Charlotte
Restaurants
My favorite places to grab a bite in the city.
Food Hall with 20+ vendors, sure to please everyone in the group! Dumplings, Ramen, Grilled Cheese, Empanadas, Indian Street food, Ethiopian, Burgers, BBQ, Sushi, Gelato - the list goes on!
194 locals recommend
Optimist Hall
1115 N Brevard StFood Hall with 20+ vendors, sure to please everyone in the group! Dumplings, Ramen, Grilled Cheese, Empanadas, Indian Street food, Ethiopian, Burgers, BBQ, Sushi, Gelato - the list goes on!
Asian-inspired food hall in walking distance from the house. Seoul Meat Co is behind it with a great area outside for kids to run around and play.
Urban District Market
Asian-inspired food hall in walking distance from the house. Seoul Meat Co is behind it with a great area outside for kids to run around and play.
Great New American restaurant in heart of NoDa, known for their fried chicken and other elevated southern classics. Fantastic cocktails, Haberdish is always a crowd pleaser!
110 locals recommend
Haberdish
3106 N Davidson StGreat New American restaurant in heart of NoDa, known for their fried chicken and other elevated southern classics. Fantastic cocktails, Haberdish is always a crowd pleaser!
ACE No. 3
1001 Belmont AveMy favorite greasy burger spot in Charlotte.
Speakeasy vibe below a sports bar (walk straight down stairs after walking in at floor level). Great date night choice before or after a Hornets game or event Uptown! Great for food, cocktails and beer/wine.
32 locals recommend
The Cellar at Duckworth's
330 N Tryon StSpeakeasy vibe below a sports bar (walk straight down stairs after walking in at floor level). Great date night choice before or after a Hornets game or event Uptown! Great for food, cocktails and beer/wine.
Pizza slices bigger than your head. If you try to order a full pie beware - it may not fit in your car.
40 locals recommend
Benny Pennello's
2909 N Davidson StPizza slices bigger than your head. If you try to order a full pie beware - it may not fit in your car.
Local, homemade ice cream shop. Jeni's is nearby, as well.
17 locals recommend
Two Scoops Creamery Plaza Midwood
913 Central AveLocal, homemade ice cream shop. Jeni's is nearby, as well.
Breweries
My favorite breweries in town.
Burial's recent expansion into Charlotte includes a trendy outpost in the heart of Plaza Midwood, complete with a rooftop bar.
Burial Beer Co
1214 Thomas AvenueBurial's recent expansion into Charlotte includes a trendy outpost in the heart of Plaza Midwood, complete with a rooftop bar.
Downstairs is the beer & wine bottle shop and bar (voted best in USA multiple times), upstairs is the Cerveceria - includes Salud's brewery, coffee shop and a fantastic Latin-inspired menu of pizza, wings and other great bar eats.
14 locals recommend
Salud Cerveceria
3306 N Davidson StDownstairs is the beer & wine bottle shop and bar (voted best in USA multiple times), upstairs is the Cerveceria - includes Salud's brewery, coffee shop and a fantastic Latin-inspired menu of pizza, wings and other great bar eats.
The second Resident Culture location in Charlotte - trendier with full bar, turns into a "clubby" vibe during weekend nights. Located in the heart of South End, don't miss the tacos from El Toro Bruto inside the brewery!
Resident Culture - South End
332 West Bland StreetThe second Resident Culture location in Charlotte - trendier with full bar, turns into a "clubby" vibe during weekend nights. Located in the heart of South End, don't miss the tacos from El Toro Bruto inside the brewery!
Close to uptown & skyline, quality beer in a unique space.
7 locals recommend
Petty Thieves Brewing Co
413 Dalton AvenueClose to uptown & skyline, quality beer in a unique space.
HopFly Brewing Company
Solid all around brewery just a short walk away from BOA stadium.
Walkable, neighborhood brewery. Extreme focus on locally sourced ingredients - check their IG for rotating food vendors or live music!
39 locals recommend
Free Range Brewing
2320 N Davidson StWalkable, neighborhood brewery. Extreme focus on locally sourced ingredients - check their IG for rotating food vendors or live music!
Good food, full bar, known for their IPAs but make a wide variety of beer.
82 locals recommend
Heist Brewery
2909 N Davidson StGood food, full bar, known for their IPAs but make a wide variety of beer.
Charlotte's first brewery (have since moved into much larger space), they only brew beers according to German Purity Law (think lagers, pilsners, etc - no IPA's!). German bar food menu, expansive outdoor area!
164 locals recommend
Old Mecklenburg Brewery
4150 Yancey RdCharlotte's first brewery (have since moved into much larger space), they only brew beers according to German Purity Law (think lagers, pilsners, etc - no IPA's!). German bar food menu, expansive outdoor area!
Coffee
Summit Coffee On the Plaza
2501 The PlazaWalkable trendy coffee shop!
Quirky French Bakery. Get the macaroons & salted caramel brownie! There are a few locations but the flagship (and closest) is on 36th St in Noda.
202 locals recommend
Amélie's French Bakery & Café
136 N Davidson StQuirky French Bakery. Get the macaroons & salted caramel brownie! There are a few locations but the flagship (and closest) is on 36th St in Noda.
Mac Tabby Cat Cafe
3204 N Davidson StPlay with some adoptable cats while you drink your coffee!
Great coffee shop in the heart of NoDa, these are the beans I use almost exclusively for my espresso machine!
88 locals recommend
Smelly Cat Coffee House & Roastery
514 E 36th StGreat coffee shop in the heart of NoDa, these are the beans I use almost exclusively for my espresso machine!
Bars
Humbug
Great cocktails and only a couple blocks walking from the house!
Arcade bar with large selection of new and retro games and pinball machines. Full bar.
24 locals recommend
Abari Game Bar
1015 N Davidson StArcade bar with large selection of new and retro games and pinball machines. Full bar.
Dive bar with expansive back patio - includes ping pong, corn hole and other drinking games. Fun vibe.
48 locals recommend
Thomas Street Tavern
1218 Thomas AveDive bar with expansive back patio - includes ping pong, corn hole and other drinking games. Fun vibe.
Artsy bodega with small bar and large canned beer selection to drink onsite. Sometimes host live music and drag shows. Unique items inside, always fun checking out the original Common Market in Plaza Midwood!
75 locals recommend
Common Market
2007 Commonwealth AveArtsy bodega with small bar and large canned beer selection to drink onsite. Sometimes host live music and drag shows. Unique items inside, always fun checking out the original Common Market in Plaza Midwood!
Low-lit, but dependable crowd in heart of Plaza Midwood. Irish bar with great food options (get the Shepherd's Pie!)
80 locals recommend
Workman’s Friend
1531 Central AveLow-lit, but dependable crowd in heart of Plaza Midwood. Irish bar with great food options (get the Shepherd's Pie!)
Great date night spot in good weather. Large outdoor gardens with great wine and beer selection.
8 locals recommend
Rosie's Wine Garden
940 N Davidson StGreat date night spot in good weather. Large outdoor gardens with great wine and beer selection.
Expansive dive bar with some of the best mac & cheese in Charlotte, hosts live music on outside stage many nights.
52 locals recommend
JackBeagle's
3213 N Davidson StExpansive dive bar with some of the best mac & cheese in Charlotte, hosts live music on outside stage many nights.
World's largest selection of draught beers on over three levels & a rooftop!
34 locals recommend
Charlotte Beer Garden
1300 S Tryon StWorld's largest selection of draught beers on over three levels & a rooftop!
Walkable dive bar with pool table & retro consoles lined up to play against the wall. Great backyard patio. Friendly people and 10+ craft beers on tap.
13 locals recommend
Hattie's Tap & Tavern
2918 The PlazaWalkable dive bar with pool table & retro consoles lined up to play against the wall. Great backyard patio. Friendly people and 10+ craft beers on tap.
Things to Do
A theme park for the outdoorsy - pay for an "All-Sport" pass to get unlimited access to ziplining, rope climbing, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking and white water rafting! Look at their website for "RiverJam" event nights (usually Thurs-Sunday) that includes great live music after a fun filled day. Don't miss the Beer Garden!
405 locals recommend
U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center PkwyA theme park for the outdoorsy - pay for an "All-Sport" pass to get unlimited access to ziplining, rope climbing, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking and white water rafting! Look at their website for "RiverJam" event nights (usually Thurs-Sunday) that includes great live music after a fun filled day. Don't miss the Beer Garden!
Hike to the summit of Crowder's Mountain, a moderate hike where you can faintly see the Charlotte skyline on a sunny day.
118 locals recommend
Crowders Mountain State Park
522 Park Office LnHike to the summit of Crowder's Mountain, a moderate hike where you can faintly see the Charlotte skyline on a sunny day.
Mint Museum Uptown
500 S Tryon StRotating exhibits, free 5-9PM every Wednesday night!
Theme park approximately 20 mins away that stretches across border from Charlotte to Fort Mill, SC.
484 locals recommend
Carowinds
300 Carowinds BlvdTheme park approximately 20 mins away that stretches across border from Charlotte to Fort Mill, SC.
A lot of cool, interactive exhibits and an IMAX Theatre. Check out their different themed "Science on the Rocks" events for more mature, adult fun nights!
296 locals recommend
Discovery Place Science
168 N Tryon StA lot of cool, interactive exhibits and an IMAX Theatre. Check out their different themed "Science on the Rocks" events for more mature, adult fun nights!
Catch a movie at the Independent Picture House on a rainy day! Attached to Charlotte Art League, so check out some local art before or after.
The Independent Picture House
Catch a movie at the Independent Picture House on a rainy day! Attached to Charlotte Art League, so check out some local art before or after.
A BYOB Adult tour bus hosted by local comedians! A great way to see some highlights of Charlotte. A lot of fun!
15 locals recommend
Funny Bus
301 E 7th StA BYOB Adult tour bus hosted by local comedians! A great way to see some highlights of Charlotte. A lot of fun!
You will get lost in this antique shop! Well worth the 30 minute drive. Grab a bite to eat at the next door food hall and a beer at High Branch Brewing!
21 locals recommend
The Depot at Gibson Mill
325 McGill Ave NWYou will get lost in this antique shop! Well worth the 30 minute drive. Grab a bite to eat at the next door food hall and a beer at High Branch Brewing!
Site of the first US Gold Rush. Walk through an old Gold mine and even pan for some yourself April-October.
36 locals recommend
Reed Gold Mine
9621 Reed Mine RdSite of the first US Gold Rush. Walk through an old Gold mine and even pan for some yourself April-October.
Neighborhoods
The primary arts district (along with Plaza Midwood) in Charlotte. Another area with a lot of fun, walkable shops and bars. The main corner is at 36th and North Davidson (where NoDa get its name). Get dinner at Haberdish, fancy cocktails at Idlewild, a friendly beer at Growler's or Sanctuary. Jack Beagles for some late night live music on their outdoor stage, some karaoke at Noda101, and wash it down with a pizza slice as big as your head at Benny Pennello's. Parking here can be tough, but there are $5 lots.
355 locals recommend
NoDa
The primary arts district (along with Plaza Midwood) in Charlotte. Another area with a lot of fun, walkable shops and bars. The main corner is at 36th and North Davidson (where NoDa get its name). Get dinner at Haberdish, fancy cocktails at Idlewild, a friendly beer at Growler's or Sanctuary. Jack Beagles for some late night live music on their outdoor stage, some karaoke at Noda101, and wash it down with a pizza slice as big as your head at Benny Pennello's. Parking here can be tough, but there are $5 lots.
Artsy, walkable neighborhood just a short mile away. Weekend mornings they host craft vendors/farmers market. A lot of cool bars to bop around to - I suggest checking out Thomas Street Tavern's back patio, Common Market and Burial Beer Co's rooftop! Some cool murals on the side of Snug Harbor. Grab a bite to eat at Milkbread. A lot of fun other stops, too.
183 locals recommend
Plaza Midwood
Artsy, walkable neighborhood just a short mile away. Weekend mornings they host craft vendors/farmers market. A lot of cool bars to bop around to - I suggest checking out Thomas Street Tavern's back patio, Common Market and Burial Beer Co's rooftop! Some cool murals on the side of Snug Harbor. Grab a bite to eat at Milkbread. A lot of fun other stops, too.
A trendier outpost filled with recent college grads. Main area is at the intersection of Camden Rd and Tremont Ave - check out Resident Culture's Southend location, great sushi at O-Ku, wine & tapas at Barcelona Wine Bar & a coffee at Bitty & Beau's (staffed primarily by those with special needs). Charlotte Beer Garden has the largest selection of beers on tap (IN THE WORLD), Pins Mechanical for duckpin bowling, arcade and fun bar games (life size beer pong!) and Puttery for upscale mini golf! Let's Meat Korean BBQ is also by far my favorite Korean BBQ restaurant in Charlotte - one price covers everything!
207 locals recommend
South End
A trendier outpost filled with recent college grads. Main area is at the intersection of Camden Rd and Tremont Ave - check out Resident Culture's Southend location, great sushi at O-Ku, wine & tapas at Barcelona Wine Bar & a coffee at Bitty & Beau's (staffed primarily by those with special needs). Charlotte Beer Garden has the largest selection of beers on tap (IN THE WORLD), Pins Mechanical for duckpin bowling, arcade and fun bar games (life size beer pong!) and Puttery for upscale mini golf! Let's Meat Korean BBQ is also by far my favorite Korean BBQ restaurant in Charlotte - one price covers everything!
Camp North End is still in its development stages, but don't let that stop you from visiting and walking around. Leah & Louise is considered the best restaurant in Charlotte (Owner/Executive Chef Greg Collier is Charlotte's first James Beard finalist), Free Range next door has great beers (and also allows you to order from a limited Leah & Louise menu!) and food stalls close to Graham Street provide tacos, ramen, sandwiches and other vegan options. Small boutique shops are scattered around, and amazing art murals cover almost every square inch! Go on a Friday night where they usually have live music, or a Saturday morning where they usually have pop-ups!
69 locals recommend
Camp North End
300 Camp RdCamp North End is still in its development stages, but don't let that stop you from visiting and walking around. Leah & Louise is considered the best restaurant in Charlotte (Owner/Executive Chef Greg Collier is Charlotte's first James Beard finalist), Free Range next door has great beers (and also allows you to order from a limited Leah & Louise menu!) and food stalls close to Graham Street provide tacos, ramen, sandwiches and other vegan options. Small boutique shops are scattered around, and amazing art murals cover almost every square inch! Go on a Friday night where they usually have live music, or a Saturday morning where they usually have pop-ups!
The "downtown" area of Charlotte, referred to by locals as "Uptown". The Hornets, Panthers and Knights all call Uptown "home". The center of Charlotte is at Trade & Tryon Street. Walk down Tryon for all the shops and restaurants. Take the "Charlotte Liberty Walk", a self-guided history of Charlotte during the revolutionary times. Check out a Charlotte Knights baseball game at BB&T Park. Explore Romare Bearden Park to take some awesome photos of the skyline. Grab cocktails and dinner at a speakeasy-style restaurant in The Cellar. Get a drink on the rooftop of Merchant & Trade, Fahrenheit or Novelty House.
176 locals recommend
Charlotte center city
The "downtown" area of Charlotte, referred to by locals as "Uptown". The Hornets, Panthers and Knights all call Uptown "home". The center of Charlotte is at Trade & Tryon Street. Walk down Tryon for all the shops and restaurants. Take the "Charlotte Liberty Walk", a self-guided history of Charlotte during the revolutionary times. Check out a Charlotte Knights baseball game at BB&T Park. Explore Romare Bearden Park to take some awesome photos of the skyline. Grab cocktails and dinner at a speakeasy-style restaurant in The Cellar. Get a drink on the rooftop of Merchant & Trade, Fahrenheit or Novelty House.