I often get emails from readers asking for recommendations for restaurants, things to do and places to say when visiting Charlotte. When considering which recommendations to give, I think about what I like to do and where I like to take my out of town visitors, rather than the touristy things. So today I’m sharing my Charlotte City Guide for those of you who want to experience the Queen City like a local. But warning, you will probably want to relocate here after your visit.
EAT
- Brunch ($) at littleSpoon Eatery (Myers Park)
- Best bacon ever
- Lunch ($) at Cabo Fish Taco (Noda)
- Featured on Diners, Drives and Dives
- Lunch ($) at Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar (South Park)
- Get the Bento Box!
- Dinner ($$) at Dogwood Southern Table (South Park)
- Start with the baked pimento cheese dip
- Dinner ($$) at Essex Bar & Bistro (Uptown)
- Get the brussels sprout salad
- Dinner ($$) 204 North Kitchen (Uptown)
- Wine & small plates ($$) at Foxcroft Wine Co. (Dilworth)
- Pick out a bottle of wine in their shop over $30 to avoid the corkage fee
- BBQ ($) at Midwood Smokehouse (Plaza Midwood)
Additional restaurant recommendations.
DRINK
- Coffee at Not Just Coffee
- Cocktails at Merchant & Trade (Uptown)
- Cocktails at Fahrenheit (Uptown)
- Breweries: Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Sycamore Brewing, Resident Culture Brewing Company, Wooden Robot
PLAY
- Spend the day at US National Whitewater Center
- Hike Crowders Mountain
- Take a stroll through Freedom Park
- Watch a Charlotte Knights ball game
- Rider roller coasters at Carowinds
- Rent a dockless bike or scooter to ride around Uptown
- Shop at South Park Mall
- Grab a bouquet of flowers and fresh food at the Farmers’ Markets (seasonal)
- Food Truck Friday (seasonal)
- Enjoy the Charlotte Symphony at Pops In the Park (seasonal)
KIDS
STAY
- The Duke Mansion Historical (Historic Neighborhood)
- Omni (Uptown)
- Kimpton Hotel (Uptown)