Neighborhood Explorer: Dilworth
Established in 1891, Dilworth is Charlotte’s original suburb. Nestled between Center City and South End, the area is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods.
by Liz Logan Apr 20, 2022
SearchCharlotte.com
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Bordered by East Morehead Street, South Boulevard, South Kings Drive and the aptly-named Ideal Way, Dilworth is a quintessentially-Charlotte neighborhood, nestled amidst Uptown, South End and Myers Park. The neighborhood hinges on East Boulevard, the central thoroughfare anchored by locally-owned retail and global cuisine alongside a breath-taking tree canopy. Here, Charlotte’s historic architecture is preserved while being accented by modern additions, making this neighborhood a desirable destination for dining, shopping and leisurely strolls.
Eat
Entering the neighborhood at the intersection of South and East Boulevards, Copper Modern Indian Cuisine welcomes visitors to its at-home atmosphere, with Thai Taste across the street rounding out an offering of Southern Asian cuisine. A Charlotte favorite since 1986, 300 East’s ever-evolving menu draws diners year after year for shareable plates, upscale entrées and an impressive cocktail menu. Sunflour Bakery’s second location sits a few doors down with a display case filled with baked goods from cupcakes to croissants.
Continuing down Dilworth’s mile-and-a-half corridor, the neighborhood is dotted with dining options like sushi at Ru San’s, Mediterranean-meets-southern fare at Kid Cashew and Diners-Drive-ins-and-Dives-featured hot dogs at JJ’s Red Hots, complete with a rooftop patio. Fern Flavors from the Garden creates delectable vegan dishes while Roots Café incorporates locally-sourced ingredients into their daytime menu of pastries and sandwiches to enjoy in an atmosphere of natural elements with draping pathos and English ivy.
Drink
Making its way from its original Villa Heights location, Red@28th, a multicultural literary lounge, sits on the corner of East Boulevard and Scott Avenue as a haven for hookah, cocktails and cuisine. Dilworth Tasting Room’s courtyard – complete with a koi pond — is perfect for sipping under the stars while Vibe Cafe and Wine Bar seamlessly blends a classic coffee shop atmosphere with European-inspired bistro. The Bar at 316, one of Charlotte’s favorite LGBTQ+ hot spots, occupies one of Dilworth’s many historic houses and is perfect for drinks on the patio or rooftop deck.
Ed’s Tavern, a comfortable neighborhood bar with trivia, TVs and 32 taps of mostly-NC beer is a Dilworth staple, with Comet Grill serving as a community pub with live music nightly. As with the other handful around town, Not Just Coffee’s Dilworth location serves Night Swim coffee roasted in the sister company’s LoSo location with seasonal specials made with hand-crafted syrups. Green Brothers Juice Company creates cold-pressed juices and flavor-filled smoothies and wellness shots, a refreshing retreat perfect any time of day.
Do
Shopping in Dilworth is an experience filled with unique gift shops and upscale clothing boutiques. Paper Skyscraper is perfect for books, cocktail essentials and Charlotte-themed goods while a few doors down Concrete Jungle CLT harbors a variety of vibrant houseplants and homegoods. PlantHouse carries graphic tees, totes and koozies alongside houseplants and is a destination for workshops from terrarium-building to moss wall creation.
Getting active is easy from a stroll through Latta Park to a practice at Firebird Yoga House and Y2 Yoga Dilworth, both of which offer class options for any level. The picturesque Freedom Park is perfect for picnics, playing or walking along the greenway, with Discovery Place Nature tucked away with natural exhibits and outdoor adventure space, a whole-family destination.
Live
If you’re ready to settle down in this neighborhood, make sure to reach out to the experts on John Siddons’ team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, who are ranked number one in NC and in the top 100 nationally.
