Just Opened in Charlotte – August 2026
School may be back in session, but summer isn’t over yet! Use these remaining longest days of the year to explore these newly opened businesses.
by Allie Papajohn Aug 27, 2026
Eat & Drink
Bae’s Burgers
Area: Concord
Mooresville’s popular smashburger spot now has a home in Concord, too. You’ll find these perfectly pressed patties inside The District Exchange, a hub for various local vendors. First time at Bae’s? Go for “The Bae” with two patties, American cheese, pickles, grilled onions and Bae sauce.
Circa Charlotte
Neighborhood: Uptown
Say hello to Charlotte’s newest nightlife hotspot. Located in the heart of Uptown within Queen City Quarter, this club offers craft cocktails and premium shisha service with rotating guest DJs and entertainment. Book a table online.
EVO Kitchen & Co.
Area: Southwest Charlotte
Work up an appetite shopping at the Charlotte Premium Outlets then head over to nearby EVO Kitchen & Co. for lunch or dinner. The restaurant offers dishes like fried green tomatoes, short rib gouda macaroni and cheese and Bayou braised oxtail pasta, blending Southern and worldly flavors together. Bonus: the bar is open late on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Goodyear Bar
Neighborhood: NoDa
The Built On Hospitality team has revamped Chief’s to offer a reimagined cocktail and coffee bar. Offering coffee by day and cocktails by night, this cozy bar also features smaller plates from sister concept The Goodyear House’s food menu, like fries, the Goopy Burger and chicken wings.
La Vecina
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Enjoy Latino fusion cuisine at this open-air restaurant, located on Plaza Midwood’s busy Central Avenue. Menu items include guacamole, various tacos, freshly made margaritas and traditional elote. Walk-ups are always welcome or you can reserve a table on Resy.
Mariah’s Taco Spot
Neighborhood: Wesley Heights
Owner Mariah Brown is celebrating the grand re-opening of her taco shop inside City Kitch. After taking a break from the space to focus on her food truck, she’s back in action three days a week at this popular ghost kitchen. Guests can order online to get their hands on birria tacos, chicken wings and rotating specials.
Melt N Dip
Area: South Charlotte
Get that sweet tooth ready! This shop, the first Melt N Dip in North Carolina, offers cakes, crepes, waffles and gelato, plus tea and coffee drinks. Dipped, dunked and drizzled — chocolate comes in many forms at this dessert haven, so if you’re a chocolate lover, this place is for you.
Smooth Monkey
Neighborhood: Uptown
Sip on fresh smoothies made with no added sugar, syrups or ice at the third location of locally owned Smooth Monkey. If you have an extra hand to spare, try one of the acai bowls, made with freshly sliced fruit and drizzled with toppings like Nutella and almond butter.
Songbirds Wine Bar
Neighborhood: University City
Former American Idol contestant Ashley Hunt has opened a bar in efforts to help highlight local musical talent. Artists are encouraged to reach out through the link on Instagram to inquire about booking opportunities. The menu for the bar features light bites, sweets and wines from Black-owned labels.
Your Mom’s Donuts
Area: Cornelius
The local donut shop known for its “square-ish” doughnut shape now has a third home in the region. Fill a box with flavors like milk chocolate, cinnamon sugar and lemon honey, and don’t forget to throw in an apple fritter, too.
