An insider’s guide to Waverly: What to eat, drink and do

In case you’ve been living too comfortably in your Uptown/South End bubble, Waverly is a hot new development in south Charlotte, just beyond where Providence Road and I-485 meet. It’s designed to be a walkable community with urban energy, featuring office space, homes, apartments and fitness studios. You could legitimately park and spend an entire day here, thanks to the abundance of shopping and dining conveniences (and the Whole Foods WiFi).

On the dining front, the development has your mainstream basics like Chick-Fil-A, Whole Foods, Chipotle, Taziki’s, Menchie’s, McDonald’s, Haagen-Dazs, Firehouse Subs and Starbuck’s (convenience is everything, right?), but it also has a slew of local and regional gems. The same is true for the shopping experience. For a complete guide to Waverly, check out the website.

But to get you started exploring, here’s a guide to what to eat, drink and do when you visit:

DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana

7315 Waverly Walk Ave., Suite F1-7

Headquartered in Nashville, DeSano is known for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas crafted in wood-burning ovens. The menu also features meatballs, calzones, salads and desserts.

Tip: Save room for the Nutella Dessert Pizza.

Co

7416 Waverly Walk Ave., Suite H-4

This Charleston-based restaurant committed to sharing the flavors of Southeast Asia offers an explosion of noodles, dumplings, curries, salads, banh mi and sushi.

Tip: Start with the mango summer rolls.

Chuy’s

7314 Waverly Walk Ave., Suite E-8

With Tex-Mex that originated in Austin, can you really go wrong? Burritos, salads, soups, tacos (duh), fajitas and specialties like Chicken Flautas abound.

Tip: The guacamole appetizer is crucial.

Ted’s Montana Grill

7404 Waverly Walk Ave., Suite I-3

Anticipate an authentic American dining experience, with a range of grill-style items from burgers, to poultry, to seafood, to steaks, to bison. Ted’s is headquartered in Atlanta.

Tip: A gluten-free menu is available with options like balsamic blue steak salad, homemade chips and filet.

The Porter’s House

7417 Waverly Walk Ave.

This “modern chophouse for the new South” opened last year thanks to Jon Dressler, who is behind the two Dressler’s Restaurant locations and one Dogwood Southern Table & Bar location in Charlotte. Come for the full list of appetizers (ah, baked pimento cheese), stay for the signature 36 oz. Porterhouse steak, pastas, fish, chicken, multiple vegetarian options, a whiskey selection and an extensive wine list.

Tip: Don’t ignore that lobster mac ‘n cheese.

Yama

11641 Waverly Center Drive, Suite K-2

This local sushi establishment artfully crafts all of your favorites, from sashimi to signature rolls. There’s even a Waverly Roll, with tempura shrimp, torched salmon, shichimi seasoning, jalapeno and unagi sauce.

Tip: For something more creative, try the Yama Sushi Bowl with tuna, salmon, avocado, soy bean, cucumber, oshinko, seaweed, masago, spring onion and aioli.

Viva Chicken

11641 Waverly Center Drive, Suite K-1

This is the local spot for all of your fast-casual Peruvian cravings in the form of vibrant salads, wraps and bowls (get the Sopa de Pollo with pulled rotisserie chicken). Try all of the dipping sauces.

Tip: You can’t eat a full meal here without ordering the crispy yuca fries.

Via Roma

7416 Waverly Walk Ave., Suite H-2

The sister concept to Toscana in SouthPark, this eatery focuses on classic Italian cuisine with antipasto, salad, seasonal fish and meat entrees, and delectable pasta dishes (rigatoni, gigli and beyond).

Tip: If the weather agrees, settle into a seat on the elegant patio.

Drink

Carolina Ale House

7404 Waverly Walk Ave., Suite I-1

This Cary-based sports bar with a neighborhood vibe offers 72 taps to choose from, plus bar bites like frickles (fried dill pickle chips) and popcorn chicken, soups, salads, burgers, wraps and more.

Tip: Kid’s Night is Tuesday with 99-cent kids’ meals starting at 5 p.m.

Cafe Moka

7416 Waverly Walk Ave., H3

Named for the Port of Moka in Yemen, Cafe Moka was opened by a recent Charlotte transplant, who hand-designed the logo, the artwork on the walls and some of the furniture. Expect a variety of beverage choices like espresso, frozen lattes, creamy smoothies, pure fruit smoothies, teas and hot cocoas.

Tip: Try a custom creamy smoothie, with a flavor of your choice blended with a creamy base.

Shop

Wildology

7211 Waverly Walk Ave., Suite B-3

This store celebrates birds and nature with a range of products like bird feeders, baths and fountains, Duke Cannon grooming products, leather journals and wallets, and more.

Scout & Molly’s Boutique

7315 Waverly Walk Ave., Suite F1-3

Based in Pennsylvania, this boutique carries brands like AG Jeans, Bernardo, BLANKNYC, and Good Hyouman.

Mainstream Boutique

7314 Waverly Walk Ave., Suite E-5

Shop for female fashion and accessories at this shop, which originated in Minnesota.

Ivy & Leo

7315 Waverly Walk Ave, Suite F1-4

This Charlotte-based store carries everything from dresses, to tops, to shoes, to accessories, with a focus on lower-priced chic and trendy styles.

fab’rik

7314 Waverly Walk Ave., Suite E-6

Browse leggings, fall dresses, bold tops, jewelry and more at this Carolinas-based company.

District 5 Interiors

7314 Waverly Walk Ave., Suite E-4

Based in Charlotte, this store features decor for the living room, bedroom, dining room, office and outdoors, lighting included.

This story was originally published October 12, 2018 at 12:00 AM.