Close out 2023 with the latest in Charlotte foodie news. Read on for your must-know openings, closings, holiday pop-ups, menu updates and more.
Openings & Closings
Soul Miner’s Garden, Camp North End – Open Now
This vegan, woman-owned spot started out as a food truck and then operated a brick and mortar in Gastonia. Now, we can all enjoy Soul Miner’s Garden at their new location in Camp North End.
Lorem Ipsum, Plazaa Midwood – Open Now
Lorem Ipsum, a new listening bar and cocktail lounge, is now open in Plaza Midwood. Guests can expect cocktails, mocktails, beer and wine from mixologist Justin Hazelton inside the pop-up bar for the next eight months before the concept moves to a permanent spot.
Kappo En, Elizabeth – Opening Nov. 29
Inside a noodle shop in Elizabeth, soon you’ll be able to find a whole new restaurant behind a discrete door in the back. Kappo En will open this week with a 17-course omakase menu. The 10-seat chefs counter will serve appetizers, sushi, grilled entrees and dessert with optional sake or wine pairings.
The Ugly, NoDa – Open Now
A neighborhood bar in the heart of NoDa, The Ugly is Charlotte’s newest watering hole offering patrons a casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere. The no frills menu features typical well drinks and six easy drinking cocktails priced between $10 and $12 including an Old Fashioned, an espresso martini-inspired Dominicana and a Negroni, along with three rotating specials appropriately titled The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The Ugly is housed in the former Idlewild space and will serve as a go-to staple for those looking to sip on classic cocktails without the hassle of reservations or waitlists. Idlewild has merged into the adjacent space previously housing Chirico’s Fairweather bar. The shifting of concepts was designed to offer guests two totally different vibes and experiences, answering the call for a more casual option from Idlewild’s talented mixology team.
Room Service, Camp North End – Open Now
Open now in Camp North End, Room Service is sure to be a go-to spot for specialty drinks, beer and wine, plus sandwiches and sharable plates.
Sprinkle, NoDa – Open Now
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Sprinkle, NoDa’s newest dessert and cocktail lounge. Guests can expect handcrafted milkshakes, cupcakes, candy and more. Plus, cocktails, champagne and spiked milkshakes. It’s located right next to Haberdish, making it a perfect post-dinner destination.
Closings
- Fat Cat Burgers + Bakeshop in Dilworth has sold
- Biblio: The wine shop’s Instagram post shared, “It’s bittersweet for us to announce that Biblio will be closing its doors after service on Saturday, December 9. Our sister restaurant, Counter-, will take over and fill both spaces at 2001 West Morehead Street beginning Friday, December 15.”
- Acropolis Cafe
- White Duck Taco Shop Belmont (Matthews location set to re-open in Spring 2024)
- Cabarrus Creamery Temporarily Closing amid development in Concord. They hope to re-open in Spring 2024.
- Dust Off Brew Co. in Rock Hill
Fun to Do and News to Note
Great Wagon Road Distilling Co & Mountain Khakis 20th Anniversary Celebration
Join Charlotte’s oldest distillery, Great Wagon Road Distilling Company, and Mountain Khakis for a special release of their collaboration Legacy Whiskey on Friday. Featuring live music and special tastings of the all new Legacy Whiskey at Great Wagon Road Distilling Co., 610 Anderson Street. RSVP HERE
The Fourth Ward Holiday Sip & Stroll (Dec.7-9) is back! Enjoy a festive evening stroll through the Historic Fourth Ward. Enjoy complimentary food, wine & cocktail tastings, live music, and more. Tickets start at just $30. (Make sure to swing by Sea Level NC’s tent to savor the Smoked Trout Dip)
‘Tis the Season at The Garrison
The historic 2-story restaurant & cocktail bar in downtown Pineville is transformed into a winter wonderland complete with Christmas cocktails, festive decor and a whole lot of holiday spirit. Reservations and walk-ins welcome (but limited space!) Grab your spot on Open Table or call 704-889-4277 to book. P.S. If you haven’t booked your holiday celebration yet – consider this your sign.
Ralph’s Coffee Pop-up in Phillips Place
Just in time for the holiday season, the festive Ralph Lauren coffee truck will be brewing in Phillips Place. Order a specialty blend coffee, espresso or pastry and soak in the holiday vibes. Open daily 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cozy Igloos at State of Confusion
Looking to dine and toast in a festive way? Guests at State of Confusion can dine in cozy igloos (first come, first serve), while enjoying holiday specials: Spiked Hot Cider, Confusion Mixed Ceviche, Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake, and more.
More Festive Holiday Pop-Ups
- Thigs Cocktail Bar: Step into a tropical winter wonderland at BeachBumBerry’s Sippin’ Santa pop-up bar! From November 20th to December 31st, Thigs Cocktail Bar will transform into the holiday spirit with a beachy twist. Indulge in festive delights like Christmas cocktail classes and bourbon tastings, where mixology meets merriment. Get crafty with ornament decorating, channel your inner artist with gingerbread man decorating, and flaunt your style at the ugly sweater competition. Dive into the season with popular Christmas movie trivia and belt out your favorite tunes at Christmas karaoke.
- El Thrifty: A Very Tiki Christmas. They’ve transformed the cantina into a tropical Christmas paradise and created a menu of festive cocktails. Experience a beach filled and festive holiday celebration that is sure to make your spirits bright. We will begin the tropical season on November 20th through the end of December!
- Aura Rooftop: At the JW Marriott, they’ve turned the roof into a cozy winter experience. Features a heated tent, outdoor fire pits and specialty drinks.
- Royal Tot: Sippin’ Santa Tiki Pop-Up.
- Billy Sunday: Tinseltown
- Backstage Lounge: Miracle on 5th pop up
- Humbug: House of Krampus
- Supperland: Ugly Holiday Sweater Speakeasy
Gift local with these restaurant gift card deals
‘Tis the season for holiday shopping and gift giving. Don’t miss these gift card deals from local restaurants this holiday season:
- Moon Thai & Japanese: Gift Card Deal (now thru 1/1) $100 get $20 bonus $50 get $10 bonus Photos of Moon Thai gift cards can be found here
- Link & Pin: (now thru 12/31) For every $100 gift card purchased, receive a $20 gift card to use on the next visit to Link & Pin.
- Duckworth’s: (now thru 12/31) For every $50 gift card purchased, receive a $10 gift card to use on the next visit to Duckworth’s.
- The Cellar: (now thru 12/31) For every $100 gift card purchased, receive a $20 gift card to use on the next visit to The Cellar.
- Napa on Providence and Napa at Kingsley (now thru 12/31) For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive a $25 bonus card (only available for purchase in store)
- The Pump House (now thru 12/31) For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive a $25 bonus card (only available for purchase in store)
- Drift on Lake Wylie (now thru 12/31) For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive a $25 bonus card (only available for purchase in store)
- Margaux’s and The Garrison Gift Card Special – Buy a $50 gift card for $45 or a $100 gift card for $90 between December 5-22
- Red Rocks: For every $50 of gift cards purchased get $10 off food or beverage for yourself! Valid at both the Southpark and Birkdale locations.
- Gift Card Special available for use at Sea Level NC, The Waterman, & Ace No. 3: Purchase a gift card and receive a bonus gift card now through 12/24/23
- Buy a $35 GC, get a $5 GC | Buy a $50 GC, get a $10 GC | Buy a $100 GC, get a $25 GC | Buy a $150 GC, get a $35 GC | Interested in purchasing a gift card of $150+? Email brands@eat704.com
- Gift cards can be purchased in-store or online. To receive your bonus card for online purchases, follow these steps:
- 1. Forward your receipt to brands@eat704.com.
- 2. Provide the phone number OR email where you would like your bonus card sent.
- 3. Please allow 1 business day for delivery
Speaking of Red Rocks, check out these Holiday Cocktails being served up right now:
- Christmas Cosmo: White cranberry cosmopolitan with Tito’s vodka and sugar coated cranberries
- Merry-Rita: Pomegranate margarita with reposed tequila, honey, & winter spices
- Chocolate Peppermint Tini: Bailey’s Irish Cream, triple chocolate liqueur & peppermint schnapps with a crushed candy cane sugar rim
This month, you can enjoy the Belmont Holiday Trail Menu at Drift on Lake Wylie ~ Drift will feature a special three-course prix fixe menu for $40 during the month of December, available Tuesday – Thursday from 4pm – 6pm, starting soon.
Link & Pin will serve Friday Brunch in December
All December long, Link & Pin will be open on Fridays for brunch, available 11:30am-3:30pm every Friday in December at all three Link & Pin locations.
Sea Level NC is proud to support local nonprofits through its ‘Rising Tide’ cocktail initiative. Whenever the featured cocktail is purchased, 20% is donated directly to the current charity. The tide shifts towards a new non-profit every four weeks! Now through 12/31 order the Rising Tide Cocktail, Gatito Coquito, made with silver, aged, and spiced rums mixed with a blend of 3 milks, Coco Lopez, vanilla, & cinnamon and 20% of each one sold will benefit the ROC Solid Foundation, a pediatric cancer foundation that builds hope for families  fighting cancer.
Foodie Events
ACE No. 3 Spirit Night
Dec. 4 | Ace No. 3, Belmont Village
Join Ace No. 3 at the Belmont Village location to support local schools and non-profit organizations. On the 1st Monday of the month, they donate 20% of all sales (in-store and online) from 5-9pm. December charity: Bullies 2 the Rescue.
Christmas Cookie-Decorating Workshop
Dec. 5 | King Canary Brewing
During this two hour workshop, you’ll learn:
- Basic cookie education on shapes and recipes
- How to outline, flood, and pipe cookies using royal icing (hands-on)
- Tips for baking cookies that keep their shape
- How to make royal icing at home and create the right icing consistencies
- Recipes for the cookie dough AND the royal icing
Taste of NC Charlotte
Dec. 7 | Mint Museum Randolph
Join the Piedmont Culinary Guild for a taste of 15 amazing NC wines paired with 15 chefs and experience the flavors of our region. North Carolina is creating beautiful wines that are competing, and winning, on the international stage. Come and learn more about NC wines and the chefs supporting NC agriculture and our states robust wine industry.
Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 9 | The Dunhill Hotel
Meet and greet with Santa at the historic Dunhill Hotel in uptown Charlotte on Saturday, December 9, 9-11am, as you enjoy a family-friendly breakfast from The Asbury’s executive chef Tim Groody. Tickets are $35 per adult and $25 per child under 12.
Holiday Flavors Cooking Class
Dec. 15 | Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen
The holidays will come to life in this dinner menu. Led by chef Gloria. The gluten-free menu includes:
- Rosemary and Roasted Garlic Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Pancetta
- Pomegranate and Ginger Glazed Chicken with Brown Rice and Kale
- Chocolate Cake with White Chocolate-Peppermint Mousse
Christmas Tree French Macaron Cooking Class
Dec. 16 | Sweet Spot Studio
Learn the swiss meringue method of French Macaron piped into the form of Christmas trees. A previous macaron class or piping experience is recommended. You will also learn to make 2 different fillings. Flavors TBD. Class is gluten free.
Christmas Cocktail Class
Dec. 2, 16 and 23 | Things Cocktail Bar
Savor the season with our Christmas Cocktail Class at Thigs Cocktail Bar, where you can craft two festive libations to elevate your holiday gatherings! Under the expert guidance of seasoned mixologists, you’ll learn the art of concocting the perfect Christmas cocktail. Join them for an evening of joyous camaraderie, laughter, and the creation of cherished memories as you master the alchemy of Christmas cocktails.
The Waterman Fish Bar Neighborhood Night
Dec. 20 | The Waterman Fish Bar
Join the Waterman for their monthly Neighborhood Night. Slurp, sip, and savor in support of a deserving local non-profit organization. 20% of all in-store sales will benefit our partnered non-profit. No codes or mentions are needed.
- South End location will be supporting Sisters of the Dove. Their mission is to provide scholarships to minority women and to promote impactful and meaningful community service initiatives in the Greater Charlotte, NC area.
- LKN location will be supporting Best Buddies International. They are dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
