2-story waterfront restaurant now open in Lake Wylie

Why it matters: Waterfront restaurants are scarce in the Charlotte area, and who doesn’t love a good dinner with a view.

• From the same team behind The Pump House on the Catawba River, Drift will fill a gap in our dining scene with steak and fresh seafood in the new McLean development near Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden.

[Related Axios guide: The 30 most-anticipated new restaurants and bars in 2022]

What to expect: Pull your boat up for dinner inside the two-story, 15,000-square-foot restaurant. Its design, by architect Harry Schrader, will resemble a contemporary farmhouse, inspired by Gaston County’s agricultural history.

• “I want it to be relaxed,” says Charlotte Prime group co-owner and operator Jeff Conway, “(but) a little more elevated than your typical experience on the lake.”
• The 280-seat restaurant will feature indoor/outdoor dining thanks to glass walls that peel back to offer waterfront east-facing views.
• It’ll also offer private event space on its second floor.

On the menu: Executive chef Michael Griswold (Napa, Pump House) and his team are planning a menu that ranges from fresh fish and seafood to steaks and pastas.

• On tap, you can expect craft beers and over 1,000 bottles of wine to choose from.

Details: Drive up via car or boat Monday through Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday and Saturday 4pm-11pm, and Sunday 3-9pm.

• The address is 315 Lanyard Ln., Ste. M & N in Belmont, just south of Daniel Stowe.

[Related Axios guide: 8 stunning Airbnbs on the lake, starting at $300 a night]

Editors note: This story was originally published on February 22, 2022 and updated May 3, 2022 to reflect the opening date. 

Want more lakefront activities? Check out Rock Hill’s beach with outdoor movies and beach volleyball