$1 Ice cream scoops (yes, actually), brunch festival pop-ups, unique restaurant collabs, frozen treats, wine dinners, milkshakes and sundaes galore, BBQ with an Asian twist… This September Eats is coming in hot – or should we say cold?
New & Now Open
Mama’s Comfort Food & Cocktails, Park Rd
Now open at 4101 Park Road, Mama’s Comfort Food & Cocktails has taken its Cali roots and transplanted to none other than the QC. Offering a wide menu serving up breakfast, lunch, dinner, and obviously cocktails, this is a new foodie find we’re all excited about.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, Plaza Midwood
Here’s the scoop on free scoops: Van Leeuwen is officially opening its first NC location (eek) Thursday, September 4. To celebrate their grand opening, they are serving up $1 scoops from 11 am to 1 pm, as well as free tote bags for the first 100 guests. To make this day as sweet as possible, Van Leeuwen is also partnering with one of Charlotte’s very own bakers, the Batchmaker, for a limited-time sundae debut.
Van Leeuwen’s Plaza Midwood scoop shop is located at 1711 Commonwealth Avenue. The shop will be open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Soul Gastrolounge, NoDa
The iconic restaurant that was located in Plaza Midwood for 15 years has made its return to NoDa, much to the joy of countless Charlotte foodies. Now walk in, sit down, sip on some of that famous Soul cucumber water, grab an order of sashimi tuna tacos (or three), and soak in the nostalgia of one of our favorite restaurant returnees.
Retro Bar, Uptown
Meet Retro Bar: Charlotte’s newest Throwback Bar, bringing 80s, 90s, and Y2K vibes to the QC. The bar is open, but more importantly, so is the dance floor – so bring your moves. Hours are as follows: Tuesday-Friday, 5 PM-2 AM. Saturday & Sunday, 12 PM-2 AM
The Scoop N Scootery, Uptown
Open until 2 am, this Boston-based ice cream franchise, the Scoop N Scootery, is now bringing sundaes, fro-yo, floats, and more frozen treats to your CLT doorstep (or you can find them at 2135 Thrift Road).
ESO Pasta, Optimist Hall
ESO is officially open in Optimist Hall and serving their Fresh Pasta ‘A La Minute’ to the public. Expect to find menus filled with everything Italian: including Antipasti, Pasta, Dolci, and Vino. Last but not least, their new digs feature a Chef’s Counter where AJ and Kristina offer reservation-only tasting menus.
Milkshake Factory, Uptown
The Milkshake Factory is officially open, and they’ve got hand-spun milkshakes, homemade ice cream, gourmet chocolate, and much, much more. Try out one of their limited-edition shakes, or go with a classic. Non-dairy? Try one of their dairy-free shakes: strawberry, chocolate, cookies and cream, or peanut butter. Not in the mood for a shake? Enjoy a molten cup, root beer float, or hot fudge brownie sundae.
Bossy Beulah’s, Park Road
Bossy Beulah’s Chicken Shack has relocated their Griffith Street location to a new site in Park Road Shopping Center. You can find the same delicious chicken sandwiches, bossy bites, and of course, plenty of sauce – all at their new spot.
Closed or Closing
- Resident Culture Brewing, South End
- Mattie’s Diner, Plaza Midwood
Charlotte Restaurants & Eateries Coming Soon
Improper Pig, Plaza Midwood – Fall 2025
Set to open late this fall, the Improper Pig is bringing more than just a new location to their brand… they’re bringing new flavors, a new vibe, and a new home base to Plaza Midwood. The saucy smokehouse joint so many of us love is rebranding with a new twist: American BBQ with a side of Asian flair. More info to come.
Yugenn, South End – Late September
Yugenn’s sisterly sushi concept is arriving in South End late this summer, brought to us by the sisters behind the Sake Express brand. Sushi lovers can expect traditional rolls, contemporary Japanese dishes, and a full bar.
Sip & Cinder, Waxhaw – October
Sip & Cinder is bringing a cocktail-forward barbecue concept to the surrounding Charlotte area, setting up shop in Waxhaw, NC. The restaurant will focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and upscale dining.
Distro Beer Hub, South End
Food halls have taken Charlotte by storm, but what about a beer hall? Distro Beer Hub is bringing a one-of-a-kind craft beer destination to Charlotte’s South End. Not to worry though, this beer experience does not discriminate – patrons can also enjoy craft cocktails, a diverse food selection, and of course some of Charlotte’s best breweries.
PopUp Bagels, Ballantyne – Late September
As we (im)patiently await PopUp Bagels’ QC location opening date, the “Not famous, but known” bagel & schmear joint is preparing to set up shop in the Bowl at Ballantyne, located between Honeysuckle Gelato and Harriet’s Hamburgers. Official opening date coming soon.
Sala, Myers Park – September
Aptly named Sala (meaning “lounge” in Italian) the intimate, Euro-inspired, wine and cocktail bar will be the newest addition to the Moffett Restaurant Group, opening next door to sister concept, Stagioni. European wines, cocktails, and light bites will be the staples of the yet-to-open neighborhood lounge.
Foodie Events & News To Know
Oyster Happy Hour at Sea Level – $1.50 weekdays from 2-6pm, and The Waterman – $1.50 weekdays from 2-7pm. While you’re there, enjoy The Waterman’s rooftop bar theme, Tequilaville on Topside, Wednesday through Sunday from 2pm until close. Expect laid-back vibes, a tropical mural, tequila-forward cocktails, and feel-good tunes.
Uptown Brunch Pop Up September 13, 2025
Located in the Iron District, this Brunch event is one you will not want to miss. Festival goers can expect brunch bites from local chefs, vendor tents, live entertainment, art installations, and more. Tickets are only $7 and are non-refundable.
Takeover Tuesdays at L’Ostrica
L’Ostrica is thrilled to announce the launch of what hopefully becomes a regular series that highlights up-and-coming culinary talent in the Charlotte area.
Takeover Tuesdays will give local chefs the chance to use the L’Ostrica kitchen and dining room to serve a special menu created and prepared by them—for one night only.
Burly Wine Dinner at Kingley, 9/10 and Providence, 9/17 at 6:30pm | $150pp
Enjoy a 5-course dinner created by Napa’s Executive Chef, paired with the best of what Burly has to offer. Hosted by Hank McCrorie, Owner of Burly Wines. The name for BURLY originates from founder Hank McCrorie’s college football days, when he was dubbed “Burly Bear” by the local paper. The nickname stuck among his teammates, and given the bold nature of this wine, is more than a befitting tribute. Visit their website for menu & details.
Vivienne Sommar Pop Up at Bar à Vins September 23rd | 6 PM
Celebrate the last of summer (or sommar) at Bar à Vins with Vivienne’s special menu – all a la carte. Staples will include Fj⌀rd Scallops, P⌀lser (Nordic Hotdog), as well as other featured Nordic dishes and wine pairings.
Piada Back-to-School Student Special + Charitable Giving
Offered at both Cotswold and University City locations, Piada is offering its popular Student Special all day, every day from September 1–7—a regular entrée with protein plus a large beverage for just $9 with a valid student ID. Beginning September 8, the deal shifts to new extended year-round hours: 2–5 PM and 8–close daily, plus all day Wednesdays. Piada is also committed to giving back. Through its Piada Gives program, guests can opt-in via the Piada App, where 1% of every purchase supports core causes—Education, Eliminating Food Insecurity, Social Equality, and Cancer Research. Guests can also “round up” at checkout to increase their impact.
