Just Opened in Charlotte – October 2026

Eat & Drink

And/Or Café

Neighborhood: Belmont neighborhood

Justin Hazelton’s newest venture will feature coffee by day and cocktails by night. For now, the coffee half is open, offering espresso drinks made with sustainably crafted ingredients. This “third place” is located inside the Innovation Barn; stay tuned for cocktails coming soon. 

Café Rio de la Plata

Area: Mooresville

Discover Uruguayan cuisine at this new breakfast and lunch spot off Highway 21. Owners Patricia Alberro and Cecilia Gonzalez were both born in Uruguay, bringing authentic flavors to all parts of the menu. Try one of the gourmet paninis paired with an empanada and build-your-own shake. 

Cocotte French Bakery

Area: Huntersville

Downtown Huntersville is now home to a local French Bakery, with its first location just up the road in Cornelius. Menu items include breakfast and lunch sandwiches, freshly baked bread, house-made pastries and coffee drinks. Stop by for a little sweet pick-me-up.

Guard and Grace

Neighborhood: South End

Head on up to the 10th floor of Queensbridge Collective’s The Vivian to experience this new steakhouse with lovely skyline views. Feast on dishes like bluefin tuna tostada, Carolina blue corn hushpuppies and prime steak options. The Hawaiian-style butter cake is calling your name, too. 

Ladybird Taco

Neighborhood: Dilworth 

Get your breakfast taco fix any day of the week thanks to Ladybird Taco, a small chain restaurant from Alabama. House-made tortillas are filled with ingredients like eggs, bacon, chorizo, cheese and more. Plus, this location serves coffee from HEX.

Mr. Tokyo Premium

Area: Southwest Charlotte

Come hungry! This all-you-can-eat concept offers unlimited sushi, small plates, ramen and more for lunch and dinner. If you don’t feel like tackling the “AYCE” experience, order a la carte instead. Save room for gelato, served tableside and scooped right from the cart. 

Paik’s Noodles

Area: Pineville

North Carolina’s first Paik’s Noodles is now open in The Centrum shopping plaza. The menu features Korean-Chinese fusion, with dishes like sweet and spicy chicken wings, noodles with black bean sauce, japchae rice and chili shrimp. 

Regiment One55 Bar & Lounge

Neighborhood: South End

After a successful opening of Zamindar’s, the group has now officially launched their intimate bar and lounge in the same space. The menu features influences from India and Britain with dishes like masala fish and chips and chili cheese Welsh rarebit. And, of course, the cocktails are not to be missed. 

The Alleyway

Area: Cornelius

Enjoy an intimate, moody vibe at this European-inspired bar in Cornelius. The menu features a lineup of craft cocktails plus “fine wines” and whiskey. Catch live music on Wednesdays and stay tuned for a food menu launch in the future. 

Things to Do

Amoikon Store

Area: Mooresville

Owner and West Africa-native Tina Miessein has operated a store online for seven years, but now, you can purchase African and Caribbean goods in person. You’ll find spices, produce, meat, seafood and more on the shelves, plus health and beauty products and handmade art.

HYLO Fitness

Neighborhood: Belmont neighborhood

This gym focuses on cardio, strength training, hot yoga and Pilates, blending high- and low-impact techniques for an ideal workout. Book one of the 45-minute classes to see (and feel) what it’s all about.

The Queen’s Mahjery

Neighborhood: Oakhurst

Mahjong has taken the country by storm, and now, you can play it at a designated studio right here in Charlotte. Join in on weekly open play, attend a class or plan your own private gathering — there are endless ways to get your game on.

Wegmans

Neighborhood: Ballantyne

After much anticipation, Charlotte’s first Wegmans is finally open.  This beloved grocery store is known for its super customer service, expansive product selection, baked goods, and hot and cold prepared meals. What will you fall in love with first?