For the first time in years (yes, years, thanks to the pandemic), Queen City theaters and concert venues are once again filled with enthusiastic fans. If you’re wondering where to grab a bite or drinks before or after the show, here are some suggestions.
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Knight Theater
Fin & Fino
Located uptown, this eatery by the owners of Dogwood Southern Table and Dressler’s offers a menu focused on seafood and cocktails that are both sophisticated and fun. Can’t decide what to order? Opt for “The Treatment.” For $65, let the chef prepare a tasting menu customized just for you, and $5 per guest goes to support a local charity. You can find Fin & Fino at 135 Levine Avenue of the Arts, Ste. 100. Call them at 704-800-5680 or visit their website at finandfino.com.
Mariposa
This restaurant draws inspiration from North African and Mediterranean cuisine and encourages sharing. Start your meal with the Mariposa Mezze board, a platter featuring tzatziki, hummus, olives, roasted eggplant, and more. If you’re going for a matinee, Mariposa also serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Find them at 500 S. Tryon St. or give them a call at 704-910-0865. You can also visit their website at mariposaclt.com.
Belk Theater/Booth Playhouse
Cicchetti
Adjacent to Founders Hall, this Venetian wine bar, which is a sibling to Pierre Bader’s Aria, is just steps away from the theater. Cicchetti offers cheese boards, antipasti, bruschetta, polpette, and more. They also have classic cocktails and an extensive wine selection. You can find them at 100 N. Tryon St., and their contact number is 980-299-0039. Visit cicchetticlt.com for more information.
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. Buho Bar offers a selection of tapas, flatbreads, and desserts, making it an ideal spot for pre- or post-theater cocktails. Visit them at 201 W. Trade St. or give them a call at 980-999-5510. To learn more, visit buhobar.com.
Spectrum Center
Farenheit
Experience Asian-inspired small plates and American classic dishes while enjoying the skyline views from atop the Skye Condominiums. You’ll find Farenheit at 222 S. Caldwell St., and you can call them at (980) 237-6718.
The Market at 7th Street
For a casual meal, a glass of wine, or a coffee, drop by Charlotte’s uptown food hall before a concert. Vendors at The Market at 7th Street include the Assorted Table Wine & Shop, Jimmy Pearls, Geno D’s Pizza, and Not Just Coffee. They are located at 224 E. 7th St., and you can reach them at 704-230-4346. Learn more at themarketat7thstreet.com.
Sarah Belk Gambrell Center at Queens University
Napa on Providence
Nestled in Myers Park, this under-the-radar restaurant offers a California-inspired menu and a covered patio, creating a perfect ambiance for fall evenings. Napa also serves brunch on Saturdays and Sundays until 3 p.m. Visit them at 110 Perrin Pl., or call them at 704-900-8535. More details can be found at napaonprovidence.com.
The Jimmy
With its tagline “Italian fare meets French flair,” this pizzeria and pastaria in Myers Park offers a unique dining experience. Find them at 2839 Selwyn Ave., and give them a call at (704) 979-4242. Visit thejimmyclt.com for more information.
Theatre Charlotte
Stagioni
Italian cuisine takes center stage at Bruce Moffett’s cozy spot in the Villa. Stagioni offers seasonal takes on traditional Italian fare and is known for serving some of the best wood-fired pizza in town. Pay them a visit at 715 Providence Rd. or call them at 704-372-8110. More details can be found at stagioniclt.com.
Pizzeria Omaggio
Located at Metropolitan Charlotte, this bright and casual restaurant offers over 20 specialty pizzas, along with pastas, salads, and sandwiches. Swing by 1055 Metropolitan Ave., Ste. 130, or give them a call at 704-370-0777. Visit their website at pizzeriaomaggio.com for more information.
CPCC’s Dale F. Halton Theater and new Parr Center theater
Customshop
Experience a variety of seasonal dishes, from shareable small plates to pastas and mains, at this Elizabeth restaurant. Partner and head chef Andres Kaifer leads the kitchen at this 15-year-old establishment. Visit them at 1601 Elizabeth Ave. or give them a call at 704-333-3396. More information can be found at customshopfood.com.
The Crunkleton
Famous for its classic cocktails, this bar also offers an elevated food menu that includes appetizers, hand-helds (burgers, sandwiches, and tacos), and heartier fare. If you’re with a group, consider indulging in the 42-ounce Tomahawk steak. Visit them at 1957 E. 7th St. or call them at 704-919-0104. For additional details, visit thecrunkleton.com.
Ovens Auditorium
Vaulted Oak Brewery
Located in a former bank branch in Oakhurst, this brewery is a short distance from the concert venue. Check their Instagram page, @vaultedoakbrewing, for the food truck schedule. You can find them at 3726 Monroe Rd., or reach them at 980-209-0309.
Grinning Mule
This casual neighborhood spot, tucked away on the edge of Plaza Midwood, offers a menu filled with shareable tapas, salads, bowls, and tacos. Pay them a visit at 1109 Morningside Dr., or give them a call at 704-393-3939. For more information, visit grinningmule.org.
The Music Factory
Camp North End
Camp North End offers a range of dining options, from innovative Southern fare at Greg and Subrina Collier’s acclaimed Leah & Louise to food stalls serving casual meals. Notable stalls include La Caseta, Plant Joy, Saru Ramen, and others. The newest addition is NoDa Company Canteen, an offshoot of the popular NoDa Company Store, which serves local beer, wine, sangrias, and slushies. You can find Camp North End at 300 Camp Rd. For inquiries, call 980-337-4600. Learn more at camp.nc SP.
Featured photograph by Peter Taylor
