It’s a brand new month, and that means new opportunities to expand your palate with all that Charlotte’s culinary scene has to offer. Read on for the latest openings, menu news and events you need to know this April.
Openings & Closings
Dos Caminos, Uptown – Open now
Dos Caminos, a Mexican restaurant based in New York City, debuted in North Carolina at the Ally Charlotte Center in Uptown, with a diverse menu that blends upscale Mexican fare with beloved street food classics such as nachos and ceviche. Their offerings include an array of tacos served on freshly made tortillas, with options like birria, carne asada, and carnitas, along with traditional favorites like enchiladas, quesadillas, and succulent short ribs.
Noche Buta, Camp North End – Open now
From Thursday-Sunday, Hex Coffee will undergo a weekend transformation into a vibrant Mexican restaurant called Noche Buta. Operating every Thursday through Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM, this culinary collaboration from the owners of El Toro Bruto promises a thrilling experience for Mexican cuisine enthusiasts.
Azúcar (second location), Lake Norman – Open now
Azucar, a Cuban restaurant hailing from Lake Norman, has expanded its reach with a new location in Charlotte’s Ballantyne Village. Azucar’s innovative approach to Cuban cuisine features twists like mashed potatoes in their Ropa Nueva rendition of ropa vieja. Among their popular offerings are the flavorful braised oxtail Rabo and the aromatic Cuban paella, plus classic cocktails like mojitos and Cuba libres, sangrias and shareable punchbowls.
Orosoko Sound Bar, South End – Open now
Intriguing new concept with limited info online, and waitlist only option, bills itself as “signature cocktails and Latin | Asian inspired “anti-fusion” shareable plates in a warm natural setting with sound built for audiophiles.”
Pizza Baby, Elizabeth – Open now
Exciting news for Elizabeth residents! Eat Pizza Baby “East” is now open on Elizabeth Ave for breakfast and lunch only, offering a unique menu distinct from its sister restaurant in Wesley Heights. Start your day with delectable pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and freshly brewed coffee, and transition into the afternoon with a selection of sandwiches, salads, and irresistible pizzas. Featuring Roman-style pizzas with focaccia bread as the base, these slices are available for just $8 each. Find Pizza Baby East situated at 1601 Elizabeth Ave., taking over the former MY Realtor space near @The.Peoples.mkt. Initial hours of operation are from 8 AM to 2:30 PM daily.
Cookie Plug, South Charlotte – Open now
Cookie Plug’s second North Carolina location in South Charlotte is now open, bringing a taste of California’s beloved bakery with a variety of options including chocolate chip walnut cookies, s’mores cookies, fruity pebbles cookies, strawberry cheesecake cookies and more.
YAMA LoSo, Open now
Exciting news for Japanese cuisine enthusiasts! @yamaloso, a new restaurant from the same owners behind YAMA and BAKU recently opened its doors in lower South End. When dining at Yamaloso, patrons can expect a menu akin to its sister locations, featuring over 14 sushi rolls, sashimi, kushiyaki, and approximately four specialty dishes such as stir-fried soba noodles.
&coffee, NoDa – Open now in Urban District Market
The latest addition to hit UDM is &Coffee where you can get coffee AND all sorts of Asian desserts like this milk-based shaved ice topped with fruits.
Sneak, Elizabeth – Opening FRIDAY, April 5
Offering a fresh take on the speakeasy trend, Sneak will offer an intimate, cozy, and inviting space where guests can enjoy classic and signature cocktails.
Midwood Smokehouse expanding in Plaza Midwood
According to a recent Instagram post, Midwood Smokehouse is closing for about three weeks to complete a renovation and expansion. Their Park Road location remains open.
White Duck Taco Shop, Matthews – Re-opening soon
Exciting news for taco lovers in Matthews! After being closed due to an overnight fire in July, @whiteducktacoshopmatthews is gearing up for a mid-April reopening. Their menu features a tantalizing array of flavors, including innovative options like Korean beef bulgogi with avocado puree and kimchi, spicy Buffalo chicken with lettuce, pico, and blue cheese sauce, chicken tikka masala with fried chickpeas, cilantro, and yogurt sauce, and mole roasted duck with apple cranberry salsa and cream.
Giovanna’s, Loso – Opening soon
Giovanna’s, the sister concept for Ballantyne’s Zinicola, will open soon in LoSo. The concept is bring brought to life by Chef Richard Cranmer, owner of Zinicola.
Maíz Agua Sal, West Charlotte – Opening soon
ARDR Hospitality Group is set to debut a Mexican-inspired tortilleria and agave bar in West Charlotte.
Cakeable Cafe, Uptown – Opening April 20
Cakeable is expanding its mission of empowerment with the launch of its first brick-and-mortar cafe this spring, aptly named Cakeable Cafe. As a nonprofit workforce development program catering to adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Cakeable’s goal is to foster inclusive work environments that empower individuals, businesses, and communities to reach their utmost potential. Initially offering vocational training opportunities for 11 adults at their Bakery location, Cakeable is now expanding its reach, providing training for 25 adults at the new Cakeable Cafe. Through their bakery and cafe initiatives, Cakeable remains dedicated to their mission of empowerment, striving to create opportunities that enable individuals and communities to thrive.
El Malo Tacos and Hermanita, Plaza Midwood – Opening soon
The restaurant group behind Mal Pan, a contemporary taqueria located in SouthPark, is introducing two exciting new concepts to Plaza Midwood this spring. Get ready for El Malo Tacos (@elmalogram), a laid-back eatery serving street-style tacos, and Hermanita (@barhermanita), a vibrant bar inspired by Mexican taverns.
800º and Bar 1 Lounge, Uptown – Opening soon
800º Carolinas will soon open its doors at The Alley, formerly known as Latta Arcade, in the spring. Patrons can look forward to a diverse menu featuring pizza, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and a selection of beer and wine on tap.
The Wafflery, Belmont – Opening May 1
This fast-casual establishment will specialize in waffles, biscuits, and grits, offering a customizable dining experience. Build your dish with your preferred base—whether it’s waffles, biscuits, or grits—add your choice of protein, toppings, and sauce to tailor your meal to perfection. Additionally, indulge in a selection of beverages including wine, beer, rosé, and classic breakfast drinks like mimosas.
Closings:
- Jimmy Pearls (but stay tuned for what’s coming next)
- Tyber Creek Pub (moving to its new location at 1501 Mint St. in the coming weeks)
- Thigs Cocktail Bar
Foodie Events to Book Now!
Napa Restaurants Monthly Wine Tastings
April 10 and 17
Don’t miss monthly wine tastings at Napa on Providence and Napa Kingsley: $25 for 4 tastings & light bites, plus discounts on retail wine purchases & 10% off if you dine afterward. Napa Kingsley: April 10. Napa on Providence: April 17.
Charlotte StrEATs
Through April 14 | Uptown Charlotte
Charlotte StrEATs, a culinary festival showcasing Charlotte’s chefs and neighborhoods, returns in 2024 as part of Charlotte SHOUT! and is co-hosted by Unpretentious Palate and Carben Events. The event features the popular Tasting Tour, allowing attendees to explore the city’s locally-owned restaurants, along with the free StrEATs Festival, featuring Neighborhood Cook-off Battles, local food and beverage artisans, cocktails, and appearances by chef Aarón Sánchez. Additionally, attendees can participate in the returning StrEAT Smarts seminars, offering insights from culinary experts. New to the lineup is StrEATs Uncorked, highlighting North Carolina’s diverse wines and cuisines in Uptown Charlotte.
5 Course Beer vs Wine Dinner
April 15 | Reid’s Myers Park
On April 15th (Tax Day), Reid’s Fine Foods Myers Park will host a 5-course Beer vs Wine Dinner. Attendees are invited to indulge in an evening of friendly competition between wine and beer, exploring which pairs best with the Chef’s selections. Guests will have the opportunity to vote on their preferred pairing for each dish, adding an element of excitement to the event. Limited seating is available, and two lucky guests will depart with a surprise gift. Additionally, attendees can enjoy a 15% discount on case purchases of wine or beer and a 10% discount on half cases.
Drink Eat Relax Food & Wine Festival
April 20 | Ballantyne’s Backyard
Join in the fun at the Wine & Food Festival @ Ballantyne, presented by Drink Eat Relax Events. On Saturday, April 20, indulge in a delightful array of local, national and international wines, beers, and spirits. Experience the culinary expertise of Charlotte’s finest pop-ups and food trucks while enjoying cooking demonstrations and gourmet delights at Ballantyne’s Backyard.
Grand Farewell Dinner
April 21 | Leah & Louise
Ahead of moving to its new home in West End, Leah & Louise is saying farewell to their original location in Camp North End with a special menu inspired by their most beloved dishes, wine pairings, music and more.
Shafer Wine Dinner
April 24 | Napa Kingsley
Join us for an unforgettable wine dinner event featuring 4 Shafer wines paired with a 5-course meal! Shafer Vineyards is known as one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated historic wineries, year after year producing wines that create delicious, memorable moments wherever they are poured around the world. $125 per person.
Charlotte Family Meal
April 29 | Supperland
This culinary event brings together eight Charlotte chefs, who will each prepare and serve a course in support of support Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit that helps food service workers in times of hardship.
Food News to Note
Salted Melon honored in Southern Living Magazine as best new restaurant in North Carolina for 2024
If you haven’t made it over to Salted Melon in South End just yet, here’s your sign. The eatery, from the owners of Reid’s Fine Foods, was honored in Southern Living as NC’s best new restaurant for 2024.
Napa Restaurant’s Tour de France
Available at both Napa locations, guests can enjoy a curated collection of some of their team’s favorite French wines—available for a limited time.
New Spring dinner menu items and weekly specials at Reid’s SouthPark
Introducing the newest seasonal dinner menu items at Reid’s SouthPark:
- Tuna Poke Bowl
- Fried Chicken
- Crab Cake Fritters
- Steak Lettuce Wraps
- Pan Seared Scallops
- Strawberry Fields Salad
- Smoked Brisket Sandwich
Plus, don’t forget about their weekly specials:
- Tuesday – Burger Special (Almost ½ priced steakburgers)
- Wednesday – Wine Wednesday (1/2 priced wine by the glass)
- Thursday – $10 Charcuterie Boards
- Saturday – ½ priced wine by the bottle
Allison
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