Just Opened in Charlotte – February 2025
Balance out your food and drink adventures with one of the multiple wellness and activity centers that just opened. Spring is near, Charlotte!
by Allie Papajohn Mar 04, 2025
Eat & Drink
Cork & Cap
Neighborhood: Camp North End
Next time you’re at Camp North End, stop by this specialty bottle shop to stock up on beer and wine. Guests can also stay a while and work remotely at one of the desks or post up at a table or the bar.
Indigo Tea & Coffee Co.
Neighborhood: South End
Inside Alongside Brewing, look for this new Black-owned café serving craft coffee and tea drinks, as well as freshly baked pastries. The spacious café has plenty of room for you to order your favorite drink and stay a while.
Papi Ricko
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
If you’re a fan of the Tacos Rick-O food truck, you’ll love Ricky Ortiz’s new Latin-fusion restaurant. Get your fill of street tacos, churros, al pastor and other culinary mashups. The dishes and drinks all come in creative vessels and presentations, so get that camera ready.
Pizzeria Sapienza
Neighborhood: Dilworth
This New York-style pizza shop now has a second location nestled in the Dilworth Crossing Shopping Center. Order whole pies or pizza by the slice plus salads, wings, subs and more. Seating is minimal, so if your party is large, consider ordering online for easy pickup.
Shipley Do-Nuts
Area: Concord
Treat yourself to these signature handcrafted donuts and Texas-style kolaches at Shipley Do-nuts’ first North Carolina location. The locally owned shop offers over 60 varieties of freshly baked items, including apple fritters and savory options.
The Cocktail Lounge at 3rd
Neighborhood: Midtown
Tucked inside 3rd & Fernwood is a new speakeasy lounge with only 17 seats. Visitors may make a reservation for a curated experience that includes two drinks plus elevated snacks, like shito grilled shrimp and black garlic ciabatta, at a set price.
Vavela Café
Neighborhood: University City
Explore the world of Turkish coffee at this new locally owned shop at McCullough Commons. The space is luxurious with gold tones and marble surfaces, making it a great place for your next meeting. The menu includes frappes, tea, “refreshers,” paninis and pastries.
Wheatberry Bakeshop
Neighborhood: South End
Once a pop-up shop all over town, this bakery now has a home at The Shops at Winnifred. The menu changes weekly based on seasonality, and the items are inspired by southern and European bakeries. You’ll fall in love with the rotating selection of croissants, cookies, tarts, scones and more.
Things to Do
Reclectic
Area: Pineville
Get ready to dig through design after design at this overstock shop featuring items from Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters and Nuuly. Apparel is priced at 50-60% off, and while there aren’t any dressing rooms, you’ll still walk out of there with a bargain you’ll love.
Sauna House
Neighborhood: Wesley Heights
Hop on the hot and cold therapy trend at this Asheville-based bathhouse. The idea is to rotate between the sauna and cold plunge in a communal space. Private areas are also available to reserve for six to 10 guests.
The Health Club
Area: East Charlotte
Work on your fitness and recovery in one place thanks to this new wellness club featuring a fully equipped gym, group classes, saunas, steam rooms and reformer machines. The club is currently on a membership waitlist, which you can join now online.
The University City Regional Library
Neighborhood: University City
Take the kids on an educational adventure or stop in for your latest book club needs at the new library in University City. The two-store building has computers for use plus conference and study rooms.
Tipsy Pickle
Neighborhood: Camp North End
The pickleball craze continues with this huge hub featuring six pickleball courts, three bars, pool tables, golf simulators and a kitchen serving Tex-Mex cuisine. Pickleball courts and golf simulators may be reserved in advance online, but if you’re not into activities, the food and beverage offerings will keep you plenty busy.
