Iced coffee from Bitty & Beau's. Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios
Our Now Open series is proudly presented by Charlotte Center City Partners. New businesses are part of what makes Charlotte great but don’t forget to take some time to say hello again to the people and places that made us fall in love with our city in the first place. Check out UptownCharlotte.com + SouthEndCLT.org to find even more spots to explore.
The fall brought a handful of highly anticipated and even a few surprise restaurant openings.
Here are 23 cool openings in Charlotte from this October, November and December.
FOOD + DRINK
Mariposa
Modern mezze restaurant in the former Halcyon space at the Mint Uptown
What to order: The Gullah paella ($37) made with crisped Carolina gold rice pilaf, andouille & chorizo, gulf shrimp, fresh daily catch, oysters, soffrito and saffron.
Location: 500 S. Tryon St.
Read more: Look inside: Modern mezze restaurant called Mariposa opening Friday at Mint Uptown
Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
El Puro Cuban Restaurant
Cuban cuisine from the owners of Havana Carolina
What to order: Tamal en Cazuela ($13). It’s freshly grated cornmeal with garlic and pork belly.
Location: 5033 South Blvd.
Read more: Scoop: Havana Carolina owners open new Cuban restaurant in Charlotte
Tamal en Cazuela. Photo: Ben Jarrell
Romeo’s Vegan Burgers
Food truck turned brick-and-mortar vegan burger spot
What to order: Where Art Thou Romeo burger ($9.99). Made with lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, cheese & house pickles. And be sure to order a side of fresh-cut fries ($4.50).
Location: 5518 South Blvd.
Read more: Romeo’s Vegan Burgers truck to open first brick-and-mortar on South Boulevard
Where Art Thou Romeo burger. Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios
The Batch House
Beloved batch bakery located in the new Station West development
What to order: Their signature oatmeal cream pies.
Location: 901 Berryhill Rd.
Read more: The Batch House opens today in west Charlotte
Starlight on 22nd
Artsy dive bar
What to order: Supernova cocktail ($12). It’s made with rum, coconut rum, blue curacao and pineapple juice.
Location: 422 E. 22nd St.
Read more: Follow your star to the new bar in NoDa: Starlight on 22nd is now open
Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
Summit Coffee Co. (South Park)
Popular local coffee chain that plans to have 17-19 locations by the end of 2022
Location: 4265 Piedmont Row Drive
Read more: Move over Starbucks: Summit Coffee to open 10+ shops in 2022
Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
Cloud South End
Luxury lounge in Wilmore neighborhood
What to order: Go with the 24-karat gold leaf lemon pepper chicken wing or the lamb chops.
Location: 1510 Mint St.
Read more: A new “luxury lounge” named Cloud opens tonight in Wilmore
Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios
Emmy Squared (South End)
Detroit-style pizza spot
What to order: The Colony Pizza is a must-try ($18.50). It’s made with pepperoni, pickled jalapeños and honey.
Location: 1932 Hawkins St.
Read more: Emmy Squared expanding Charlotte footprint fast with second location
Emmy Squared’s Colony Pizza. Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios
Burr & Berry Coffee
Drive-thru and walk-up coffee shop
What to order: The Bee’s Knees latte with honey and brown sugar cinnamon ($4.25+) or the Chubby bunny cold brew with toasted marshmallow cream, white chocolate and caramel drizzle ($4.25+).
Location: 4209 South Blvd.
Read more: Burr & Berry Coffee expands to Lower South End
Burr & Berry Coffee. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee
Coffee shop chain employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
What to order: Can’t go wrong with an iced coffee.
Location: 1930 Camden Rd., Ste 236
Read more: Bitty & Beau’s Coffee opens this week in South End
Iced coffee from Bitty & Beau’s. Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios.
OMG Donuts
Donut shop with a full coffee bar and an ice cream station
What to order: Popular donuts include classic glazed, maple bacon and apple fritters.
Location: 6209 Old Post Rd., Ste. 108
Read more: Local favorite OMG Donuts is now open on Monroe Road
Photo: Emma Way/Axios
Night Swim Coffee (Oakhurst & Uptown)
A collaboration between two of Charlotte’s most popular coffee shops, Not Just Coffee and Undercurrent.
Locations: 1620 Oakhurst Commons Dr. (Oakhurst), 620 S. Tryon St., Ste. 150 (Uptown)
Read more: See inside: Night Swim Coffee opens sleek Monroe Road café this week
Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios
Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden (Myers Park)
Coffee shop, art gallery and flower shop under one roof
Location: 811 Providence Rd.
Read more: First Look: Rosie’s Coffee and Wine Garden is opening its second location inside an art gallery
Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
The Royal Tot (aka Sippin’ Santa)
Tropical, holiday-themed pop-up bar. The Royal Tot is still under construction and will return to its original concept in January 2022.
What to order: Go with the namesake cocktail ($16) it’s made with aged Demerara rum, Amaro, lemon, orange and gingerbread mix. Or try the Yule Log Grog ($15) it’s served hot with gin, falernum, cranberry syrup, ginger liqueur and lime.
Location: 933 Louise Ave., Ste. 350
Read more: 4 Christmas pop-up bars coming to Charlotte in 2021
Yule Log Grog. Photo: Courtesy of The Royal Tot
RETAIL
Paradiso Plant Shop
Atlanta-based plant shop pop-up (open through early 2022)
Offerings: A wide selection of beginner-friendly plants, pots, terrariums, candles, plant and gardening books, and other plant and home goods.
Location: It’s next to Mezeh at Optimist Hall, 1115 N. Brevard St.
Read more: 6 cool new plant shops in Charlotte
Betty by Moxie
Boutique concept from the creators of Moxie Mercantile
Offerings: A curated selection of apparel, accessories and toys from women-owned businesses.
Location: 1219 Thomas Ave.
Read more: Popular local retailer Moxie to open another Plaza Midwood boutique on Tuesday
Photo: Courtesy of Moxie Mercantile
Lokal
Retail collective for local vendors and businesses
Offerings: The collective will feature a variety of local brands selling apparel, accessories and other hand-crafted goods.
Location: 330 Camp Rd.
Read more: New retail collective joins Camp North End just in time for holiday shopping
Photo courtesy of Lokal.
Arrow (Park Road)
Retro barbershop that also offers free craft beer
Offerings: Their signature $25 haircuts.
Location: 530 Brandywine Road, Ste. C
Read more: Arrow opening its second Charlotte barbershop today at Park Road
Twigs & Figs
Plant shop and creative space
Offerings: The shop has an array of plants, eclectic home decor and workshops.
Location: 15205 John J. Delaney Drive, Suite B
Sleepy Poet
Beloved longtime local antique store
Offerings: You’ll find everything from vinyl records and vintage clothing to funky chairs and one-of-a-kind art pieces.
Location: 6426 South Blvd.
Read more: Beloved antiques destination Sleepy Poet opens new location in November
THINGS TO DO
Paparazzi CLT
Selfie bar, lounge and restaurant
Offerings: Interactive art (great for taking selfies), events and food.
Location: 9539 Pinnacle Dr.
Luck Factory Games
N.C.’s largest board game café
Offerings: More than 1,000 board games and special game night events.
Location: 305 McGill Ave. NW Suite 80
Read more: Board game cafe opens in Gibson Mill Market
Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios
Puttery
Swanky, 21+ mini-golf spot
Offerings: Two themed mini-golf courses, two bar areas and lounge seating throughout.
Location: 210 Rampart St.
Read more: Mini-golf concept backed by Rory McIlroy now open in South End
Puttery’s Library course. Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios
Get caught up on all of Charlotte’s latest openings and read our last now open guide from the summer.
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