From closings of long-time favorites to openings of soon-to-be classics, 2020 has kept us all on our toes as local spots pivot and patrons rally support for their favorite local spots. In a year unlike any other, here are 2020’s restaurant openings and closings organized by neighborhood.
SOUTH END
Openings
Protagonist in Lower South End – November
Make plans to celebrate the opening weekend of Protagonist Brewing in South End, where you can enjoy beer, cocktails, seltzer and a full pizza menu in their expansive three-story spot. Find them at 227 Southside Dr.
Snooze – October
The concept’s second Charlotte location offers creative takes on breakfast fare, including the pumpkin pecan pie pancake (pictured). Guests can dine in or on the 22-seat outdoor patio. Find them at 2041 South Boulevard.
Blacow – Southend – September
Blacow, known for being voted best burger in Charlotte 2018, has expanded from Fort Mill and University to South End. Expect a fusion of burgers and sushi on the menu, including short rib steak patties, homemade brioche buns and hand cut fries as well as classic, chef’s special sushi and nigiri and sashimi a la carte. Can’t decide? Opt for the bento box with a burger slider, sushi, fries and Thai cucumber and edamame. Find them at 1515 S Tryon St.
Silverlake Ramen South End – September
LA-based Silverlake Ramen is open in South End across from the Atherton Development. 11AM-9PM for dine-in and patio dining. Browse their menu online. Find them at 2041 South Blvd. Unit 107.
BW Sweets Bakery – September
BW Sweets Bakery, a full-service bakery offering fresh baked goods, cakes, cheesecakes, cookies,
doughnuts and pies daily, opened two new locations in the Charlotte area. Frankie White, owner of BW Sweets Bakery, has moved the flagship store to a larger location at 5820- L East W.T. Harris Blvd., just three doors down from the former location in the East Town Market Shopping Center.
They’ve also expanded into South End, with an “express” location opening in the neighborhood’s Centro Railyard building at 1425 Winnifred Street. Selections at the South End location include cupcakes, cheesecakes, macaroons, cookies, brownies and grab and go cakes. Guests can also expect vegan and gluten free options, plus treats for pups, too.
STIR in South End – August
Located in the RailYard development, STIR specializes in craft cocktails made with artisanal ice and offers an oyster & cold seafood bar with several poke and ceviches. Enjoy brunch, lunch and dinner on their patio or spaced indoor seating. Brunch on weekends features $1 mimosas.
Ruby Sunshine – July
Make brunch plans at this daytime eatery focused on New Orleans-inspired fare, including brunch cocktails, a variety of Benedicts, BBQ shrimp and grits, a classic croque madame and a whole section for French toast and pancakes. Find them at 332 W. Bland Street.
VANA South End – August
From Bardo’s Chef Michael Noll, VANA opened this summer in the South End neighborhood. Find them at 1440 S. Tryon St., Ste. 100.
24 Hour Donut Vending Machine from Krispy Kreme – August
Give in to your sweet tooth with a visit to the newly opened Krispy Kreme in South End. Indulge in-store or by using their 24-hour donut vending machine. Find them at 2116 Hawkins Street, Suite 102.
Shake Shack South End – June
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.
Charlotte Charlotte Beer Garden – February
In addition to offering the world’s largest selection of draft beers in one restaurant, Charlotte Beer Garden also boasts a healthy food menu. Expect sharables like a beer battered pretzel, fried pork belly bites and beer garden fries, plus salads, poutines, burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and full entrees. View the full menu here.
Elsewhere Cocktail Bar – February
This craft cocktail bar from the CEO of Wooden Robot Brewery is open in the Design Center courtyard under the Water Tower in Historic South End and focuses on house cocktails made with fresh ingredients and house-blended simple syrups. The menu will include house classics as well as rotating specials. 101 W Worthington Ave. #140.
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit – January
Charleston favorite Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit is now open in South End, serving their favorite signature biscuit sandwiches, mini biscuits, and even salads and soups. View the full menu here. Find them at 27 W. Tremont Avenue.
Stablehand CLT – January
From the owners of the former Good Bottle Co. and Hex Coffee comes Stablehand CLT, a neighborhood gathering spot serving natural wine, coffee from HEX Coffee Roasters, craft beer and a small food menu including toasts, porridge and elevated bar snacks.
Rhino Market & Deli South End – Open now
Rhino’s fourth location is open inside South End’s RailYard development. Expect craft beer and wine, sandwiches, coffee and a deli menu.
South End Closings
- Luciano’s
- Thirsty Nomad Brewing
- Holler and Dash (closed and reopened as Maple Street Biscuit Company)
- Bill Spoon’s BBQ
NODA
Openings
Botiwalla Indian Street Grill – December
Botiwalla Indian Street Grill will follow up its popular Atlanta location with a new spot in Optimist Hall. They’re open now from 11 am – 4 pm and then will begin regular hours on Dec. 17 11 am – 9 pm every day. What’s on the menu? Try their lamb burgers, grilled chicken, lamb, and paneer wrapped in naan with fresh herbs and more flavors inspired by Indian street food and Irani cafes.
Collier Candy Co – November
Collier Candy Company is open at Optimist Hall, its second location after opening in Ponce City Market. Visit for sodas, vintage, classic and new candy and more. Find them inside Optimist Hall at 1115 N. Brevard St.
Harriet’s Hamburgers – September
Harriet’s Hamburgers opened its debut location at Optimist Hall on Sept. 14. The menu is simple, and that’s kind of the point. Expect just four items: hamburgers, French fries, pop (soda) and water.
Great Wagon Road Distillery – September
Great Wagon Road Distillery has found a new home in NoDa after closing its South End location in early 2020. In the former Bold Missy Brewery space, they’ll have space to produce their flagship spirits as well as offer guests cocktails and pizza.
Boxcar Betty’s (Optimist Hall) – August
Charleston-based Boxcar Betty’s is now serving their signature fried chicken sandwiches at Optimist Hall. First-timers might opt for the classic Boxcar sandwich with fried chicken served with pimento cheese, peach slaw, house pickles and spicy mayo. They also offer a fried portobello mushroom cap option, salads and a build-your own option.
Bargarita – August
In NoDa, Bargarita offers guests a menu of tacos and burritos and, as the name suggests, craft margaritas galore. Menu highlights include “bargarritos,” their take on burritos, with filling choices like brisket and BBQ chicken and, for when you’re feeling especially hungry, a taco board with your choice of 10 tacos. Visit at 3221 N Davidson St.
Suárez Bakery at Optimist Hall – June
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.
Billy Sunday – February
The second location for the Chicago cocktail bar Billy Sunday is open at Optimist Hall. Expect seasonal, classic and vintage cocktails, plus some unique takes served in unconventional vessels.
Oh My Soul – February
South African-based Oh My Soul brings vegan fare to NoDa, from smoothies to waffles, salads and even a selection of vegan burgers called “vurgers.” The cafe also boasts a full bar and spacious outdoor space. Find them at 3046 N Davidson St.
The Goodyear House – February
The Goodyear House serves elevated classics in a renovated mill house with carefully curated decor and an outdoor bar and patio. On the menu, expect bites including the pull-apart “dollar dollar bread, y’all” sour cream and onion brioche, sharables, main dishes and a $12 “goopy burger.” View the full menu here.
Fonta Flora Brewery – January
Morganton-based brewery Fonta Flora has a new location inside Optimist Hall. They offer draught beer with a focus on seasonal flora along with to-go packaged options.
NODA Closings
- Bold Missy Brewery
MYERS PARK
Openings
Osteria LuCa – January
In Park Road Shopping Center, this Italian-style eatery offers artisan pizza, housemate pasta, wood-fired meats, antipasti, seafood and an assortment of cocktails, beer and wine. Inside, expect plenty of natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, a marble bar, communal tables and a pizza bar where guests can see the crew of Pizzaioli at work.
Easy Like Sunday – February
This eatery offers focus on “craft brunch” earlier in the day, with heavier small plates and entrees joining the menu for dinner. Find them in Montford Park, across from Park Road Shopping Center.
UPTOWN
Openings
Búho Bar – October
201 W. Trade St.
16 floors above Charlotte’s city streets, the Búho Bar at the Grand Bohemian offers handcrafted cocktails, tapas and city views from an open-air lounge. View the wine list here. They officially opened on Oct. 1.
Mico Restaurant – October
201 W. Trade St.
Inside the new Grand Bohemian hotel in Uptown, Mico Restaurant offers guests a culinary escape with Argentinian-inspired drinks, dishes and ambiance. On the menu, expect merguez spiced lamb, salmon skewers dry-rubbed with za’atar spice, and cuts of beef, wood-grilled over oak, served with chimichurri, charred pearl onion, roasted garlic and 7 spice. View the dinner menu here.
Red Salt – September
555 S McDowell St.
Red Salt, a modern American concept from award-winning celebrity chef David Burke, opened at Le Méridien Charlotte on September 18. Expect steaks prepared using chef Burke’s patented Himalayan sea salt dry-aging technique, homemade bread and an award-winning pastry program. The restaurant is also be surrounded with artwork curated by chef Burke himself.
MOA Korean BBQ – August
This upscale Korean BBQ spot is open in Uptown. Expect tabletop Korean barbecue, cooked by servers with your choice of high-quality meats, and a selection of a-la-carte dishes. Find them at 128 S Tryon St.
CloudBar by David Burke – August
New York award-winning chef and restaurateur David Burke opened CloudBar by David Burke in the former City Lights Rooftop location on August 7. The rooftop spot features the chef’s take on modern American cuisine, including signature dishes like maple pepper bacon clothesline, emotional lobster dumplings and crabcake rafts, served alongside craft cocktails.
Summit Seltzery – September
In addition to draft seltzers, Summit Seltzery also offers a variety of speciality seltzer based cocktails. Find them at 2215 Thrift Rd. Suite B.
Midtown Tavern – June
In the Cherry neighborhood, Midtown Tavern offers 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.
Toucan Louie’s Gold District – June
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.
Tupelo Honey Uptown – March
Tupelo Honey is now open at the corner of Trade and Tryon in Uptown. They’re open for weekend brunch until 4 pm, lunch Monday – Friday until 4 pm and dinner daily starting at 4 pm.
UPTOWN Closings
- Halcyon, Flavors from the Earth (temporarily to re-open as a new concept)
- Amélie’s Uptown
- JJ’s Red Hots
- La Belle Helene
- The Wooden Vine
- Fitzgerald’s
- Queen City Q
- Wet Willies
- Jason’s Deli
- Firehouse Subs
- Moe’s Southwest Grill
- Vivace
CAMP NORTH END
Openings
Plant Joy – November
From food delivery service Nourish Charlotte’s founder/executive chef Julia Simon and partner Erik Berns comes Plant Joy, a brick-and-mortar concept that opened in Camp North End.
Free Range Brewing at Camp North End – November
Free Range Brewing’s second location opened Nov. 13 at the 301 Camp Road building at Camp North End.
Livy’s Neapolitan Pizzeria – September
Inside Heist Brewery and Barrel Arts, Lucy’s focuses on Neapolitan-style pizza, cooked for 90 seconds in a wood-fired oven. The menu also includes classic and original pies, with a featured pizza of the week. Our main focus: Neapolitan style pizza. Hooked on your favorites from Heist? You can also order classics like beer cheese and wood fired wings. Closed on Mondays. Find them inside Heist Brewery and Barrel Arts at 1030 Woodward Avenue.
Popbar Camp North End – July
Beat the heat with by grabbing a handcrafted gelato, sorbet or yogurt on a stick at Popbar’s location at Camp North End. Find them at 270 Camp Road, Suite 105. Open Thursday – Saturday.
Dine at Camp North End’s New Food Stalls
At Camp North End, new food stalls including Bleu Barn North End, La Caseta and SARU from Bow Ramen bring new flavors and plenty of socially-distanced outdoor seating to the trendy development.
Leah and Louise – March
James Beard-nominated Chefs Greg Collier and Subrina Collier are behind Cap North End’s first standalone restaurant. A 2020 favorite, Leah and Louise serves classic southern fare with a “modern juke joint” vibe and is not to be missed.
DILWORTH
Closings
- The Summit Room
- The People’s Market and Queen and Glass
ELIZABETH
Closings
- Carpe Diem
PLAZA MIDWOOD
Openings
The Lunchbox Sandwich Shop – November
New to Plaza Midwood, this sandwich shop offers a number of signature options, including the “Gordon Hamsey” with fire-roasted ham, spreadable brie, lettuce and onion jam. They’re open Monday-Saturday from 11 am – 9 pm and Sunday 12 pm – 8 pm. Find them at 1306 Central Ave.
The Grinning Mule – March
Open in Plaza Midwood, The Grinning Mule offers tapas-style food and a full bar.
Plaza Midwood Closings
- Nova’s Bakery
- Rita’s in Plaza Midwood
- Peculiar Rabbit
- Sammy’s Deli
- Yama Izakaya
SOUTHPARK
Openings
Steak 48 – December
A new steakhouse promising a “modern update to the classic American steakhouse experience” is open in the heart of SouthPark. Steak 48, which also has locations in Chicago, Houston and Philadelphia will boast 11,500 square-feet for dining, including dining suites with view of the exposed kitchen through floor to ceiling glass walls. Find them at 4425 Sharon Road within the new mixed-use development Apex SouthPark.
Superica in Strawberry Hill – November
Superica opened their second Charlotte-area location in the SouthPark development of Strawberry Hill. Find them at 4219 Providence Road.
The Southern Pecan – October
Make plans to dine out at The Southern Pecan, a new addition to Phillips Place in SouthPark. Expect a menu brimming with Gulf Coast cuisine classics like Louisiana BBQ shrimp, a selection of po boys, gulf oysters and a southern pecan shrimp boil, plus blues and jazz-inspired artwork and music. Find them at 6705-C Phillips Place Court.
Bentley’s reopens in SouthPark – August
After closing briefly in Uptown, Bentley’s recently reopened at the former Georges Brasserie location at Piedmont Town Center in SouthPark.
Little Mama’s Italian Kitchen – June
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, pastas made daily, a variety of “parms” and more.
Fine and Fettle – June
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.
RH Design Gallery SouthPark – June
The revamped Restoration Hardware brings a stunning year-round rooftop restaurant to SouthPark’s Phillips Place offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. See our full walk-through of the stunning rooftop spot here.
Cordial at AC Hotel Charlotte SouthPark – June
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.
MOD Pizza Strawberry Hill – January
MOD Pizza’s newest location at Strawberry Hill offers artisan style pizzas with a build-your-own option with more than 30 toppings, salads and more. Open daily from 10:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. at 4914 Old Sardis Rd.
Southpark Closings
- Corkbuzz
- Upstream in Phillips Place
- SouthPark Grill
- California Pizza Kitchen
SOUTH CHARLOTTE
Openings
Rice & Spice Thai Street Food – December
Visit or grab takeout from Rice & Spice Thai Street Food, new to South Charlotte. In addition to chef’s specialties like the Phucket Delight (pictured), the menu features a variety of popular Thai and Vietnamese dishes inspired by Chef Peter Sripan’s childhood and training at the Thai Royal Culinary School and experience working alongside the chef of The Royal family. Options include Fried Rice, Wok-Fried Noodles, Noodle Bowls, Curries and more street food favorites. Find them at 8314 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 901.
Epic Chophouse, Kingsley – November
The newest location for Epic Chophouse opened in Fort Mill’s Kingsley development with a menu of steaks, seafood, pasta, salads and more with indoor and outdoor seating available. Find them at 1365 Broadcloth St., #101 in Fort Mill.
Panca Peruvian Street Food – October
Former Hornets Chef Kyle Van Hess and his wife Candy, an experienced restauranteur, opened Panca during the COVID-19 crisis as stadiums across the country closed. Expect a variety of authentic Peruvian dishes inspired by Candy’s upbringing in Lima, including a menu of ceviches and anticuchos (meat dishes) which are are seasoned and marinated in-house, then grilled on an imported robata grill. Find them at 7510 Pineville-Matthews Road Unit 10A-2.
Sabor Ballantyne – August
Head to Ballantyne to dine at Sabor’s newest location. The concept’s 17th location will serve the same authentic Latin street food taco-lovers have come to know and love. Find them at 14021 Conlan Circle, B1.
Tacos 4 Life Arboretum – August
Arkansas-based Tacos 4 Life opened its second North Carolina location in the Arboretum on August 10. For every taco, salad, quesadilla, rice bowl, or nachos that are sold at the fast-casual restaurant, 24 cents is donated to Feed My Starving Children (FMSC), Tacos 4 Life’s nonprofit partner. They’ll aim to raise nearly 1,000 meals per day for starving children.
Sanctuary Bistro, South Charlotte – February
This family bistro offers vegan fare in a fine dining setting. Focused on giving back, Sanctuary Bistro showcases Charlotte local non-profits through their Benefit Dinner Series. View brunch and dinner menus here and find them at 6414 Rea Rd Suite C-2.
Pio Chicken Blakeney – January
Following in the footsteps of popular locations in Dilworth and Ballantyne, Pio Chicken in Blakeney offers authentic Peruvian, Colombian and Spanish dishes including rotisserie chicken, avocado salads, plantains, homemade soups and more. Find them at 9816-A Rea Road.
South CLT Closings
- Ilios Noche Quail Corners
- JJ’s Red Hots
SOUTH OF CHARLOTTE
Openings
Kounter – December
Kounter, a new spot brimming with history, opened on Dec. 15 in Rock Hill. The kitchen is run by Rock Hill native Chef Rob Masone, and features the same counter where in 1961, the “Friendship Nine” staged a sit-in at the then-segregated lunch counter. Menu highlights include a few favorites from Chef Masone’s Kre8 Twisted Eats like the Kre8 Crisps, as well as creative takes like chicken and waffle sushi and upscale American dishes including seared scallops and lobster gnocchi.
Blue Smokehouse and Bar – October
In Fort Mill, this locally owned and operated fast casual smokehouse serves barbecue plates, sandwiches and a la carte sides, plus a full service bar with eight local drafts. View the full menu hereand find them at 1500 Fort Mill Pkwy #111, Fort Mill.
Farm Haus – October
On the south side of town, Farm Haus offers guests an expansive beer garden, a meat-focused menu, outdoor games and a stage for live music. Find them at 9762 Charlotte Highway, Indian Land, SC.
Salmeri’s Italian Kitchen, Fort Mill – March
From the owners of Fort Mill’s popular Flipside Cafe comes Salmeri’s Italian Kitchen. Expect casual Italian dishes and a bar boasting Italian wines, local and Italian beers and a seasonal cocktail list.
NORTH OF CHARLOTTE
Openings
Link & Pin Huntersville – October
Link & Pin’s second location is open in NorthCross Shopping Center in the former Mickey & Mooch building. Expect lunch, dinner and brunch on weekends. Find them at 9723 Sam Furr Road, Huntersville.
Counter CLT – September
Opening in the City Kitch space in Wesley Heights, Counter will offer prepaid seasonal tasting menus ($110 per person) at this time focused on the history and roots of Carolina cuisine.
Lost Worlds Brewing – July
In Cornelius, this adventurous brewery offers a 95-seat taproom and 150-seat outdoor biergarten. Enjoy six “basecamp beers” plus rotating features as part of their “adventure series.” They also regularly host food trucks and yoga. Find them at 19700-D One Norman Blvd.
