The Agenda Guide to the Four Wards: Second Ward

We know they exist, but it feels a lot like nobody’s really sure that, beyond Uptown, they could tell you where they are. In fact, we’ve had readers write in to tell us that they have no idea what we mean when we say, “Try this, this or this in First Ward, Second Ward, Third Ward or Fourth Ward.”

The Agenda wants to ease this pain and this is the second installment of that effort.

[Related story: The Agenda Guide to the Four Wards: First Ward]

It’s easiest to imagine the intersection of Trade and Tryon as the (0,0) coordinate on a graph and imagine the Wards as the quadrants: First Ward is the upper right hand quadrant, Second Ward the lower right hand quadrant, Third Ward the lower left hand quadrant and Fourth Ward the upper left hand quadrant.

Second Ward

Second Ward is defined as anything that falls directly south of Trade and Tryon but within the boundaries of the northwest end of South Tryon and the northeast end of East Trade is considered Second Ward.

On a map, it looks like this:

The area used to be known as Brooklyn, a space that was booming with African-American culture — it was called the Harlem of Charlotte for its music until it was razed in the 1960s. Today, it’s home to big businesses like Wells Fargo, numerous condos and apartments and the well-known retail and entertainment spot, the EpiCentre.

Eat

Amélie’s French Bakery – 301 South College Street – The popular French café and bakery was a NoDa staple for years before expanding to an Uptown location in late 2015. Get the Salted Caramel Brownie.

Here’s what the new Uptown Amelie’s will look like when it opens December 1 (26 photos) (11/24/2015)

Bentley’s on 27 – 201 South College Street – An upscale restaurant with a knack for surf and turf and an incredible panoramic skyline view. Try the Filet & Lobster Tail ($75).

Bernardin’s Fine Dining – 435 South Tryon Street – If you want to feel like you’re dining out of your league, Bernardin’s is your spot. Choose from things like pan-seared Ostrich with a cumin fennel crust and grilled tandoori spiced Kangaroo loin.

Blackfinn – 210 East Trade Street – An Ameripub that serves dishes such as Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf and a BBQ Plate complete with green beans, coleslaw and mac ‘n cheese.

Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits – 310 East Trade Street – Get your fill of fried chicken and sweet tea from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

7 over-the-top DIY Bojangles’ concoctions to try this Sunday (2/1/2016)

Brazz Carvery  – 500 South College Street – Another Uptown Brazilian steakhouse option. Noteworthy: Each weekday has a different theme for lunch (i.e. Indian Mondays and Soul Thursdays).

Bruegger’s Bagels – 210 East Trade Street – Handcrafted bagels that are made in-store.

Eating wrong in Uptown, Volume II (5/19/2015)

Buon Cibo – 501 South College Street – Good Italian food in the Convention Center (‘buon cibo’ literally means ‘good food’). Open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays.

Burger King – 310 East Trade Street – Open at 5:30 a.m. six days a week to make sure you never miss a meal.

Chicken Salad Chick – 101 South Tryon Street – A chain offering gourmet chicken salad.

Chick-fil-A – 101 South Tryon Street – You know the deal. Closed on Sundays.

Chima – 139 South Tryon street – Brazilian buffet in the heart of Uptown. The all-you-can-eat menu includes salad, skewers of meat and dessert.

China Shuttle – 310 East Trade Street – A simple, no-frills spot with a menu that feels the same way.

Cluck ‘n Cup – 901 East 4th Street – All you need to know is that you need to get the Chicken Pot Pie. Trust.

Coastal – 222 East Third Street – The Hilton’s restaurant and bar with seafood dishes inspired by everywhere from the Carolina coast to the Chilean coast. Stop by for the weekly themed lunch buffet.

Dean & Deluca – 201 South Tryon Street – Upscale café with a bodega feel.

Dunkin’ Donuts – 200 South College Street – Get the classic glazed and a medium roast.

Einstein Brothers Bagels – 501 South College Street – New York-style, house-made bagels and cream cheese.

Energy Café – 101 South Tryon Street – Healthy bites and juices for the Overstreet Mall walkers.

Enso – 210 East Trade Street – The EpiCentre’s upscale sushi restaurant that also serves seafood, meat and noodles.

Where and when to get half-price sushi in Charlotte (10/23/2015)

Evoke – 555 South McDowell Street – Le Méridien’s steakhouse known for its steaks, pastas and crudo.

Behind the Kitchen: A Conversation with Robert Reinken of Evoke (7/7/2015)

Fahrenheit – 222 South Caldwell Street – An unreal view with even better food, drinks and brunch.

Top 15 spots to drink a beverage outside, by neighborhood (3/8/2016)

Fleming’s – 210 East Trade Street – A high-end steakhouse located at the EpiCentre. The cost for two usually hovers around $70.

Firehouse Subs – 210 East Trade Street – Hot submarine sandwiches made with the best meats and cheeses.

Five Guys – 210 East Trade Street – Classic burgers that come with fries in a cup the size of your forearm.

Fuel Pizza – 500 South College Street – Perfectly oversized, greasy pizza on the Green.

Top 5 pizza joints in Charlotte, ranked (8/26/2015)

Fuji Hibachi & Teriyaki Grill  – 210 East Trade Street – A cheap go-to for classic hibachi.

7 hibachi spots in and around Charlotte, mapped (3/4/2016)

FUJO Bistro – 301 South College Street – Overstreet Mall’s go-to spot for Asian food and sushi.

Behind the Kitchen: A conversation with Robert Reinken of Evoke (7/7/2015)

Freshii – 200 South College Street – A grab ‘n go healthy and fresh food option serving salads, wraps, sandwiches, healthy burritos and frozen yogurt.

Eating wrong in Uptown, #CLTHeatWave edition (6/24/2015)

Jason’s Deli – 210 East Trade Street – A quick-service, casual sandwich spot.

Johnny Burrito – 301 South Tryon Street – An Uptown lunch staple (hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) with a fast-moving line and cash-only rule. Come prepared.

5 local alternatives to Chipotle for all your burrito and burrito-related needs (6/19/2015)

Just Fresh – 101 South Tryon Street – A healthy-eats chain with great smoothies.

Libretto’s Pizzeria – 210 East Trade Street – A pizza joint conveniently located in the EpiCentre to help you with those late-night cravings (they’re open until 2 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday, 3 a.m. Thursday, 4 a.m. Friday and midnight Saturday).

Matt’s Chicago Dog  – 435 South Tryon Street – One of the only places in town to get yourself a genuine Chicago-style dog. Open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

Do you miss your North food? Fear not: 24 Northern staples and where to find them in Charlotte (4/6/2016)

McAlister’s Deli – 101 South Tryon Street – Known for their spuds, sandwiches and sweet tea.

Mimosa Grill – 327 South Tryon Street – From the same guys who brought you Upstream and Harper’s, Mimosa Grill is a farm-to-fork restaurant that offers global fare with a Southern twist. It’s been consistently named as one of the best restaurants in Charlotte since 1995.

5 best brunch buffets in Charlotte (4/8/2015)

Moe’s Southwest Grill – 210 East Trade Street – Quick-serve Mexican in the EpiCentre.

Mortimer’s Cafe and Pub – 210 East Trade Street – Easy-feeling bar food. Their relationship with Boar’s Head ensures that you’ll be getting the best meat every time. Stop by for the Mortimer’s Matinee lunch special (paninis, sandwiches and wraps served with a side salad or soup for $6.99).

Your complete guide to Uptown lunch specials (11/23/2015)

Nirvana II – 401 South Tryon Street – A great spot for a quick, on-the-go Indian meal. Try the mango lassi.

Panera Bread – 201 South College Street – The classic soup-and-sandwich spot with the You-Pick-Two special that people lose their minds over.

Q Tavern – 201 South McDowell Street – A spot known for its North Carolina-inspired dishes like pimiento cheese, Duck Rabbit beer-braised short ribs and pork poutine.

Quiznos – 901 East 4th Street – Quick-serve, casual sandwich shop.

Red Ginger – 401 South Tryon Street – Sushi, steak and Japanese fare all rolled into one.

7 hibachi spots in and around Charlotte, mapped (3/4/2016)

Salsarita’s – 101 South Tryon Street – The one that didn’t close.

Sandwich Club – 435 South Tryon Street – Take your pick from 33 different sandwiches and know that you’re in good hands – the founder grew up working in Long Island delicatessens.

Showmars – 600 East 4th Street – Charlotte’s favorite little-bit-of-everything go-to’s home in the Government Center.

Showmars will be sticking around the Government Center another five years (6/10/2016)

Social – 555 South McDowell Street – The Sheraton’s grill and bar features small bites such as a Beet & Strawberry Salad along with larger plates like Hanger Steak and Petit Beef Tenderloin.

Starbucks – 101 South Tryon Street – The classic Seattle-based coffee shop. Ideal for Uptown workers, as it’s open from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Garden Grille – 508 East Martin Luther King Boulevard – The Hilton Garden Inn’s restaurant that offers continental breakfasts, coups, salads, sandwiches and pastas.

Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint – 101 South Tryon Street – 47 toppings, 7 cheeses, 6 sauces and 3 crusts guarantee that even the pickiest of Overstreet Mall walkers will find something to eat here.

Vapiano – 201 South Tryon Street – Classic Italian food (pasta, antipasti, insalata, pizza, etc.) in a modern setting in which you order each course separately at different counters, scan your Vapiano-provided card each time and pay at the end. Seriously cool. Get the Panna Cotta.

Corkage fee policy and charge at 30 popular Charlotte restaurants (3/15/2016)

Vida – 210 East Trade Street – The EpiCentre’s Mexican kitchen and cantina featuring a host of Mexican dishes and handcrafted cocktails.

Which Wich – 101 South Tryon Street – Handcrafted, made-to-order sandwiches.

The 7 most intimidating places to order food and drink in Charlotte (and how to cope) (3/17/2016)

Wild Wing Café – 210 East Trade Street – Every type of wing imaginable under one roof.

Yoforia – 210 East Trade Street – Moderately priced make-your-own frozen yogurt.

Drink

Bubble – 210 East Trade Street – A restaurant by day, champagne lounge by night in the EpiCentre.

Carolina Ale House – 201 South College Street – A sports bar with over 50 televisions so you’ll never miss your game that also serves classic bar food.

City Lights – 555 South McDowell Street – Le Méridien’s answer to Fahrenheit with an uninterrupted rooftop view of the skyline. If you don’t Instagram a picture of your Sparkle ‘n Pop cocktail, did you even go?

FIRST LOOK: Poolside cabanas and popsicle cocktails at Craft City Social Club and City Lights Rooftop (6/2/2016)

Craft City Social Club – 555 South McDowell Street – The Sheraton’s poolside “adult playground” lounge and the only public poolside bar hangout in the city. Swimsuit and competition friendly – games include billiards, life-size Jenga and a massive set of Connect Four.

FIRST LOOK: Poolside cabanas and popsicle cocktails at Craft City Social Club and City Lights Rooftop (6/2/2016)

Howl at the Moon – 210 East Trade Street – A party spot for EpiCentre-goers that’s known for their themed bashes like Red, White & Brews and bachelorette parties.

Rooftop 210 – 210 East Trade Street – Open-air rooftop special events venue.

Tin Roof – 210 East Trade Street – An easy-going bar with no shortage of live music or drink specials.

Whisky River – 210 East Trade Street – Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s venture into the bar scene. It’s been largely successful – its sister location in the airport was just named one of the best airport bars in the country.

Shop

Brownlee Jewelers – 101 South Tryon Street – A trusted jeweler since 1936.

Charlotte Visitors’ Info & Gifts – 501 South College Street – For all of your tourist-y needs.

CVS – 210 East Trade Street – Your one-stop-shop for all things health-related. Or, you know, to buy your candy before heading into that movie at Studio Movie Grill.

Cyrous Clothiers – 401 South Tryon Street – A men’s retail store offering both custom and off-the-rack selections.

Hayden Olivia Bridal – 221 South Tryon Street – Shop over 150 bridal designers in the heart of Uptown.

11 places to say yes to the dress + 6 tips for painless shopping (12/28/2015)

Jason of Beverly Hills – 210 East Trade Street – A premier retail destination in the Ritz Carlton that offers both ladies’ and men’s fashions along with timepieces and bridal wear.

Merle Norman – 300 South College Street – A widely known cosmetics one-stop-shop that even offers free makeovers.

New Gallery of Modern Art – 435 South Tryon Street – The gallery aims to help build the art collections of both corporate and private clients. A total high-class feel, even offering advice on purchases and private showings for collectors.

How to attend an art exhibition in Charlotte (10/30/2015)

Stay Mobile – 101 South Tryon Street – They’re the guys you’ll want to come to the next time you drop your iPhone face first and shatter the screen.

The Beehive – 101 South Tryon Street – An upscale, trendy gift shop with everything from clothes to bags to skyline art.

The Gift Shop at the Charlotte Convention Center – 501 South College Street – Need a sweatshirt with a skyline on it or a bear wearing a Charlotte shirt? Here’s your best bet.

Tinder Box Cigars at Overstreet Mall – 200 South College Street – Charlotte’s source for premium cigars since 1973.

Walgreens – 101 South Tryon Street – Have those fluorescent overheads in your office made your head feel like it’s going to split? Good thing there’s a Walgreens in the lobby.

Wells Fargo Museum Store – 401 South Tryon Street – Stock up on those little white horses wearing red shirts after learning about the bank’s interesting history.

Activities

Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture – 551 South Tryon Street – A museum dedicated to celebrating the contributions to American culture by Africans and African Americans.

4 answers to this question: “I’m visiting Charlotte, what should I do there?” (1/5/2016)

Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center – 800 East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard – Once you’re done swimming laps, plan your kid’s birthday party or sweat it out at the fitness center or just relax in the hot tub. It’s all there.

Here’s a sneak peek into the newly renovated Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center (5/6/2016)

NASCAR Hall of Fame – 400 East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard – Learn about the history of the sport and find out if you have what it takes to be on a pit crew. Admission ranges from $12.95 to $19.95.

5 reasons you should check out the NASCAR Hall of Fame – even if you aren’t a fan (8/3/2015)

Strike City – 210 East Trade Street – Uptown’s bowling destination complete with high-end cocktails and plenty of lanes.

Studio Movie Grill – 210 East Trade Street – See a movie, eat a meal and have a drink all in one sitting. Check Groupon for discount tickets before you go.

Wells Fargo History Museum – 401 South Tryon Street – Learn about the bank’s history and even climb inside a stagecoach. Admission is free.

A guide to Charlotte museums and educational sites (12/17/2015)

Outdoor Space

Marshall Park – 800 East Third Street – A five-and-a-half acre park complete with a fountain, ampitheater and two monuments, one for Martin Luther King and one for Holocaust victims.

The Green – 400 South Tryon Street – A charming pocket of green space that’s known for its literary theme, sculptures, sidewalks that make music and that beloved directional sign.

Connect

Charlotte Center City’s guide to Second Ward