Last fall, When I left Charlotte for college, I had no regrets. To me, Charlotte was yes, home, but also kind of boring. But when I came home this summer, something was different: it seemed that Charlotte had become, practically overnight, cool.
I quickly learned that not all of Charlotte was considered cool.
We all agree that NoDa is hip. South End is trendy. There’s tons to do Uptown. Plaza Midwood. Montford. Dilworth. Even Myers Park. But what about South Charlotte? I’m talking Blakeney, Ballantyne, Stonecrest, the Arboretum, Carmel Corners.
Will I, a south Charlotte homebody, ever not drive 25 plus minutes to meet my friend at the latest patio?
Will South Charlotte ever ditch its solely family-oriented, residential reputation?
If you’re determined enough, you can find some cool places in South Charlotte to try. These are some of my favorites.
It turns out that there are a lot of Uptown favorites that also have homes in south Charlotte.
Italian
Portofino’s– 8128 Providence Road
Inizio Pizza– 10620 Providence Road
Sushi
Sushi 101– 5355 Ballantyne Commons Parkway
Jade Asian Fusion & Sushi Bar- 14815 Ballantyne Village Way
@eatdrinkclt / Instagram
Burgers and Barbecue
Midwood Smokehouse– 12410 Johnston Road
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar– 15105 John J Delaney Drive
Greek, Mediterranean, Peruvian
Ilios Noche– 11508 Providence Road
Zoe’s Kitchen– 7631 Pineville Matthews Road
Viva Chicken– 12206 Copper Way
Akropolis- 8200 Providence Road
Brunch
Flying Biscuit Cafe– 7930 Rea Road
Le Peep– 8140 Providence Road
Terrace Cafe– 14815 Ballantyne Village Way
Another Broken Egg Cafe– 11324 N Community House Road
Bagels
The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Company– 15105 John J Delaney
Bakery
Amelie’s French Bakery– 7715 Pineville-Matthews Road
Sugar Donuts– 11914 Elm Lane
Drinks
Bradshaw Social House– 8440 Rea Road
Brazwell’s Premium Pub– 11318 N Community House Road
Gallery Restaurant– 1000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway
Cantina 1511– 7708 Rea Road
Growler USA– 12206 Copper Way
Coffee and Juice
Fabo Coffee Art Bar– 8428 Park Road
Clean Juice– 7918 Rea Road
Fitness
Be Yoga– 7510 Pineville-Matthews Road
Pure Barre– 8430 Rea Road
Enlighten Yoga– 9852 Rea Road
9 Round Fitness– 7510 Pineville-Matthews Road
In all honesty, I’m not sure if south Charlotte will ever reach the same status of South End or NoDa.
But I think it’s time that we give south Charlotte a chance to become something more than just family friendly.
We’re way cooler than that.
