Soul Gastrolounge
Pork belly and watermelon may seem like an unlikely combination, but at Soul Gastrolounge, unique pairings are what has made this a Charlotte favorite for more than 10 years. Tapas such as lamb lollipops with rosemary and sushi dishes along with unique cocktails ensure that every visit is a memorable one
Cuisine Type: Tapas
Ambience: Casual Dining
Price: $$$
Sadiki Lestrade
Soul Gastrolounge, quite possibly might just be my favorite restaurant in Charlotte so far. Exquisite food and ambiance make this venue the place to be on any given night. The food was filling and delicious, full-bodied and flavorful. I'll truly make it a point of venture to return here again on my next visit. The music brought a whole vibe and kept in the energy in the room moving. The drinks were creative and strongly full-filling with a wonderful mix of flavors. Our food came out plated wonderfully and tasted even better then they looked. Make a point to visit this spot, you won't regret it.
Eric Johnson
This was the best place we ate at on a recent trip to Charlotte. From a completely unique, one of a kind menu to the overall vibe. We thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience at Soul Gastrolounge. We tried a multitude of different options as the menu is just so unique. I can't say that any particular dish was my "favorite," but they were all great! You'll likely see other reviews referencing the Asian Glazed Pork Belly Tacos. There's a reason...... Just freaking try them, they're wild, and crazy, and awesome! I'd definitely eat here again on our next visit!!!
Yu-Hsien Ho
This was my second time here. First time I ate here must've been 3 or 4 years ago. The service here was great. Our waitress was friendly and quick. We ordered about 8 different items for the 4 of us. The dishes were hit or ok, nothing was bad. Sushi rolls were decent. The short rib was flavorful and good. Food presentation A+. Liked the ambiance although it is quite loud inside. Really good cocktails as well. Definitely recommend a visit.
Frank
Had a great time going here for my anniversary! It is a bit pricey but worth every penny. This place is delicious and has a great vibe and the variety and flavors of food is fantastic. Sitting outside is a blast as well
Tarun Salian
This place was bussin. Expect a wait if you come here, we anticipated it and didn't mind, it was about an hour to hour and a half. There's tons of things nearby to go to while you wait. We came back after the recommended time but I think we were still in line but there was two open bar seats so we just sat there. All the food was delicious, everyone recommends the pork belly taco and I have to echo that. It's definitely interesting with the watermelon and the sauce on the pork belly was amazing. The bartender was very friendly and helped my girlfriend make a virgin drink and I got one as well. Don't remember what drinks we got but they were really good as well. Great date night spot.
PRL
I'm so happy they've returned--Soul is truly top tier. The new space is much larger yet still just as sexy and inviting. It was great to see so many familiar faces on the staff; that alone speaks volumes about the business. Now, the main event: the food and the vibe are unmatched in the area. The short rib taco literally melts in your mouth, and whoever came up with adding a piece of watermelon deserves a raise. The Queen Charlotte roll remains my go-to, without question. If you haven't tried it yet, you need to get there ASAP
Tiara P
If I could give it 5 more stars I would! Best customer service I've had in Charlotte hands down. And the food... let's just say my mouth is watering at the thought of going back. The drinks great too. They made great recommendations. I don't have pictures of all the food we ate because we were digging in, but I was able to take a few. There is a DJ on site setting the mood and ambiance (but nothing that takes away from the table's conversation). There is also something like a speakeasy next door that is easily accessible with good vibes. Bob (especially Bob), Sara, and JJ were incredible. Don't hesitate, just go!!
Beth Teer
I loved this spot. Music and atmosphere was unmatched. Super fun place to take all your friends for really great drinks and even better food. I would definitely see myself coming here many more times again. The disco ball was also everything I needed and more.
M B
11/5/2025, if there was a 10 star option I would choose that. This place has the food and vibe!! I have been waiting for this place to open back up! It's been a long time waiting and of course it did not disappoint!!! Our server was awesome as well. I ordered a little bit of a lot! Truffle fries, avocado stack, shrimp ceveiche, pork belly tacos, and the Asian shortrib. Everything was delicious but I will say the short rib was not my favorite but wanted to try something new. For dessert I ordered The baklava ice cream and it was phenomenal!! I forgot to order the tuna tacos!! Next time I will try some of their sushi rolls! My bill total was $93 + $20 tip. I did not order any alcoholic drinks, just had the famous cucumber water. Soul Gastrolounge is a place I always recommend to locals and visitors! The food, service, and atmosphere are great!! I highly recommend stopping here for dinner!! It will be packed on the weekend! I will say I miss the old location off Central Ave but they did an awesome job replicating the vibe of the original location. Welcome back Soul Gastrolounge!! You definitely hit some souls with this food and vibe!!
Vanessa
What a great feeling to have Soul back! We made a reservation 2 weeks in advance, seats fill up quickly. Once we arrived I was impressed - huge building and big free parking lot. The entrance is a little bit hidden on the side. We dont had a wait time and were able to choose between in and outside seating. We came with our one year old and unfortunately, no high chairs were available. The service was great, food came out fast and delicious! Must try - pork belly tacos, sushi & the flatbread was amazing. We visited the last time in 2022 and so glad to be able to go again and have the same atmosphere and great food!!
