Poplar Street Cafe & Wine Bar is historic preservation done right. See inside before it opens

It’s located at 220 W. 10th Street in the historic Morrison House, a Charlotte Historic Landmark in Fourth Ward.

The original owner, Dr. Robert Hall Morrison, was the founder and first president of Davidson College. His wife Mary’s uncle, William Lee Davidson, donated the 400 acres of land where the college was built.

As an architect and Fourth Ward neighbor, current owner Lucia Zapata Griffith is committed to the preservation of the property.

Head chef Bruno Macchiavello (the same guy behind Viva Chicken) has created a menu that moves effortlessly from day to night.

They’ve got a selection of salads, hot paninis and charcuterie plates–the kind of casual but elegant food you could eat over a laptop while you work or over a glass of wine while you unwind.

I tried the signature veggie sandwich with quinoa, cucumber, tomato, onion, feta cheese and mixed greens ($7.95).

It was excellent–warm, chewy, fresh, filling. I also brought an arugula pear salad ($9.95) back to the office but Ted stole it.

They’ve also got tea, coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice and assorted baked goods.

They open at 11 a.m. during the week but an earlier 9 a.m. opening will make breakfast a big hit on Saturday. The coffee is from local roaster Boquete Mountain Coffee.

At the bar, expect to find beer, wine and select specialty cocktails.

Lucia and Bruno are both from Peru so they said pisco sour, a popular South American cocktail, will definitely be a signature feature.

The space is gorgeous and features three unique main seating areas.

There’s a bright white room with lots of tables where I imagine most people will park their laptops for daily work sessions. (Yes, there’s free wifi–password: coolspot).

Around back is a blacked out bar area with more of a lounge feel for after hours.

And adjacent to the food counter is a warm room filled with art by Emily T. Andress. Lucia even commissioned a special piece of Queen Charlotte wearing a skyline crown which is featured in the hallway.

I’m so excited about this place I can’t stand it. Good people, quality food, comfortable vibe. Sold.

Video Tour

Hours

Monday – Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with special evening events
Sunday CLOSED

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