Just Opened - Dec. '21
‘Tis the season of twinkling lights, holiday cheer and supporting our city’s newest openings. Check them out in between gift shopping and time spent with family and friends!
by Allie Papajohn Dec 27, 2021
Food & Drink
bb.q Chicken
Area: Arboretum
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. Closed Monday.
“BBQ” takes on a new meaning at this fast-casual Korean restaurant: “best of the best quality.” On the menu, you’ll find Korean fried chicken (bone-in and tenders) with over 10 sauce and seasoning options plus sides and ddeok-bokki (rice cakes in sauce.) Feel free to dine in or order delivery on Uber Eats, DoorDash or Grubhub.
Cantina Louie
Area: Matthews, NC
Hours: Sunday-Monday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
This Florida-based Dia de los Muertos-themed restaurant is owned by Belmont native Jason Sharpe, who previously opened a Cantina Louie in Asheville, NC. Guests will love the fresh flavors and ingredients in their Mexican street food and specialty margaritas. Don’t miss “App-y Hour” for half-priced appetizers every day from 2-5 p.m.
Cloud
Neighborhood: South End
Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 8 p.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday, 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Closed Monday-Tuesday
Plan a fun night out at this new lounge in South End. You can reserve your table here to enjoy good eats by Chef Cordell Weathers and signature cocktails like The Goat (an old fashioned made with Don Julio 1942 in place of bourbon.) Follow along on Instagram to keep up with their event and DJ schedule.
El Puro Cuban Restaurant
Neighborhood: LoSo
Hours: El Puro - Monday-Thursday, 4-11 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m.-midnight; Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. La Ventanita - Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
The owners of Havana Carolina in Concord, NC have opened a beautiful upscale Cuban restaurant as a tribute to their late father, Ideal Pérez. The menu features flavorful dishes like Croquetas, Tuna Tartare, and Masitas de La Loma (fried pork chunks served on top of a miniature grill.) You can also swing by during the day and order Cuban sandwiches and coffee from their takeout window, La Ventanita.
Emmy Squared
Neighborhood: South End
Hours: Takeout/Delivery Only - Wednesday & Sunday, noon-9 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, noon-11 p.m. Dine In - Wednesday & Sunday, 4-9 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Closed Monday-Tuesday.
The popular pizza spot from NYC now has a second home in Charlotte (the Plaza Midwood location opened earlier this year.) Order delivery via DoorDash, Grubhub or Uber Eats or dine-in and feast on Detroit-style pizza, cheesy garlic sticks and a double-stack, grass-fed burger.
Night Swim Coffee
Neighborhood: Uptown
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Closed Saturday-Sunday.
Just weeks after their Oakhurst grand opening, Night Swim Coffee is now open in the Legacy Union building (also known as Bank of America’s newest tower.) This partnership between Not Just Coffee and Undercurrent Coffee offers drinks made with locally roasted coffee - and you can buy the beans, too. This location plans to add a full food menu in 2022.
Rosie’s Coffee & Wine
Neighborhood: Myers Park
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Closed Sunday-Monday.
Love strolling through McGill Rose Garden with a cup of coffee or wine in-hand? Now you can do the same indoors at The Galleries at Eight Eleven at Rosie’s newest location. Consider booking a spot at one of their Wine Tasting 101 classes to learn more about tasting and identifying wine.
Starlight on 22nd
Neighborhood: NoDa
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m.-midnight; Saturday, noon-midnight; Sunday, noon-7 p.m. Closed Monday.
Enjoy your drink of choice with good company at this new bar in NoDa. Plan to also sit back and take in all the decor as the place was furnished with a mix of newly created, thrifted or repurposed art, furniture and more. Stay tuned on Instagram for live music, comedy shows, art gallery and various pop-up announcements.
Summit Coffee
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Hours subject to change.
Piedmont Town Center’s newest tenant is Summit Coffee, the Davidson-born coffee shop that continues to expand in and outside North Carolina. You’ll find great coffee, of course, but also beer on tap, pastries and Poppy’s Bagels. Feel free to stay a while or order the Summit app and order ahead for easy pickup.
VelTree
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Closed Sunday-Monday.
Get your vegan food to-go at VelTree’s new location in Ballantyne (previously in University City.) In the future, this soul food spot will offer full service, but for now, they’re operating takeout-only. Don’t worry - their current limited menu still includes favorites like chic’n drumsticks and mac n’ cheeze.
Things to Do
Puttery
Neighborhood: South End
Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 4 p.m.-12 a.m.; Thursday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Friday, 12 p.m.-2a.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.-12 a.m.
Mini golf, but make it luxurious. This concept backed by Rory McIlroy had two unique nine-hole courses, two bars, multiple lounges and a full menu of food and drinks. We have a feeling Charlotteans will flock to this new space! Note: all guests must be 21+ and reservations are highly encouraged.
