This month, Charlotte’s food scene is buzzing with exciting new openings, seasonal menus and special events. Read on to explore the latest news shaping our city’s culinary landscape.
Good Works
In response to the grief that has struck our Queen City in the past week, Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse, Link & Pin and The Cellar at Duckworth’s are holding a fundraiser for the families directly affected by this great tragedy. On Wednesday, May 8th, they will donate 5% of ALL sales from ALL locations to the grieving families of each brave officer through the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Foundation – Help Our Heroes Fund. The money raised will go directly to the families of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Joshua Eyer, Department of Adult Corrections Officer Sam Poloche, Department of Adult Corrections Officer William Elliott and Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks.
Openings & Closings
Catalú, South End – Open now
Bringing a taste of Catalonia to the table, Catalú offers a fresh spin on Spanish cuisine, drawing inspiration from the vibrant culture of Barcelona and its surroundings. The menu is thoughtfully crafted, featuring cold tapas, hot tapas, paellas, and charcuterie. Guests can enjoy the flavors of Spain with a curated selection of Spanish wines and signature cocktails, including sangrias and classic gin and tonics.
Maíz, Agua, Sal, South End – Open now
Introducing Maíz, Agua, Sal: a fresh addition to Charlotte’s dining scene, blending Modern Mexican flavors with scratch-made cuisine and a focus on agave-based beverages. Created by the team behind Craft Tasting Room and Lincoln Street Kitchen and Cocktails, this new spot offers a menu highlighted by house-made tortilla tacos, including al pastor and steamed tacos. Traditional Mexican delights like pozole, mole, carnitas, and gorditas also grace the menu.
G.O.A.T. Pizza, Cornelius – Open now
Internationally renowned chef David Burke introduces G.O.A.T. Pizza, a new sports-themed restaurant in Cornelius. Designed for families, sports enthusiasts, and food lovers, G.O.A.T. Pizza offers a variety of dishes including pizza, pasta, sandwiches, smash burgers, and salads. The 4,100-square-foot restaurant also offers family-style appetizers, a kids’ menu, and homemade desserts. The full bar boasts local breweries and a wide selection of bourbon and tequila.
Halal Street Food, Camp North End – Open now
After becoming a beloved go-to food truck in Uptown, Halal Street Food is now open at a brick and mortar location in Camp North End. The menu features chicken and lamb over rice, gyros, kabobs, falafel, salads, desserts and more.
International Truck of Tacos, Uptown – Open now
Staying true to their taco truck’s motto, “Food is Love,” ITOT roams Charlotte with a crew of immigrant mothers crafting Mexican and Latin American delicacies from scratch with love. You can now catch Blanca and her team at The Market at 7th Street too. They’re open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 6 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 8 pm.
Substrate, Optimist Park – Open now
Now open in Optimist Park next to Bird Pizzeria, Substrate is a wine and vermouth bar. Alongside a selection of natural wines, patrons can enjoy vermouth by the glass and amaro. While the bar doesn’t have its own kitchen, guests are able to bring in outside food.
Kim Anh Banh Mi & Boba, Central Avenue – Open now
Charlotte’s Central Avenue is now home to Kim Anh Bánh Mì & Boba, an Vietnamese eatery where you can snag a banh mi sandwich or satisfy your boba tea cravings in a snap.
Seoul Food Meat Co Bruno Speakeasy, Optimist Park – Open now
Currently open Wednesday-Sunday during soft opening phase:
*Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday 5pm-11pm
*Friday and Saturday 5pm-12:30pm
*Max Capacity 12
*21 and up only
Pisco Peruvian Gastrolounge, Uptown – Open Now
Dinner is served Tuesday – Sunday 5pm-10pm and Brunch 11am-3pm on Sundays.
The Everyday Market, LoSo – Open now
Inspired by European cafes, The Everyday Market offers a break from the busyness and a space for the community to come together. In addition to delicious sandwiches and pastries, this chef-run coffee shop also sells Italian dry goods, great for cooking enthusiasts or as thoughtful gifts.
Updates:
- Cakeable Cafe, Uptown – Opened in April
- Sneak, Elizabeth – Opened in April
- Giovanna’s, Loso – Now in Soft Open
- El Malo Tacos and Hermanita, Plaza Midwood – Still Opening soon
- The Wafflery, Belmont – Still Opening soon
- White Duck Taco Shop, Matthews – Re-opening in May expected
Olde Meck is expected to open their Ballantyne location at The Bowl Memorial Weekend.
Lottie’s Cafe is opening in the next week or so, Uptown in Queen City Quarter, with coffee from Magnolia Roasters and pastries from Beyond Amazing donuts.
Manolo’s Bakery will open a coffee shop called Higher Grounds inside Myers Park United Methodist Church this month.
Flight, Elizabeth – Opening Summer
Flight, a wine-focused eatery by medical professionals Dwight and Vicki Bailey, will open in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood this summer. Drawing from a decade of travel and culinary adventures, Flight offers European-inspired dishes, artisanal pizzas, and a vast wine selection (150 bottles, 30-50 by the glass, including flights). The space, once Stanley Drug Store, now seats 60 indoors and 25 outdoors, exuding a relaxed yet refined vibe, perfect for various occasions.
Closings:
- Summerbird in South End closed April 25
- Fern, Flavors from the Garden, closes May 4.
Mother’s Day Brunch Reserves to Make
Click through here to read our picks of ‘still openings at press time’ spots for Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, 5/12.
News to Note
Cinco de Mayo at Reid’s Fine Foods SouthPark
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Brisket Quesadillas, Pulled Pork Tacos, and Mango Margaritas specials available all week (April 29-May 5) at Reid’s SouthPark.
Fahrenheit Launches $5 Happy Hour
Enjoy happy hour with a view as Fahrenheit launches their $5 at 5 happy hour menu. $5 bar bites include cheeseburger sliders, calamari, Shanghai crispy beef, parmesan truffle fries and daily drink specials. Available Monday through Thursday from 5 PM till 6:30 PM, and all day on Sundays.
Backstage Lounge has The Secret Garden
Spring has officially sprung at The Secret Garden at Backstage Lounge. With botanically infused cocktails, a specialty food menu, and extravagant floral decor, you’re not going to want to miss this floral fantasy. Dates/Hours of operation: May 1st – June 1st, TUES – SAT 5:00pm – 12:00am
Restaurant Constance Launches new 3-course Midweek Menu
Charlotte diners can now enjoy chef/owner Sam Diminich’s culinary creations midweek at Restaurant Constance. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, indulge in a three-course menu for $65 per person, featuring selections from the full seasonal dinner menu. With Diminich’s emphasis on local farms, expect fresh, dynamic dishes.
Foodie Events
SWIRL Dessert Bar 5th Anniversary
May 4
Help Swirl celebrate their 5th anniversary with free cupcakes (one per person) on May 4.
Cinco “dias” de Mayo at State of Confusion
May 1-5
Who says celebrating Cinco de Mayo needs to be limited to one day? State of Confusion is offering five days of specials including $10 barrio tacos, Micheladas & Margaritas Beer Specials and more.
All day at the rooftop at Fahrenheit, enjoy $5 Margaritas and $5 mini tacos.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo all week at Paco’s Tacos. Daily specials:
- Tuesday – Buenos Días (specialty cocktail) $10
- Wednesday – Resident Culture Island Time Mexican Lager Draft Talls 4 Smalls – 20oz drafts for the price of 16oz drafts all day
- Thursday – Modelo Draft Talls 4 Smalls – 20oz drafts for the price of 16oz drafts all day
- Friday – If You Smell What THE ROCK Is Cooking (specialty cocktail) $12
- Saturday – Tea de Durazno (specialty cocktail) $15
- Sunday – Cinco de Mayo!!!
If you want to take your party to-go, pre-order one of their mouthwatering to-go packs. Browse the options and start your order here.
Employees Only Bar Takeover
May 8 and 9
Employees Only, a renowned bar listed on the World’s 50 Best Bars, is set for two takeover events at DTR. Led by Alejandro Ibanez, a former Employees Only bartender, the takeovers will reunite him with old teammates Franky and Boki. Featuring a special menu with five Employees Only cocktails and classics, the events will run from 6 to 10 p.m. DTR SouthPark will host on Wednesday, May 8, while Dilworth Tasting Room will take the reins on Thursday, May 9. Reservations are recommended.
Skyline Spirits: A Night of Artistry and Elegance
May 9
Join Merchant & Trade for “Skyline Spirits: A Night of Artistry and Elegance.” Guests can sip on signature cocktails inspired by local flavors, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, and take part in a guided gold leaf abstract skyline painting session led by SkillPop. RSVP by Wednesday, May 1, to secure your spot.
Ticket includes:
- 2 Ron Zacapa rum cocktails
- Hors d’oeuvres
- Guided gold leaf skyline art demonstration led by SkillPop
Customshop X Kultura
May 15
Customshop, the beloved neighborhood restaurant in Elizabeth, is teaming up with Nikko Cagalanan, a 2024 James Beard Award finalist and Owner-Chef of Charleston’s Kultura. They are hosting a one-night-only collaboration event at Customshop on Wednesday, May 15, with seatings at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are priced at $125 (tax and tip not included) and can be purchased online. This exclusive dinner will feature six courses showcasing the Italian, French, and Spanish-inspired dishes of Customshop, along with the creatively reinvented Filipino cuisine of Kultura. Guests will be greeted with a special welcome drink, and additional cocktails, beer, and wine will be available for purchase throughout the evening.
