With all that’s been going on in the restaurant scene with COVID-19, we’re due for an update on what’s new, what’s open, who has sadly closed, and how Charlotte’s restaurant scene is adjusting. Here’s the latest:
NEW & OPENING SOON
Camp North End‘s Outdoor Food Stalls
Camp North End is now home to new food stalls, bringing even more food options to the bustling destination. The new offerings include a brick-and-mortar location for popular food truck Bleu Barn Bistro, Latin American flavors from the owners of Sabor Latin Street Grill and Three Amigos Mexican Cantina & Grill at La Caseta, and Saru by Bow Ramen, the restaurant’s first concept outside of New York City.
Suárez Bakery at Optimist Hall
The beloved Charlotte bakery has a new food stall at Optimist Hall. In addition to the classic favorites you know and love, Suárez is also offering new menu items including rice bowls, Cuban sandwiches and coffee.
Little Mama’s Italian Kitchen
Described as a “prequel to Mama Ricotta’s,” Little Mama’s Italian Kitchen is the newest venture from restaurateur Frank Scibelli, operations guru Stephanie Kalish and chef partner Tom Dyrness. Expect classic Italian-American dishes that ooze with nostalgia for the neighborhood restaurants the owners remember from their youth, including made-to-order mozzarella (sit at the mozzarella bar once dine-in is available) pastas made daily, a variety of “parms” and more. They’re open for take-out daily from 4 to 9 p.m. with a consolidated menu with items that travel well. The team will move to offering dine-in services at 50% capacity for dinner only as soon as they receive their ABC permit, which will be followed by lunch service one week later.
Fine and Fettle
Inside SouthPark’s stunning Canopy by Hilton hotel, Fine & Fettle offers a modern American dining experience with a farm-to-table approach. Under Executive Chef Daniel Wheeler, the restaurant offers a selection of sharable charcuterie, sliders and chef’s daily selection of spreads, plus main dishes like crab primavera and roasted guinea hen.
Midtown Tavern
In the Cherry neighborhood, Midtown Tavern is now open, offering guests a menu of upscale bar favorites, from lobster tater tots to wood-fired pizzas and burgers. They’re operating at 50% capacity and open until midnight Monday-Thursday and 2 am on Friday and Saturday.
RH Design Gallery SouthPark
The revamped Restoration Hardware brings a stunning year-round rooftop restaurant to SouthPark’s Phillips Place offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. (Their burger is LEGIT). See our full walk-through of the stunning rooftop spot here. Current hours for RH are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m to 6 p.m. on Sunday, although the company plans to potentially expand the store hours in the future.
Cordial at AC Hotel Charlotte SouthPark
AC Hotel Charlotte SouthPark’s rooftop concept, Cordial, is now open offering inventive cocktails by food and beverage director Amanda Gibbons, a European-focused wine collection, craft beer and tapas. It’s currently operating on one-third capacity in its outdoor veranda and indoor bar. Open Thursday – Saturday, 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Shake Shack South End
Shake Shack’s newest location in South End is now open from 5-9 PM Monday – Friday and 11-9 PM on Saturday + Sunday, for app/online ordering + delivery via UberEats.
Little Fête
Although large gatherings are temporarily on hold, Executive Chef Craig Barbour of Roots Catering & Roots Cafe still believes there are reasons to celebrate, and eat well while doing it. Little Fête is all about “little celebrations,” and offers a variety of boxed appetizers, shared platters, meal kits or plated dinners for four to ten people. Choose from the Southern Picnic or Dockside boxes, or venture into heavier fare with options like the grilling or paella kit. Delivery is currently available Thursdays – Saturdays.
Toucan Louie’s Gold District
Toucan Louie’s new location in the Gold District offers its signature sandwiches alongside a large selection of beer on tap. Open for indoor and outdoor seating at 1200 S Graham St. Taproom.
Derita Dairy Bar & Grill
Help welcome Derita Dairy Bar & Grill, a small neighborhood walk-up restaurant, to the Derita/Sugar Creek area. The Black-owned, family-run business recently reopened under new ownership and management to bring customers a fresh take on the classic burgers, fries and milkshakes combo. Expect hand-cut fries, homemade fruit toppings for milkshakes, signature dipping sauces and event vegan and vegetarian options.
Scratch House Kitchen
From The Goodyear House’s Chef Chris Coleman comes Scratch House Kitchen, a ghost kitchen concept with a chicken-centric menu available for take-out or delivery only. Choose from pickle-brined, lightly fried or grilled chicken sandwiches, salads and sides. Open 11-2 pm Tuesday-Friday.
CLOSINGS
Sadly, many beloved Charlotte favorites have closed their doors for good. Recent closing announcements include:
- Upstream in Phillips Place
- Luciano’s
- Queen City Q
- Wet Willies
- Crepe Cellar/Growlers Pourhouse (temporary)
NEWS TO NOTE
Harriet’s Hamburgers to Give Away Free Burgers for a Year
Ahead of their anticipated Labor Day weekend opening in Optimist Hall, Harriet’s Hamburgers will host a burger preview event on July 1 where one lucky winner will get free burgers for a year. Sign up to become a member of their rewards club, then place your order online for pick-up. Hurry, there will be a limited supply of 100 burgers!
New hours & live music Renaissance Pâtisserie
Since June 19, this SouthPark spot has been operating under extended Friday and Saturday hours (8am – 7 pm). They’re also hosting live music in the Specialty Shop SouthPark courtyard from 5-8 pm.
Brunch returns to Superica
Weekend brunch is back at Superica, where the menu features classics like hot cakes, huevos Mexicanos, brunch cocktails and more. Available for dine-in or curbside pick-up.
Civetta Italian Kitchen + Bar now open
The Italian Stonecrest eatery is now open for guests to enjoy confort food classics, local beers and handcrafted cocktails. Don’t forget to make reservations online.
5Church Charlotte now open
5Church is now open for indoor dining. Be sure to make your reservation online at 5ChurchCharlotte.com.
7th Street Public Market
In Uptown, 7th Street Public Market will open July 2. Guests can expect a few changes when coming back inside the market, including limited capacity and indoor seating, masks, increased cleaning and curbside pickup options.
VIRTUAL & IN-PERSON EVENTS
Paddle to Table
July 1 | U.S. National Whitewater Center | 6:30 pm
Paddle to Table at the Whitewater Center is back, giving guests the chance to enjoy a guided flatwater kayaking paddle followed by a chef-curated meal at the Ridge Pavilion. Craft beer and wine options available for purchase.
Oysters 101 | Workshop Livestream
July 6 | The Waterman Fish Bar | 6 pm
Explore the world of oysters with Brett Faldstein, Executive Chef at Sea Level NC and ACE No. 3, and Paul Manley, partner at Sea Level NC, The Waterman, and ACE No. 3. The workshop package includes a prepared appetizer, four courses of Sea Level oysters, your choice of canned beer or wine and a branded shucking knife.
Fantesca Winery Dinner
July 8 | Napa at Kingsley | 6:30 pm
Enjoy four courses and four wine pairings at this dinner hosted via Skype by DLynn Proctor of the Netflix documentary “Somm”. $150.
SkillPop: Craft the Perfect Cheeseboard
July 13 | 7 pm
In this SkillPop Anywhere class, local cheese enthusiast and caterer Tori Tippin will teach you the tips and tricks of styling the perfect cheese board. $20.
Crave Charlotte
July 22-26
The Crave Charlotte food, wine and mixology festival is on for July 22-26. Though the main event at Romare Bearden Park is on hold for next year, stay tuned to their social media pages for details about restaurant events.
La Storia Wine Dinner
July 23 | Ruth’s Chris Steak House Uptown
Ruth’s Chris Uptown will partner with La Storia Wines for this four-course meal paired with lush wines. $110+ per person.
