Critic's picks: Dining in uptown Charlotte

Observer dining critic Helen Schwab offers her restaurant suggestions inside Charlotte's I-277 loop.

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Critic's picks: Charlotte dining outside of uptown
Dining choices: Hip or classic?
Hot spots for late-night eats


For the Democratic National Convention vistors, the Observer is taking a look at some of the people, places and events that might surprise people about the region.
• We call it home
• Southern Drawl
• Livermush
• Jewish life
• Globalizing city
• Segregated past
 • Rural poverty
• Gateway to city
• Still Bank Town?
• Flying the flag
• Booster gene
maps
• Need a map? We've got that covered
• Visitor Guide: Fine dining, museums, fun in Charlotte
VEHICLE
RESTRICTION MAPS:
• Road closures Sunday
• Road closures Monday
• Road closures Tuesday
• Road closures Wednesday
• Road closures Thursday

PEDESTRIAN RESTRICTIONS:
• Sunday-Friday
• Around BofA Stadium
• Around Charlotte Convention Center
ENTERTAINMENT »
Arts: From Beethoven to Bieber

Car racing and barbecue may have gotten a head start around here, but don't forget Beethoven. Or "War Horse." Or "Nutcracker." Or Madonna or Justin Bieber.

Museums plan special exhibits for DNC guests
SHOPPING »
Formal to funky: Shop these places

Charlotte is filled with unique places to shop. Here are several favorites.

Blog: What's in Store
TRAVEL »
Have your beach, and mountains, too

Charlotte's Piedmont location always raises a key weekend getaway question: Mountains or beach? You can be at either within an easy afternoon’s drive.

Your guide to cool microbreweries in North Carolina
Greenways offer a scenic route through town

River otters and Great Blue Heron, scenic wetlands and large rock formations.

Queen City’s crazy quilt of cultures

Lawrence Toppman: Last week, I had a New York-style breakfast bagel, an Indian lunch buffet and Ethiopian dinner.

New to Charlotte? Here are some statistics.
Sit down and enjoy a cold one

Looking for lively nightlife, unique atmosphere and quality drinks? Look no farther. Here are 30 great bars to consider if you’re heading out for a night on the town.

Cheers! Get creative with your cocktails
FOOD »
Farmers markets give you real taste of Charlotte

The most interesting thing about the food scene in Charlotte isn't how we cook our barbecue or what kind of sauce we use on it.

Cook up some Carolina flavor when you return home

When you leave Charlotte, you might want to take these distinctively Carolinas products for cooking souvenirs -- or perhaps give some of them a try while you’re here.

Shops that cater to discriminating palates

These days, Charlotte has got so many great places to shop for food, we can't list them all. To give you a taste, here are 10 specialty food stores, from Italian to Asian to gourmet.