Curator’s statement
Having grown up outside of this city, Charlotte continues to surprise me each time I come home with new restaurants, breweries and things to do. It's definitely not the same city I grew up with in the early 2000s, even though some of the fashion is making a comeback (looking at your fanny packs with a new name). Whether you want the artsy vibes of NoDa, the classiness of Uptown or to catch a game at Bank of America stadium, you'll soon find that Charlotte does have a lot!
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Where to stay in Charlotte
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Places to eat & drink in Charlotte
Seoul Food Meat Company — When my best friend invited me out to a place with "meat" in the name as a pescatarian, I had my doubts. However, the ramen mac and cheese here had me smiling from ear to ear. Also, any time I get meatless wings, I'm over the moon, but I'm sure my omnivore friends will enjoy this place as much as I did.
Smelly Cat Coffee - Not just for Friends fans! I went here on a coffee tour (think bar crawl for caffeine) in 2015 and not only got some coffee that warmed my heart and soul — they even taught me how to do a pour-over at home. Plus, while the layout of this place is cute, it's tucked in NoDa so you get all the street art and cute houses to enjoy a nice stroll outside the coffeehouse, if you choose.
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery — German-style beer, Southern style-charm! This is one of my top requests to visit when I travel back to Charlotte. Not only do they have good beer and food, but they also feature weekly events like trivia and a run club, if you're into that sort of thing.
Link & Pin — Brunch is calling, and with this Charlotte staple serving up mimosa trays, you're gonna want to spend some time enjoying the food. I went for the avocado toast, but the chicken and waffles and omelets are also amazing, based on what my girlfriends said as we traded gossip post-wedding here on a Sunday.
Oh My Soul — Y'all knew I had to add at least one vegetarian-friendly place! This South African herbivore haven has added a Charlotte location and they have it all — sandwiches, breakfast, salads and even something for your pup to enjoy! Be sure to check it out after your coffee at Smelly Cat.
Mimosa Grill — Hope this doesn't age me, but I went here for dinner before prom! If you're going for something uniquely Southern, I would recommend the crab and pimento cheese puppies (side note — why is pimento cheese not a nationwide thing?) or smoked collard greens to share.
The Casual Pint — I'm a tad biased as my grandfather and uncle are regulars here, but this place has a great atmosphere, friendly staff and a lot of beer! If you want to try a great selection of local beer without having to drive to several breweries, I would recommend The Causal Pint.
Lucky Dog Bark and Brew — Even though my grandfather's dog is permanently banned from here, this part doggie daycare, part bar still has my heart. You can enjoy a brew while letting your four-legged pals play with other four-legged friends on the patio and outside in the play area. A puppy paradise, for sure!
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Charlotte. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, A Local's Guide to Vegetarian and Vegan Dining in Denver.