Retail and Development

Charlotte’s most famous tasting restaurant is expanding as wine-focused Biblio closes

Chef Sam Hart owns Biblio and Counter-.
Chef Sam Hart owns Biblio and Counter-. CharlotteFive

Biblio, a wine-focused tasting concept where diners’ food was based on their drink choice, is closing. The space will now cede way to a new offshoot of Counter-, the tasting menu restaurant that earned owner Sam Hart a finalist spot in this year’s James Beard awards.

“It’s bittersweet for us to announce that Biblio will be closing its doors after service on Saturday, December 9. Our sister restaurant, Counter-, will take over and fill both spaces at 2001 West Morehead Street beginning Friday, December 15,” the restaurant announced via social media.

“Within the team we have adopted the Danish expression tryk, which means to push or pressure in a positive and forward motion, focusing on getting better every day. The support our guests have shown for Counter- has been overwhelming, and with this expansion, we’re excited for the opportunity to bring you an even more unique experience,” the message said.

Unpretentious Palate first reported the news.

[RELATED: Acclaimed chef’s new Italian concept will take over the former Poplar space in Charlotte.]

The concept was not without its fans. Last year, the pair of restaurants garnered a Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. And in July, Biblio was named among Wine Enthusiast’s top 50 new wine bars in America.

“To the friends, neighbors, and visitors who dined with us: we are so grateful for your patronage. Stop by and enjoy the Biblio experience one more time — a few reservations are still available via Tock (link in bio). We look forward to seeing you again at @counterclt, where you can expect to see all the familiar faces of Biblio, as every employee has been guaranteed employment within the expanded Counter-,” the Instagram post said.

A few reservations are still available via Tock, the restaurant stated on Monday.

In a message thanking his employees, Hart said via Instagram, “It was a year ago today we moved our chairs in and began settling in at @bibliocharlotte. This was a wild idea, and one that isn’t dead in my heart. It’s hard to think the growth of one restaurant could extinguish the ability of another, but it’s time for us to just focus on @counterclt.”

“This memory will always been a fond one, despite how much it stings right now,” they added.

The former Biblio space is now set to become a separate dining room called Archive, featuring a seven-course tasting menu of the restaurant’s best hits with a lower price point, $90. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Biblio is located at 2001 W. Morehead St., sharing space with Counter-.
Biblio is located at 2001 W. Morehead St., sharing space with Counter-. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

Biblio

Location: 2001 W. Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28208

Menu

Cuisine: Wine-focused food pairings

Instagram: @bibliocharlotte

This story was originally published November 27, 2023 at 12:18 PM.

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Heidi Finley
The Charlotte Observer
Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits. Support my work with a digital subscription
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