Although we may soon be trading swimsuits for sweaters, the food scene around Charlotte shows no sign of cooling down. Read on for the openings, updates and events you need to know about going into September.
New & Opening Soon
Summerbird in South End – Open now
Now open in South End, this fast casual chicken spot offers sandwiches, tenders, salads and sides. We’re eager to try the classic Summerbird sandwich and the Sweet Caroline, a twist on the classic chicken sandwich with pimento cheese, pickled red onions and pepper jelly. Their grand opening celebration will be Sept. 8 from 11 am – 8 pm, where guests can enter to win a year of free sandwiches, salads and tenders.
Fairweather in NoDa – Open now
Consider date night complete with a trip to the newly opened Fairweather bar, a sister concept to popular Idlewild. Expect a full and inventive cocktail menu plus a raw bar and small plate options.
The Penguin in Dilworth – Open now
The Plaza Midwood staple has officially reopened along Dilworth’s main route. Pop in at 1531 East Boulevard to try menu items including hamen bowls with homemade dashi sauce, burgers, toasted sub rolls and the world famous chopped steak..
Archive in West Charlotte – Open now
Archive is more than a coffee shop. This Black and woman-owned book cafe and vintage shop offers guests a vibrant experience brewing photography, first edition books and more that celebrate Black culture. The shop will also host a number of community events including book clubs.
Felix Empanadas in Uptown – Open now
Fans of the popular stall at Optimist Hall will be excited that Felix Empanadas is now open in Uptown inside Latta Arcade. In addition to their tried and true staples, expert new empanadas and rice bowls.
Cold Hearted Gelato in Plaza Midwood – Open now
Beat the last of the summer heat with a cold treat from Cold Hearted Gelato. The Plaza Midwood spot offers globally-inspired flavors including four staples: for de latte, vanilla, chocolate and hazelnut red miso. They’re currently featuring a frozen hot chocolate flavor in addition to other rotating options.
Twisted Sugar Now Open in Ballantyne
America’s Fastest growing Cookie Shoppe now open at 12210 Copper Way # 218 with 20+ Gourmet Cookies🍪 Hundreds of Custom Drinks 🥤 Ice Cream Twisters
Jimmy Pearls in Uptown – Opening Sept. 13
Head Uptown on Sept. 13 to welcome Jimmy Pearls back to The Market at 7th Street. They’ll be taking over the former Uptown Yolk location, offering signature dishes as well as a few newcomers to the menu.
The Horseshoe – Opening soon
Soon, local fans and the University of South Carolina alumni association will have a new home to gather and cheer on the Gamecocks from the Queen City. Expect lively game days, a full bar and food. The Horseshoe is tentatively scheduled to open on Sept. 9 at 1515 South Mint St.
Que Fresa in Wesley Heights – Opening Sept. 16
Starting Sept. 16, Que Fresh will be the newest hotspot opening in bustling Wesley Heights. Expert soft serve margaritas. corn curls, appetizers and “tacos fit for a queen.”
Menu updates & news to know
New Dessert menu at Merchant & Trade
Looking for a decadent treat and rooftop views? Look no further than the new dessert menu from Pastry Chef Catie Van Slyke at Merchant & Trade. Tempting options include:
- Tropical Bombe: Mango Pineapple Mousse, Banana Confit, Pecan Financier ($12)
- Apple Pie Cheesecake: Hazelnut Shortbread, Apple Brandy Compote, Cheesecake Mousse ($10)
- M&T Bar: Salted Caramel, Dark Chocolate Mousse, Rice Crispy Crunch ($12)
- Red, White, and Blue Gateau: Red Velvet Cake, Cream Cheese Mousse, Mixed Berries ($10)
Introducing Jazz Brunch at Mariposa
It’s time for a fresh take on weekend brunch. Uptown at Mariposa, enjoy world-to-Table brunch dishes served with a side of live jazz every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am – 3 pm. Menu highlights include a Mayan Avocado Bowl, Shakshuka and Shrimp and Grits, plus libations like the hibiscus mimosa. Make your reservations here.
It’s cocktails & patio weather at Village Tavern
Soak up the cooler temperatures and new cocktails at Village Tavern’s rooftop patio. Toast with an aperol spritz, sangria, espresso martini or another option from their refreshed and extensive menu. Or make it a weekend event with brunch on Saturdays from 11 am – 3 pm and Sundays 10 am – 3 pm and picks from a special brunch cocktail menu (the brunch old fashioned has allspiced maple syrup!)
Pumpkin Pizza is back at Inizio
Fall is officially here at Inizio, as the pumpkin pizza and pumpkin cannoli find their way back on menus at the pizza spot’s Dilworth, Ballantyne, Huntersville and Fort Mill locations. The pizza is a tempting combination of pumpkin cream sauce, ricotta, basil, pecorino and buffalo mozzarella.
Napa on Providence closed until Sept. 7
Napa on Providence will be closed Sunday, August 28th through Tuesday, September 6th for renovations. Napa at Kingsley in Fort Mill will remain open!
eeZ Fusion Sushi – Huntersville closed for renovations
eeZ Fusion Sushi in Huntersville is also rolling out some new changes. They’ll be closed for 2-3 weeks this month to complete renovations and expect to re-open mid-September.
Pure Intentions Coffee launches in 68 regional Walmart stores
Local coffee lovers, rejoice! You can now find Pure Intentions coffee in 68 Walmart stores across the Carolinas and Georgia. You can find their best-selling coffee, the Porchlight Medium Roast, as well as the Twilight Dark Roast on shelves now.
Snooze specials to benefit No Kid Hungry
International Bacon Day is coming up on September 3, and Snooze, an A.M. Eatery is celebrating with sizzling specials. From August 25 through September 7, all Snooze locations will serve two over-the-top Bacon Day pancake specials with all proceeds benefitting No Kid Hungry and its mission to end childhood hunger.
- The Graceland Pancake: A guest favorite, this Elvis-inspired number features buttermilk batter filled with fresh banana slices, topped with peanut butter cream, caramel sauce, whipped butter and lots of smoky chopped bacon.
- Bacon and Eggs Pancake: A savory creation whipped up by Snoozer Linsey Onken of Snooze’s Orange, California location, this buttermilk pancake is filled with chopped bacon and cheddar cheese and topped with a crispy sunny-side-up egg, more chopped bacon and maple black pepper syrup.
Foodie Events
BBQ & Blue Jeans presented by Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center
Sept. 10 | 2235 Radcliffe Ave
After two years of operating a drive-thru model, Pat’s Place, Mecklenburg County’s only child advocacy center, is bringing back its signature fundraising event in-person. The BBQ & Blue Jeans event will feature a barbecue dinner from Midwood Smokehouse, beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages, live music, a silent auction and other fun activities. Attire is casual, and blue jeans are encouraged. A portion of funds raised at BBQ & Blue Jeans support the core services provided by Pat’s Place that a child needs after experiencing abuse — all provided by experienced professionals in one safe location and at no cost to the families. Over the past 17 years, the annual BBQ & Blue Jeans event (including the two modified drive-thru events), has raised over $2.4 million
Farm to Fork Picnic in the Garden
September 25 | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Tickets are now on sale for the September 25, 2022 Farm to Fork Picnic in the Garden. The event – sponsored by Piedmont Culinary Guild (PCG) and the Center for Environmental Systems (CEFS) – pairs some of Charlotte’s best chefs with local farmers and food producers to celebrate local food and farms. Proceeds from the event will support agriculture and food system training programs at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems and farmer grants at Piedmont Culinary Guild.
No Filter Coffee Fest
Sept. 25 | Camp North End
Charlotte’s first and only craft coffee festival will feature over three dozen Southeastern coffee roasters, tea purveyors, local food artisans and more. No Filter Coffee Fest attendees can taste unlimited samples from while enjoying the musical stylings of local DJ, That Guy Smitty, and attending educational workshops and panel discussions curated by coffee educator and consultant, Brianna Berry of Talk Coffee to Me.
FORK Cancer
Sept. 29 | Project 658
Eight Charlotte culinary leaders will come together to benefit FORK Cancer, an unforgettable dinner experience with 100% of the proceeds supporting four local cancer non-profits. The event is a new venture between Charlotte’s Food & Beverage Social Club and Forever Oceans. Guests will enjoy four-course meals prepared by leading Charlotte chefs plus wine and beer, signature cocktails and dancing.
