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There aren’t enough words to truly describe what my hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina means to me. But for someone who has never experienced the richness of the Southern city, I’d tell you, it’s a true gem that can only be appreciated by visiting. Many argue that we’re still up and coming, especially when describing the social and culinary scenes. But I say, we’ve always had a way of making a mark with our “little big city” charm, which is what truly keeps people coming back time and time again.
For food lovers, there’s honestly never a bad time to embark on a foodie tour through Charlotte, but certain seasons can make your experience even richer. Fall and spring offer mild temperatures perfect for patio dining and a host of festivals, like Gregory and Subrina Collier’s BayHaven Food & Wine Festival, which celebrates the best of Black culinary and the impact of our cultural foodways on American history. Summer brings vibrant nightlife and bustling brunch scenes, while winter offers cozy and comforting staples that warm the soul.
The city’s Black chefs, mixologists and restaurateurs are redefining Southern hospitality one sip and bite at a time. Whether you’re craving a perfectly seasoned piece of catfish, a craft cocktail (or mocktail) infused with local ingredients or a unique twist on global cuisines, Charlotte’s Black-owned eateries are serving up flavors and dishes that are not only shaping our tourism blueprint but also tell a story of creativity and culture.
With that being said, here’s how you can enjoy a foodie tour through the heart of Charlotte while also supporting Black entrepreneurs in the process. Just be sure to bring your appetite because in the “Queen City”, the flavors are rich, the culture is deep and it will definitely leave you hungry for your next visit.
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Morning fuel and goods baked with love.
To start your tour, it’s only right that you fuel up first. Head into uptown Charlotte to grab a hot or cold morning beverage from Lottie’s Café. Owner Ashley Hines and her team of baristas can whip up everything from your daily matcha to specialty drinks like the popular Airplane latte. There’s even a hot food menu with things like an over-the-top avocado toast and a handcrafted hash bowl if you’re in need of something a little heartier. As for the atmosphere, well, it’s super cozy with tons of natural light pouring in.
“I want people to always feel invited, that they’re known and that their presence matters when they visit Lottie’s,” Hines told EBONY.
Once you’ve had your morning bevy fix, grab a dozen of Jasmine Macon’s viral donuts, Beyond Amazing Donuts. A graduate of Charlotte’s Johnson and Wales University, Macon’s love for baking pastries comes through in the flavors she whips. From her standard glazed or raspberry with sprinkles to unique offerings like black garlic everything— you’ll definitely see (and taste) why they’re beyond amazing. Though her brick-and-mortar is slated to close in the coming weeks, she plans to continue selling her baked brioche goodness by way of pop-ups and through other local businesses that she partners with.
“Our donuts are very intentional in terms of the flavors we choose, the ingredients we use and our overall enthusiasm to get them to people and see their reaction when they try them,” Macon shared.
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Lunch or dinner that nourishes the soul
When it comes to Black-owned lunch and dinner options, Charlotte is certainly not lacking. With dozens of choices scattered throughout the city, the hardest part will be deciding what flavors you’re craving at the moment.
Charlotte’s food scene has risen in recognition and respect in large part to people like James Beard Award-nominated chef, Gregory Collier and his wife Subrina. The proud owners of 3rd & Fernwood (among other concepts) in Charlotte’s Midtown neighborhood, the couple works hard to not only put forth dishes that nourish but also educate on the richness of African American foodways.
“It’s my job to take history and tradition and figure out how I’m going to offer my skill set to it— especially at 3rd and Fernwood— to create something that’s familiar but also different enough to know you can’t get it elsewhere,” Greg Collier explained.
From oxtail meatloaf to a catfish po’boy and a host of side dishes in between, the menu will have your taste buds jumping for joy.
Looking for the perfect date night spot or a place to have dinner with friends? Spice Charlotte provides the perfect moody vibe with a menu inspired by global cuisines. With a focus currently on African and Asian fusions, order an assortment of small plates to take a food journey around the world. Some of my favorites are the Accra bowl (the restaurant’s signature jollof rice), Korean chicken wings and the Orange Blossom sushi roll.
These days, it’s hard to not mention nationally recognized Bird Pizzeria in conversations of the best eateries in the city. Though pizza may be the last thing folks would associate with Charlotte, husband and wife duo Kerrel and Nkemdi Thompson are changing that one pie at a time.
“We’re from bigger cities, but everything we’ve done here [in Charlotte] has been quaint, especially since we expanded into having a dining room,” Nkemdi Thompson said. “This is a neighborhood pizzeria, so people should feel welcomed, almost like they’re entering our home. But we also hope to provide something new that they may not have experienced before.”
While most folks opt for the classic pepperoni with hot honey, don’t skip out on the “Best White Pizza” and viral kale salad to go with it. Yea, you can thank me later.
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Night caps over a tight beat
Just when you think you’re ready to wind down your already epic foodie tour, there’s one more stop you have to make for the perfect night cap. Lorem Ipsum, a listening bar, is a true sensory experience And, mixologist Justin Hazelton is no stranger to Charlotte’s craft cocktail scene. Starting out as the bar manager for one of the Collier’s former concepts, he’s now gone on to open this spot in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood.
A more intimate setting, it’s the perfect way to end your night— with Hazelton’s award-winning drinks while records spin in the background. On any given night, you can catch local creatives trying their hand as the night’s featured DJ, or you can kick back and let the mood carry you as you request that your favorite vinyl be added to the rotation.
“I look at my menus like albums, and the drinks on the menu are the tracks,” Hazelton explained. “Of course, I’m always looking to make a hit. As I build an album, I like to add on to it, sort of like putting out a deluxe edition. But everything I feature is all based on artist (my) inspiration.”
Though he changes the menu seasonally, you can always expect locally-sourced ingredients and handcrafted tinctures and syrups to accompany your drink. And yes, even if alcohol isn’t your thing, there are mocktails as well.