Santa brunches, Buddy the “Elf”-inspired cocktails, Charlotte’s first Proseccheria, holiday pop-up bars, and more below for all the holiday scoop a girl (or elf) could ask for.
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Holiday Pop Up Bars
- THE WATERMAN – Nauti Northpole
- MOXY – Hideaway 13 Holiday Speakeasy
- VINYL – Santas Favorite Watering Hole
- HUMBUG – Bah Humbug
- BACKSTAGE – Miracle at Backstage Lounge
- AURA – Winter at the Queen’s Castle
- SUPPERLAND – Buddy’s Cocktail Workshop
- ROYAL TOT – Sippin Santa
- HERMANITA – La Buena Christmas Cantina
- NODA BREWING – Hoops & Holly
- WHISKEY WAREHOUSE – Santa’s Barrel Room
New & Now Open
Panko, NoDa
After a long-awaited arrival, Panko is officially open in NoDa. The Peruvian fusion restaurant is a much-wanted addition to the QC food scene. You can expect ceviches, sushi rolls, and Peruvian classics like lomo saltado, chaufa rice & shrimp causa. Plus, a craft cocktails menu with mocktails & flavored sodas with housemade syrups.
Vibe Cafe and Bar, South End
After a remodel and a co-ownership change, Vibe Cafe is back in the South End serving up diverse, flavorful coffee drinks, traditional European/Euro-inspired fusion food, as well as American classics.
Comal Taco Co., Optimist Hall
Opening December 3rd, Comal Taco Co. is setting up shop at Optimist Hall, replacing Marina’s Tapas. The fast casual Southwest-inspired taco joint will feature locally sourced tortillas and tortilla chips, as well as a variety of tacos, dips, and Arizona’s signature cheese crisp.
Dilworth Grille, Fort Mill
A Charlotte favorite, Dilworth Neighborhood Grille, has just opened a new location in Fort Mill. The newest location of Dilworth Grille may not be IN Dilworth, but you can expect the same big screen TVs, good food, and familiar faces.
Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters, South End
Giddy Coffee has expanded to South End with coffee, smoothies, burritos, and empanadas. Grab a coffee and enjoy some Argentinian bites at their newest location.
Bev Proseccheria, Plaza Midwood
Meet Bev: a Proseccheria complete with a restored airstream bar, string lights, and patio seating. Bev Proseccheria, is Charlotte’s (and the U.S.) first Proseccheria, bringing Italian Prosecco & Euro vibes from a vintage Airstream bar. Clink!
Lew’s Libations at Sweet Lew’s BBQ, Belmont
Lew’s Libations is officially open inside Sweet Lew’s BBQ. The new bar is a cozy, neighborhood-style spot with build-your-own cocktails and a whiskey and bourbon forward bar.
Tsaôcaa, Plaza Midwood
Tsaôcaa has opened its newest location in Plaza Midwood. Offering milk boba, fresh fruit teas, and a tasty lineup of Korean street food, from crispy fried chicken and Korean corn dogs to sandwiches and more.
Nawabi Hyderabad House, Uptown
Nawabi Hyderabad House is opening its third Charlotte-area location at The Alley at Latta Arcade on December 1.
Closed or Closing
- BULLA GASTROBAR, SouthPark
- Pizza Peel, Cotswold
- People’s Market, Myers Park & Elizabeth locations
- Marina’s Tapas, Optimist Hall
Holiday & New Year’s Foodie Events & News To Know
The Waterman’s Nauti North Pole
Join the festive fun at the Nauti North Pole! Head to the Waterman’s rooftop bar for seasonal drinks, holiday atmosphere, and an amazing view of the city. Your guide to Nauti North Pole:
– Enjoy dinner downstairs, then cocktails upstairs (drink menu only)
– Take snowy chimney photos
– Stay cozy with free hand warmers and feel free to bring a blanket
– Don’t forget your ID – this is for ages 21+
Hours: Sun, Wed, Thurs: 5-10pm and Fri & Sat: 5-11pm
Plus Open Monday Dec. 22nd and Tuesday Dec. 23rd from 5-10pm.
Do Good While You Sip with Sea Level NC’s Rising Tide Cocktail
Drink up whiling giving back this holiday season with the Rising Tide Cocktail, Sunset Boulevard, crafted with Oaklore Straight Rye Whiskey, Select Aperitif, Sweet Vermouth, orange juice, Fee Foam Bitters, ghost pepper infused Chartreuse, dehydrated raspberries. $2 of each Sunset Boulevard sold will support American Cancer Society, a nonprofit whose mission is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
Twas the Bite Befor Christmas! Christmas Eve at NAPA Restaurants
The holiday season, done right. December 24th three course prix fixe for $60. Book now
Breakfast with Santa at the Dunhill Hotel
Meet and greet with Santa at the historic Dunhill Hotel in uptown Charlotte with a family-friendly breakfast buffet from The Asbury’s culinary team. This event fills up fast, so the Dunhill Hotel is offering availability on Saturdays and Sundays Dec. 13-14 or Dec. 20-21, 9-11 a.m.
Santa Brunch at DTR:
Plaza Midwood Saturday, December 6 + Sunday, December 7, from 11 am-3 pm
and at DTR SouthPark Saturday, December 13 + Sunday, December 14 from 10:30am-2:30pm
Santa returns to DTR for a festive brunch weekend filled with holiday spirit, photos with Santa, and brunch favorites for all ages.
Coastal Christmas at Caroline’s Oyster Bar
December 1st through the 30th, get cozy with a Coastal Christmas special at Caroline’s Oyster Bar. You can expect handcrafted holiday cocktails, each served in a festive cup to take home as a keepsake. Available in the heated outdoor patio or in the vibrant dining room, savor a coastal twist on classic winter flavors and raise a glass to holiday cheer and coastal charm.
Mac’s Speed Shop “Beef Up Your Holiday” Brisket Feast
Mac’s is offering Smoked Brisket Pre-Order Feasts through Tuesday, Dec. 23, with Lil’ and Big Brisket Feasts, plus family-style side options like mac and cheese and green bean casserole, with add-on options that include banana pudding or Mac’s BBQ by the pound.
Final Scoops – More Charlotte Restaurants & Eateries Hopefully Coming Soon
Emmy Lou’s, Dilworth – Late December
A cozy wine bar is headed to Dilworth (hopefully this month), with a thoughtfully curated wine list and all the vibes.
Laurel Park, SouthPark – December, Official Opening Date Coming Soon
Exciting news – SouthPark is gaining a new restaurant! Opening in the former Village Tavern space, Laurel Park is blending the old with the new with a fresh New-American cuisine while still honoring the previous tavern’s legacy. Menu highlights will include everything from a French Toast Bake to Fried Green Tomato Caprese, where you can expect lunch and dinner served daily, with brunch on the weekends.
Sharigato, Optimist Park – Winter 2025
Meet Sharigato: Charlotte’s First Hand Roll Bar. The restaurant will offer made-to-order hand rolls, premium seafood, vegetarian rolls, and sushi-on-the-go takeout options.
Dozo, Dilworth – Winter 2025
Update: Dozo is applying the finishing touches to their new space, with an opening date being announced soon. DŌZO Japanese American Kitchen is leaving its Wesley Heights to open its own full-service restaurant and bar. The new East Boulevard location – formerly Fern, Flavors from the Garden space – will feature all your favorite menu items plus new additions, lunch and dinner service, and a full bar program with an extensive sake list and Japanese whiskeys.
Improper Pig, Plaza Midwood – Winter 2025
As we await the opening date of Improper Pig’s newest Plaza Midwood location, the saucy smokehouse joint is rebranding with a new twist: American BBQ with a side of Asian flair. More info to come.
