Just Opened - July 2023
Summer’s rolling right along, and things certainly aren’t cooling off anytime soon – especially the pace of new business openings in our city.
by Allie Papajohn Aug 01, 2023
Food & Drink
Beyond Amazing Doughnuts (B.A.D)
Neighborhood: Montford Park
Hours: 7 a.m.-sell out
Have you had these doughnuts by Jazz Macon at her pop-ups around town? Now you can find them permanently in Montford Park. This woman- and Black-owned business will feature several signature doughnut flavors plus seasonal offerings. Your sweet tooth will thank you after a visit to this shop.
Bulldog Taproom/Social NoDa
Neighborhood: NoDa
Hours: TBD
This popular hangout is making changes all over town. In addition to moving their South End location to another building, the owners purchased Room & Board in NoDa and transformed it into a second Bulldog Taproom. Expect live music, DJs, gameday parties and lots of beer at the new location.
Capital Tacos
Neighborhood: Mallard Creek
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.
Get your fill of Tex-Mex goodness at this Tampa Bay-based taco joint. Start with a cheesy choice like Chips & Queso or Queso Bites then choose a signature flavor profile in tacos, a burrito or a bowl. Stay tuned as another location is opening soon in the Cotswold area.
Condado Tacos
Neighborhood: South Charlotte
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight.
Charlotte’s second Condado Tacos is now open off Providence Road. Known for their unique, colorful murals and build-your-own-tacos, this place will instantly lift your spirits (thanks to a little tequila, too). First timer? Try one of their suggested creations, like the Sweet Heat (flour soft and hard corn shell, queso blanco, braised beef brisket, cilantro, onions, smoked cheddar, pineapple salsa, habanero-mango sauce and chipotle honey).
Dram & Draught
Neighborhood: South End
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 3 p.m.-midnight; Friday, 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday, noon-2 a.m.; Sunday, noon-midnight.
This Raleigh-born cocktail bar has been making its way to various North Carolina cities, and now Charlotte has its own. The menu features classic and seasonal cocktails created by their bartenders plus local craft beer and over 300 whiskeys from all over the world. If you aren’t feeling booze, they have several spirit-free creations listed as well.
Gourmand Market
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Get it all and more at this new specialty market in SouthPark. The retail selection includes local items, like cheese, chocolates, charcuterie and jarred goods, or you can stick around and dine at the market. The kitchen offers breakfast, lunch and bar bites plus coffee, craft cocktails, beer and wine from the bar.
Rise Cafe
Area: Huntersville
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Closed Monday.
Goodbye Egg Cafe of Huntersville, hello Rise Cafe! Despite the change, the menu remains very similar with all your breakfast favorites plus sandwiches, burgers, salads and melts for lunch. Note: You can still visit the other Egg Cafe in Davidson.
Sandwich Max
Neighborhood: South End
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Closed Sunday.
Fans of this beloved sandwich shop have been missing it since its original location closed in April, but there is good news – it’s back! Sandwich Max is now operating a takeout-only concept out of South End Eats, a ghost kitchen where several food concepts call home. Order online through the website, DoorDash or ChowNow or give them a call to order for pickup.
Sol’ Delish
Neighborhood: University City
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, noon-9 p.m.; Closed Monday.
Fill up with your favorite comfort food at this new soul food spot in the University area. You can dine on wings, crab cakes, fried flounder and seafood mac for lunch or dinner. If you come by for brunch, expect decadent dishes like a shrimp and crab omelet or chicken and waffles.
Tora Sushi & Bar
Neighborhood: Wesley Heights
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Sunday, noon-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.
There’s a new sushi spot in town in the space formerly occupied by Rocket Pizza. This Asian-fusion restaurant features a full sushi menu plus dishes like ramen, yakisoba, yakitori and donburi. Stay a while to enjoy a craft cocktail or perhaps a cold glass of Thai tea.
The Royal Tot
Neighborhood: Belmont
Hours: Monday-Tuesday, 4 p.m.-midnight; Wednesday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-1 a.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday, noon-2 a.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
If you missed the chance to hit this rooftop bar before it closed suddenly in May, don’t worry. It’s back open under new ownership and still offers a slew of tropical drinks plus a new menu of Asian-inspired shareable dishes. Keep an eye on this bar later this year when it transforms for the holidays as part of Sippin’ Santa.
Waterbean Coffee
Neighborhood: South End
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Another Waterbean Coffee, a Charlotte-born company, is now open and you can find it in the Vantage building in South End. The space features indoor and outdoor seating plus its full lineup of coffee creations and freshly baked treats. Not sure what you want to sip on? Try an Espresso Flight for three versions of this caffeine boost.
Things to Do
Locker Room CLT
Neighborhood: Chantilly
Hours: Monday-Saturday, noon-7 p.m.; Sunday, 1-6 p.m.
The owner of Charlotte Vintage Market has opened a storefront featuring vintage sports apparel. If you love throwback jerseys, old-school hats, wall decor and all things N.C. sports, you’re gonna love this shop. Guests can also opt to sell or trade their vintage items here if the fit is right.
Rally
Neighborhood: LoSo
Hours: Main House & The Courts - Sunday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-noon.;
The Annex - Monday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Pickleball has a huge new home in LoSo featuring indoor and outdoor courts, a full restaurant, a cocktail bar and private event space. Court reservations can be made for up to eight people, and pricing varies by time and date. Not into sports? Come hang out for the food and drink instead.
The Merchant
Neighborhood: Optimist Park
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Optimist Hall has a new tenant thanks to this Atlanta-based home goods store. Inside, you’ll find local vendors plus vintage items, gifts, stationery, furniture, dishware and everything in between. We dare you to leave empty-handed.
The Vault
Neighborhood: Uptown
Hours: See hours and get tickets here.
This new exhibit at the Mint Museum features private art collections from four influential Black Charlotte families. Inside, you’ll find prints, original works, magazine covers and even a Christmas section. Get your tickets and make a visit now through September 17.
