With a new month ahead, set your sights (and appetites) on trying the newest flavors around the Queen City. Read on for the latest in Charlotte restaurant openings, news, events and more.
OPEN NOW & COMING SOON
Duckworth’s SouthPark – In soft opening now
Via Facebook
The newest location for the popular location spot known for cheesesteaks, wings and gametime viewing, is now in a soft opening phase. Find them at 4625 Piedmont Row Dr. 115A.
Seoul Food Optimist Park – Open now
Via Facebook
The popular South End spot for Korean-inspired fare and karaoke has opened its second location in Optimist Park. The spot will be perfect for foodies, families and pet-lovers alike with multiple dining rooms, five karaoke rooms, a dog park and a playground.
Duck Donuts Rea Farms – Open now
The beloved donut chain has opened its newest location in South Charlotte inside the Rea Farms development. In addition to the made-fresh donuts, guests can also enjoy donut sundaes, coffee and breakfast sandwiches. Find them at 9825 Sandy Rock Place, Suite 5B.
The Good Wurst South End – Open now
Now open in South End’s The Vantage building, the second location for The Good Wurst Company offers a variety of meats and sandwiches including bratwursts, pastrami and schnitzel. Find them now at 1220 S. Tryon, Suite 200.
The Horseshoe – Open now
Via Instagram
South Carolina fans now have a new spot to cheer on the Gamecocks. The Horseshoe offers a lively game day atmosphere as well as food and live music. Find them in South End at 1515 S Mint St Suite B.
Que Fresa, Wesley Heights – Open now
Sister restaurant to Que Onda Tacos, Que Fresa offers a variety of tacos and entrees including ceviche, barrio rolls, and tortas. Guests can also expect tacos, burritos, bowls, soft-serve margaritas and brunch coming soon. Find them at 1500 W Morehead St., Suite A.
Milkbread in Plaza Midwood – Open now
Via Instagram
The much-anticipated location of Milkbread in Plaza Midwood is now open. The all-day cafe offers milk bread donuts, toasts and biscuits, bowls, salads and crispy chicken.
Godfather’s Pizza – Open now
After building up a loyal following throughout the 1970s and 80s, Godfather’s Pizza returns to Charlotte with a location on Prosperity Church road. They’re open now for carryout and delivery.
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.
RECENT CLOSURES:
- Coaltrane’s in Plaza Midwood
- Good Life at Enderly Park
- Blacow Burgers & Sushi South End
- Unwind Tea & Coffee in Pineville
NEWS TO NOTE
Mama Ricotta’s temporarily closing for remodeling
Thankfully just a temporary pause, Mama Ricotta’s will be closing for three weeks for renovations starting Sunday, October 30. The remodel will include a new private dining space with 30 seats, an expansion of the dining area from 196 to 228 seats, better flow and infrastructure for to-go business, and a kitchen upgrade to better handle the volume.
Culture & Cuisine Date Night at Mariposa and The Mint Museum
Via Instagram
Consider date night planned. Every Friday, when you book a reservation to Mariposa, you’ll get two admissions tickets into the museum to explore before or after your meal. It’s the best of cuisine and art all in one place.
Merchant & Trade igloo reservations now available
Reservations are now available for Merchant & Trade’s seasonal igloo. A heated igloo, coziliy and stylishly furnished, will be set nineteen stories up, accommodating up to 10 guests who will be able to enjoy stunning city views. Reservations, available Tuesdays through Sundays beginning Friday, November 11, can be made here.
Wednesday burger specials at Mariposa
Every Wednesday, Mariposa offers a double stack of burger specials, available exclusively at the bar. Choose from the Lamb Burger with sun dried tomato jam, smoked gouda, arugula, white onion and tzatziki or the All American Burger with fresh ground beef, cheddar cheese, 100 gardens bibb lettuce, shaved white onion and house-made mayo. Pro Tip: The Mint Museum Uptown offers free entry on Wednesday evenings, make a night of it and explore the current exhibits before or after dining.
Soul Gastrolounge launches new food truck
Don’t fret, Soul Gastrolounge fans. The Plaza Midwood staple has returned in food truck form, offering a few menu staples in a new setting. Follow them on Instagram to see where they’ll be next.
SEA LEVEL brings back their Paella
This beloved dish drifted off the menu during the pandemic, but the skillet of scrumptiousness has found its way home. The new and improved recipe features Carolina Gold seafood rice, bacon, andouille sausage, scallops, shrimp, Maine mussels, and saffron creme fraiche. Be sure to check-out their gorgeous patio upgrade while you’re at it. New furniture, temperature control, and chic coastal vibes.
The Waterman Fish Bar in Cornelius is now accepting reservations
Due to popular demand, The Waterman in Cornelius is now accepting reservations! Secure a spot for lunch, dinner, or brunch via Resy. The South End location remains on a first come first served basis.
Red Salt by David Burke has recently added some new menu items
Including Bucatini and Meatball (fresh pasta with sauce with an 8-ounce meatball), perfect to warm you up as the temperature drops. Don’t worry though – you’ll still find crowd pleasers like Clothesline Bacon and Lobster Dumplings on the menu.
FOODIE EVENTS
Louisiana X Charlotte Restaurant Night
Nov. 3
Photo courtesy of Louisiana Culinary Trails
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. Read more here.
Whiskey Wine & Fire
Nov. 5 | Ballantyne’s Backyard
This exclusive foodie celebration will feature a variety barbecue and grilled meats, whiskey and wine tastings, seminars with master distillers, brewmasters and grillmasters, a s’mores station, live music and more.
Sake on the Rooftop
Nov. 8 | Mizu Charlotte
The November installment of F&B Social Club‘s monthly Chef’s Table Series will be “Sake on the Rooftop” with Mizu. Join Food & Beverage Social Club and Mizu Wood-Fired Seafood for an interactive Asian Fusion experience with Sake education in a rooftop setting. Mizu combines the traditions of ancient Japanese cooking with Southern influences and Asian flavors. The evening includes five courses of off-the-menu dishes, each paired with a sake tasting.
OMB’s Harvest Beer Dinner
Nov. 10 | The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
The inaugural Harvest Beer Dinner at OMB will feature afive-course dinner that includes a beer pairing for each course. Limited tickets available.
5th Annual Bless Back Chili Cook-off
Nov. 12 | Lenny Boy Brewing Co.
Enter your best chili or simply enjoy unlimited samples as the Bless Back Hili Cook-off heats up at Lenny Boy Brewing. Winners will be crowned in categories like “Best Overall”, “Tongue Burner” and “Most Creative”. Proceeds benefit the programs of Bless Back Worldwide in Haiti Nicaragua, and Dominican Republic.
Pahlmeyer Wine Dinner
Nov. 30 | Napa on Providence
Celebrate the iconic Pahlmeyer wines with a four-course pairing dinner at Napa on Providence. $145++ per person. Call 704.900.8535 to reserve your seat.
