Guidebook for Charlotte
Food Scene
Sunflour Baking Company
220 East BlvdThose almond croissants...and a two-block walk.
One of the oldest independent cafes in Charlotte. They have another location in South End. Great baked goods (paxemathi, baklava, and spinach quiche are personal favorites), and the house special is called a 'Central shorty.' V.cute.
50 locals recommend
Central Coffee Co.
719 Camden RdOne of the oldest independent cafes in Charlotte. They have another location in South End. Great baked goods (paxemathi, baklava, and spinach quiche are personal favorites), and the house special is called a 'Central shorty.' V.cute.
One of the oldest restaurants in the neighborhood, in a beautifully renovated historic home. I love walking over on weeknights for a glass of wine at their bar. Also a great date spot.
41 locals recommend
The Fig Tree Restaurant
1601 E 7th StOne of the oldest restaurants in the neighborhood, in a beautifully renovated historic home. I love walking over on weeknights for a glass of wine at their bar. Also a great date spot.
Locally-grown rotisserie hotspot. Quick dine-in, breezy takeaway.
32 locals recommend
Viva Chicken Elizabeth Avenue
1617 Elizabeth AveLocally-grown rotisserie hotspot. Quick dine-in, breezy takeaway.
CLT's version of Dean&Deluca. Ever-evolving concept market run by friends of mine, sisters Bonnie & Trish (also co-owners of Carpe Diem a few blocks down the same street). #6 bowl; flourless chocolate cake; anything in the deli; cheese counter on fleek.
16 locals recommend
Earl's Grocery
1609 Elizabeth AveCLT's version of Dean&Deluca. Ever-evolving concept market run by friends of mine, sisters Bonnie & Trish (also co-owners of Carpe Diem a few blocks down the same street). #6 bowl; flourless chocolate cake; anything in the deli; cheese counter on fleek.
Crazy fast casual (literally a block away). Dollar taco Tuesdays. Cheap, tasty margaritas. Salsa bar.
40 locals recommend
Sabor Latin Street Grill
415 Hawthorne LnCrazy fast casual (literally a block away). Dollar taco Tuesdays. Cheap, tasty margaritas. Salsa bar.
Best specialty cuppa in town. Turns into a cerveceria in the late afternoon; shared space with Salud bottle shop. The owner, Lindsey Pitman, is also a co-founder of Suffolk Punch//Hyde Brewing, a concept coffeeshop, restaurant, brewery and fermentation lab in South End.
12 locals recommend
Trade and Lore - Belmont Neighborhood
933 Louise AveBest specialty cuppa in town. Turns into a cerveceria in the late afternoon; shared space with Salud bottle shop. The owner, Lindsey Pitman, is also a co-founder of Suffolk Punch//Hyde Brewing, a concept coffeeshop, restaurant, brewery and fermentation lab in South End.
Favorite Thai food in town and makes a great date when paired with the Manor theater in the same strip.
7 locals recommend
Deejai Thai Restaurant
613 Providence RdFavorite Thai food in town and makes a great date when paired with the Manor theater in the same strip.
BRUNCH BRUNCH BRUNCH! This delicious southern contemporary cuisine is served with a side of old-school hip hop and local brew.
9 locals recommend
littleSpoon Eatery
2820 Selwyn AveBRUNCH BRUNCH BRUNCH! This delicious southern contemporary cuisine is served with a side of old-school hip hop and local brew.
Bill Spoon's Barbecue
5524 South BlvdComfort. Food. And the best darned Carolina barbecue you might ever eat.
Drinks & Nightlife
Best pub food in the area. Decent bourbon selection. Live music + very low-key on Sunday afternoons.
80 locals recommend
Workman’s Friend
1531 Central AveBest pub food in the area. Decent bourbon selection. Live music + very low-key on Sunday afternoons.
Two words: Su Casa. Monthly afrobeat dance party.
Also host to Bugalu (vinyl-only Latinx DJ night), Mirror Moves (80s and 90s//mostly post-punk), readings and whole host of live shows.
18 locals recommend
Petra's
1919 Commonwealth AveTwo words: Su Casa. Monthly afrobeat dance party.
Also host to Bugalu (vinyl-only Latinx DJ night), Mirror Moves (80s and 90s//mostly post-punk), readings and whole host of live shows.
Great space (very Fox Theatre in Atlanta vibe). Intimate, good sound. Seen many a great show here.
19 locals recommend
Visulite Theatre
1615 Elizabeth AveGreat space (very Fox Theatre in Atlanta vibe). Intimate, good sound. Seen many a great show here.
The Stanley
1961 E 7th StThis is our favorite place for a nightcap in the neighborhood.
Shopping
Boris & Natasha
2910 The PlazaBetter than Rocky & Bullwinkle.
FROCK Shop
901 Central AveThis delightful boutique specializes in new and vintage clothing and accessories .
Essentials
Friendly neighborhood TJ's! Just over a mile if you care to walk or bike your way.
66 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
1133 Metropolitan AveFriendly neighborhood TJ's! Just over a mile if you care to walk or bike your way.
SO fast, SO cheap. Dry cleaning always ready for next-day pickup just after noon.
V Cleaners & Alterations
2001 E 7th StSO fast, SO cheap. Dry cleaning always ready for next-day pickup just after noon.
Entertainment & Activities
Regal Manor Twin
609 Providence RdNot quite arthouse, but usually have at least one great flick.
Go for an adventurous day of climbing, whitewater rafting, ropes courses, mountain biking, or trail running at this premier outdoor destination. The summer season brings a series of free shows every Thursday night.
34 locals recommend
Whitewater Center Parkway
Whitewater Center ParkwayGo for an adventurous day of climbing, whitewater rafting, ropes courses, mountain biking, or trail running at this premier outdoor destination. The summer season brings a series of free shows every Thursday night.
This park boasts 'the tallest and fastest giga coaster' in the Fury 325 right alongside the herky jerky thrills of an old wooden classic, The Hurler. Our favorite part is the water park, which is open all summer long and has plenty of rides for all ages.
484 locals recommend
Carowinds
300 Carowinds BlvdThis park boasts 'the tallest and fastest giga coaster' in the Fury 325 right alongside the herky jerky thrills of an old wooden classic, The Hurler. Our favorite part is the water park, which is open all summer long and has plenty of rides for all ages.
Parks & Nature
Walk straight out the front door and you're there in less than five minutes. Great for picnics, reading, yoga and meditation.
12 locals recommend
Independence Park
300 Hawthorne LnWalk straight out the front door and you're there in less than five minutes. Great for picnics, reading, yoga and meditation.
This makes for a great day trip for short hikes, top-rope climbing, and bouldering alike.
63 locals recommend
Crowders Mountain State Park - Linwood Road Access
4611 Linwood RdThis makes for a great day trip for short hikes, top-rope climbing, and bouldering alike.
Paths wind through the woods and around a small lake at this gem of a local park; it's also connected to the extensive Greenway and has several playgrounds for children of all ages.
338 locals recommend
Freedom Park
1908 East BlvdPaths wind through the woods and around a small lake at this gem of a local park; it's also connected to the extensive Greenway and has several playgrounds for children of all ages.
This green space is a great spot to enjoy snacks from the 7th Street Market just across the street (hint: Not Just Coffee + Hazlenuts Crêperie). Kids love the splash park and rope climbing structure.
35 locals recommend
First Ward Park
301 E 7th StThis green space is a great spot to enjoy snacks from the 7th Street Market just across the street (hint: Not Just Coffee + Hazlenuts Crêperie). Kids love the splash park and rope climbing structure.
Arts & Culture
This space contextualizes the South through historical and artistic exhibitions alike.
113 locals recommend
Levine Museum of the New South
401 E 7th StThis space contextualizes the South through historical and artistic exhibitions alike.
This renovated church has become a hub for local and international resident artists to create and exhibit new work.
14 locals recommend
McColl Center for Visual Art
721 N Tryon StThis renovated church has become a hub for local and international resident artists to create and exhibit new work.