Tag: lost local eateries

Sometimes, I can still see myself walking up those back steps to the Pewter Rose in South End, dodging tables and catching a glimpse of butterscotch scones on my way to a seat. It’s hard to believe it’s been at least 13 years since my last brunch there.

The Pewter Rose was a Charlotte institution long before I arrived on the scene; it actually got its start in Spirit Square in 1978. When it moved to its iconic upstairs location in 1988, it beat the “South End” branding by nearly a decade — it was there before the neighborhood even had its name.

By the time my friends and I were spending our 20s there in the late 90s and early 2000s, it felt like the established heart of the neighborhood. We’d tuck away in that private glassed-in room with the French doors for bachelorette parties and baby showers. While I enjoyed dinner there a few times, it was the brunch — especially after a grueling hot yoga class — that truly had my heart.

Whether a restaurant stays for two years or two decades, losing a local favorite feels like losing a piece of the neighborhood. These are our “third places,” and losing the chance to catch up with a favorite barista or bartender is a real loss to the community.

Pewter Rose was one of those places for me. So was Charley’s, Pike’s Soda Shop, Letty’s, Owens Bagels … I could go on and on.

After Tim wrote about restaurants that closed then came back again, it made me nostalgic for some old school Charlotte restaurant memories. I want to know about your old favorites!

Share Your Story

Help me remember the spots we’ve lost. I’m pulling together a list of Charlotte’s “gone but not forgotten” favorites, and I want to hear from you.

Email me at charlottefive@charlottefive.com with:

• Your full name
• When you used to visit
• What you loved about it
• Your “usual” order or a specific memory)

I can’t wait to see your replies!