Whether it’s an anticipated grand opening, cocktail menu or cooking class, close out 2022 by venturing out of your comfort zone and trying something new. We’ve made it easy with our guide to December’s restaurant openings, news and events.
BUZZWORTHY OPENINGS
Limani
Open Now – SouthPark
Limani, the stunning Mediterranean restaurant with locations in New York and Massachusetts, is bringing its seafood-forward menu to Phillips Place in SouthPark. Diners can expect traditional Greek specialties with ingredients sourced locally as well as from across the Mediterranean region.
Weathered Souls Brewing Co.
Open Now – Lower South End
This Texas-based brewery is expanding to Charlotte, bringing beer and a food menu curated by Leah & Louise’s Greg Collier. Find them at 255 Clanton Road.
The Green Room in Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails
Open Now at 1320 S. Church St.
“Hidden” inside Lincoln Street, this pocket bar featuring unique cocktails from well-known mixologist and bar director Amanda Britton is only open Friday and Saturday from 6pm-12am or by private appointment.
Sycamore Brewing
Open Now – Charlotte Douglas Airport
The popular Charlotte brewery expanded in a big way this past month: a taproom inside Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Those flying in and out of Concourse E can grab a seat at the bar to enjoy beer and wine, along with breakfast plates in the morning, sandwiches and salads.
Urban Sweets Co.
Open Now – South End
Once only found at private events, pop-ups and farmers markets, Urban Sweets Co. has settled into its first brick and mortar location. Visitors to the new South End spot can expect ice cream, chocolates, sundaes and more with ingredients sourced from small businesses and purveyors. Find them at 222 West Boulevard.
Nautical Bowls
Open Now – The Arboretum
Opt for something light before the heavy holiday meals with a visit to Nautical Bowls. Now open in the Arboretum, they offer plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free and organic acai bowls.
Encore Nightclub and XOXO Cocktail Lounge
Open Now – Uptown
Uptown now has two new nightlife destinations. XOXO cocktail lounge offers an intimate venue for drinks and later this month, small bites. The menu will feature small bites perfect for sharing, including Housemade Pimento Cheese served with warm toast points and bacon jam, Fried Deviled Eggs topped with candied bacon and jalapenos, desserts and more. Adjoining nightclub Encore will offer party-goers a lively place to dance until 2 am. Find them at 300 N. College St.
Duckworth’s SouthPark – Open Now
The newest location for the popular location spot known for cheesesteaks, wings and gametime viewing, is now open. Find them at 4625 Piedmont Row Dr. 115A.
Ten58
Open Now – Uptown
Ten58 Bar and Lounge, owned by former Carolina Panther Thomas Davis, is now open in Uptown. Combining Thomas’ 16-year NFL career and his wife Kelly’s background in the restaurant industry, the duo aims to create a place where people can come together to celebrate sports and culture.
Morelia Gourmet Paletas
Open now – Huntersville
Miami-based gourmet Mexican popsicle shop, Morelia Gourmet Paletas, has opened its second North Carolina location in Huntersville’s Birkdale Village. Visitors can expect a variety of popsicle options all crafted from fresh ingredients. Find them in Birkdale Village at 16940 Birkdale Commons Pkwy. Suite A.
The Hideaway LKN
Open Now – Cornelius
This recently opened neighborhood spot offers Cornelius residents and visitors a place to enjoy a beer or craft cocktail, catch the game or jam along to live music. Find them at 20910 Torrence Chapel Road, D-7.
Counter- and Biblio
Opening Dec. 14 – West Morehead
According to reporting in The Charlotte Observer, Counter- and Biblio will open on December 14. Fans of Counter- will recall the one-of-a-kind fine dining experience they expect to revamp in a brand new space. Diners can opt for a 10-course or 14-course tasting menu, the details of which aren’t released ahead of time. Biblio will offer an array of exceptional and exciting wines, perfect for sipping before your tasting experience at Counter-. Find them at 2001 W Morehead St, Suite D.
NEWS TO NOTE
Mama Ricotta’s re-opens after renovations
Thankfully after just a temporary pause, Mama Ricotta’s is now open with a fresh new look. The remodel includes 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.
Expanded hours and new cocktail menu at Red Salt by David Burke
In Uptown, Red Salt by David Burke has expanded operating hours to include Sunday and Monday 4 pm – 8 pm with a limited menu. They’ve also rolled out new winter cocktails, including:
- Red Salt Smoked Old Fashioned: Makers Mark Bourbon, Old Overholt Rye Whiskey, Fig/Rosemary Syrup, Black Walnut Bitters and smoked Rosemary Sprig garnish
- Uptown Swing: Beefeater Gin, Aperol, Green Chartreuse, lemon, rosé and expressed lemon garnish
- Winter Vacation: Corraejo Reposado Tequila, Pear/ Cinnamon/ Almond syrup, Cocchi Americano and dehydrated pear garnish
Toys for Tots at Link & Pin
All three Link & Pin locations are collecting toys for Toys for Tots from now until December 6th. Drop off a new, unwrapped toy at any Link & Pin location and help make the holidays possible for a child in need.
FOODIE EVENTS
Village Tavern Donates with Pour for CORE
Now through January 8, 2023
Village Tavern is DONATING $1 FOR EVERY GLASS, $4 FOR EVERY BOTTLE sold of Daou Cabernet Sauvignon and Daou Chardonnay through January 8, 2023 to CORE: Children of Restaurant Employees, a nonprofit that helps restaurant employees with children who face a health crisis or natural disaster.
Village Tavern is also running a handy Gift Card promo – Get a $20 gift card when you purchase a $100+ GC online or in the restaurant. Perfect for those on your list who would enjoy their Slow-roasted Prime Rib (only available Fri-Sun) or Award-Winning Wine List (Wine Spectator Award of Excellence).
Vanity House Drag Divas Holiday Day Party
December 4 | 4-8 pm
The Vanity House, featuring an all-star cast of divas and the musical stylings of DJ Domii and DJ Vanna Vanity, takes the party to new heights at Merchant & Trade. DJs and drag queens will ignite the afternoon and keep you going on into the evening as you feast your eyes on the gorgeous uptown view. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to The Trevor Project.
Yule Log
December 6 | 6-9 pm | Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen
Learn to make your own traditional cake from Pastry chef Hilary Davis. This delicious vanilla Swiss roll cake is decorated with chocolate buttercream, meringue mushrooms and Christmas time garnishes. You’ll take home your own cake to enjoy for the season.
Chef Jamie Lynch & BARDO Collab Dinner
December 7, Two seatings : 5-6:30 and 8-8:30
It will be 5-courses with 7 dishes ~ $150 + tax and gratuity. Optional wine pairings available. Tickets: https://www.exploretock.com/bardo
Oregon vs. California: All Pinot Noir Dinner
December 7 | 7 pm | Foxcroft Wine Co. Waverly
This all Pinor Noir wine dinner led by James Corbin includes 4 flights from Oregon and California paired with a custom-crafted meal by Chef Will and team.
Drink New Sh!t: Holiday Sip & Shop
December 10 | 3-5 pm | Fin & Fino
Join Fin & Fino for a fun wine tasting experience and shop for the perfect hosting gift or holiday food pairing! Offering 15 unique small-production wines from local vendors, accompanied by your favorite Fin & Fino small bites. They’re also hosting a cancer food drive as part of the event: bring in 5 cans, get a $25 Rare Roots gift card! $25 per person.
River’s Edge Craft Dinner feat. Lenny Boy Brewing
December 12 | 5 – 7:30 pm | Whitewater Center
Whitewater presents Craft Dinner, a winter dining series at River’s Edge. Featuring four courses that are uniquely off-menu, Craft Dinner tailors each course to the taste profile of different beer samples from a local or NC-based brewery. A representative from the featured brewery will share palate notes for the culinary pairings.
Sushi Rollin’ 101
December 19 | 6 pm | Heist Brewery
Roll on over and create your own sushi led by the experts at GringoNinja. They’ll cover everything from equipment and preparation, how to make the rice, and the fundamentals of making a sushi roll. Includes one drink ticket.
