From restaurants to cocktail bars—these spots have been tried and true for me living in Charlotte! I’m always on the hunt for good eats and drinks and these fit the bill. I’ll be updating this list as I explore and find new gems too!
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Cocktails
Food
This will always be the first spot I recommend to folks! Consistently good (we’ve tried all of the pizzas and love them). You have to get the Kale Caesar. And Imani is the best bartender around!
Bird Pizzeria
Clearly I enjoy this area because this spot and the last two are across from one another. The crab dip!!! The drinks! Everything I’ve had has been good.
Rosemont
Also in the Elizabeth area, loveddd this spot for dinner!
Catalina Kitchen and Bar
We’ve been here several times for date day/night so we’ve tried their brunch and dinner! So, so good. The drinks are always great, service is really good and THE BEIGNETS…get them!
The Crunkleton
Next door to The Crunkleton is Puerta, another gem! I’ve had their brunch and must go back for dinner.
Puerta
Calle Sol is a hit every single time. I order lunch or go there at least once a week. Always good. Never disappoints. My faves are the chaufa with either shrimp or chicken, pollo frita sandwich with mojo fries, sol bowl, and the list goes on. Get the...
Calle Sol Latin Café & Cevicheria
Barcelona is a favorite for me in any city (have visited in DC and Houston as well). Food is always good (and shareable) as are the drinks!
Barcelona Wine Bar
Steak 48 is always an immediate yes for me in any city I’ve had it. Food, service and drinks are always top tier. This will always be the first fine dining spot I recommend.
Steak 48
I see why everyone recommends and goes to this spot. Instant favorite. Wasn’t sure what to expect but the food was so so good. And the espresso martinis (we got ours with bourbon) were probably top 3 we’ve ever had.
131 MAIN Restaurant
Casual Mediterranean eats in a laid back spot!
KID CASHEW
Another great spot for tapas and deals throughout the weel
Bulla Gastrobar
The pizza, the wings, the sandwiches…all a yes!!
800 DEGREES | SOUTH PARK
If you go for brunch, the tres leches pancakes are A MUST!
El Puro Cuban Restaurant
Probably one of the best burgers I’ve had in the city!
ACE No. 3
Food is great and they have a $35 pre fixe brunch that you really can’t beat!
Chapter 6
All of the food and drinks were good and def get the paella! They have it for half off on a certain day!
Catalú
I’ve been to North Italia in Houston so I was happy to know they have a couple locations in Charlotte. Always a hit! Pro tip: get the banana coffee cake as dessert (it’s usually on the brunch menu). Have them warm it up and all ice cream/gelato on th...
North Italia
Also a favorite! Tapas style and you have to try their bruschetta boards! They have a $25 board and (wine) bottle deal I believe on Mondays and Tuesdays
Postino Ballantyne
This spot is a classic! When we first walked in it was giving fine dining but this spot has some classic favorites and not pretentious (we sat at a booth in the bar area). Ordered a plethora of items from the menu (including sushi which was so good)!...
BrickTop's
Cocktails
Black-owned listening bar with some really good cocktails, intimate space and chill vibe! They play movies on the projector as well
Lorem Ipsum Listening Bar
This is such a cute speakeasy vibe! It gives intimate and cozy. The drinks were really good and next time we come, we are trying the food because it looked and smelled amazing! Believe there is a $10 membership fee (for the year) which is well worth ...
Dot Dot Dot
Came here after dinner one day and def have to go back to try a few more drink options!
Chief’s Modern Cocktail Parlor & Coffee Shop
Have heard amazing things and on my list to try soon!
Blue Door
Also have heard great things about this spot for their unique drinks and artwork!
