Dinner and a show: 17 places to eat before or after events in Charlotte
January 22, 2025
Show time: Queen City theaters and concert venues bring both local and world-class entertainment to Charlotte. Here are a 17 places to grab a bite or drinks before or after the show.
This list was originally published on Sept. 29, 2022 and updated on Jan. 22, 2025.
Knight Theater
Albertine
The Mediterranean-inspired restaurant from Joe and Katy Kindred offers two settings: an elegant, bright and airy bar for drinks and mezze and a chic and sophisticated dining room with tufted banquettes and an earth-toned palette. Desserts — like the chocolate milkbread babka — stand out here, for a post-theater indulgence. albertinerestaurant.com
A cocktail at Albertine, photograph by Justin Driscoll
Coquette
This elegant restaurant transforms from a classic French cafe by day to an upscale dining experience in the evening, featuring mussels, oysters, coq au vin and duck-fat fried chicken. The decor blends Parisian and French Country styles, with marble tables, elegant chandeliers and rustic stonework. coquetteclt.com
Coquette photo by Justin Driscoll
Dogwood Southern Table & Bar
A stalwart in SouthPark for nearly a decade, this contemporary southern eatery reopened at the Westin Charlotte in early 2025. Expect the same elevated comfort-food fare as the original Dogwood (the popular Duck and Dumplings and the Baked Pimento Cheese Bites return to the menu) along with new dishes, and an elegant horseshoe-shaped bar for pre-concert libations. dogwoodcharlotte.com
Fin & Fino
This uptown eatery from the owners of Dogwood 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
The Music Factory
Camp North End
From the new Gravity Sourdough Pizza Co. to Halal Street Food, Camp North End has something for every taste. For drinks, head to NoDa Company Canteen — an offshoot of the popular NoDa Company Store serving local beer, wine, sangrias and slushies — Black Moth Bars or Free Range Bar. For coffee or dessert, there’s HEX Coffee and Kitchen and Seemingly Overzealous Ice Cream. 300 Camp Rd., 980-337-4600, camp.nc SP
Featured photograph of Dogwood Southern Table & Bar courtesy The Plaid Penguin
