A Creole platter at Freshwaters Restaurant in Charlotte; (c) Freshwaters Southern New Orleans
Charlotte Restaurants & Nightclubs
Freshwaters Southern New Orleans
DESCRIPTION: Cafe; attracts weeknight & weekend patrons in the central business district.
CUISINE: Creole-Soul Food; Specialities include Freshwater’s Jambalaya, Friend Shrimp, Catfish with Greens & Yams. Some people love the peach cobbler too.
PRICES: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
COVER CHARGE: yes, for special events
ATTIRE: Business Casual
RESERVATIONS: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Thu-Fri Noon-2:30p & 5p-9p, Sat 3p-9p, Sun 1p-5:30p
ADDRESS: 516 North Graham Street, Charlotte, NC
PARKING: on-street and nearby lots
PHONE: 704-503-9629
WEBSITE: Freshwaters
Fumee Kitchen & Cocktails
DESCRIPTION: Upscale Restaurant & Cocktails Bar; Earth tones and decorative lighting set a Vibe Dining experience that is upscale & chill at the same time. This restaurant is perfect for business meetings, romantic dates, and celebrations of all sorts. The craft cocktail menu is extensive and inviting — you are bound to find a new favorite.
CUISINE: Contemporary American; Specialties include Spicy Garlic Parmesan Wings, Crab Cake Benedict, Wagyu Sliders, and Fried Mozzarella; For dessert consider the Brown Butter Cookies or Southern Red Velvet Cake.
PRICES: $$$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
COVER CHARGE: no
ATTIRE: Business Casual
RESERVATIONS: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri 5p-2a, Sat-Sun Noon-2a
ADDRESS: 9539 Pinnacle Drive, #203, Charlotte, NC
PARKING: on-premises
PHONE: 704-589-9968
WEBSITE: https://www.fumeeusa.com
Mert’s Heart & Soul
DESCRIPTION: Restaurant; a popular eatery owned by James & Rene Bazzelle. It has good service in a nice atmosphere with good food – what more could you ask for?
CUISINE: Low Country & Cajun; sweet cornbread almost tastes like pound cake
PRICES: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
COVER CHARGE: no
ATTIRE: Casual
RESERVATIONS: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Thu 11a-9:30p, Fri-Sat 11a-11:30p, Sat 9a-11:30p, Sun 9a-9:30p
ADDRESS: 214 North College Street, Charlotte, NC
PARKING: garages nearby
PHONE: 704-342-4222
WEBSITE: http://www.mertscharlotte.com
Taste any of the beef or chicken skillets at Fumee Kitchen in Charlotte; (c) Fumee Kitchen
Spice
DESCRIPTION: Restaurant; Co-owned by Baffour Atakora. It has a nice business casual vibe in Uptown; The menu reflects the owner-chef’s fusion of cuisines from his global travels.
CUISINE: Contemporary Cosmopolitan; Full course brunch & dinner + bar bites; Includes some Vegan options.
PRICES: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
COVER CHARGE: no
ATTIRE: Business Casual
RESERVATIONS: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Thu 5p-12a, Fri-Sat 5p-2a, Sun 11:30a-12a
ADDRESS: 515 North Ellis Lane, Suite 101, Charlotte, NC
PARKING: garages nearby; they validate parking
PHONE: 704-746-6863
WEBSITE: https://www.spicecharlotte.com/
JINYA Ramen Bar
DESCRIPTION: This Ramen Bar franchise is owned by a sister and located in Ally Charlotte Center.
CUISINE: Japanese Ramen with lots of American influence
PRICES: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
COVER CHARGE: no
ATTIRE: Casual
RESERVATIONS: no
DAYS & HOURS: Sun-Thu 11a-10p, Fri-Sat 11a-11p
ADDRESS: 601 South Tryon Street, Unit 132, Charlotte, NC
PARKING: on-street and garage
PHONE: 704-817-7911
WEBSITE: https://www.jinyaramenbar.com
Don’s Restaurant
DESCRIPTION: Bar & Grill; The vibe attracts celebrities, athletes, and upward-bound executives; The cocktails range is plentiful too.
CUISINE: Modern Soul Food; Specialties include Mambo Shrimp, Don’s Wings, and delicious Shrimp & Grits
PRICES: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
COVER CHARGE: no
ATTIRE: Casual
RESERVATIONS: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Wed-Thu 5p-11p, Fri 5p-12a, Sat 11a-4p, 5p-11:30p, Sun 11a-5p
ADDRESS: 321 North Caldwell Street, Suite #100, Charlotte, NC
PARKING: on-premises
PHONE: 904-376-2909
WEBSITE: https://www.7threstaurantandlounge.com
Kitchen + Kocktails
DESCRIPTION: This Bar & Grill franchise was developed by Kevin Kelley, a serial entrepreneur and former attorney. He also has franchises in Dallas, Washington, Atlanta, and Chicago.
CUISINE: Contemporary Soul Food with a large cocktail menu;
PRICES: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
COVER CHARGE: no
ATTIRE: Business Casual
RESERVATIONS: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Sun-Thu 11a-10p, Fri 11a-11p, Sat 11a-12a
ADDRESS: 210 East Trade Street, Charlotte, NC
PARKING: on-premises
PHONE: 980-372-7333
WEBSITE: https://kitchenkocktailsusa.com
A charming spread at The Pauline Tea Bar & Apothecary; (c) TPTB
The Pauline Tea Bar & Apothecary
DESCRIPTION: An urban tea lounge that “Touches all of the senses with healing elements.” A former chaplain for Atrium Health and now a Community Chaplain, Sherry Waters infuses her spiritual care experiences and holistic wellness support of clients. From the warm inviting decor, the soothing aroma of the diffused essential oils, to the complimentary pastries. Patrons are invited to unplug and enjoy quiet respite or gather delightfully with others. The wide assortment of herbal teas is enjoyed on cushy chairs with local artwork that accents the ambiance. You can make inquiries about art purchases too.
PRICES: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
COVER CHARGE: no
ATTIRE: Casual
RESERVATIONS: yes for Sunday Tea and private rentals for small groups
DAYS & HOURS: Tue 10a-5p, Wed-Fri 10a-8p, Sat 1p-4p
ADDRESS: 2326 Arty Avenue, Charlotte, NC
PARKING: on-premises
PHONE: 980-248-2653
WEBSITE: https://www.thepaulineteabar.com
Lagz Restaurant & Bar
DESCRIPTION: Bar & Grill; though you can choose from tasty seafood dishes, the mainstay of Lagz is its mixed drinks.
CUISINE: Soul Food; It has all the greens, mac & cheese, cornbread, and fried chicken that you’d expect from traditional southern chefs; desserts range from average to super
PRICES: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
COVER CHARGE: no
ATTIRE: Casual
RESERVATIONS: yes
DAYS & HOURS: Mon 6p-12a, Sun & Tue-Thu 11a-12a, Fri-Sat 11a-2a
ADDRESS: 2539 Little Rock Road, Charlotte, NC
PARKING: on-premises
PHONE: 980-498-7634
WEBSITE: https://www.lagzrestaurant.com
Nana Morrison’s Soul Food
DESCRIPTION: The Morrisons, an inspiring family of restaurant owners, opened near the airport with another location at 3824 Corning Place in Charlotte; They place special emphasis on product quality, service, and a welcoming atmosphere for all.
CUISINE: Soul Food; It has all the greens, mac & cheese, cornbread, and fried chicken that you’d expect from traditional southern chefs; desserts range from average to super
PRICES: $
CREDIT CARDS: yes
COVER CHARGE: no
ATTIRE: Casual
RESERVATIONS: no
DAYS & HOURS: daily 11a-8p
ADDRESS: 2908 Oak Lake Blvd Suite #106, Charlotte, NC
PARKING: on-premises
PHONE: 704-357-3700
WEBSITE: https://nanamorrisonssoulfood.com
The Wall has a storytelling vibe at Mert’s Heart & Soul Restaurant in Uptown; (c) Soul Of America
Ken Cooks Soul Food
DESCRIPTION: Another traditional Soul food
CUISINE: Soul Food; specialties include croaker fish, salmon, meatloaf, whiting fish with collard greens, okra, and candy yams on the side.
PRICES: $
CREDIT CARDS: no
COVER CHARGE: no
ATTIRE: Casual
RESERVATIONS: no
DAYS & HOURS: Wed Noon-6p, Thu-Fri Noon-8p, Sat-Sun Noon-5p
ADDRESS: 430 Old Little Rock Road, Charlotte, NC
PARKING: on-premises
PHONE: 704-804-2199
WEBSITE: Ken Cooks
Ten58
DESCRIPTION: Sports Bar & Lounge; If you love sports, you can’t go wrong in this venue founded by former NFL Carolina Panthers player Thomas Davis.
CUISINE: Contemporary; Specialties Crabcakes, Lobster bites, Collard Gree Dip, Nachos, Short Rib Tacos, and salads
PRICES: $$
CREDIT CARDS: yes
COVER CHARGE: no
ATTIRE: Casual
RESERVATIONS: no
DAYS & HOURS: Daily Noon-12a
ADDRESS: 430 West 4th Street, Charlotte, NC>
PARKING: on-street & garage nearby
PHONE: 980-207-1058
WEBSITE: https://ten58clt.com
Londa’s Place
DESCRIPTION: Cafe
CUISINE: Soul Food; Specialties include turkey wings, oxtails, and smothered pork chops; Save room for Londa’s banana pudding.
PRICES: $
CREDIT CARDS: yes
COVER CHARGE: no
ATTIRE: Casual
RESERVATIONS: no
DAYS & HOURS: Wed-Sat 11a-7p, Sun 2p-7p
ADDRESS: 1540 West Blvd, Charlotte, NC
PARKING: on-premises
PHONE: 980-299-6461
WEBSITE: https://www.londasplace.com