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Charlotte live music fans, here's a quick list of the 10 best concerts coming to the city in April.

Zara Larsson makes glossy pop for big rooms — soaring choruses, club-ready beats, and just enough emotional bite to last.

Eric Church leans into outlaw grit and radio polish in equal measure. With Ashley McBryde on the bill, it feels less like a concert and more like a statement on where the country is now.

Moonchild's neo-soul leans warm and hazy — elastic grooves, featherlight vocals and arrangements that shine in a seated theater.

Expect thick riffs, extended solos and biker-bar heaviness from this heavy metal band.

Cardi B doesn't just perform, she dominates. Expect a set full of swagger, viral hits, and a larger-than-life presence that'll make this concert feel more like a massive party.

Zach Bryan keeps it simple with stripped-down songs that feel lived-in, not manufactured.

The Maine have spent nearly two decades refining their brand of emotionally self-aware alt-rock. With the new album "Joy Next Door" arriving April 10, and singles like "Die To Fall" leaning into that mix of introspection and release, this tour feels like the band is both looking back and pushing forward.

Peso Pluma's corridos tumbados fuse regional Mexican traditions with trap-era swagger.

Protoje's modern reggae balances tradition with contemporary urgency — groove-heavy, politically aware, and built for a crowd that wants both message and movement.

Few performers operate at Bruno Mars' level. His will be one of Charlotte's must-see concerts of the year. 

Live music: 10 must-see concerts in Charlotte this April

Charlotte live music fans, here's a quick list of the 10 best concerts coming to the city in April, including Bruno Mars and Cardi B.

Live stage performance: a man in a red embroidered suit sings into a microphone, wearing a red headband; red-clad band members, trumpet raised, with a bold red circular backdrop.

Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Charlotte live music fans, here&#x27;s a quick list of the 10 best concerts coming to the city in April.

Music

Things to Do

Spring has sprung, the weather is finally cooperating and outdoor patios are packed to the brim. That can only mean one thing: It's time to brunch.

Why it matters: Several of your favorite local restaurants have added brunch menus to their lineups. For that reason, we removed non-North Carolina-based chains (like Snooze and First Watch) from our list. 

Here's a list of the 30 best brunch spots in Charlotte in alphabetical order. 

The family-owned and operated restaurant has been a Dilworth staple for 40 years. While you may know the eatery for its French onion soup, its brunch is also a popular draw.

Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday, 10am-3pm. 

breakfast-pizza-300-east-brunch-charlotte

The breakfast pizza from 300 East. Photo: Axios archives

This NoDa neighborhood favorite is well known for its monthly charity drag brunch. 

Brunch is served on Sundays, 10:30am-3pm. 

Go deeper: Make friends and celebrate women distillers at Artisan's Palate's "Women of Whiskey" dinner series

This SouthPark French cafe is a fan favorite amongst Axios Charlotte readers, with everything from croque-madame to pastries and espresso drinks.

Top-down view of a breakfast spread: a waffle with berry sauce, powdered donuts in a black-and-white checkered basket, crispy bacon on a plate, a quiche slice with a side salad, and coffee.

This Mediterranean restaurant features shareable plates from regions in the western Mediterranean. Its brunch has everything from shakshuka to a fried chicken croissant. 

Go deeper: New Mediterranean restaurant Chapter 6 opening in South End with a patio overlooking the Rail Trail

A French cafe and restaurant in Uptown from the owners of Mariposa. Its brunch features French staples like croque-madame and crème brûlée French toast. 

Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday, 11am-3pm.

Blue storefront with gold Coquette sign beneath a glass canopy, outdoor seating along a railing. Bare trees frame tall glass skyscrapers reflecting in the glass facade.

Coquette's new location has an all-season patio. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios 

The popular Elizabeth restaurant and cocktail bar, known for its beverage program, has a nine-drink brunch cocktail list with classics like the espresso martini ($16) and Bloody Mary ($14). Groups of four should share the $180 tomahawk steak and eggs.

Brunch is served 11am-3:30pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Go deeper: 15 Best cocktail bars in Charlotte

The Villa Heights gastropub has an international menu. We recommend the blintzes ($11) — whipped cream cheese stuffed crepes, fruit and honey.

Brunch is served 11am-4pm, Saturday and Sunday.

This waterfront restaurant on Lake Wylie brings a lighter, seafood-forward approach to brunch, with dishes like shrimp and grits and fresh takes on brunch classics.

Stop by: 315-M Lanyard Ll., Belmont, N.C.

Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10:30am-3pm. 

You can pull up to Drift on your boat. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios


The space is intimate and approachable with an impressive coffee program centered on its Kyoto cold brew — a super-strong, 24-hour drip coffee.

Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday, 8am-3:30pm.

Classic French toast ($15.95) — egg-battered brioche, topped with powdered sugar. Photo: Axios archives

You get your bang for your buck at this no-frills restaurant that serves breakfast all day.

El Puro is one of Charlotte's best restaurants, known for its modern take on traditional Cuban cuisine. It's owned by Cuban immigrants who also own Havana Carolina Restaurant & Bar in Concord.

Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11am-4pm.

We tried the guajiro Benedict (poached eggs with tostones and shredded pork), the disco Benedict (poached eggs with croquetas and cheese) and the torrejas (a type of French toast, served with guava and cream cheese). Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

This steakhouse restaurant chain that originated in Charlotte has a long brunch cocktail (and mocktail!) list, including $7 Bloody Marys and mimosas, charred pineapple agua frescas and espresso martinis.

Stop by: Brunch is available at all Firebirds locations in Charlotte (SouthPark, Stonecrest, Northlake and Huntersville) on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 10am. 

The brunch burger. Photo: Courtesy of Firebirds

The menu changes seasonally, but expect creative Southern dishes, shareable plates and a great patio.

Brunch is served Saturdays from 11am-3pm and Sundays from 10am-3pm.

Outdoor patio with a large central tree under a wooden pergola. String lights dangle above rows of picnic tables on a gravel yard, with tall heaters and hanging plants.

Known for its Southern comfort food and cocktails, this NoDa staple comes from husband and wife restaurateurs Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown, who also own Supperland, Leluia Hall, Growlers Pourhouse and Ever Andalo.

Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays, 11am-3pm.

Homemade cinnamon roll from Haberdish. Photo: Axios archives

Also by the Tonidandel-Brown restaurant group, this Dilworth restaurant in a refurbished church offers upscale surf-and-turf brunch options. 

Brunch is available Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30am-2:30pm. 

Leluia Hall is a stark contrast to Bonterra, which first opened in 1999. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

The brunch menu strikes a balance between classic dishes and Southern comforts.

Stop by: 1616 Camden Rd. in South End and 705 S. Sharon Amity Rd. in Cotswold.

Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-2:30pm at both locations.

Leroy Fox South End. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios

This sister restaurant from the owners of Craft Tasting Room has great views of Uptown from its rooftop patio.

Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday, 10:30am-4pm.

Brunch plate with a stacked grilled sandwich topped by a runny egg, melted cheese, and greens. In the background: a berry yogurt bowl, waffles, and an orange drink.

Osso bucco breakfast sandwich. Photo: Courtesy of Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails

Given its range of menu offerings, Link & Pin is a great brunch spot if you’re dining with a group.

Stop by: Link & Pin has locations in Arboretum and Huntersville

Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays at all locations from 10am-4pm.

House burger with black garlic aioli, pickled green tomatoes and a sunny-side-up egg. Photo: Axios archives

Sister restaurant to Mama Ricotta's, Little Mama’s SouthPark location has a brunch menu known for its big portions.

Make friends and celebrate women distillers at Artisan's Palate's "Women of Whiskey" dinner series

New Mediterranean restaurant Chapter 6 opening in South End with a patio overlooking the Rail Trail

El Puro owner brings a taste of Colombia to South End with new restaurant Muraya

Uptown Yolk now open in new South End location

The 30 best brunch spots in Charlotte

Wooden serving board with sliced medium-rare steak, crispy roasted potatoes, and two sunny-side-up eggs; plates and a glass on a restaurant table in the background.

The tomahawk steak and eggs is available at The Crunkleton for $180. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios

Spring has sprung, the weather is finally cooperating and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outdoor patios" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/03/09/best-patios-charlotte-nc" data-vars-content-id="3d11b77e-1320-4ce1-9509-789bb217fbc6" data-vars-headline="The 30 best brunch spots in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/03/09/best-patios-charlotte-nc" target="_self">outdoor patios</a> are packed to the brim. That can only mean one thing: It&#x27;s time to brunch.Why it matters: Several of your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="favorite local restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/27/best-restaurants-charlotte-2025" data-vars-content-id="3d11b77e-1320-4ce1-9509-789bb217fbc6" data-vars-headline="The 30 best brunch spots in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/27/best-restaurants-charlotte-2025" target="_self">favorite local restaurants</a> have added brunch menus to their lineups. For that reason, we removed non-North Carolina-based chains (like Snooze and First Watch) from our list.

Food and Drink

The Craic is now in its soft-opening phase in SouthPark.

Why it matters: The Irish-themed bar in the former Rusty Bucket space aims to be an all-day destination, working just as well for brunch, business meetings, dinner and late-night drinks.

Bar interior with a mint-green tiled counter and wooden stools. A bartender uses a laptop behind the bar; a customer sits at the far end. Ceiling screens, brick walls, and an exit sign are visible.

It has nods to Ireland throughout, including phone booths, harps and other knickknacks. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

The vibe: Polished but comfortable; designed to shift from daytime dining to a lively late-night bar.

The 4,622-square-foot space seats nearly 200 people across multiple dining rooms. There are about 20 TVs strategically placed above the bar and in nearly every corner, so you don't have to change your posture to watch them.

"This is a good spot to sit down, have a glass of wine or cocktails ... it's approachable but elegant," co-owner and general manager Parker Starre tells Axios, adding he hopes it'll become a third space for people — "an extension of their living room," he says. 

Indoor billiards room with a dark wood pool table in the center, colorful balls near the far end, chairs along the walls, a large wall TV, green wainscoting, and windows showing parked cars outside.

The game room has a pool table that converts to ping pong and a 12-person dining room table. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Dig in: Its menu boasts a selection of comfort food, including pot roast, pork loin, trout and salmon. In tune with the bar's Irish theme, you can also find fish and chips and Irish stew. Plus, bar food like smashburgers, wings, pretzels and pizza.

Dessert plate featuring a dark chocolate brownie base topped with a coconut-crusted ice cream scoop and a swirl of whipped cream, drizzled with chocolate. Garnished with strawberry pieces and almond slivers in a cafe.

Brandi Jones from Honey Butter Bakery is the pastry chef. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Sip on this: The bar features 31 taps with local and regional beers. 

There's also wine on tap, cocktails and nonalcoholic options.

A hand with pink nails grips a tall, clear glass of iced cocktail topped with lime wedges, in a warmly lit bar with a bartender and shelves blurred in the background.

The "Irish Goodbye" cocktail is a riff of the "Irish Made" classic cocktail. It's made with Tully Irish whiskey, muddled cucumber, elderflower St. Germain, lemon juice and soda water. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

If you go: To start, its hours of operation will be limited. Opening in soft-launch mode gives the team time to fine-tune service, menu execution and flow.

The grand opening is April 15, after which it'll be open daily 11am–2am, with the kitchen serving until 1am.

Cozy cafe corner with a round wooden table and four chairs near green wainscoting. Large front windows, a no-smoking sign, and outdoor seating visible outside.

The garage windows open to create an indoor-outdoor experience. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Sneak peek: The Craic opens in SouthPark

The Irish-themed bar in the former Rusty Bucket space aims to be an all-day destination.

Multi-story brick building with curved balconies and beige stone base. Ground-floor shops with black awnings, outdoor seating under green umbrellas, string lights, and flower planters along sidewalk.

There are about 600 free parking spots. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Craic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/06/daily-brunch-and-irish-eats-coming-to-the-craic-in-southpark" data-vars-content-id="7324d6c3-d67a-409d-aff8-495c001bd814" data-vars-headline="Sneak peek: The Craic opens in SouthPark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/06/daily-brunch-and-irish-eats-coming-to-the-craic-in-southpark" target="_self">The Craic</a> is now in its soft-opening phase in SouthPark.Why it matters: The Irish-themed bar in the former Rusty Bucket space aims to be an all-day destination, working just as well for brunch, business meetings, dinner and late-night drinks.

We're tracking 23 highly anticipated restaurants and bars opening in Charlotte.

Between the lines: Restaurant opening dates are notorious for being pushed back, especially because of permit approval delays and supply chain issues that slow down build-outs and renovations. Many of the timelines are owners' estimates.

This list includes only new restaurants, bars and other establishments in the Charlotte area. It doesn't feature expansions like Suffolk Punch in Birkdale Village. 

Editor's note: This guide is updated monthly, with the latest update on March 31.

A restaurant fusing East African and Mediterranean flavors in Uptown.

The vibe: The 5,350-square-foot eatery will transition to a lounge after 10pm on weekends, featuring occasional live music or DJs setting the vibe with R&B and house music.

Go deeper:  Scoop: East African-Mediterranean fusion restaurant Amina to open in Uptown Charlotte

A wellness-forward fast-casual restaurant in Camp North End.

The vibe: The food stall in the Keswick building will serve bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, soups and kid-friendly dishes. It'll also offer plant-based and vegan-friendly options like cauliflower bites and cauliflower mac and cheese, alongside hearty dishes like salmon and short rib entrees.

The vibe: The 82-square-foot walk-up window at 35th Street and N. Davidson will soon reopen in the former Reigning Doughnuts space by the same owners. It will serve deli sandwiches, chips, small bites and soft serve.

A new restaurant in SouthPark in the former Rusty Bucket space.

The vibe: The Craic's menu features daily brunch, oven-fired pizzas, burgers, wings, and Irish-inspired entrees, including Irish stew and fish and chips.

Go deeper: Daily brunch and Irish eats coming to The Craic in SouthPark

A wine bar catering to independent artists and music lovers in University City.

The vibe: A former "American Idol" contestant is opening this spot to offer a space for artists to perform and have resources to help launch their musical careers. Expect DJs, live music and a selection of wines from Black-owned brands in the evening. By day, you'll find coffee and pastries.

Go deeper: Former "American Idol" contestant opening Charlotte wine bar to support other artists

A new restaurant from the family behind Tacos El Nevado.

The vibe: The owners of one of Charlotte's most popular Mexican restaurants are creating this spot to have a menu devoted to traditional dishes from Oaxaca, Mexico. The menu will feature traditional guisados (stewed dishes), sopes and torta de pierna (a pork leg sandwich). It'll also serve Oaxacan hot chocolate and other regional specialties rarely found outside southern Mexico.

Go deeper: Tacos el Nevado family opening authentic Oaxacan restaurant

The vibe: Expect teas and locally sourced coffee during the day and custom cocktails in the evening, in addition to baked goods and finger foods. The 1,107-square-foot space will have vinyl record players to rent; guests are welcome to bring their own, too.

A contemporary American restaurant in the former Bar One space.

The vibe: The space is getting several layout changes, but no major overhaul. For example, a 14-seat chef's table and wine room is being built where the burlesque stage was. Also new: a 35-person private dining room with its own bar and full AV setup.

Go deeper: New Packard Tavern to offer comfort food and cocktails in Uptown

A West Virginia-based Tex-Mex restaurant from the owner of Duckworth's in the former The Waterman spot in Lake Norman.

The vibe: Expect a menu with enchiladas, flautas, chimichangas, and huevos rancheros. Other dishes include pork carnitas tacos, coffee-rubbed hanger steak and grilled salmon.

Go deeper: Owner of Duckworth's bringing a taste of West Virginia to Charlotte with Chili Willi's partnership

A new Indian restaurant and cocktail lounge in the former Link & Pin spot in South End.

The vibe: Expect two experiences under one roof — a fine-dining Indian restaurant and a British-influenced cocktail lounge.

Go deeper: New fine-dining Indian restaurant and cocktail lounge coming to South End

James Beard–nominated chef Sam Diminich and the team behind Your Farms Your Table Group are reopening Mattie's Diner on The Plaza as a Michelin-level space.

The vibe: Grey's will open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The team describes it as a revival of the classic American diner paired with high-level hospitality in a casual setting. It'll have a bar program spanning morning coffee to evening cocktails.

Go deeper: James Beard-nominated chef revives Mattie's Diner 

A new hand-roll-focused sushi restaurant at The Joinery in Optimist Park.

The vibe: Each roll is made to order and served at a 24-seat counter, where people can watch the process unfold.

It'll also have a takeout window — dubbed Shariboto — with maki-style rolls wrapped in a special film to help retain texture. Sushi robots will help prepare and roll the rice.

Go deeper: Hand-roll sushi restaurant Sharigato coming to Optimist Park

A popular brunch spot from the Wilmington area is expanding to east Charlotte.

The vibe: Brunches, with a tagline of "Mimosas Made Me Do It," sells mimosa flights, a mimosa tower, Girl Scout Cookie-inspired brunch shots and adult Capri Suns.

Go deeper: Oakhurst welcomes brunch spot Brunches

An Italian pasta bar in South End in the former Futo Buta space.

The vibe: Expect a warm, moody interior with a chef's window and chef's table open to the dining room. Its patio will face the Rail Trail. The menu will feature seasonal pasta dishes plus Negroni- and amaro-forward cocktails.

Now that its owners have opened Mi Cariño, they're shifting their focus to this venture and hope to share more details, including a name, soon.

Go deeper: Fresh renderings: New Italian pasta bar Lady Funari coming to South End

A coffee and cocktail bar in Plaza Midwood.

The vibe: The former auto shop is being transformed into what co-owner Nikki Velazquez describes as a "third space" that'll have a menu with coffee, cocktails, mocktails and THC beverages.

Go deeper: Scoop: Coffee and cocktail bar opening in Plaza Midwood with "cool older sister" vibes

A healthy fast-casual restaurant in South End.

The vibe: Fare will serve breakfast all day, lunch and dinner at the Queensbridge Collective. Its menu features smoothies, bowls and salads, avocado toast, overnight oats and egg wraps.

Go deeper: Healthy eatery Fare opening in South End this year

A Denver-based steakhouse in South End with a rooftop.

The vibe: It'll have indoor and outdoor seating, a full bar, private dining rooms and a 2,000-square-foot deck with panoramic skyline views.

The menu will include beef, seafood, charcuterie, seasonal vegetarian options, wine and cocktails.

Go deeper: Popular Denver steakhouse Guard and Grace coming to new development in South End

The vibe: The 2,389-square-foot space will serve brunch, seasonal lunches, drink specials and dinner. The menu will also have wine flights, pinsa pizzas and rotating specials.

Go deeper: New Dallas-based wine bar coming to Charlotte's South End

A Spanish-inspired tapas restaurant from Atlanta in South End.

The vibe: Expect a menu featuring traditional charcuterie and tapas. Standouts are the bacon-wrapped dates and pork cheek tacos, with new creations planned for the Charlotte location.

Go deeper: Atlanta Spanish tapas restaurant to open in South End

Tacos el Nevado family opening authentic Oaxacan restaurant

New Packard Tavern to offer comfort food and cocktails in Uptown

James Beard-nominated chef revives Mattie's Diner

Fresh renderings: New Italian pasta bar Lady Funari coming to South End

New Dallas-based wine bar coming to Charlotte's South End

Historic Leeper-Wyatt building to reopen as 4-story eatery

23 most anticipated new restaurants and bars in Charlotte

Get ready for creative spots serving everything from sushi to tapas to Indian cuisine.

Amina plans a soft opening in Uptown in early April. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios

We&#x27;re tracking 23 highly anticipated restaurants and bars opening in Charlotte.

Latest news on Wall Street, Corporate America and financial regulation.

Business

Charlotte's reputation as a disc golf hub is strengthening as major tournaments, course growth and out-of-town players fuel its rise as a national destination.

Why it matters: Charlotte's deep course network and low-cost access are turning a niche sport into a sustained engine for tourism and recreation.

Driving the news: Charlotte is hosting the Queen City Classic this weekend at Hornets Nest Park. 

Charlotte is growing as a disc golf mecca

With 100+ courses and major tournaments, Charlotte is becoming a top travel spot for disc golf.

Charlotte&#x27;s reputation as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disc golf hub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/10/11/the-world-s-best-disc-golfers-are-in-town" data-vars-content-id="a45e2395-be86-4ab6-929d-03633af02c04" data-vars-headline="Charlotte is growing as a disc golf mecca" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/10/11/the-world-s-best-disc-golfers-are-in-town" target="_self">disc golf hub</a> is strengthening as major tournaments, course growth and out-of-town players fuel its rise as a national destination.Why it matters: Charlotte&#x27;s deep course network and low-cost access are turning a niche sport into a sustained engine for tourism and recreation.

Laura Barrero

Featured stories

New Baldwin & Co. lounge aims to get you off your phone

Sneak peek: The Craic opens in SouthPark

The 30 best brunch spots in Charlotte

23 most anticipated new restaurants and bars in Charlotte

Live music: 10 must-see concerts in Charlotte this April