Neighborhood Explorer: Wesley Heights
Beautiful homes and skyline views combine in this friendly and thriving West End neighborhood.
by Amanda Lea
Grabbing your morning brew doesn’t get any easier than cruising through the CupLux drive-thru. If you’d rather sit and sip, Not Just Coffee has plenty of space to connect with friends or change up your “work from home” routine. Or try the original Rhino Market and Deli for a full breakfast experience. For lunch, order up “The Beaut” at Bossy Beulah’s. The signature chicken sandwich is inspired by owner Jim Noble’s great-aunt Beulah, who used to fry chicken for the family every Sunday. Speaking of Jim Noble, his popular Southern barbecue joint Noble Smoke, is also in Wesley Heights. The airy eatery is housed in a former truck maintenance facility on Freedom Drive. Order the chopped Cheshire pork with western or eastern slaw and, of course, some hushpuppies.
Open Kitchen is another neighborhood favorite and local institution that’s been serving up classic Italian fare for nearly 70 years. While pasta is bountiful here, Open Kitchen was founded by brothers Speros and Steve Kokenes in 1952 as Charlotte’s first pizza restaurant. Pinky’s Westside Grill, known for its “Pimp’n Fries,” was featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” not once, but twice. For dinner, enjoy an immersive dining experience at Counter- (the dash represents the restaurant’s counterculture approach). Chef Sam Hart crafts seasonal tasting menus paired with specially selected music. And don’t miss the "best and only Maryland-style crab cake, chicken and seafood in Charlotte" at LuLu’s Maryland Style Chicken & Seafood. Order the crab cake platter and don't forget the mac 'n cheese and cornbread. Wash it down with a local craft beer or two from Town Brewing Co. or Blue Blaze Brewing — or both, since the two are so close to one another. For a cozy hangout with drink specials and live music, give JackBeagle’s a try.
See & Do
Stroll or bike down one of the neighborhood’s trails or greenways. Irwin Creek and Stewart Creek Greenways connect Wesley Heights to Uptown, and offer stunning views of the city’s skyline. Enjoy some fresh air with your fur friend at Lucky Dog Bark and Brew, where pups can burn off some energy and play off leash while their owners sip a few drinks with fellow dog lovers. If shopping is more your speed, check out the sustainable clothing and gear at RECOVER. Or peruse the latest outdoor living styles at Summer Classics Home Charlotte.
Live
There’s a lot to love about the West End—so why not call it home? A new community of contemporary townhomes at West End Towns offers an unbeatable location less than two miles from Uptown Charlotte. Shopping, entertainment and local landmarks, like the Bank of America Stadium, are just minutes away, as are some of the city’s best restaurants and breweries. Walk to Seversville Park or bike the Stewart Creek Greenway—there’s plenty of parks and trails to keep you active. Starting from the low 400’s, Empire Communities’ three- and four-story townhomes range from 1,344 sq.ft. to 2,351 sq.ft. with flexible floor plans that include a rooftop terrace, rec room and an attached 1 or 2-car garage. Learn more about how you can call this coveted community home.
