For us, there’s no better way to kick off a brand new year than with a fresh look ahead at a month of new openings, menus and events shaping the Charlotte culinary scene this January 2024. Read on for the must-know foodie info to kick off the new year.
Openings & Closings
Schreiber’s on Rye, Optimist Hall – Open now!
Larry Schreiber, the chef behind Bao and Broth, has opened a New York style deli inspired by Italian and traditional Jewish flavors. The menu includes corned beef and pastrami sammies, deli mustard hot dogs with all the toppings, pickles, and Opa’s Matzo Ball soup.
Joan’s Bakery and Deli, Midtown – Open now!
Joan’s is named for owner and restaurateur Jon Dressler’s mother who operated her own bakery in New Jersey until 1980. Joan’s recipes for cheesecake, among others, are already known and loved by Charlotteans as they are dessert menu staples in every Rare Roots Hospitality restaurant! Located in The Metropolitan, Joan’s Bakery & Deli will serve cake by the slice, hand crafted baked goods and, in addition to sweets, will become the new home for Meshugannah, the popular Jewish deli pop-up created by Chef Rob Clement. Clement will lead the bakery and bring his Meshugannah staples, including pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, to the Joan’s menu.
The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary, West Boulevard Corridor – Open now!
Now open at their second location at 1017 Beatties Ford Road, this Black and woman-owned tea house offers loose-leaf teas and light fare.
Monarch Market Openings – Open now and in Q1 2024
Monarch Market announces the addition of four food stalls to its Uptown culinary collective. Three previously announced stalls are open or will open in the coming days, and one new concept has signed a lease with plans to open in early 2024:
- Brooklyn Dumpling Shop is now open with a selection of unique, hand-made dumplings, including cheesesteak, pizza, and dessert flavors such as apple cinnamon and dark chocolate. Monarch Market is their ninth U.S. location.
- Dock Local opened Dec. 3, 2023, bringing fresh seafood in rolls, sandwiches, and tacos, plus creative sides. This will be the brand’s sixth U.S. location.
- Curry Gate is open now, marking the local South Asian concept’s third Charlotte location.
Monarch Market will also welcome FARE, a health-focused concept serving hearty grain and vegetable bowls, protein bowls, and breakfast, in Q1 2024. Monarch Market will be FARE’s first location outside of Chicago. The menu includes vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options.
Moo & Brew, Matthews – Opening soon!
Moo & Brew, the popular burger and beer spot located in Plaza Midwood, is expanding to downtown Matthews in January 2024. People familiar with Moo & Brew’s original location should expect a similar atmosphere centered around good times, good food, and good music. The new location’s menu will mirror that of the flagship store with longtime favorites such as The Farmer’s Daughter, a beef burger topped with farm egg, bacon, cheddar and M&B sauce; The Hot Chick, a fried buffalo chicken sandwich with pepperjack cheese and bacon; and their signature ‘Large Marge’ Bloody Mary.
Blue Door, South End – Coming soon
The owners of Trio are embarking on a new endeavor: a sophisticated cocktail lounge called Blue Door. It will take the place of Bardo in South End and offer cocktails and a curated food menu. Stay tuned for more details.
Closings:
- Bibilio
- El Toro Bruto (expected to relocate but stopped serving inside Resident Culture Brewing South End)
- Urban Sweets closed their brick & mortar but is still operating via a mobile event business
News to Note
Now Available at Moon Thai: Omakase Experience
SouthPark’s Moon Thai is now offering a new Omakase-style dinner and experience. This 10-13 course Omakase journey (the number of courses depends on the fish that is used) is meticulously crafted by Moon Thai’s highly skilled Executive Sushi Chef from Japan, Kosuke Nikawadori. It’s served exclusively at the sushi bar and is available every day of the week. Reservations for parties up to four people can be made at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm. $100 per person.
Rising Tide Mocktail at Sea Level
In honor of Dry January and our featured nonprofit Charlotte Rescue Mission —- say hello to our Rising Tide Mocktail, Mission Mocktail, made with Sipsmith Spice 94, Sweet’s Elderberry Shrub, fresh squeezed orange juice, ginger beer, dried blueberries, candied ginger. Now thru 1/28, 20% of each one sold will benefit Charlotte Rescue Mission (CRM), a nonprofit providing cost-free, faith-based residential recovery programs that help people struggling with the disease of addiction achieve long-term sobriety, find financial stability and stable housing, and build healthy relationships.
Bin 110 re-opening this month after renovations
Bin 110, in Cornelius, is known as a spot for live music, more than 450 whiskies, a plethora or wine options and small bites. They temporarily closed in November for renovations as they expanded to the space next door. As announced on their Facebook page, guests can anticipate a soft opening in the coming weeks ahead of an official grand re-opening weekend, complete with live music, Jan. 26-27.
Now till 1/31 when you order a minimum of $20 (after tax + fees), receive a free shake of your choice (Boozees not included). On UberEats only.
January Foodie Events
Ace No. 3 Spirit Night
Jan. 8th | 5-9pm
20% of in-store sales will benefit the featured nonprofit by location:
- Belmont Village: Charlotte Rescue Mission, a nonprofit providing cost-free, faith-based residential recovery programs that help people struggling with the disease of addiction achieve long-term sobriety, find financial stability and stable housing, and build healthy relationships.
- Concord Mills: Hope House Foundation, whose mission is to help women whose lives have been turned upside down by situations out of their control. They provide housing and support services for single, unaccompanied women and women with children experiencing situational homelessness in a pleasant congregate living environment.
- Myers Park: Collinswood Elementary School
The Waterman South End Neighborhood Night
Jan. 17 | 5-10pm
20% of in-store sales at our Sputh End location will be donated to Charlotte Angels, a nonprofit whose mission is to walk alongside children, youth, and families in the foster care community by offering consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building, and mentorship.
Winter 2024 Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week
Jan. 19 – 28
The next Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week will run Friday, January 19, through Sunday, January 28, 2024, with participating restaurants offering attractive three-course, prix fixe dining deals. Start making your plans and reservations now!
Sea Level Restaurant Week Menu
Enjoy a prix-fixe meal for just $45! Choose from Sea Level Salt oysters, clam chowder, Atlantic Salmon, Shrimp + Grits, Coconut Cheesecake, Bourbon Banana Pudding, and more droolworthy options! Plus, for every Tito’s Handmade Vodka featured cocktail (TBD!) sold during Charlotte Restaurant week, Tito’s will donate $1 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. Book your reservation now!
The Waterman LKN Restaurant Week Menu
Join our Waterman LKN location for Queen’s Feast. A three-course meal for just $35! Choose from Sea Level Salt oysters, clam chowder, Cajun Pasta, Waterman Platter, Keylime Tart, and more! Add a bottle of Barone Fini Pinot Grigio for just $25. Book your reservation now!Â
Red Rocks Restaurant Week Menu
Make your reservations now to enjoy your steakhouse and American favorites at Red Rocks in SouthPark or Birkdale Village.