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30 best restaurants in Charlotte, right now

We ranked the best restaurants in Charlotte this year.

Food and Drink

Charlotte restaurants have never had more national attention. But they’re also competing harder than ever for your dinner reservation.Why it matters: In a dining landscape increasingly shaped by national restaurant groups and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outside investment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/08/02/private-equity-maman-popup-small-business" data-vars-content-id="edb1777e-ad0b-4dae-b920-3978a34eb48f" data-vars-headline="30 best restaurants in Charlotte, right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/08/02/private-equity-maman-popup-small-business" target="_self">outside investment</a>, every restaurant reservation has a ripple effect. Our annual list spotlights the very best locally owned spots.

College grads descend on Charlotte, packing U-Hauls and bars

Have you noticed the surge in fresh college grads?

News

It’s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="like" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/08/02/private-equity-maman-popup-small-business" data-vars-content-id="6ddbe743-e468-4a3f-bbb6-5bb4f603b7d5" data-vars-headline="College grads descend on Charlotte, packing U-Hauls and bars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/08/02/private-equity-maman-popup-small-business" target="_self">like</a> college move-in season. But instead of a tiny dorm, they’re moving into $3,900 South End apartments split among three roommates. Instead of the student union, they’re wrapping the block around Tyber Creek Pub.Why it matters: Welcome to Charlotte, grads. While nationally your peers are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="struggling to find work" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/25/jobs-market-ai-indeed-retail" data-vars-content-id="6ddbe743-e468-4a3f-bbb6-5bb4f603b7d5" data-vars-headline="College grads descend on Charlotte, packing U-Hauls and bars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/25/jobs-market-ai-indeed-retail" target="_self">struggling to find work</a>, you&#x27;ve landed in an outlier market where employers are bringing young recruits in by the hundreds to start their first big-boy and girl jobs this summer.

Weekender: 34 things to do in Charlotte this weekend including a vintage market

Events happening Aug. 21-23 include a Y2K vintage market, BIG3, live music, back to school festivities, outdoor movies and Charlotte FC.

Things to Do

There&#x27;s a lot to get into this weekend, from a Y2K vintage market to a garden crawl, to keep your calendar full.

Que Onda is opening a $2M flagship restaurant in Montford

The local Mexican restaurant's Montford location will open with a  70-seat patio and private event space.

Que Onda Tacos + Tequila is expanding to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Montford" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/08/10/good-food-on-montford-to-reopen-as-bittersweet" data-vars-content-id="8c989e32-4e72-4c0d-9f6f-eff38d58e53f" data-vars-headline="Que Onda is opening a $2M flagship restaurant in Montford" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/08/10/good-food-on-montford-to-reopen-as-bittersweet" target="_self">Montford</a> with a new $2 million restaurant expected to open early next year.Why it matters: The $2 million flagship will be Que Onda’s sixth location as the Charlotte-born restaurant chain continues to expand.

Manolo's Bakery owner confronts ex-Border Patrol chief

Charlotte immigrant rights advocate Manolo Betancur refused to let former Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino into his east Charlotte bakery Sunday.

Politics

Charlotte immigrant rights advocate and entrepreneur <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Manolo Betancur" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/12/03/charlotte-bakery-s-film-debut-highlights-immigrant-advocacy" data-vars-content-id="ee075846-dc7d-4426-b114-130881a86134" data-vars-headline="Manolo&#x27;s Bakery owner confronts ex-Border Patrol chief" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/12/03/charlotte-bakery-s-film-debut-highlights-immigrant-advocacy" target="_self">Manolo Betancur</a> is speaking out after a confrontation Sunday outside his east Charlotte bakery with former Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino.Why it matters: Betancur owns <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Manolo&#x27;s Bakery, " data-vars-click-url="https://manolosbakery.com" data-vars-content-id="ee075846-dc7d-4426-b114-130881a86134" data-vars-headline="Manolo&#x27;s Bakery owner confronts ex-Border Patrol chief" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://manolosbakery.com" target="_blank">Manolo&#x27;s Bakery, </a>which became a prominent gathering place for peaceful protests against ICE and Border Patrol&#x27;s presence during <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Operation Charlotte&#x27;s Web," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/15/dhs-charlotte-operation-few-answers" data-vars-content-id="ee075846-dc7d-4426-b114-130881a86134" data-vars-headline="Manolo&#x27;s Bakery owner confronts ex-Border Patrol chief" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/15/dhs-charlotte-operation-few-answers" target="_self">Operation Charlotte&#x27;s Web,</a> last November&#x27;s federal immigration crackdown led by Bovino.

Charlotte's lines are becoming a third place of their own

Line culture can signal social proof and status, but it can also create community — turning the queue into a third space of its own.

Culture

Charlotteans are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="waiting hours in line" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/29/bru-latte-coffee-pop-up-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="71d8efa6-a835-4019-9b83-45ab495a8035" data-vars-headline="Charlotte&#x27;s lines are becoming a third place of their own" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/29/bru-latte-coffee-pop-up-charlotte" target="_self">waiting hours in line</a> for croissants, coffee, bagels and barbecue — often before doors even open.Why it matters: People aren&#x27;t just standing in line for what&#x27;s at the front of it. Line culture can signal status and taste, but it can also create community — turning the queue into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a third place" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/15/your-third-place" data-vars-content-id="71d8efa6-a835-4019-9b83-45ab495a8035" data-vars-headline="Charlotte&#x27;s lines are becoming a third place of their own" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/15/your-third-place" target="_self">a third place</a> of its own.

25 things worth your money in Charlotte

What Axios journalists say is worth the money in Charlotte.

A trend is spreading on TikTok where users share five things they believe are &quot;worth your money.&quot;<ul><li>As self-proclaimed professional locals, we had a few thoughts — specifically for Charlotte.</li></ul>Why it matters: It&#x27;s hard to know where to spend your hard-earned dollar nowadays, but we all have a few things we&#x27;ve purchased in Charlotte — and generally, in life — that were worth every penny.

Where to find the sought-after Sarti spritz in Charlotte

The popular, bright pink Italian apertivo, once exclusive only to Europe, has landed stateside.

A popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="European summer spritz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/25/prosecco-bar-bev-now-open-plaza-midwood" data-vars-content-id="d2de6b12-b62e-4dcd-8985-a421f5f4a05d" data-vars-headline="Where to find the sought-after Sarti spritz 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/2026/03/25/prosecco-bar-bev-now-open-plaza-midwood" target="_self">European summer spritz</a> has landed in Charlotte — and it&#x27;s already flying off the shelves.The big picture: Sarti Rosa, the Italian aperitivo used to make the buzzy Sarti spritz, made its U.S. debut in late July, the brand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced on Instagram." data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbI8bi3NbaI/" data-vars-content-id="d2de6b12-b62e-4dcd-8985-a421f5f4a05d" data-vars-headline="Where to find the sought-after Sarti spritz in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DbI8bi3NbaI/" target="_blank">announced on Instagram.</a> <ul><li>Before its stateside arrival, Sarti was only available in Europe, where it had become a summertime staple.</li></ul>Why it matters: Charlotte is thirsty for it. Local bars tell Axios they&#x27;re already having trouble keeping the fruity, bright pink liqueur in stock.<ul><li>I had no luck, either. The Plaza Midwood ABC store was sold out when I stopped by this past weekend hoping to buy a bottle.</li></ul>What to expect: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sarti spritz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sartiaperitivo.com/cocktails/sarti-spritz/" data-vars-content-id="d2de6b12-b62e-4dcd-8985-a421f5f4a05d" data-vars-headline="Where to find the sought-after Sarti spritz in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sartiaperitivo.com/cocktails/sarti-spritz/" target="_blank">Sarti spritz</a>, known for its notes of blood orange, mango and passion fruit, typically combines Sarti Rosa with prosecco and soda water.Zoom out: Spritzes are a summer staple, from the classic Aperol to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="increasingly popular Hugo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/29/hugo-spritz-popular-what-is-it" data-vars-content-id="d2de6b12-b62e-4dcd-8985-a421f5f4a05d" data-vars-headline="Where to find the sought-after Sarti spritz in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/29/hugo-spritz-popular-what-is-it" target="_self">increasingly popular Hugo</a>. Now, the vibrant Sarti spritz is joining the mix.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Here&#x27;s where you can try one in Charlotte.</h2><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]"><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bev Proseccheria" data-vars-click-url="https://bevproseccheria.com" data-vars-content-id="d2de6b12-b62e-4dcd-8985-a421f5f4a05d" data-vars-headline="Where to find the sought-after Sarti spritz in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bevproseccheria.com" target="_blank">Bev Proseccheria</a></h2>A Plaza Midwood <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vintage Airstream" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/03/25/prosecco-bar-bev-now-open-plaza-midwood" data-vars-content-id="d2de6b12-b62e-4dcd-8985-a421f5f4a05d" data-vars-headline="Where to find the sought-after Sarti spritz 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/2026/03/25/prosecco-bar-bev-now-open-plaza-midwood" target="_self">vintage Airstream</a> that specializes in Italian prosecco and spritzes makes its version with Sarti Rosa, mineral water and prosecco, garnished with lime for $14. Stop by: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2008 Commonwealth Ave" data-vars-click-url="https://maps.app.goo.gl/MUvJPMAW7vxZcpgq6" data-vars-content-id="d2de6b12-b62e-4dcd-8985-a421f5f4a05d" data-vars-headline="Where to find the sought-after Sarti spritz in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/MUvJPMAW7vxZcpgq6" target="_blank">2008 Commonwealth Ave</a>, next to Moxie Mercantile.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]"><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Streetcar " data-vars-click-url="https://streetcarclt.com/charlotte-bar-daily-specials" data-vars-content-id="d2de6b12-b62e-4dcd-8985-a421f5f4a05d" data-vars-headline="Where to find the sought-after Sarti spritz in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://streetcarclt.com/charlotte-bar-daily-specials" target="_blank">Streetcar </a></h2>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thrift Road sports bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/12/04/sports-bar-streetcar-bar-bites-thrift-road-345284" data-vars-content-id="d2de6b12-b62e-4dcd-8985-a421f5f4a05d" data-vars-headline="Where to find the sought-after Sarti spritz 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/2023/12/04/sports-bar-streetcar-bar-bites-thrift-road-345284" target="_self">Thrift Road sports bar</a> offers $10 Sarti spritzes every Monday. Stop by: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2315 Thrift Road" data-vars-click-url="https://www.google.com/maps/place/2315+Thrift+Rd,+Charlotte,+NC+28208/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8856a1c2522466e9:0xe359152ab8a8253b?sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiR9aKF0PaCAxV2D1kFHefhACIQ8gF6BAgHEAA" data-vars-content-id="d2de6b12-b62e-4dcd-8985-a421f5f4a05d" data-vars-headline="Where to find the sought-after Sarti spritz in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/2315+Thrift+Rd,+Charlotte,+NC+28208/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8856a1c2522466e9:0xe359152ab8a8253b?sa=X&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiR9aKF0PaCAxV2D1kFHefhACIQ8gF6BAgHEAA" target="_blank">2315 Thrift Road</a>, beside Pizza Baby.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]"><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dilworth Tasting Room" data-vars-click-url="https://dilworthtr.com" data-vars-content-id="d2de6b12-b62e-4dcd-8985-a421f5f4a05d" data-vars-headline="Where to find the sought-after Sarti spritz in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dilworthtr.com" target="_blank">Dilworth Tasting Room</a></h2>The long-running Charlotte cocktail bar serves Sarti at its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="original Dilworth location" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/19/dilworth-tasting-room-charlotte-menu-changes-rising-costs-mediterranean-small-plates" data-vars-content-id="d2de6b12-b62e-4dcd-8985-a421f5f4a05d" data-vars-headline="Where to find the sought-after Sarti spritz 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/2026/02/19/dilworth-tasting-room-charlotte-menu-changes-rising-costs-mediterranean-small-plates" target="_self">original Dilworth location</a>, along with several other spritzes. During its Garden Spritz Sunday event on Aug. 16, spritzes will be $15.<ul><li>DTR tells Axios it&#x27;s working to restock at all three locations. </li></ul>Stop by: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="300 E. Tremont Ave." data-vars-click-url="https://www.google.com/maps/place/300+E+Tremont+Ave,+Charlotte,+NC+28203/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88569f775dc278b9:0xf988ad7b7bbb1dc1?sa=X&amp;ved=1t:242&amp;ictx=111" data-vars-content-id="d2de6b12-b62e-4dcd-8985-a421f5f4a05d" data-vars-headline="Where to find the sought-after Sarti spritz in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/300+E+Tremont+Ave,+Charlotte,+NC+28203/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88569f775dc278b9:0xf988ad7b7bbb1dc1?sa=X&amp;ved=1t:242&amp;ictx=111" target="_blank">300 E. Tremont Ave.</a> <h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]"><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mama Ricotta&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mamaricottas.com" data-vars-content-id="d2de6b12-b62e-4dcd-8985-a421f5f4a05d" data-vars-headline="Where to find the sought-after Sarti spritz in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mamaricottas.com" target="_blank">Mama Ricotta&#x27;s</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Little Mama&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://littlemamasitalian.com" data-vars-content-id="d2de6b12-b62e-4dcd-8985-a421f5f4a05d" data-vars-headline="Where to find the sought-after Sarti spritz in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://littlemamasitalian.com" target="_blank">Little Mama&#x27;s</a></h2>Long-standing Italian restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mama Ricotta&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2022/08/02/mama-ricottas-celebrates-30-years-this-is-what-owner-frank-scibelli-would-order-304194" data-vars-content-id="d2de6b12-b62e-4dcd-8985-a421f5f4a05d" data-vars-headline="Where to find the sought-after Sarti spritz 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/2022/08/02/mama-ricottas-celebrates-30-years-this-is-what-owner-frank-scibelli-would-order-304194" target="_self">Mama Ricotta&#x27;s</a> and its newer sister concept, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Little Mama&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2020/06/18/little-mamas-opens-in-southpark-168379" data-vars-content-id="d2de6b12-b62e-4dcd-8985-a421f5f4a05d" data-vars-headline="Where to find the sought-after Sarti spritz 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/2020/06/18/little-mamas-opens-in-southpark-168379" target="_self">Little Mama&#x27;s</a>, are both serving a Sarti spritz for $14.Stop by: Find Mama Ricotta&#x27;s at Midtown Terrace and Little Mama&#x27;s in SouthPark and Rea Farms. Yes, and: Charlotte content creator @dailydre <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="also spotted the spritz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbW2txNpq2q/" data-vars-content-id="d2de6b12-b62e-4dcd-8985-a421f5f4a05d" data-vars-headline="Where to find the sought-after Sarti spritz in Charlotte" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DbW2txNpq2q/" target="_blank">also spotted the spritz</a> at Must Be Nice in South End, though Axios wasn&#x27;t able to confirm whether it&#x27;s currently in stock.<ul><li>The drink is still rolling out around Charlotte, so expect availability to vary from bar to bar.</li></ul>

Why Charlotte's hot dog crawl was about much more than the glizzies

If you saw crowds of people dressed as hot dogs last Saturday...here's what was happening.

More than 1,000 people spent last Saturday wandering Charlotte in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hot dog suits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/04/16/hot-dog-start-up-gleezy-brisket-sport-golf-official" data-vars-content-id="8eae628e-f4df-4670-923f-d85c79ad287d" data-vars-headline="Why Charlotte&#x27;s hot dog crawl was about much more than the glizzies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/04/16/hot-dog-start-up-gleezy-brisket-sport-golf-official" target="_self">hot dog suits</a> and condiment costumes on a mission to eat as many &quot;glizzies&quot; as possible. To anyone passing by, it probably looked like a fever dream.<ul><li>But somewhere between the sold-out hot dogs, packed sidewalks and strangers chatting in line, it became clear Charlotte was not just hungry for hot dogs but for a reason to gather. </li></ul>Why it matters: As Charlotte grows, so does the demand for low-pressure <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ways to meet people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/03/19/ways-to-make-friends-in-charlotte-nc-social-groups-to-join" data-vars-content-id="8eae628e-f4df-4670-923f-d85c79ad287d" data-vars-headline="Why Charlotte&#x27;s hot dog crawl was about much more than the glizzies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/03/19/ways-to-make-friends-in-charlotte-nc-social-groups-to-join" target="_self">ways to meet people</a>. The hot dog bar crawl proved community doesn&#x27;t have to be polished or expensive. Sometimes it just takes a ridiculous idea — and a willingness to commit to the bit.

8 Charlotte dating groups hosting speed dating and singles events

We've rounded up local dating groups hosting in-person singles mixers so you can skip the swiping.

Dating

A growing number of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Charlotte dating events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/dating" data-vars-content-id="13412077-cb06-4850-bc30-e96ada2da214" data-vars-headline="8 Charlotte dating groups hosting speed dating and singles events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/dating" target="_self">Charlotte dating events</a> are helping singles ditch the apps through in-person mixers, speed dating and even live dating shows.Why it matters: Dating app fatigue is real. More singles are choosing face-to-face connections over endless swiping, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios has reported." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/singles-events-dating-app-fatigue" data-vars-content-id="13412077-cb06-4850-bc30-e96ada2da214" data-vars-headline="8 Charlotte dating groups hosting speed dating and singles events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/singles-events-dating-app-fatigue" target="_self">Axios has reported.</a> These local events and dating groups skip the screens and get singles face-to-face from the start.

The Charlotte summer racing series launching NASCAR's next generation

The Speedway's Summer Shootout series is where many future NASCAR drivers get their start.

Some of the toughest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="race cars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/11/07/nascar-ridealong-race-car-charlotte-motor-speedway" data-vars-content-id="0b0a7850-d798-4ddd-9017-745560ca3071" data-vars-headline="The Charlotte summer racing series launching NASCAR&#x27;s next generation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/11/07/nascar-ridealong-race-car-charlotte-motor-speedway" target="_self">race cars</a> around are being driven by kids as young as 13 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.Why it matters: The Speedway&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Summer Shootout" data-vars-click-url="https://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/events/summer-shootout/" data-vars-content-id="0b0a7850-d798-4ddd-9017-745560ca3071" data-vars-headline="The Charlotte summer racing series launching NASCAR&#x27;s next generation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/events/summer-shootout/" target="_blank">Summer Shootout</a> series is where many future NASCAR drivers sharpen their skills. It&#x27;s also one of Charlotte&#x27;s more affordable <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="family outings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/06/30/family-friendly-activities-charlotte-330084" data-vars-content-id="0b0a7850-d798-4ddd-9017-745560ca3071" data-vars-headline="The Charlotte summer racing series launching NASCAR&#x27;s next generation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2023/06/30/family-friendly-activities-charlotte-330084" target="_self">family outings</a>, with $13 tickets for adults and free admission for kids 12 and under.

We checked in with former Axios Charlotte blind daters. Here's where they are now

We needed closure. So we texted everyone.

After years of setting Charlotteans up on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blind dates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/dating" data-vars-content-id="03082b9a-1636-4f0e-8d6a-5503adb65503" data-vars-headline="We checked in with former Axios Charlotte blind daters. Here&#x27;s where they are now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/dating" target="_self">blind dates</a>, we wanted to know: What happened next?State of play: We checked back in with dozens of former participants from the last three years to find out whether there was a second date — and where their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dating lives" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/13/charlotte-dating-apps-irl" data-vars-content-id="03082b9a-1636-4f0e-8d6a-5503adb65503" data-vars-headline="We checked in with former Axios Charlotte blind daters. Here&#x27;s where they are now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/13/charlotte-dating-apps-irl" target="_self">dating lives</a> have taken them since.

From $20 cocktails to $2K rent: Why Charlotte is getting expensive

$15 High Noons. $1M townhomes. Charlotte's getting expensive.

People <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="are" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/03/charlotte-housing-market-first-time-buyers-unaffordable" data-vars-content-id="ca14b59c-7654-4500-8dff-cecbf4588a48" data-vars-headline="From $20 cocktails to $2K rent: Why Charlotte is getting expensive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/06/03/charlotte-housing-market-first-time-buyers-unaffordable" target="_self">are</a> seeing it everywhere: Gas at $4. Cocktails over $20. Rent climbing to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$2,000" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/26/vivian-apartments-south-end-rent" data-vars-content-id="ca14b59c-7654-4500-8dff-cecbf4588a48" data-vars-headline="From $20 cocktails to $2K rent: Why Charlotte is getting expensive" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/26/vivian-apartments-south-end-rent" target="_self">$2,000</a>, and homeownership out of reach.<ul><li>Charlotte is getting expensive.</li></ul>Why it matters: The whole country is feeling the squeeze, but Charlotte faces an extra layer of economic pressure:<ul><li>The rising cost of being a desirable city.</li></ul>

Comedian Matt Rife returns to Charlotte with jokes about the city

The comedian returns to Spectrum Center this June and he has a few jokes to share about Charlotte traffic, sports fans and dating.

Comedian Matt Rife loves Charlotte, but that didn&#x27;t stop him from finding a few things to joke about ahead of his upcoming show this summer.Why it matters: Rife credits Charlotte&#x27;s Comedy Zone as one of the first clubs to give him a shot, and says the city has remained one of his favorite stops ever since.