Kick off a new month with fresh flavors from around the Queen City. Read on for the foodie openings, news and events you need to know this October.
OPEN NOW & COMING SOON
Bonterra in Phillips Place – Open now
As of September 20, the beloved restaurant formally in Dilworth reopened in its new spot at SouthPark’s Phillips Place. Bonterra will be serving dinner only for the first few weeks and will eventually transition into being open full-time, offering coffee and breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Find them at 6809 Phillips Place Court, Suite A, across the street from The Palm.
The Garrison in Pineville – Open now
Pineville residents now have a new cocktail bar and restaurant downtown at The Garrison. Guests can expect American fare including filets, burgers, fresh seafood and 24-hour brined chicken wings. Find them at 314 Main St.
Milkbread in Plaza Midwood – Opening soon – Mid October
We’re getting closer to the much-anticipated opening of Milkbread in Plaza Midwood. The all-day cafe will offer milk bread donuts, toasts and biscuits, bowls, salads and crispy chicken.
Dave’s Hot Chicken in Plaza Midwood – Open now
Grab Nashville-style hot chicken from this LA-based chain when they open soon in the heart of Plaza Midwood. Find them at 1300 The Plaza.
Biblio in Wesley Heights – Opening soon
Experience wine in a whole new way at Biblio, where chef de cuisine, John Cruz, and head sommelier, Bill Cox, will craft a meal based on your wine bottle selection. They’re slated for an October opening per their Instagram page.
8.2.0 Pizzeria and Bar Rebrands as The Hamilton Event Spaces
8.2.0 Pizzeria & Bar has re-launched as The Hamilton Event Spaces, a unique private event venue with five unique spaces, including a private karaoke room. The Hamilton is already known for hosting events for celebrities and athletes like Jeremy Lamb, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, as well as Carolina Panthers, including Cam Newton and Christian McCaffrey.
Salata in Rea Farms – Opening soon
Soon, Rea Farms will be home to the newest Salata location, boasting more than 50 fresh toppings, plus house-made and gluten-free dressings.
Just announced: Charlotte may be getting its first Whataburger location on South Boulevard. Read more about the expected plans from the Charlotte Observer.
Gibson Mill Market in Concord announces the official opening of six more vendors
Market hours, starting on October 5, are Wednesday – Saturday, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.. Now open:
- Cara’s Cookie Company: a cookie adventure experience that supports Cara’s Purpose Charity
- Johnny Rogers BBQ & Burgers: a family-owned food joint offering hand-pulled NC-style barbecue and burgers
- Taco Street: authentic street tacos, house-made salsas, traditional tortilla recipes, and homemade sangrias
- Churn Buddies Ice Cream: scratch-made ice cream featuring local ingredients and flavors
- Defined Coffee: local roasters serving coffee sourced from around the globe
- The Market Bar
These vendors join the previously opened High Branch Brewing Company and Luck Factory Games.
CLOSED: Coaltrane’s in Plaza Midwood
Coaltrane’s announced on their instagram that 10/4 was their last day of service. 😢😢😢
Thank you! Thank you to our @plazamidwood neighbors for taking us in and making us feel like family. Thank you for supporting our restaurant through the highs and lows over the past 5 years. Thank you for the constant reminders of how cool our staff is and how damn good our food is! Tonight is our last night to serve you. Short notice we know, but that’s how the universe works sometimes. Stop by if you can.
A new taco spot Que Onda is reported to be opening up soon in the space.
REMODELING:
Word is that Mama Ricotta’s will close temporarily at the end of October for a remodel to add more seating and expand the kitchen.
Did you Miss NATIONAL TACO DAY on October 4? Our picks for any-day tacos in the QC:
Paco’s Tacos
6401 Morrison Blvd. #8A
From the wood-fired grilled fajitas to the cheese enchiladas with chili con carne, Paco’s menu showcases the freshest quality ingredients. Central to the flavor-packed dining experience is the bar, with over 100 tequila varieties, several outstanding wines and a selection of beers from Texas, Mexico and North Carolina.
Bakersfield
1301 East Blvd.
In the heart of Dilworth, Bakersfield serves up a variety of tacos, from short rib to Baja shrimp and even potatoes and chorizo.
RuRu’s Tacos + Tequila
715 Providence Rd.
Sit on the patio and order your choice of tacos from the menu that includes traditional takes plus ahi tuna, roasted cauliflower, crispy tofu and seafood.
Superica
101 W Worthington Ave #100 and 4223 Providence Rd Suite D
Settle in with a margarita and street style tacos (choose from shrimp, pork belly or brisket) or opt for a variety of Tex-Max options.
NEWS TO NOTE
Customshop transitions to new Executive Chef and owner Andres Kaifer
Charlotte’s favorite chef-driven restaurant Customshop today announces ownership transition among other changes including an expanded bar, refinished kitchen and expanded and elevated cocktail program. Customshop’s creator, Trey Wilson, is excited to pass the torch to longtime chef and culinary expert Andres Kaifer, who recently joined the team as partner and head chef upon departure from Mac’s Hospitality Group. Kaifer, an experienced chef and restaurant operator, has been at the helm of Customshop for the last four months and shares Wilson’s mission of sourcing local ingredients as often as possible and creating an upscale yet casual experience. Kaifer will maintain the key menu focus of fresh pastas, seasonal ingredients, and housemade breads and sauces as well as explore new dishes and cooking techniques. The neighborhood restaurant recently celebrated 15 years at 1601 Elizabeth Ave.
Lunch is back at Fern
End your stroll along East Boulevard with lunch at Fern, served Tuesday – Friday from 11am-3pm. Menu options include a Buddha bowl, grilled portobello sandwich, Asian pear salad and more.
Mariposa is highlighting a different type of wine with Half Off bottles on Wednesday’s this month
In the month of October, Mariposa will offer half off wine bottles on Wednesdays with each Wednesday’s half off selection being from a different part of the world! Here is the line-up:
- Wednesday, October 5: French Wines
- Wednesday, October 12: Spanish Wines
- Wednesday, October 19: Italian Wines
- Wednesday, October 26: South American Wines
Football is Back – Midwood Smokehouse Group To Go
Let Midwood Smokehouse bring the party to your next tailgate! Their Party Packs include two meats and two sides plus plenty of add-ons and sliders should you need to feed a bigger crowd. Call Midwood Smokehouse 24 hours ahead of time when ordering from this take-out only menu. View the full menu here.
FOODIE EVENTS
Angeline’s Biergarten
Weekends Oct. 8-23
Angeline’s “Biergarten” will feature Oktoberfest-style beers and Bavarian-style food to accompany from noon to 5 pm. Dates:
- Oct. 8 – 9
- Oct. 15 – 16
- Oct. 22-23
HIGH TIDE HOSPITALITY’S Locations encouraging us to “Drink Pink” to support local non-profit, Carolina Breast Friends during October Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Sea Level NC just released the latest ‘Rising Tide’ cocktail dubbed the Mariposa Rosa (aka – pink butterfly). The pink, glittering martini is made with 21 Seeds Valencia Orange Tequila, Cointreau, spiced cranberry, and lime. 20% of each one sold during October will be donated to Carolina Breast Friends.
Ace No. 3 is shaking things up with a month-long promotion too. $1 from all strawberry milkshakes (regular and boozee) will be donated to CBF with Ace No. 3 matching up to $500! Plus, Ace No. 3 in Concord Mills and Myers Park will be hosting a Spirit Night on Monday, October 10th from 5-9pm where 20% of ALL sales goes directly to the non-profit.
Oktoberfest at Gilde Brewery
Oct. 7 – 10
Don’t miss Gilde’s final Oktoberfest weekend featuring German traditions, games, food and beer specials and more. Plus, their limited-edition Gilde Oktoberfest Märzen will be on tap.
Live Jukebox with Jess Lamb
Oct. 7
Experience “Live Jukebox” when Jess Lamb takes your songs requests on the fly Friday, October 7 at 8 pm at Cloud Bar by David Burke. Jess Lamb’s live shows have been described as spiritually awakening, uplifting and community empowering. Jess received worldwide recognition on Season 14 of American Idol and is a little bit pop, a touch of R&B, sometimes rock n’ roll and a lot of soul.
Drag Divas Day Party
Oct. 9
Come party with the queens as The Vanity House takes the party to Merchant & Trade on Sunday, October 9 at 2 pm. Tickets available at Eventbrite.
Whiskey Dinner
Oct. 13
Make reservations now to enjoy four delicious courses paired with libations from Bulleit, Blade and Bow, George Dickel and Crown. $90++ per-person. Call today to book seats: 704-900-8535.
Mattie’s Front Porch: “Toasts for Tatas”
Oct. 15
This edition of the Mattie’s Front Porch monthly pop-up dining experience by Chef Lisa Brooks will benefit The Pink House and feature a low country style brunch, signature mimosa bar and passed small plates.
Moffett Vineyards Wine Dinner at Red Salt by David Burke
Oct. 26
Red Salt by David Burke is hosting an exclusive Moffett Vineyards wine dinner —four courses paired with five hand-selected wines. The winery owner and winemaker, Trent Moffett, will be at the restaurant to introduce each of his wine selections. Each wine will be paired during the four-course dinner, created by Red Salt’s executive chef Jeffrey Russell. $130 per person, cost includes gratuity and tax
Bayhead Food & Wine Festival
October 19 – 23
The Bayhead Food & Wine Festival will return to Charlotte for its second year this month. The festival, which will feature nearly 100 Black chefs and mixologists from across the country, celebrates Black food, drink and culture and will feature multiple events across five days in multiple sites across Charlotte including Camp North End, Johnson & Wales University and more.
Louisiana X Charlotte Restaurant Night
Nov. 3
For one night only — Thursday, Nov. 3 — top chefs from Louisiana’s most delicious destinations are stepping into the kitchens of 14 Charlotte restaurants for an unforgettable evening of culinary collaborations. Louisiana X Charlotte Restaurant Night will feature 28 chefs at 14 restaurants, each offering a one-of-a-kind experience available at various price points presented as a private ticketed dinner, a prix fixe menu or special featured dishes taking place at some of Charlotte’s most popular restaurants.
