Just Opened in Charlotte - March '21
Spring is finally here, Charlotte! Get outside and experience the newest businesses in the Queen City – from one of the city’s top burger joints to a home décor superstore.
by Allie Papajohn Mar 22, 2021
Food & Drink
Ace No. 3
Area: Concord, NC
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
One of Charlotte’s favorite burger joints is now open right across from Concord Mills Mall. Their signature burger, The Ace (two patties, American cheese, steamed onions, pickles, comeback sauce), is a crowd favorite, but don’t sleep on the Fried Bologna Sandwich or the decadent milkshakes.
Belmont Brewing Co.
Area: Belmont, NC
Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, 1-10 p.m.; Sunday, 1-7 p.m. Closed Monday-Tuesday.
Jess Faucette of Alternative Beverage has partnered with Bethea Baker, Seth Clark and Dennis Talley to open this new brewery in Belmont, NC. Faucette has been in the home-brewing business for decades, and the beers in the taproom will reflect the home-brew kits he has available in his other shop. The taproom is small, so get ready to enjoy your beer on the patio.
Golden Owl Tavern
Neighborhood: University City
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday, 3-11 p.m.; Sunday, 3-10 p.m. Brunch will be served Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (Scheduled to open March 31.)
This new restaurant is set to open at the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Conference Center at the end of the month. Expect Southern favorites with fun twists (like Nashville Hot Chicken Deviled Eggs) plus plenty of beverages and weekend brunch. The large space will include a lounge, dining room, patio and bar for various dining options.
Margaux's Wine, Pizza & Market
Area: Pineville
Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Ever had St. Louis-style pizza? Now you can try it in Charlotte at this new restaurant in Pineville. Sip on an old-world wine paired with a build-your-own charcuterie board or grab something to go (like ready-to-bake lasagna or chicken enchiladas). This delightful new spot has something for everyone.
Mayobird
Neighborhoods: Wesley Heights & Dilworth
Hours: Westside is open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Closed Saturday-Sunday. Dilworth is open Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Closed Sunday-Monday.
The beloved chicken salad spot has relocated to two new homes. Its Westside location (at The City Kitch) offers a full menu for delivery or pick-up only. At the new Dilworth pick-up window, you’ll find a full coffee bar plus a limited supply of chicken salad by the pound or half-pound and sides. Now the tough part is deciding which of the 11 flavors to devour!
Orto
Neighborhood: NoDa
Hours: Sunday, Wednesday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5-10 p.m. Closed Monday-Tuesday.
James Beard-nominated Chef Paul Verica has opened the doors of his new Italian restaurant featuring house-made pasta, Philly-style pizza and craft cocktails by the talented Amanda Britton. Grab a seat at the bar to watch Britton work her magic or opt for the spacious patio to enjoy the spring weather. Keep an eye out for brunch service to start in the near future.
Supperland
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Hours: Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5-11 p.m. Closed Monday.
The long-anticipated fifth eatery by Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel is now open. Inside the historic former church you’ll find a beautiful, open dining room with a craft cocktail bar located next door. Consider early crowd favorites when ordering, like the Miso Mac & Cheese, Wagyu Pot Roast and Sausage Gravy Croquets.
Warmack
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Hours: Sunday-Tuesday, 5-10 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday, 5-11 p.m.
The former Pint Central space is now occupied by Warmack, an “Asian comfort food” restaurant with nostalgic dishes and craft cocktails. Don’t miss the Bao Buns with chicken katsu curry, shitake tempura or char-sui slow-cooked pork belly or the Warmack Salmon Donburi with grilled Scottish salmon, roasted brussels and sushi rice.
Xiao Bao
Neighborhood: Optimist Park / NoDa
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
The popular restaurant from Charleston, SC, has opened a food stall at Optimist Hall. Expect Southeast Asian flavors in dishes like Okonomiyaki (Japanese cabbage cake), Crab Fried Rice and the KFC Sando (Korean fried chicken bao). You can order online for easy pick-up or, if you’re within range, delivery on DoorDash or Uber Eats.
Things to Do
At Home
Neighborhood: Midtown
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
The home décor superstore is now open in the former BJ’s spot at the Metropolitan. Be careful; you might just spend hours browsing through furniture, wall hangings, pillows, bedding and just about anything you could want for your home. Trying to avoid distraction? Order online for easy curbside pick-up.
