Just Opened in Charlotte – May/June '20
With North Carolina slowly opening back up, many new establishments have been able to open their doors to guests over the past month.
by Allie Papajohn Jun 18, 2020
However, things aren’t “back to normal” just yet. Please keep in mind that many Charlotte businesses are following rigorous sanitation procedures and must operate at limited capacity at this time. Which of these Queen City openings are you looking forward to enjoying safely this summer?
Restaurant updates and hours of operation listed below are subject to change.
Food & Drink
Cordial
Neighborhood: SouthPark
1824 Roxborough Road
This highly anticipated rooftop bar opened June 19 at AC Hotel Charlotte SouthPark. Visitors can enjoy a view of the Uptown skyline while sipping on craft cocktails and snacking on small plates. The bar is located on the 8th floor of the building and is available to hotel guests and non-guests alike.
Restaurant Updates: Cordial will only allow one-third of its official capacity in at a time. Contactless menus and hand sanitizer will be available, and the staff will wear face coverings.
Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 4-11 p.m.; Sunday, 1-8 p.m.; Closed Monday-Wednesday.
Fine & Fettle
Neighborhood: SouthPark
4905 Barclay Downs Dr.
From daytime coffeehouse to modern Southern restaurant, this new spot inside Canopy Hilton SouthPark is sure to please guests all day long. Executive Chef Daniel Wheeler, previously with Dot Dot Dot, has created a menu of small plates and entrees plus options for breakfast and lunch, too. David “Schmidty” Schmidt will be behind the bar whipping up craft cocktails.
Restaurant Updates: Reservations are encouraged through Resy. The restaurant will operate with limited capacity.
Hours: Coffee Bar: Daily, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
Breakfast: Daily, 6:30-10 a.m.
Lunch: Daily, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Dinner: Daily, 5-10 p.m.
Bar: Daily, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Grinning Mule
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
1109 Morningside Dr.
Plaza Midwood’s newest restaurant offers tapas and cocktails but with a charitable twist. The nonprofit hires ex-prisoners and others who have a hard time finding employment which stems from co-owner’s Bart Kofoed’s past as founder of 2xsalt Ministry. Co-owner Scott Walker is the former executive chef of Heist Brewery, and well-known mixologist Bob Peters will be the man behind the drinks.
Restaurant Updates: Grinning Mule is operating at a limited capacity. Outdoor seating is available.
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5-10 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Ilios Crafted Greek
Neighborhood: South End
1514 South Church St.
The team behind Charlotte’s two Ilios Noche locations has opened a fast-casual Greek food restaurant in South End. Guests will customize their order at the counter with items like Greek rotisserie chicken, lamb gyro, souvlaki, spinach and feta pie and falafel. On the go? Order only for quick and easy pickup.
Restaurant Updates: The restaurant is operating at limited capacity.
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Krustaceans Seafood
Neighborhood: Eagle Lake
2908 Oak Lake Blvd.
Former Carolina Panthers player Marcus Lucas has opened a seafood boil spot featuring customizable boils, seafood platters and unique plates like fried lobster tail on a red velvet waffle. Online ordering is available to make your trip a quick one. When the dining room opens, early fans are sure to pop back in for one of their frozen daiquiri concoctions.
Restaurant Updates: The restaurant is currently only open for takeout. Guests can also enjoy their meals at the community tables located outside the restaurant.
Hours: Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Leah & Louise
Neighborhood: Camp North End
301 Camp Road
James Beard Award nominee Chef Greg Collier and wife Subrina have opened their newest restaurant at Camp North End. The 58-seat dining room has a “modern juke” vibe, and the kitchen is sending out dishes like chicken skins, hot fried quail, smoked catfish stew, slow roasted corn grits and butternut crepes. Don’t miss drinks and dessert!
Restaurant Updates: If you are dining in, make a reservation through Resy. Outdoor and indoor seating and takeout are available.
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 5-9 p.m. Closed Monday-Tuesday.
Little Mama’s Italian Kitchen
Neighborhood: SouthPark
4521 Sharon Road
Sister concept to Frank Scibelli’s Mama Ricotta’s in the Midtown area, this Italian-American restaurant is inspired by the 1960s and 70s restaurants Scibelli went to when he was young. At Little Mama’s, you’ll find a mozzarella bar, along with main dishes like lasagna and penne alla vodka.
Restaurant Updates: Little Mama’s is offering takeout service beginning June 20.
Hours: Daily, 4-9 p.m.
Mahana Fresh
Neighborhood: Ballantyne
14815 Ballantyne Village Way, Suite 140
Started in Florida, Mahana Fresh is your source for gluten-free customizable bowls in the Ballantyne area. Choose your base, protein, toppings and sauces to make something you love. If you save room, consider grabbing a gluten-free brownie or cookie before you go.
Restaurant Updates: Online ordering and curbside pickup are available.
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Midtown Tavern
Neighborhood: Historic Cherry
1500 3rd St.
Enjoy elevated bar food with Italian inspiration at this new restaurant and lounge. The menu has something for everyone including pizza, burgers and sandwiches plus homemade mozzarella, sauces and dressings. The space is huge, making it a great place to spread out and enjoy a drink while practicing social distancing.
Restaurant Updates: Midtown Tavern is operated at limited capacity. In Phase 3, they will extend hours and open for lunch at 11 a.m. daily.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-midnight; Friday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
Mr. Seafood
Neighborhood: Eastway
5430 N. Tryon St.
Mr. Seafood has made its way from Columbia and Beaufort, SC, to Charlotte. Load up on fried seafood baskets, fish sandwiches, chicken tenders and crab legs, but don’t forget the special: Mr. Seafood’s Famous Garlic Butter Sauce. It’s even sold by the bottle!
Restaurant Updates: Online ordering is available for easy pickup.
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 2-7 p.m. Closed Sunday-Tuesday. (Starting June 19, they will be open Friday-Sunday, noon-8 p.m.)
Sabor Latin Street Grill
Neighborhood: Madison Park/Montford
1730 Abby Pl., Suite 4
Sabor continues to pop up in all Charlotte neighborhoods with the addition of its Madison Park location. Longtime fans love the nachos, $1 Taco Tuesdays and the freshly made margaritas.
Restaurant Updates: This location is open for dine-in at limited capacity. You can also order online for easy curbside pickup.
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Scratch House Chicken
Neighborhood: NoDa
3032 N. Davidson St.
Chef Chris Coleman of The Goodyear House is at it again with his new fried chicken concept. He’s currently operating out of his NoDa restaurant but plans to move the operation to its own brick and mortar in the future. On the menu, you’ll find simple fried chicken sandwiches, chicken bites, shoestring fries and baked hand pies.
Restaurant Updates: At the time of this blog, Scratch House Chicken was temporarily closed due to overwhelming support. Follow them on social media for updates.
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Closed Monday.
Shake Shack
Neighborhood: South End
1930 Camden Road, Suite 235
Shake Shack may have been born in New York, but it is thriving here in Charlotte. The South End store took the place of Pike’s Soda Shop and is now the fourth location in the area. Fans go crazy over their classic burgers, crinkle fries with cheese sauce and delicious milkshakes.
Restaurant Updates: This location is currently open for takeout or delivery. Order online or through their mobile app.
Hours: Monday-Friday, 5-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
The Auto Pour
Neighborhood: Madison Corners
5033 South Blvd.
The Auto Pour (TAP) has 64 wines on tap, making it the largest self-pour wine selection in the state. If you’re not into wine, beer, hard seltzer and hard cider are also available. You’ll load a card with funds at entry and swipe it at desired stations to pour yourself a glass. A full food menu is coming soon, but for now, snack trays and charcuterie and cheese are for sale.
Restaurant Updates: TAP is operating at limited capacity (40 people max. inside) and the staff is wiping down tables and screens in between use.
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, 3-11 p.m.; Sunday, 3-9 p.m.; Closed Monday.
The Culture Shop
Neighborhood: Belmont
1425 Kennon St.
Get your wine, cheese and charcuterie fix at this new shop in the Belmont neighborhood. Owner Catherine Devericks also offers beer, hard seltzers, hard ciders and non-alcoholic beverages. If you’re hungry, consider “The Capo” Italian sandwich or the “Uncle Sammy” with turkey and bacon.
Restaurant Updates: Order online for easy pickup.
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, noon-7 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Social: Instagram
The Degenerate
Neighborhood: Villa Heights
2116 North Davidson St., Suite A
When your grand opening date is the same day the state shuts down restaurants due to COVID-19, you are forced to pivot. Luckily, this new gastropub was able to open its doors this month. On the menu, look for a mix of cuisines, desserts, beer on tap, wine by the glass and a full cocktail list.
Restaurant Updates: The Degenerate is operating at a limited capacity, and the staff is wearing masks.
Hours: Sunday-Wednesday, 4 p.m.-1 a.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
The Fairwood 226
Neighborhood: South End
226 Fairwood Ave.
Enjoy the summer sun on the rooftop or patio at The Fairwood 226 in South End. This new neighborhood bar offers beer, wine and cocktails alongside their food menu of paninis, salads and sandwiches. The kitchen plans to be open into the night for its late-night guests.
Restaurant Updates: The Fairwood 226 is operating at limited capacity.
Hours: Sunday-Tuesday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
The Human Bean
Area: Gastonia, NC
3648 S. New Hope Road
This Oregon-based drive-thru espresso and coffee shop is now open in Gastonia. Favorite drinks include the Frozen Hot Chocolate, Granita (Frozen Espresso), Irish Cream Breve and the Chocolate Mac Breve. Sounds like a sweet pick-me-up!
Restaurant Updates: The staff is wearing protective gear such as masks.
Hours: Daily, 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
Tropical Grille
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
1605 Elizabeth Ave.
Cuban-inspired Tropical Grille is now open in the old Nothing But Noodles spot. The Greenville, SC-based restaurant serves customizable bowls with tropical ingredients with your choice of rice, protein and toppings. Don’t forget a side of plantains.
Restaurant Updates: Call ahead or place an order online for easy pickup.
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Development
RH Charlotte
Neighborhood: SouthPark
6903 Phillips Place Ct.
Charlotte’s massive Restoration Hardware (now known as RH Charlotte) is three stories high and is complete with home furnishings, an interior design studio and a greenhouse-like dining room on the roof. Guests can wander through the galleries before enjoying breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks in the luxurious setting.
Restaurant Updates: RH is operating at limited capacity.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
