20++ Restaurant Openings We’re Excited About Happening in Charlotte This Summer

Salted Melon Market, South Park – Just Opened

Now open in Phillips Place, the Salted Melon Market has officially expanded to its 3rd location, offering coffee, smoothies, fresh salads, wraps, and delicious all-day bites.

Sweetgreen, Birkdale Village – Just Opened

Expanding as their third location in North Carolina, Sweetgreen is bringing fresh, locally sourced food to Huntersville. The fan-favorited menu consists of salads, protein plates, and warm bowls, plus a limited-time feature of Sweetgreen’s new KBBQ menu items.

Medusa Lounge, NoDa – Just Opened

Taking over the former Another Brewery space on North Davidson Street, Medusa Lounge is NoDa’s newest bar. Loungers can expect ample indoor and outdoor seating, tapas menu items like crab cakes and flatbreads, as well as 15 cocktails (plus wine and beer).

Seemingly Overzealous, Dilworth – will open Saturday, June 21

Seemingly Overzealous is bringing their delicious dairy and gluten-free ice cream to Dilworth this June, at 224 East Blvd, making this their 3rd location in the QC.

The Painted Rooster, Plaza Midwood – will open Monday, June 23 

Previously known as Zada Jane’s, the Painted Rooster is QC’s newest rebrand, opening as a full-service neighborhood restaurant with “damn good chicken and cold beer”. Menu highlights include wings served 3-different styles, fried pickles, and most importantly, buttermilk ranch rumored to be Charlotte’s best.

The Scoop N Scootery, Uptown

Ice cream delivery until 2 am? We’re in… Opening in a few weeks, Boston-based ice cream franchise, the Scoop N Scootery, will be bringing sundaes, fro-yo, floats, and more frozen treats to your doorstep (or you can find them at 2135 Thrift Road).

ESO Artisanal Pasta, Uptown

Joining the vendor list at Optimist Hall, ESO plans to bring the authentic flavors of Italy to Charlotte with their artisanal pasta. You can expect to find all things Italian on the menu, like Cicchetti, Foccacia, Dolci, and Vino, along with reservation-only tasting menus.

McHale’s Pub, NoDa 

Coined “The Pub NoDa’s Been Waiting For” McHale’s Pub is set to open shortly… Final fixtures are being added and an official opening date is coming soon.

Surefire Market, Camp North End 

After a fire forced the Rock Hill neighborhood market to close, Surefire Market is reopening its doors in Camp North End as a modern bodega. In the meantime, you can find the Surefire food truck located outside Hop Fly Brewing Company. Classic menu favorites like smash burgers and fried chicken sandwiches will be returning, alongside new additions like hand-spun milkshakes and curated retail goods.

Sala, Myers Park

Aptly named Sala (meaning “lounge” in Italian) this intimate, Euro-inspired, wine and cocktail bar will be the newest addition to the Moffett Restaurant Group, opening next door to sister concept, Stagioni. European wines, cocktails, and light bites will be the staples of the yet-to-open neighborhood lounge.

Distro Beer Hub, South End

Food halls have taken Charlotte by storm, but what about a beer hall? Distro Beer Hub is bringing a one-of-a-kind craft beer destination to Charlotte’s South End. Not to worry though, this beer experience does not discriminate – patrons can also enjoy craft cocktails, a diverse food selection, and of course some of Charlotte’s best breweries.

Spaghett, Uptown

Coming to Uptown Charlotte’s Fourth Ward, Spaghett is a craft pasta and cocktail house with a twist on traditional Italian dishes. Spaghett’s menu spotlights Carolinian cuisine through an Italian lens, showcasing a farm-fresh approach to classic dishes, using locally sourced ingredients based on the micro seasons of the Carolinas.

Mama’s Comfort Food & Cocktails, Park Rd

Mama’s Comfort Food & Cocktails is expanding its California roots to the QC this summer and we could not be more excited. With a new name, “Mother’s Comfort Food & Cocktails”, you will find this eatery serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, (and obviously cocktails), coming to 4101 Park Road.

Tyber Creek, Uptown

After a brief pause, Tyber Creek Pub is reopening on South Mint Street. With a newly updated space and a reimagined menu, Tyber Creek is thrilled to open its doors again for casual pints, hearty meals, and nights with friends.

Yugenn, South End – August 1

Yugenn’s sisterly sushi concept is arriving in South End late this summer, brought to us by the sisters behind the Sake Express brand. Sushi lovers can expect traditional rolls, contemporary Japanese dishes, and a full bar.

PopUp Bagels, Ballantyne

As we (im)patiently await PopUp Bagels’ QC location opening date, the “Not famous, but known” bagel & schmear joint is preparing to set up shop in the Bowl at Ballantyne located in between Honeysuckle Gelato and Harriet’s Hamburgers. Official opening date coming soon.

Rally’s New Restaurant, LoSo

Charlotte’s Rally Pickleball Club is adventuring outside the pickleball scene and into the restaurant scene with a brand new concept coming next door to the racket club. As we wait for more information (aka a name), what we know is this: a seasonal menu of small and large plates in a cozy setting, perfect for your next neighborhood-style dining spot.

Oaklore Bottle Shop & Bar, South End

Brought to South End by Orosoko Sound Bar and Oaklore Distilling, Oaklore Bottle Shop & Bar is planning to open this summer. The expansive bar will serve a variety of signature cocktails and bottled spirits.

Tsaocaa, Plaza Midwood

Coming to Plaza Midwood, Tsaocaa is known for its handcrafted teas made with natural ingredients, Korean fried chicken, egg waffles, and more. In the meantime, you can check out their new location in Huntersville, located at 9715 Sam Furr Rd D.

Whataburger, East Charlotte

After launching its first NC location in Gastonia, we are eagerly awaiting the Whataburger Charlotte location. Opening date has yet to be announced, but you’ll be able to find the classic American burger joint at 12935 Albemarle Road.

Sharigato, Optimist Park

Made-to-order rolls is Sharigato’s specialty, giving customers the option to sit at the bar and watch their rolls being made, or opt for the takeout window and get your sushi to-go.

Emmy Lou’s, Dilworth

A new wine bar is coming to Dilworth and it’s exactly what so many of us wine drinkers are longing for: a fun and casual spot to enjoy a glass of wine and learn a little bit about what exactly you’re sipping on.

Groovers Listening Bar, Uptown

Originally a Charleston favorite, Groovers Listening Bar is bringing the vinyl music scene to Charlotte – courtesy of the owners of Trio and Blue Door. Groovers’ concept is simple: great music and vinyl DJ sets, all alongside great cocktails.

Panko, NoDa

A Peruvian fusion restaurant, Panko, is slated to bring an authentic menu of Peruvian food to the QC. The fusion concept will be a blend of Peruvian and Japanese, a uniquely delicious combination that we are eager to try.

Maneki, Uptown

Maneki is bringing traditional Japanese dishes to Latta Arcade in Uptown. Although an official opening date is yet to be announced, you can find Maneki at various pop-ups across the QC to get your tastebuds excited.

Market on Morehead, Dilworth

What began as Market on Main in Columbia, SC, Market on Morehead is a dynamic addition to the Charlotte food scene. Fresh food, exceptional cocktails, and entertainment will all be a part of this new restaurant setting up shop on Morehead Street.

Copain, Ballantyne

The French-inspired bakery and eatery is joining the Ballantyne Bowl, making this its 3rd location in Charlotte. The premier boulangerie patisserie will include a full-service brasserie, bringing old-world Parisian flair to the Bowl. Menu highlights include flaky croissant breakfast sandwiches, seasonal salads, artisanal loaves, charcuterie, and a curated wine list.

LadyBird Taco, Dilworth

Serving breakfast and lunch tacos, fresh salads, and craft coffee, LadyBird Taco is coming to the Dilworth neighborhood. The Birmingham-based taco spot is set to take the place of Lebowski’s Bar and Grill, located at 1524 East Blvd.

Antagonist, South End

Opening Fall of 2025, Antagonist newcomers can expect an all-day cafe serving up coffee by day and cocktails by night… with a twist: the bar will feature a no-cell phone policy by night. Antagonist hopes to inspire a place for real connection, all while enjoying delicious drinks and live music.