Dec 23, 2021 - Food and Drink

Now open: 23 openings in Charlotte from this fall

Symphony Webber

Bitty & Beau's Coffee — Iced coffee from Bitty & Beau's. Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios

Our Now Open series is proudly presented by Charlotte Center City Partners. New businesses are part of what makes Charlotte great but don’t forget to take some time to say hello again to the people and places that made us fall in love with our city in the first place. Check out UptownCharlotte.com + SouthEndCLT.org to find even more spots to explore.

The fall brought a handful of highly anticipated and even a few surprise restaurant openings.

Here are 23 cool openings in Charlotte from this October, November and December.

FOOD + DRINK

Mariposa

Modern mezze restaurant in the former Halcyon space at the Mint Uptown

What to order: The Gullah paella ($37) made with crisped Carolina gold rice pilaf, andouille & chorizo, gulf shrimp, fresh daily catch, oysters, soffrito and saffron.

Location: 500 S. Tryon St.

El Puro Cuban Restaurant

Mariposa Mint Museum restaurant — Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Cuban cuisine from the owners of Havana Carolina

What to order: Tamal en Cazuela ($13). It’s freshly grated cornmeal with garlic and pork belly.

Location: 5033 South Blvd.

Romeo’s Vegan Burgers

tamal en casuela from El Puro — Tamal en Cazuela. Photo: Ben Jarrell

Food truck turned brick-and-mortar vegan burger spot

What to order: Where Art Thou Romeo burger ($9.99). Made with lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, cheese & house pickles. And be sure to order a side of fresh-cut fries ($4.50).

Location: 5518 South Blvd.

The Batch House

Romeo's Vegan Burgers — Where Art Thou Romeo burger. Photo: Paige Hopkins/Axios

Beloved batch bakery located in the new Station West development

What to order: Their signature oatmeal cream pies.

Location: 901 Berryhill Rd.

Starlight on 22nd

Artsy dive bar

What to order: Supernova cocktail ($12). It’s made with rum, coconut rum, blue curacao and pineapple juice.

Location: 422 E. 22nd St.

Summit Coffee Co. (South Park)

Starlight indoors — Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Popular local coffee chain that plans to have 17-19 locations by the end of 2022

Location: 4265 Piedmont Row Drive

Cloud South End

Summit Coffee SouthPark inside — Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Luxury lounge in Wilmore neighborhood

What to order: Go with the 24-karat gold leaf lemon pepper chicken wing or the lamb chops.

Location: 1510 Mint St.

Emmy Squared (South End)

Cloud Wilmore — Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios

Detroit-style pizza spot

What to order: The Colony Pizza is a must-try ($18.50). It’s made with pepperoni, pickled jalapeños and honey.

Location: 1932 Hawkins St.

Burr & Berry Coffee

Emmy Squared’s Colony Pizza. Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios

Drive-thru and walk-up coffee shop

What to order: The Bee’s Knees latte with honey and brown sugar cinnamon ($4.25+) or the Chubby bunny cold brew with toasted marshmallow cream, white chocolate and caramel drizzle ($4.25+).

Location: 4209 South Blvd.

Bitty & Beau’s Coffee

Burr & Berry Coffee opened its lower Southend location on Oct. 19. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios — Burr & Berry Coffee. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios

Coffee shop chain employing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

What to order: Can’t go wrong with an iced coffee.

Location: 1930 Camden Rd., Ste 236

OMG Donuts

Bitty & Beau's Coffee South End — Iced coffee from Bitty & Beau’s. Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios.

Donut shop with a full coffee bar and an ice cream station

What to order: Popular donuts include classic glazed, maple bacon and apple fritters.

Location: 6209 Old Post Rd., Ste. 108

Night Swim Coffee (Oakhurst & Uptown)

A collaboration between two of Charlotte’s most popular coffee shops, Not Just Coffee and Undercurrent.

Locations: 1620 Oakhurst Commons Dr. (Oakhurst), 620 S. Tryon St., Ste. 150 (Uptown)

Rosie’s Coffee & Wine Garden (Myers Park)

Night Swim Coffee Uptown — Photo: Symphony Webber/Axios

Coffee shop, art gallery and flower shop under one roof

Location: 811 Providence Rd.

The Royal Tot (aka Sippin’ Santa)

rosies seating — Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Tropical, holiday-themed pop-up bar. The Royal Tot is still under construction and will return to its original concept in January 2022.

What to order: Go with the namesake cocktail ($16) it’s made with aged Demerara rum, Amaro, lemon, orange and gingerbread mix. Or try the Yule Log Grog ($15) it’s served hot with gin, falernum, cranberry syrup, ginger liqueur and lime.

Location: 933 Louise Ave., Ste. 350