Just Opened in Charlotte – January 2024
Happy New Year, Charlotte! Business owners are starting the year off strong with many newly opened establishments, and plenty more on the way.
by Allie Papajohn Jan 29, 2024
Eat & Drink
Alongside Brewing
Neighborhood: South End
The owners of Ass Clown Brewing have opened a new concept offering craft beers, curated cocktails, high-end bourbons and wine. Snacks and canned beverages are also available for purchase. The interior is cozy with wooden furniture and lots of greenery, making it the perfect place to cozy up this winter.
Another Brewery
Neighborhood: NoDa
It may be “another brewery,” but this one offers more than just beer. This dive bar serves wine and cocktails in addition to house brews, plus dishes like pizza, roasted oysters and chicken wings. Keep an eye on the brewery’s Instagram to stay updated on events like music trivia and drink specials.
Curry Gate
Neighborhood: Uptown
This popular Indian restaurant now has another home, and this time, it’s inside a food hall. Find a Curry Gate food stall at Monarch Market, serving a smaller but similar menu to its three other locations. Guests can order curries, samosas, masala and more online or in person for lunch or dinner.
Cuzzo’s Cuisine
Neighborhood: Southwest Charlotte
Need a break from shopping while perusing the Charlotte Premium Outlets? Head into the food court and treat yourself to mac and cheese, fried seafood, and chicken and waffles. This marks the third location for the popular Southern comfort food brand, which is owned by cousins Andarrio Johnson and Anglee Brown.
Haraz Coffee House
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Break away from your usual coffee routine and try the Yemeni experience from this Arabic coffee café. Try a spiced coffee, like the Maleki with ginger and cinnamon, or the Harazi with Mafowar cardamom and cream. Non-coffee drinkers can sip on various tea options, and all are encouraged to try the pastries, too.
Jive Turkey Hut
Area: North Charlotte
No need to wait for the Renaissance Fair to enjoy a turkey leg. Jive Turkey Hut offers smoked turkey legs along with burgers, chicken tenders, turkey wings and even stuffed turkey legs. That’s right – you can enjoy a turkey leg stuffed with Cajun rice, shrimp alfredo or mac and cheese. Come hungry, y’all.
Runaway Whiskey & Wine
Neighborhood: Wesley Heights
After enjoying the ‘90s-nostalgic theme of sister concept Streetcar, head around back and check out this 1920s-inspired cocktail lounge. The art deco setting with gold accents and dim lighting will help you escape from the hustle and bustle of your daily routine. Unwind with a craft cocktail and snack on something from the small plate menu, like the fan-favorite Corn Crab Fritters.
Salata
Neighborhood: Lower South End
Charlotte is no stranger to this build-your-own-salad concept, with locations in Uptown and South Charlotte, and now diners can enjoy these greens in Lower South End, too. There’s no set menu at this concept; you are fully in control of your salad or wrap, choosing from over 50 toppings. Salata also offers 11 signature salad dressings so you can craft something unique each time you visit.
Sandwich Max
Neighborhood: Belmont, Charlotte
Sandwich Max is back! This beloved sandwich shop has a new home in the former Paper Plane Deli location and offers the same sandwiches and wraps it’s been known for since 1996. Go for a classic turkey and cheese, Italian or try a hot option like the Pressed TCB (turkey cordon bleu).
Schreiber’s on Rye
Neighborhood: Optimist Park
The newest concept by Larry Schreiber, of Good Food on Montford, offers sandwiches piled high with fresh meats and cheeses plus hot dogs, matzo ball soup and deli pickles. Early fans are loving The Bowery, a half-pound of house-smoked pastrami and deli mustard on, you guessed it, rye bread. Find this gem inside Optimist Hall.
Tap & Vine
Area: South Charlotte
Enjoy a menu of scratch-made dishes and a nice selection of wine and cocktails at the third Tap & Vine location. The kitchen offers a little something for everyone, from Boom Boom Shrimp and lobster bisque to tacos, handhelds and larger entrées. Check out the brunch menu, too, which is available Sundays from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar
Area: Concord
Save lots of room for dessert because this sweets shop offers over-the-top milkshakes, loaded waffles and even dessert nachos. Guests can also enjoy gluten-free and dairy-free options. You won’t leave without snapping a picture of your treat for Instagram.
The Fifth Fork
Neighborhood: Uptown
The Ritz-Carlton has said goodbye to BLT Steak and hello to The Fifth Fork, which offers modern Southern food with a selection of steaks and seafood. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner is and open to all, including non-hotel diners.
The Loft at Duckworth’s
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Head up the stairs at Duckworth’s in SouthPark, and you’ll find a cool new lounge offering 40-plus cocktails and a menu of small bites. The space is divided into “The Lounge,” where you’ll find the bar, and “The Living Room,” complete with comfy seating. Guests are encouraged to just walk in, but larger group reservations and private party options are also available.
The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary
Area: West Charlotte
A second tea bar by owner Sherry Waters is now open as part of Historic West End Partners’ “Thrive” revitalization. You’ll find loose-leaf teas, pastries and sandwiches on the menu, and visitors are encouraged to sit back in the comfortable seating and relax in the calm space.