Charlotte’s healthy dining scene gets a vibrant boost with the arrival of South Block, the Washington, D.C.-based acai bowl and smoothie destination, now open in Ballantyne.

 

Located at 14020 Stream Way in The Bowl at Ballantyne, South Block draws local excitement for its organic, fair-trade acai bowls, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices bursting with fresh fruit.

 

Founder Amir Mostafavi brings a passionate focus on quality, promising a standout taste experience for Charlotte residents.

 

The grand opening celebration on January 17, 2026, features free mini acai bowls for the first 100 guests, plus lively music, giveaways, and face painting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., South Block not only serves nutrition-packed meals but also supports the community by donating sales to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and Fruitful Planet.

 

This new venue is set to become Ballantyne’s favorite spot for fresh, fast, and wholesome eats.

Sugar Creek Brewing Company is ramping up its presence in the Charlotte region with two bold expansions.

 

Travelers will soon find a new 939-square-foot taproom in Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s Concourse A, designed to serve 40 guests quickly near Gate A22.

 

The move brings Sugar Creek’s local brews to a wider audience and deepens the airport’s local flavor offerings.

 

Simultaneously, Sugar Creek is breathing new life into Gastonia by taking over the former Cavendish Brewing space at 207 N Chester St.

 

The site will transform into a combined production facility and vibrant taproom, aiming to become both a hub for craft beer and a welcoming gathering spot for Gaston County.

 

These expansions reflect growing confidence in the region’s craft beer industry and support the economic vitality spreading from Charlotte into neighboring communities.

Charlotte Restaurant Week, Queen’s Feast returns from January 23 through February 1, 2026, offering 10 days of three-course prix-fixe menus at over 120 local restaurants.

 

Enjoy creative seasonal dishes and comforting classics citywide, with dinner prices ranging from $30 to $55 per person (excluding tax and gratuity).

 

Whether planning a romantic date night, a group celebration, or just looking to explore Charlotte’s vibrant food scene, Queen’s Feast is an unbeatable way to experience the area’s culinary talent.

 

Local favorites like Fin & Fino in Uptown, Church & Union, and Barcelona Wine Bar in South End are among the top spots you’ll want to reserve early.

 

Reservations are highly recommended as tables fill quickly for this popular annual event.

 

Discover your new favorite restaurant and savor the flavors of Charlotte during this city-wide celebration of dining.

Charlotte’s must-try restaurants for 2026 reflect a city at its culinary peak, buzzing with creativity and national recognition.

 

From Michelin-starred dining at Counter, where immersive tasting menus set a new bar, to Rada’s edgy Mediterranean flavors, the city’s acclaimed hotspots continue to earn seats for their innovation.

 

New favorites like Eso Artisanal Pasta and PopUp Bagels add excitement to the mix, while Sala shines with Mediterranean-inspired cocktails and shareable plates.

 

Classic spots such as Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen, Dos Caminos, and Lang Van remain crowd-pleasers, each upholding Charlotte’s reputation for soulful barbecue, vibrant global eats, and memorable hospitality.

 

For sweet stops, The Batchmaker and Reigning Doughnuts are beloved for their playful, fresh-baked treats.

 

2026 promises a golden age for Charlotte dining, inviting every palate to savor something extraordinary.

Charlotte’s cocktail scene is full of options, but locals have strong opinions about where to get the city’s best Old Fashioned.

 

Idlewild stands out as the top choice, favored for bartenders who customize each drink with attention to technique, not flashy gimmicks—earning loyal fans among bourbon lovers and cocktail purists.

 

For those seeking atmosphere, Dot Dot Dot sparks debate with its smoked Old Fashioned; some call it superb, others say it’s pricey and unreliable.

 

The Cotton Room wins steady acclaim for its Campfire Old Fashioned, offering balance without pretension.

 

Classicists flock to Crunkleton and The Cellar at Duckworth’s for no-nonsense takes done right.

 

Neighborhood favorites like Humbug, Fig Tree, Haberdish, Runaway, and DTR Dilworth round out the mix.

 

Ultimately, price never guarantees quality—Charlotte’s best Old Fashioneds come from careful craft, not the highest tab.

In Ballantyne, Finale Pizza brings authentic New York-style pizza to Charlotte at 15025 Lancaster Hwy D3.

 

Guests enjoy an upbeat, friendly atmosphere with green barstools, lively music, and warm service that makes every visit inviting.

 

Created by the team behind Inizio Pizza Napoletana, Finale’s focus is on 19-inch, thin-crust pies, cooked at high heat for perfectly charred, crisp slices that are deliciously foldable.

 

Lunch crowds flock for slices served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but true fans order the whole pie for the full experience.

 

Each pizza boasts a golden crust, balanced toppings, and signature mozzarella chunks, demonstrating attention to detail and flavor.

 

Popular options include the crispy Vodka Sauce pizza and creamy tiramisu, while salads and pasta add tempting variety.

 

Finale Pizza stands out locally with intentional flavors and consistent quality, making it a can’t-miss spot for Charlotte pizza lovers.

Seemingly Overzealous, Charlotte’s popular dairy-, egg-, and gluten-free ice cream shop, is expanding with new locations coming to Davidson and Matthews in 2026.

 

The Davidson shop will open this spring at 207 Griffith St. in Sadler Square, with the Matthews spot set for late summer.

 

Founded during the pandemic by Garrett Tichy and Jessica Berrese, the brand’s allergen-friendly menu quickly won local fans.

 

Each new shop will feature vibrant interiors, glittery floors, and both indoor and outdoor seating.

 

Expect an expanded assortment of 16 to 24 rotating flavors, including quirky hits like CAN'T ALL BE COOKiE and SCOOP OF SELF DOUBT.

 

Both locations will offer afternoon and evening hours every day, making it easier for locals to enjoy inclusive frozen treats.

Fuerza del Este, a new effort by nonprofit CharlotteEast, aims to revitalize East Charlotte’s local businesses after widespread disruptions from recent federal immigration enforcement.

 

The campaign encourages residents to shop and dine at immigrant-owned establishments throughout December, offering gift card rewards for spending at participating locations.

 

With more than 400 independent businesses in East Charlotte—about 70% of them immigrant-owned—many faced closures and lost an average of $2,500 per day due to reduced customer turnout and safety fears.

 

By uploading receipts from eligible shops and restaurants, customers can earn substantial gift cards, supporting both the local economy and community resilience.

 

Highlighted participating spots include Manolo’s Bakery, Lang Van, Queen Sheba Ethiopian, and Why Not Pizza, reflecting the community’s rich multicultural flavors.

 

Residents are encouraged to explore these local gems, knowing every purchase fuels recovery for hardworking business owners and their families.

SouthPark is poised for a vibrant update this fall as Laurel Park prepares to open at 4201 Congress Street, where the beloved Village Tavern once stood for 35 years.

 

Leading the transformation is Dan McCormick, who has energized the local scene with ongoing renovation teasers on social media.

 

The culinary vision is steered by acclaimed local chef Brett Faldstein, promising New American cuisine with global flair — think duck barbacoa empanadas, house-made pastas, and a bistro filet.

 

Dessert lovers will delight in inventive options such as ube cheesecake and a s'mores-inspired tart.

 

Committed to supporting regional growers, Laurel Park will source beef from Brasstown Beef and fresh produce locally.

 

Guests can look forward to a 5,500-square-foot dining room and an inviting 2,000-square-foot patio, perfect for gatherings by the open-air bar and fireside seating.

 

The grand opening is anticipated in October, offering the community an exciting new dining destination.

Comal Taco Co. is bringing a Southwest flair to Optimist Hall, taking over the former Marina’s Tapas spot.

 

Owner Shang Skipper emphasizes honoring Mexican and American Southwest culinary traditions, promising a vibrant menu featuring tacos, queso, house-made salsas, and Arizona’s signature cheese crisp.

 

Local supplier De La Vega Tortillas will provide all tortillas and chips, keeping ingredients tied to the community.

 

The menu also includes nachos, fresh guacamole, red sangria, and churros paired with a decadent dulce de leche sauce.

 

Chef Andres Kaifer—known for Customshop and his previous role at Marina’s Tapas—will collaborate with Skipper on menu design and operational guidance.

 

Comal Taco Co. will be the third new concept to join Optimist Hall since August, following ESO Artisanal Pasta and Poppycox.

Charlotte’s Latino-owned businesses are facing serious disruption after a sweeping federal immigration crackdown led to more than 130 arrests in just 48 hours.

 

Fear and uncertainty have swept through neighborhoods, forcing staples like Manolo’s Bakery to temporarily shut down.

 

Owner Manuel “Manolo” Betancur described the atmosphere as even more devastating than the pandemic, citing steep declines in sales and necessary layoffs.

 

Other favorites such as Pisco Peruvian Gastrolounge and El Taco Veloz have also closed, as customers avoid businesses out of concern for safety and the increased presence of border agents.

 

Despite these setbacks, Charlotte’s community is rallying. Events like Chicas Market are helping Latina entrepreneurs stay afloat, while organizations like International House and Refugee Support Services provide vital aid.

 

Demonstrating resilience and solidarity, the community continues to champion its Latino-owned businesses, determined to keep Charlotte’s local spirit alive and thriving.

Charlotte’s restaurants are ready to make Thanksgiving stress-free with festive dining options across the city.

 

Whether you crave traditional turkey or creative cuisine, there’s a spot for every palate.

 

Angeline’s pairs herb-roasted turkey with seasonal sides, while Angry Ale’s adds lively sports and drink specials for a fun twist.

 

Church & Union, La Belle Helene, and The Palm Restaurant feature three-course prix fixe menus, boasting elegant mains and decadent desserts for families and foodies alike.

 

Napa offers multiple Charlotte-area locations serving roasted turkey, prime rib, or salmon with classic sides and sweet treats.

 

Dean’s Italian Steakhouse and Chima Steakhouse each put their signature spin on Thanksgiving, blending holiday favorites with steakhouse flair.

 

Be sure to reserve early — enjoy a memorable meal and skip the holiday cleanup this year.

Clark’s Snack Bar on Central Avenue is quickly becoming a Plaza Midwood favorite, known for its old-school diner vibes and comfort food done right.

 

Locals rave about the juicy burgers, Carolina-style hot dogs topped with slaw and mustard, and crispy fries that hit the spot every time.

 

The staff’s fast, friendly service keeps regulars coming back, whether they’re stopping in for takeout or a relaxed sit-down meal.

 

Clark’s retro charm stands out in the neighborhood’s evolving dining scene, bringing back nostalgic energy without sacrificing a clean, modern feel.

 

Affordable prices and generous portions make it easy to return again and again, especially as food costs keep rising throughout Charlotte.

 

No frills or fuss—just great food and genuine hospitality that’s pure Plaza Midwood.