Just Opened in Charlotte - Dec. '19
In the December edition of this ongoing monthly series, we’ll be highlighting the growth of the Queen City with recently opened eateries, watering holes and other hot spots to explore.
by Allie Papajohn Dec 30, 2019
Although the holidays are winding down, it’s always the season for more openings in Charlotte. Grab your out-of-town guests and check out some of these new spots in the Queen City.
Food & Drink
Belmont Cocktail Club
Area: Belmont, NC
31 N. Main St.
Previous Luna Hombre owner Christina Cicci and restaurateurs the Mason Jar Group have joined forces to open a craft cocktail bar in downtown Belmont. Drinks like the Vanilla Caramel White Russian and dishes like the Prosciutto Pizzette will have you and your pals stopping by this neighborhood spot on a regular basis.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Capishe: Real Italian Kitchen
Neighborhood: SouthPark
6555 Morrison Blvd.
Just shy of its 1-year anniversary in Dilworth, the owners of Capishe have opened a second location in SouthPark. This fast-casual Italian spot serves wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta, sandwiches and salads, plus wine by the glass and local beer. Don’t forget to finish off the meal with a scoop of gelato.
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Cava
Neighborhood: South End
2126 South Blvd., Unit 1
South End’s Atherton Mill is now home to the fifth Charlotte-area Cava. Not familiar with the concept? You can order a salad, grain bowl or pita and pile it high with protein, various toppings and fresh sauces. Pair your creation with a house-made seasonal juice, and you’re in for a great lunch break.
Hours: Daily, 10:45 a.m.-10 p.m.
Chopt
Neighborhood: Uptown
212 S. Tryon St., Suite 100
The Charlotte area now has its fourth Chopt location, adding to the ever-growing list of lunch spots for Uptown workers. Chopt’s fresh ingredients and made-in-house dressings will leave you feeling ready to tackle the second half of your day. Not feeling a fork? You can get your order in a wrap.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:30 a.m-7 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Deluxe, The Fine Art of Dining
Neighborhood: Uptown
305 W 4th St.
The previous home of Loft & Cellar now houses Deluxe, The Fine Art of Dining. Owners Astrik Ivanova and Tatyana Khom, who started a catering company a year ago, have combined their Armenian and Kazakhstani backgrounds to create a worldly menu available for lunch and dinner. Make sure to mark your calendars for Latin dancing and live music nights.
Hours: Monday-Wednesday,11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 11-2 a.m.; Sunday, noon-9 p.m.
KiKi Bistronome
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
1500-A Central Ave.
The team behind Soul Gastrolounge has opened a cool new restaurant and cocktail bar right below Soul itself. Based on availability, guests can choose from the main dining room, the rooftop terrace or Tattoo, an intimate cocktail lounge. We’ve got our eye on the craft cocktails designed by Kel Minton paired with the caviar service (imported French sturgeon in four varieties).
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5-11 p.m. Tattoo is open 5 p.m.-2 a.m. daily.
Mal Pan
Neighborhood: SouthPark
4625 Piedmont Row Drive, 115 D
Elevate your Taco Tuesday celebrations at Mal Pan, a new taqueria with Yucatecan and West Coast flavors now open in SouthPark. The bold interior designs, scratch-made food and craft cocktails will definitely be a focal point for your next Instagram post.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Matcha Café Maiko
Area: Arboretum
8128 Providence Road, #900
This Honolulu-based café gets its matcha from Uji, Japan and uses it in ice cream, shaved iced, lattes and pastries – so you can get your caffeine boost and sweets fix all in one. As craft tea becomes more popular in the Queen City, we think guests will flock to Matcha Café Maiko for a treat.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon-9 p.m.
Sabor Latin Street Grill
Area: University
9325 JW Clay Blvd.
Our city’s local fast-casual Latin street food spot has opened its 14th location at the JW Clay light rail stop. If you aren’t riding in on the light rail, you can get your LYNX deck parking ticket validated. Haven’t hopped on the Sabor train? Try Authenticos Tacos (only $1 each on Tuesdays) and a fresh margarita.
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Tiff’s Treats
Neighborhood: Uptown
550 E. Stonewall St.
A few months ago, the first local Tiff’s Treatsopened in South Charlotte. Now, folks in Uptown can relish in the comforting delight of warm cookies and treats like fudgy brownies and ice cream sandwiches. Best of all? You can get everything delivered right to your door.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Velvet Taco
Neighborhood: Optimist Park
1115 N. Brevard St., Suite 11
The newest tenant to open in Optimist Hall is Velvet Taco, a fun and funky cast-casual taco shop from Dallas, Texas. Think taco creations such as Buffalo Chicken, Fish ‘n Chips, Kobe Bacon Burger and Chicken and Waffle. We have a feeling you’ll be anything but bored while exploring this menu.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.- 9p.m.
Development
Lidl
Neighborhood: MoRa
9318 Monroe Road
Charlotte officially has its first Lidl, a popular German supermarket known for its low prices. The area (recently dubbed MoRa, the intersection of Monroe and Rama) is seeing a surge of growth. Head on over to Lidl for the discounts and stay for the samples!
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Spaces
Neighborhood: South End
307 W. Tremont Ave.
Looking for a space to set up shop in South End? Spaces has opened their second Charlotte co-working location. Workspaces, dedicated desks and private offices are all available at monthly rates. If you run on caffeine, you’re in for a treat, as Spaces offers barista-made craft coffee drinks daily.
While 2019 was explosive for Charlotte restaurants and development, 2020 is looking to bring even more to the Queen City. We’re keeping an eye on Ilios Crafted Creek, the long-anticipated fast-causal Mediterranean restaurant from the folks behind Ilios Noche; The Goodyear House, led by Chef Chris Coleman, who recently won an episode of “Chopped” on Food Network; and The Eagle, a fried chicken and beer eatery coming to ever-booming South End.
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