Show time: Where to eat before or after the show in Charlotte
September 29, 2022
For the first time in years (yes, years, thanks to the pandemic), Queen City theaters and concert venues are once again filled with eager fans. Here are a few suggestions for where to grab a bite or drinks before or after the show.
Knight Theater
Fin & Fino
This uptown eatery from the owners of Dogwood Southern Table and Dressler’s has a seafood-focused menu and serious-but-fun cocktails. Can’t decide what to order? Get “The Treatment” — for $65, let the chef prepare a tasting menu just for you, and $5 per guest goes to a local charity. 135 Levine Avenue of the Arts, Ste. 100., 704-800-5680, finandfino.com
Mariposa
With a menu inspired by North African and Mediterranean cuisine, sharing is encouraged here. The Mariposa Mezze board — a platter of tzatziki, hummus, olives, roasted eggplant and more — is a great starter. Headed to a matinee? Mariposa also serves brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 500 S. Tryon St., 704-910-0865, mariposaclt.com
Belk Theater/Booth Playhouse
Cicchetti
The Venetian wine bar (sibling to Pierre Bader’s Aria) adjacent to Founders Hall is just steps from the theater. Expect cheese boards, antipasti, bruschetta, polpette and more, along with classic cocktails and an extensive wine selection. 100 N. Tryon St., 980-299-0039, cicchetticlt.com
Buho Bar
Both Buho Bar and Mico, the lobby-level restaurant at Grand Bohemian Charlotte, bring a taste of Argentina and glamorous vibes to uptown. With a small selection of tapas, flatbreads and desserts, rooftop Buho Bar is ideal for pre- or post-theater cocktails. 201 W. Trade St., 980-999-5510, buhobar.com
Spectrum Center
Farenheit
Nosh on Asian-inspired small plates along with American classic dishes and take in the skyline views atop the Skye Condominiums. 222 S. Caldwell St., (980) 237-6718
The Market at 7th Street
For a casual meal, glass of wine or coffee, pop into Charlotte’s uptown food hall before a concert. Vendors include the Assorted Table Wine & Shop, Jimmy Pearls, Geno D’s Pizza and Not Just Coffee. 224 E. 7th St., 704-230-4346, themarketat7thstreet.com
Sarah Belk Gambrell Center at Queens University
Napa on Providence
This under-the-radar Myers Park mainstay has a California-inspired menu and a covered patio, perfect for fall evenings. Napa also serves brunch Saturdays and Sundays till 3 p.m. 110 Perrin Pl., 704-900-8535, napaonprovidence.com
The Jimmy
“Italian fare meets French flair” is the tagline at this pizzeria and pastaria in Myers Park. 2839 Selwyn Ave., (704) 979-4242,
thejimmyclt.com
Theatre Charlotte
Stagioni
Bruce Moffett’s cozy Italian spot in the Villa features seasonal takes on traditional Italian fare and some of the best wood-fired pizza in town. 715 Providence Rd., 704-372-8110, stagioniclt.com
Pizzeria Omaggio
More than 20 specialty pizzas plus pastas, salads and sandwiches in a bright, casual setting at Metropolitan Charlotte. 1055 Metropolitan Ave., Ste. 130, 704-370-0777, pizzeriaomaggio.com
CPCC’s Dale F. Halton Theater and new Parr Center theater
Customshop
Partner and head chef Andres Kaifer recently took the helm at this 15-year-old Elizabeth restaurant with a weekly menu of seasonal dishes, from shareable small plates to pastas and mains. 1601 Elizabeth Ave., 704-333-3396, customshopfood.com
The Crunkleton
The classic cocktail bar also has an elevated food menu of appetizers, hand-helds (burgers, sandwiches and tacos) and heartier fare. Go with a group and splurge on the 42-ounce Tomahawk for the table. 1957 E. 7th St., 704-919-0104, thecrunkleton.com
Ovens Auditorium
Vaulted Oak Brewery
Oakhurst’s first brewery, located in a former bank branch, is a skip and jump from this concert venue. Check their Instagram
@vaultedoakbrewing for the food truck schedule. 3726 Monroe Rd., 980-209-0309
Grinning Mule
This casual neighborhood spot tucked away on the edge of Plaza Midwood offers a menu heavy on shareable tapas, salads, bowls and tacos. 1109 Morningside Dr., 704-393-3939, grinningmule.org
The Music Factory
Photograph by Peter Taylor
Camp North End
From innovative Southern fare at Greg and Subrina Collier’s acclaimed Leah & Louise to food stalls for a casual meal (La Caseta, Plant Joy, Saru Ramen and others), Camp North End has something for every taste. NoDa Company Canteen — an offshoot of the popular NoDa Company Store serving local beer, wine, sangrias and slushies — is the newest addition. 300 Camp Rd., 980-337-4600, camp.nc SP
Featured photograph by Peter Taylor
