Feed your soul: Harlem Nights serves soul food with a side of sophistication in Charlotte
Looking for more soul food options in Charlotte? Harlem Nights, located on Pinnacle Drive off of Mallard Creek Road, is the perfect concoction of “soul food, sophistication and flair.”
Taking over Wild Wings Cafe’s old spot, the new, Black-owned restaurant completely reinvents the space with Harlem Renaissance-themed decor, black-painted walls adorned with gold accents and photos of iconic Black Hollywood stars.
The daughter of a bishop and a first lady who was a school teacher, owner Patrice Jennings told CharlotteFive that her parents “raised their children to serve others.”
“Harlem Nights Restaurant was inspired by the love of people, love of community,” she said.
And she saw a need to create a space in Charlotte for “family, business professionals, mature individuals, lovers of music, food and authentic energy.”
With live singing, sultry sounds and savory dishes, “the atmosphere when you walk in is warm and inviting. This place will take you back to the cotton club era. Where you come to just eat, vibe, and relax,” Jennings told CharlotteFive.
Harlem Nights, opened July 26 and already has customers raving about their experiences.
“The food is amazing here. I highly recommend,” commenter @maseothabarber wrote via Instagram.
Andrea Phillips commented, “The waitress Fatima was AMAZING! She made sure we had everything. Thank you, FATIMA, for your amazing service , smile, and hospitality!”
Food blogger @allwedoisfoodaround shared her insights about the opening in her Instagram reel: “Without a doubt, I will tell you that the food was delicious. They are new and still figuring things out, so I humbly ask that WE please do not go into this or any black-owned establishment trying to become a critic; instead, go to show support because we open businesses with little to no backing.”
When it comes to her menu favorites, Jennings said it’s the “Hot Lemon Catfish, collard greens and yams for sure. But wait a moment — the lamb chops and stuffed salmon crawfish gets you there.”
And to top it off: “The sweet potato muffin is a superb addition to the meal.”
Other soul food offerings on the menu include:
Appetizers:
Harlem Gumbo: Made with andouille smoked sausage, chicken and rice.
Balsamic Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Grilled Brussels sprouts dressed with feta cheese, cranberries and balsamic glaze.
Entrees:
KJ’s Chicken Tenders and Mac: Made with two crispy fried chicken tenders.
Kaprice’s Fried Chicken: Includes one piece of fried chicken leg, thigh or wing, and one side.
Brandon’s Special Grilled Cheese: Made with American cheese, mac and cheese, toasted brioche and one side.
Jordan’s Fried Catfish: A 7 ounce fried catfish served with one side.
Taylor’s Shrimp Dinner: Made with six fried or grilled shrimp and one side.
Grilled Stuffed Crawfish Salmon: Crawfish tail meat, spinach and cream cheese mix, seasoned and stuffed into an 8 ounce salmon filet, battered and fried.
Harlem Nights also offers sides such as collard greens with smoked turkey, mac and cheese, candied yams and okra fries. Plus, you can grab vegan options including the Harlem spring salad or the Tree of Life, made with broccoli steak on a creamy butter bean puree with chimichurri sauce.
Harlem Nights
Location: 9539 Pinnacle Dr #200, Charlotte, NC 28262
Cuisine: Soul food
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 4-12 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, 11-2 a.m.; and Sunday, 11-12 a.m.
Instagram: @harlemnightsrestaurant
This story was originally published August 12, 2024 at 5:00 AM.