Just Opened in Charlotte - Feb. '20
In the February edition of this ongoing monthly series, we’ll be highlighting the growth of the Queen City with recently opened eateries, watering holes and other hot spots to explore.
by Allie Papajohn Feb 26, 2020
Just when you think there’s no room left in South End, something new pops up in the neighborhood. And we’re here for it. Here’s the scoop on the explosion of new restaurants, activities and developments happening around South End and other Queen City neighborhoods – from a scratch-made biscuit shop to a clean beauty and wellness boutique.
Food & Drink
Billy Sunday
Neighborhood: Optimist Park
1115 N. Brevard St.
Chicago-based cocktail bar Billy Sunday is now open on the bottom level of Optimist Hall. And this cocktail program is anything but ordinary. When you take a seat inside this cozy lounge, you’ll find unique glassware, hand-chiseled ice and homemade syrups and bitters. When you need to stretch your legs, check out Billy Sunday’s sister concept, Spindle Bar, in the main hall.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-1 a.m.; Friday-Sunday, 3 p.m.-1 a.m.
Social: Facebook / Instagram
Callie’s Hot Little Biscuits
Neighborhood: South End
327 W. Tremont Ave., Suite B
Ever waited in line for a hot little biscuit from Callie’s in Charleston, SC, or Atlanta, GA? Now, you can get your fix right here in Charlotte. First-timers love the sausage, egg and pimento cheese biscuit or three little biscuits for only $6 (mix and match with flavors like sharp cheddar, country ham and blackberry). Who’s hungry?
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Charlotte Beer Garden
Neighborhood:South End
1300 South Tryon St.
Beer connoisseurs will have a field day with the 436 taps at Charlotte Beer Garden. Pick your beverage of choice and order something from the food menu. Then take in scenic views from one of three levels of space. Pro tip: Download the Untappd app so you can easily scroll through what’s available to drink.
Hours: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. daily to start. Hours subject to change to 11 a.m-2 a.m. daily.
Social: Facebook / Instagram
Cuzzo’s Cuisine
Neighborhood: University City
9601 N. Tryon St., Suite F
Cousins Anglee Brown and Chef Andarrio Johnson began serving gourmet Southern food from a truck in 2014. Two years later, they opened their first brick-and-mortar, and this month, they opened their second. Go get your fill of chicken wings, red velvet waffles, lobster mac and cheese and fried shrimp at the new spot in University City.
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight.
Easy Like Sunday
Neighborhood: Madison Park
1600 E. Woodlawn Road, Suite 100
This new spot is bound to make a splash with its all-day brunch menu. That’s right: you can feast on pancakes, French toast and brunch burgers while sipping on mimosas any time of day. Newlyweds and owners Anna and Sean Maccuish crafted the menu based on past restaurant experiences and designed a comfortable dining space with lots of greenery to complement it.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Monday.
Elsewhere
Neighborhood: South End
101 W. Worthington Ave., #140
Josh Patton, CEO of Wooden Robot Brewery, has switched gears to open South End’s newest craft cocktail lounge. Sip on classics or try something from the rotating themed menu. It’s bound to be not only a destination but a great place to enjoy a drink while you wait for a table at nearby restaurants.
Hours: Wednesday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-midnight; Sunday, 2-8 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Fonta Flora Brewery
Neighborhood: Optimist Park
1115 N. Brevard St., Suite D
Optimist Hall has welcomed Fonta Flora Brewery, a Morganton, NC-based brewing company known for its use of seasonal flora. Grab a pint to drink onsite or take home cans and bottles of your favorites. Hungry? Head upstairs to get a bite to eat from one of the hall’s many tenants.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 3-10 p.m.; Friday, 3-11 p.m.; Saturday, noon-11 p.m.; Sunday, noon-7 p.m.
Hot Box Next Level Kitchen
165 Brumley Ave. NE
Area: Concord
Grab a bite to eat with your beer at Southern Strain Brewing Company’s new in-house kitchen. Chef Michael Bowling and team have been in operation since November 2019 and are pleased to have a permanent home inside this Concord brewery. Get your hands on smoked ribs and chicken wings, catfish sandwiches and risotto fritters, and consider making “Sunday funday” plans at the brewery’s Jazz Beerunch.
Hours: Wednesday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday, 3-11 p.m.; Saturday, noon-11 p.m.; Sunday, noon-9 p.m.; Closed Monday-Tuesday.
Social: Facebook / Instagram
The Goodyear House
Neighborhood: NoDa
3032 N. Davidson St.
Chef Chris Coleman, former executive chef of Stoke, is the co-owner and chef at The Goodyear House in NoDa. The restaurant is located inside a mill home from the early 1900s and provides a different atmosphere and design in each of its four “zones.” On the menu, you’ll find small plates, entrees, salads and sweets including a burger, pork schnitzel sandwich, smoked cashew mac and cheese, pickled vegetables and lemon chess pie.
Hours:
Lunch – 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., daily.
Dinner – Sunday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5 p.m.-midnight.
Bar – Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m.
Kitchen – Bar menu is available from open to close daily.
Things to Do
Selenite Beauty
Neighborhood: South End
1800 Camden Road, Suite 104
If you’ve been looking to transform your beauty routine, consider visiting Selenite Beauty in South End. This beauty shop sells all-natural, non-toxic products for hair, body and skin and carries popular brands. If you can’t swing by the new digs, place your order online.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, noon-6 p.m.
Development
Centro Railyard
Neighborhood: South End
1425 Winnifred St.
This modern apartment complex is now leasing for spring move-in. The majority of spaces are considered “micro-units” and come in around 400 square feet each. Amenities include a lounge with skyline views, pet-friendly living, a coworking lounge and proximity to the Light Rail and popular restaurants.
Office Hours: Monday-Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m; Closed Sunday.
Centurion Lounge
5501 Josh Birmingham Pkwy.
Area: Airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s newest American Express lounge features a variety of luxury features including shower suites, family rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi and a full-service bar. The food menu was designed by Chef Joe Kindred of Kindred and Hello, Sailor and currently includes dishes like buttermilk fried chicken and cast-iron milk bread pudding. This marks the 11th airport to house a Centurion Lounge, and is one of the largest in the current line-up.
Hours: 5:30 a.m.-10 p.m., daily.