Rendering: Courtesy Drift, The Jewell Agency
A new chophouse and seafood restaurant called Drift will open May 9th on Lake Wylie, just 30 minutes southwest of Charlotte.
Why it matters: Waterfront restaurants are scarce in the Charlotte area, and who doesn’t love a good dinner with a view.
- From the same team behind The Pump House on the Catawba River, Drift will fill a gap in our dining scene with steak and fresh seafood in the new McLean development near Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.
[Related Axios guide: The 30 most-anticipated new restaurants and bars in 2022]
What to expect: Pull your boat up for dinner inside the two-story, 15,000-square-foot restaurant. Its design, by architect Harry Schrader, will resemble a contemporary farmhouse, inspired by Gaston County’s agricultural history.
- “I want it to be relaxed,” says Charlotte Prime group co-owner and operator Jeff Conway, “(but) a little more elevated than your typical experience on the lake.”
- The 280-seat restaurant will feature indoor/outdoor dining thanks to glass walls that peel back to offer waterfront east-facing views.
- It’ll also offer private event space on its second floor.
Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios
On the menu: Executive chef Michael Griswold (Napa, Pump House) and his team are planning a menu that ranges from fresh fish and seafood to steaks and pastas.
- On tap, you can expect craft beers and over 1,000 bottles of wine to choose from.
Chilean sea bass. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios
Braised lamb shank. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios
Carrot cake. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios
Details: Drive up via car or boat Monday through Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday and Saturday 4pm-11pm, and Sunday 3-9pm.
- The address is 315 Lanyard Ln., Ste. M & N in Belmont, just south of Daniel Stowe.
[Related Axios guide: 8 stunning Airbnbs on the lake, starting at $300 a night]
Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios
Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios
Editors note: This story was originally published on February 22, 2022 and updated May 3, 2022 to reflect the opening date.
Want more lakefront activities? Check out Rock Hill’s beach with outdoor movies and beach volleyball
