CLTbnb’s guidebook
Food scene
Midwood Smokehouse
1401 Central AvePopular Southern BBQ
Amélie's is French bakery known for its eccentric layout and wildly delicious treats! They've sold over 1 million of their famous salted caramel brownies alone. Their other baked goods are just as noteworthy. From croissants to eclairs, they have it all.
Amélie's has been voted Best Bakery, won best dessert 7 out of the last 9 years, and was voted as having the Best Baked Goods 4 out of the last 6 years by Charlotte Magazine.
Stop in anytime to enjoy any number of delectable goods from their varied menu. Literally, stop in anytime. They're open 24/7!
202 personas locales recomiendan
Amélie's French Bakery & Café
136 N Davidson StAmélie's is French bakery known for its eccentric layout and wildly delicious treats! They've sold over 1 million of their famous salted caramel brownies alone. Their other baked goods are just as noteworthy. From croissants to eclairs, they have it all.
Amélie's has been voted Best Bakery, won best dessert 7 out of the last 9 years, and was voted as having the Best Baked Goods 4 out of the last 6 years by Charlotte Magazine.
Stop in anytime to enjoy any number of delectable goods from their varied menu. Literally, stop in anytime. They're open 24/7!
Haberdish is widely considered one of the best restaurants in Charlotte! It's known for its exceptional fried chicken and family styled plates that you won't want to share! The decor is ultra chic and embodies the mill-town spirit of NoDa, the former mill district of Charlotte.
Better yet than the ambience, and arguably better than the food is their cocktails! Colleen Hughes, who is regarded as the best bartender in Charlotte, curates their drink menu.
Suffice it to say, whatever you're looking for, whether it be food, drinks, or vibe, Haberdish has it. Make sure you book a reservation, though. Wait times can be lengthy.
110 personas locales recomiendan
Haberdish
3106 N Davidson StHaberdish is widely considered one of the best restaurants in Charlotte! It's known for its exceptional fried chicken and family styled plates that you won't want to share! The decor is ultra chic and embodies the mill-town spirit of NoDa, the former mill district of Charlotte.
Better yet than the ambience, and arguably better than the food is their cocktails! Colleen Hughes, who is regarded as the best bartender in Charlotte, curates their drink menu.
Suffice it to say, whatever you're looking for, whether it be food, drinks, or vibe, Haberdish has it. Make sure you book a reservation, though. Wait times can be lengthy.
While this Vietnamese gem is located off the beaten path, it is worth the trek! Friendly staff, an attentive and enthusiastic owner, and (most importantly) delicious and traditional Vietnamese cuisine will greet you when you walk through the door. From bun and pho to life changing Vietnamese yellow pancakes, Lang Van continues to expand Charlotte’s horizons when it comes to culinary offerings.
43 personas locales recomiendan
Lang Van Vietnamese Restaurant
3019 Shamrock DrWhile this Vietnamese gem is located off the beaten path, it is worth the trek! Friendly staff, an attentive and enthusiastic owner, and (most importantly) delicious and traditional Vietnamese cuisine will greet you when you walk through the door. From bun and pho to life changing Vietnamese yellow pancakes, Lang Van continues to expand Charlotte’s horizons when it comes to culinary offerings.
The Brooks twins, David and Scott, have been in the burger and hot dog business since 1973. For over 40 years, they have been slinging burgers and encouraging everyone to go “All the way” with their meals. All the way means mustard, onions, and their signature chili using their own family recipe. Get a burger, hotdog, or sandwich for under $5, but make sure to bring your cash (no cards accepted).
17 personas locales recomiendan
Brooks' Sandwich House
2710 N Brevard StThe Brooks twins, David and Scott, have been in the burger and hot dog business since 1973. For over 40 years, they have been slinging burgers and encouraging everyone to go “All the way” with their meals. All the way means mustard, onions, and their signature chili using their own family recipe. Get a burger, hotdog, or sandwich for under $5, but make sure to bring your cash (no cards accepted).
As you ascend the wrought iron staircase to Soul Gastrolounge, you are met with intoxicating smells coming from the restaurant, as well as skyline views of Charlotte. Soul does not take reservations, so expect to wait for a table, but it’s worth it. Lamb lollipops with rosemary, pork belly tacos with watermelon salsa, fresh sushi, and fried Brussels sprouts are some of the enticing menu items at this tapas style restaurant. While waiting, try one of the seasonal cocktails created by Soul’s mixologist, Kel Minton.
159 personas locales recomiendan
Soul Gastrolounge
1500 B Central AveAs you ascend the wrought iron staircase to Soul Gastrolounge, you are met with intoxicating smells coming from the restaurant, as well as skyline views of Charlotte. Soul does not take reservations, so expect to wait for a table, but it’s worth it. Lamb lollipops with rosemary, pork belly tacos with watermelon salsa, fresh sushi, and fried Brussels sprouts are some of the enticing menu items at this tapas style restaurant. While waiting, try one of the seasonal cocktails created by Soul’s mixologist, Kel Minton.
Although not a traditional restaurant, you can’t talk about quintessential Charlotte establishments without mentioning the Chili Man. With some of the best reviews and ratings and featured in national media, Vic the Chili Man has created a hot dog empire. Around lunchtime, just follow the line at the corner of South Tryon and Fourth Streets and you’ll find Vic. With a big personality, Vic will serve you up the most delicious hot dog you’ve ever had. With vegetarian and vegan options, our favorite is still the Life Changer. You’ll get the name once you’ve had it.
Chili Man
2407 Kannapolis HighwayAlthough not a traditional restaurant, you can’t talk about quintessential Charlotte establishments without mentioning the Chili Man. With some of the best reviews and ratings and featured in national media, Vic the Chili Man has created a hot dog empire. Around lunchtime, just follow the line at the corner of South Tryon and Fourth Streets and you’ll find Vic. With a big personality, Vic will serve you up the most delicious hot dog you’ve ever had. With vegetarian and vegan options, our favorite is still the Life Changer. You’ll get the name once you’ve had it.
When Chef Michael Shortino opened Futo Buta he started a ramen revolution in Charlotte. Utilizing fresh ingredients, Futo Buta offers patrons Japanese dishes that are not only made from scratch, but also stunning. Ramen, gyoza, and Japanese fried chicken are some of the standouts.
56 personas locales recomiendan
Futo Buta
222 E Bland StWhen Chef Michael Shortino opened Futo Buta he started a ramen revolution in Charlotte. Utilizing fresh ingredients, Futo Buta offers patrons Japanese dishes that are not only made from scratch, but also stunning. Ramen, gyoza, and Japanese fried chicken are some of the standouts.
Although 7th Street Public Market is just that (a market), it’s one of the best-kept secrets for food in Charlotte. It features vendors from celebrated sushi, pizza, crepes, and coffee purveyors in the city -- easily making it a one-stop culinary destination.
Pro-tip: head to the market on a Thursday night for the Raclette Night where the purveyors at Orrman’s Cheese fire a wheel of semi-hard cheese under a broiler and scrape the cheese onto your plate of meat, bread and pickles.
95 personas locales recomiendan
7th Street Public Market
224 E 7th StAlthough 7th Street Public Market is just that (a market), it’s one of the best-kept secrets for food in Charlotte. It features vendors from celebrated sushi, pizza, crepes, and coffee purveyors in the city -- easily making it a one-stop culinary destination.
Pro-tip: head to the market on a Thursday night for the Raclette Night where the purveyors at Orrman’s Cheese fire a wheel of semi-hard cheese under a broiler and scrape the cheese onto your plate of meat, bread and pickles.
Chef Lewis Donald’s Sweet Lew’s BBQ is a restaurant that focuses on simple, and delicious food that honors North Carolina’s long history with barbeque. All meat is cooked over hickory, pecan, and peach wood in a large smoker. Pork, ribs, chicken and brisket are on the menu along with sides such as boiled peanuts and collard greens. They have been known to sell out on most days, but even if that happens, you can still snag some banana pudding before you go.
21 personas locales recomiendan
Sweet Lew’s BBQ
923 Belmont AveChef Lewis Donald’s Sweet Lew’s BBQ is a restaurant that focuses on simple, and delicious food that honors North Carolina’s long history with barbeque. All meat is cooked over hickory, pecan, and peach wood in a large smoker. Pork, ribs, chicken and brisket are on the menu along with sides such as boiled peanuts and collard greens. They have been known to sell out on most days, but even if that happens, you can still snag some banana pudding before you go.
This popular chain has earned a reputation for delicious food and an impressive wine list, which explains the three-hour wait that many endured the first month it was open. Now taking reservations, we recommend starting with shareable dishes such as the jamon and manchego croquetas, the grilled hanger steak, and the squash hummus.
36 personas locales recomiendan
Barcelona Wine Bar
101 W Worthington AveThis popular chain has earned a reputation for delicious food and an impressive wine list, which explains the three-hour wait that many endured the first month it was open. Now taking reservations, we recommend starting with shareable dishes such as the jamon and manchego croquetas, the grilled hanger steak, and the squash hummus.
Best Breweries in Charlotte
You can’t talk about beer or breweries in Charlotte without talking about the granddaddy of them. OMB, as it is affectionately called, is where everyone of all ages can gather, whether for a beer or a special event. The Copper altbier is the brewery’s standout and one of their originals for good reason. Smooth drinking and perfect when sitting outside in their biergarten and eating pretzels with their signature beer cheese.
165 personas locales recomiendan
Old Mecklenburg Brewery
4150 Yancey RdYou can’t talk about beer or breweries in Charlotte without talking about the granddaddy of them. OMB, as it is affectionately called, is where everyone of all ages can gather, whether for a beer or a special event. The Copper altbier is the brewery’s standout and one of their originals for good reason. Smooth drinking and perfect when sitting outside in their biergarten and eating pretzels with their signature beer cheese.
Birdsong started in 2011 with two full-time employees, and has now grown into a 17,000-square-foot brewery and tap house in the Belmont neighborhood of Charlotte. With popular beers such as the Jalapeño Pale Ale, Paradise City, and Higher Ground IPA, Birdsong is popular with both novices and connoisseurs alike.
96 personas locales recomiendan
Birdsong Brewing Company
1016 N Davidson StBirdsong started in 2011 with two full-time employees, and has now grown into a 17,000-square-foot brewery and tap house in the Belmont neighborhood of Charlotte. With popular beers such as the Jalapeño Pale Ale, Paradise City, and Higher Ground IPA, Birdsong is popular with both novices and connoisseurs alike.
Lenny Boy, named after the best dog, brought kombucha into the spotlight in Charlotte. If you are craving a Lost Rose Kombucha or Elite Beet and can’t get to their location, you’re in luck as they now sell their products in many local stores and chains.
23 personas locales recomiendan
Lenny Boy
3000 S Tryon StLenny Boy, named after the best dog, brought kombucha into the spotlight in Charlotte. If you are craving a Lost Rose Kombucha or Elite Beet and can’t get to their location, you’re in luck as they now sell their products in many local stores and chains.
NoDa Brewing is not only the second oldest and one of the most successful breweries in Charlotte, but it has also created some of the most award-winning beers in the city and beyond. At their larger taproom located in the North End, you can imbibe their award winning Hop Drop ‘n Roll or try one of their Brizo brand spiked seltzers. Their “OG” location on North Davidson has reopened on a Friday through Sunday schedule and serves a selection of their sour beers.
123 personas locales recomiendan
NoDa Brewing Company
150 West 32nd StreetNoDa Brewing is not only the second oldest and one of the most successful breweries in Charlotte, but it has also created some of the most award-winning beers in the city and beyond. At their larger taproom located in the North End, you can imbibe their award winning Hop Drop ‘n Roll or try one of their Brizo brand spiked seltzers. Their “OG” location on North Davidson has reopened on a Friday through Sunday schedule and serves a selection of their sour beers.
Heist Brewery opened in 2012 as not only a brewery, but as one of the top cocktail hotspots in Charlotte. You can grab a cocktail, or brunch on the weekends at the original NoDa location. Their second location, Heist Brewery & Barrel Arts, opened this year near Camp North End and will focus on their barrel-aging program.
82 personas locales recomiendan
Heist Brewery
2909 N Davidson StHeist Brewery opened in 2012 as not only a brewery, but as one of the top cocktail hotspots in Charlotte. You can grab a cocktail, or brunch on the weekends at the original NoDa location. Their second location, Heist Brewery & Barrel Arts, opened this year near Camp North End and will focus on their barrel-aging program.
Triple C Brewing was one of South End’s first breweries and it has endured the changing -- and at times crowded -- landscape of breweries in the area. They have created a community passionate about their beers, and, in recent years, added an event space to accommodate weddings and special events. Their claim to fame will always be the Baby Maker. A double IPA with an almost 9% ABV rating.
47 personas locales recomiendan
Triple C Brewing Company
2900 Griffith StTriple C Brewing was one of South End’s first breweries and it has endured the changing -- and at times crowded -- landscape of breweries in the area. They have created a community passionate about their beers, and, in recent years, added an event space to accommodate weddings and special events. Their claim to fame will always be the Baby Maker. A double IPA with an almost 9% ABV rating.
Founded by brothers Jeff and Jason Alexander, Free Range Brewing has built a reputation on being a gathering place to enjoy small batch beers, live music, and food-focused events, including their annual New Year’s Soup Day event. With the recent announcement of their second Charlotte location, Free Range is bringing locally-sourced small batch beer to all corners of the Queen City.
39 personas locales recomiendan
Free Range Brewing
2320 N Davidson StFounded by brothers Jeff and Jason Alexander, Free Range Brewing has built a reputation on being a gathering place to enjoy small batch beers, live music, and food-focused events, including their annual New Year’s Soup Day event. With the recent announcement of their second Charlotte location, Free Range is bringing locally-sourced small batch beer to all corners of the Queen City.
This year has been a big year for Legion Brewing. With two locations (original in Plaza Midwood and newest in SouthPark), Legion surprised everyone with not one, but two new concepts slated for 2020. Another Legion Brewing will be coming to the FreeMoreWest neighborhood, and a new concept called Trolley Barn Fermentory in South End. More opportunities to get your Juicy Jay or Carolina Sparkle Party fix.
23 personas locales recomiendan
Legion Brewing South Park
5610 Carnegie BlvdThis year has been a big year for Legion Brewing. With two locations (original in Plaza Midwood and newest in SouthPark), Legion surprised everyone with not one, but two new concepts slated for 2020. Another Legion Brewing will be coming to the FreeMoreWest neighborhood, and a new concept called Trolley Barn Fermentory in South End. More opportunities to get your Juicy Jay or Carolina Sparkle Party fix.
The original is located in South End and the newest location is in NoDa. Now loyal fans have two times the opportunity to get favorites such as Good Morning Vietnam (a blonde ale made with vanilla beans) and then always fun to say What He’s Having (an IPA with notes of citrus and tropical fruit flavors).
66 personas locales recomiendan
Wooden Robot Brewery
1440 S Tryon StThe original is located in South End and the newest location is in NoDa. Now loyal fans have two times the opportunity to get favorites such as Good Morning Vietnam (a blonde ale made with vanilla beans) and then always fun to say What He’s Having (an IPA with notes of citrus and tropical fruit flavors).
Named after the blue paint stripes -- called blazes -- used on the Appalachian Trail, blue blazes are intended to lead adventure seekers to water, relaxation and camaraderie. Taking the name to heart, Blue Blaze has made a name for itself as a laid back brewery where you can gather with old friends and make new ones. They specialize in American, English, and German-style beers with five year-round beers including the Yellow Blazer Kölsch and the Double Blaze Black IPA.
42 personas locales recomiendan
Blue Blaze Brewing
528 S Turner AveNamed after the blue paint stripes -- called blazes -- used on the Appalachian Trail, blue blazes are intended to lead adventure seekers to water, relaxation and camaraderie. Taking the name to heart, Blue Blaze has made a name for itself as a laid back brewery where you can gather with old friends and make new ones. They specialize in American, English, and German-style beers with five year-round beers including the Yellow Blazer Kölsch and the Double Blaze Black IPA.
Charlotte for Kids
The Discovery Place museums take “interactive” to a new level. At Discovery Place Science, kids can create music with light beams, build PVC pipe structure or take in a show in the The Charlotte ObserverIMAX Dome Theatre and Discovery 3D Theatre. Discovery Place Nature aims to inspire curiosity and a love of nature in young children with interactive activities to keep toddlers and kids engaged for hours.
296 personas locales recomiendan
Discovery Place Science
301 N Tryon StThe Discovery Place museums take “interactive” to a new level. At Discovery Place Science, kids can create music with light beams, build PVC pipe structure or take in a show in the The Charlotte ObserverIMAX Dome Theatre and Discovery 3D Theatre. Discovery Place Nature aims to inspire curiosity and a love of nature in young children with interactive activities to keep toddlers and kids engaged for hours.