry essentials just a one-minute walk from the NoDa light rail stop. Expect a focus on local and regional vendors, including Pure intentions, Enderly Coffee and Back Powder Coffee, plus Wentworth & Fenn desserts and local provisions available for retail. Stay tuned to their Instagram page for opening updates.
The Vintage Whiskey & Cigar Bar
Where to find them: 215 E. Worthington Ave., Dilworth
Expected opening timeframe: Early 2021
What to expect: Coming soon, The Vintage will offer hand-rolled cigars, craft cocktails, local beer and wine.
Vaulted Oak Brewing
Where to find them: 3726 Monroe Rd., in the Echo Hills and Oakhurst Neighborhoods of East Charlotte
Expected opening timeframe: Early 2021
What to expect: Soon, you’ll be able to drink beer in an old local bank. Vaulted Oak Brewing, from founder Kiel Arrington, will feature the original vault in the brewing area.
Trolley Barn Fermentory
Where to find them: 2120 South Blvd., Atherton Mill, South End
Expected opening timeframe: Stay tuned to Facebook for updates.
What to expect: From Legion Brewing, Trolley Barn Fermentory will open soon as part of the growing Atherton development in South End. The fermentory will offer two floors of indoor and outdoor seating and a restaurant, all within walking distance to the rail trail.
The Jimmy
Where to find them: 2839 Selwyn Avenue, Myers Park
Expected opening timeframe: Early 2021
What to expect: Mediterranean-inspired cuisine from morning to night. The Jimmy will feature coffee and fresh pastries from Copain, light dishes for lunch and housemate pastas, pizzas and Italian entrees for dinner.
What The Fries
Where to find them: 10707 Park Road, Suite R, South Charlotte
Expected opening timeframe: Early 2021
What to expect: Chefs/co-owners Jamie Barnes and Greg Williams are ready to add a brick and mortar location to their popular food truck concept. At the new spot, expect the same loaded gourmet fries, handmade tots and other adventurous dishes that have built a healthy following around the Queen City.
Lintmen’s/Urban District Market
Where to find them: 2315 N Davidson Street between NoDa, Villa Heights and Optimist Park. Short walk to the LYNX 25th St. station.
Expected opening timeframe: Spring 2021
What to expect: Coming soon, this food hall will boast 12 stalls, plus a second location for Seoul Food Meat Co. and a brewery. The concept will also feature reservable event spaces and karaoke rooms.
ACE No. 3 – Concord and Myers Park
Where to find them: 829 Providence Road and Concord Mills
Expected opening timeframe: Early 2021
What to expect: ACE No. 3, voted Editor’s Choice for “Best Burger” by Charlotte Magazine in 2020, will open two new locations this year. Look out for their signature burgers, fries and shakes in Myers Park and Concord.
Heirloom Restaurant relocating to Belmont
Where to find them: Downtown Belmont, NC
Expected opening timeframe: Stay tuned to Facebook for updates.
What to expect: Heirloom Restaurant is in the process of relocating to the city of Belmont, where guests will be able to enjoy their favorite menu items in the coming months.
800° Woodfired Kitchen
Where to find them: 6815 Phillips Place Court, SouthPark
Expected opening timeframe: Stay tuned on their website.
What to expect: A craft pizza concept from Chef Anthony Carron with 15 domestic and international locations. SouthPark’s location will be the brand’s first in North Carolina. Menus vary by location, but you can get a preview by viewing the New York menu here.
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee
Where to find them: An official location has not yet been announced.
Expected opening timeframe: Mid-2021
What to expect: As seen on Good Morning America, The Today Show, CNN and more, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee will open a new location in Charlotte this year. The coffee shop serving hot, iced and blended drinks started in Wilmington, NC and is run by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Lulu’s Maryland Style Chicken and Seafood
Where to find them: 2308 Central Ave., Plaza Midwood
Expected opening timeframe: Early 2021
What to expect: As reported in the Charlotte Observer, this Black-owned new restaurant has its eyes set on expanding in 2021. Classics on their new menu as well as variations and a new brunch offering.
