Neighborhood Explorer: NoDa
As the city’s epicenter for inspiration, NoDa has transformed from a turn-of-the-century textile mill town to a flourishing arts and entertainment district.
by Liz Logan Apr 19, 2023
Allen Tate
This Neighborhood Explorer is brought to you thanks to Allen Tate.
A destination for eclectic restaurants, live music venues, colorful murals, and vintage and boutique shopping, NoDa remains Charlotte’s premier arts district, with new hot spots being added regularly to the mix.
Eat & Drink
Whether you’re exploring NoDa in the morning or evening, there’s an array of funky and inventive eateries to choose from. Start the day off with coffee and pastries from one of Charlotte’s longest standing shops, Smelly Cat Coffeehouse or Summit Coffee NoDa. Step upstairs to Salud Cerveceria (which gained recognition from Architectural Digest for being North Carolina’s “Most Beautiful Coffee Shop”) for coffee and a bialy. On the weekends, grab brunch at Haberdish or catch a drag brunch at The Artisan’s Palate. For a sweet treat, grab a made-to-order doughnut from the walk-up window at Reigning Doughnuts or head down the street to Pepperbox Doughnuts for fluffy cake doughnuts.
For lunch, NoDa Bodega serves up sandwiches, including housemade pimento cheese and a daily rotating menu of specials. Named “Best Burger in NC” by Reader’s Digest, Brooks’ Sandwich Shop has been serving the neighborhood since 1973 from their counter service spot. Enjoy vegan dishes from the expansive menu of Oh My Soul and eat at one of the many picnic tables, giving the experience an at-home feel.
Follow the NoDa Craft Beer Trail to The Chamber by Wooden Robot. Stop by Protagonist Clubhouse, a modern-day nano-brewery, or Divine Barrel for a classic craft brew. Don’t forget to grab a six-pack from Salud Beer Shop, voted the “Best Beer Bar” in the nation for three years running. If you’re looking for cocktails and libations are more your thing, check out Idlewild, a no-menu craft cocktail bar, or sip a custom-made sangria on a porch swing at NoDa Company Store.
For dinner, sit beneath the expansive tree canopy of Goodyear House for a menu of Southern delicacies headed by chef Chris Coleman, who has plenty of Food Network wins and appearances under his belt – start with the marinated shrimp and Toast Royale and wrap it up with pavlova. Enjoy burrata with orange marmalade and mushroom tortelloni from the exquisite dining room of Ever Andalo.
Do
Find unique shopping throughout the neighborhood where on the weekends, the streets are filled with vintage vendors, perfect for leisurely perusing. Stop in for books and decor at Smitten Boutique Shop, vintage clothing and home goods at Milk Money Vintage, and global treasures from Pura Vida Worldly Art. Head to Rat’s Nest and Old News Vintage for more finds.
For metaphysical gifts and supplies, step up to the second-floor boutique, Curio, Craft & Conjure. Stop in next door at Mac Tabby Cat Cafe for play time with adoptable kittens as you sip from the espresso bar. Want to gear up to enjoy one of the many renowned disc golf courses throughout the city? Another Round has all your gear needs, complete with an in-house bar.
To catch live music, find shows and concerts at Neighborhood Theatre and The Evening Muse. If you’re looking to put on your own show, belt your heart out at NoDa 101, which has karaoke seven nights a week.
Live
Looking for a place to call home just north of Uptown? Check out NoDa. Come see why residents can't get enough of the area's eclectic vibe, bustling with beautiful murals, plenty of local art galleries, plus tons of restaurants, breweries, coffee shops and bars. Ready to make a change? Give the real estate experts at Allen Tate a call. Consistently ranked #1 in the Carolinas, feel at ease when you trust the real estate experts at Allen Tate.
