Check out the new STIR Charlotte, opening soon at the RailYard in South End
Walking into STIR Charlotte feels like taking a breath of fresh air.
With its open-air concept, the 6,100-square-foot space brightens from the natural light filtering through clear windows along the wall. But the clear panes are more than windows — along the front of the restaurant, garage doors open to blur the line between indoor and outdoor.
And as Phase 2 of North Carolina’s reopening plan continues for at least three more weeks, fresh air is more than welcome.
STIR Charlotte draws closer to its July 20 opening date. The latest addition to the RailYard in South End prepares to welcome guests to experience its signature raw seafood bar and artisanal drinks (it’s all in the ice). With over 360 seats and indoor-outdoor seating, the restaurant provides ample opportunity for a socially-distanced summer outing.
STIR’s Charlotte location is the third iteration of the restaurant, with its flagship in Chattanooga and a second location in Raleigh. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner through the week, as well as for brunch on the weekend.
The experience
It’s hard to believe that plans for STIR Charlotte were in the works before the arrival of the COVID-19 global pandemic. STIR offers patio seating and features garage doors for walk-up service. “And we welcome all furry friends,” added General Manager Dennis Korn.
At STIR, there is no one way to dine. Walk up to the outdoor bar for your cocktail, get a scratch-made meal delivered to an outdoor table, sit at the raw bar for premium seafood — or anything in between.
And just like there is no one way to dine, the details refuse to conform to just one style.
The bright marbled counters of the raw seafood bar juxtaposes the wood high top tables, supported by repurposed pipes from the Charlotte Pipe and Foundry. And above it all, light fixtures range from star-shaped lights over the cocktail bar — a signature at each of STIR’s three locations — to industrial Edison bulbs, to glittering chandeliers in the private dining room.
But the centerpiece of the space is the cocktail bar. With over five levels of shelves, the bar holds over 300 spirits. Set against the clear panes of the garage doors, the collection of spirits shines a spectrum of color. With the garage doors open, the cocktail bar connects the indoor seating with the patio seating.
“It’s a great feeling when those doors are open, and the air’s flowing through the building,” Korn said.
Craft cocktails
STIR offers craft cocktails on draft, barrel-aged cocktails and more than 300 liquors and beers.
Some of STIR’s specialties include a spin on a classic, the Austin Mule, made with house-made ginger syrup and Tito’s, the flowery Elderflower Sour, with St. Germain Elderflower, vodka and cucumber, and The Old-Fashioned Cocktail, prepared in the “post-prohibition style” with bourbon, mascara cherries and orange.
And remember when I mentioned the ice?
“If you want to be really serious about craft cocktails, you have to take it up a notch with ice,” said Chief Operating Officer Robert Werk.
This is the guiding principle behind STIR’s program of artisanal ice. The ice is chiseled from a 300 pound block into one of seven shapes. Each shape melts at a different rate, and each type of ice is optimal for a different cocktail. Even in a Charlotte summer, no one deserves a watered-down cocktail.
The food
All the food is made in house and prepared from fresh ingredients. General Manager Dennis Korn said for a party of six, everyone can find something to enjoy.
Executive Chef Mathew Turney will oversee the raw bar and open kitchen. At the raw bar, enjoy North Carolina oysters, ceviche and poke.
For entrees, STIR offers its own take on the traditional cheeseburger, topped with a fried green tomato and covered in pimento cheese. Classic options include shrimp and grits and seafood white cheddar macaroni and cheese.
For a new customer, Korn said he recommends the center cut filet, prepared with grilled vegetables and roasted potatoes, or chicken piccata, made with white wine, capers and farro with roasted vegetables.
A cocktail for a cause
STIR Charlotte’s grand opening is set for July 20, and proceeds from the opening events will benefit the Isabella Santos Foundation, a local nonprofit that raises money and awareness for rare pediatric cancer research.
The grand opening event is just the beginning for STIR’s partnership with ISF. Through the month of August, for every Austin Mule cocktail sold, STIR will donate $2.
“The efforts and generosity of everyone involved will help us continue to bring change to our local pediatric cancer community. Pediatric cancer doesn’t stop, no matter what is going on in the world, and neither will we. We are thrilled STIR Charlotte is on board to help us continue fighting,” said ISF’s Executive Director Erin Santos.
STIR’s charitable giving branch is the SquareUp Foundation, which facilitates service and volunteering for restaurants and employees in North Carolina and Tennessee. Through the foundation’s HOPE Fund, employees experiencing hardships can receive grants up to $1,000.
COVID-19 precautions
STIR is taking the following precautions to accommodate social distancing and comply with Phase 2 of North Carolina’s reopening plan:
STIR will serve 50% of normal seating capacity.
Tables will be kept six feet apart.
Parties are limited to 10 people.
Customers are required to wear masks when entering the restaurant.
Instead of offering physical menus, menus will be accessible via QR code stationed at each table. Single-use menus are available upon request.
All employees will have their temperature checked at the start of each shift.
Sanitizer stations will be stationed throughout the restaurant.
STIR CHARLOTTE
1422 S. Tryon St., Suite 130
Instagram: @stir_charlotte
STIR opens July 20. Reservations are now available on OpenTable.
This story was originally published July 14, 2020 at 10:13 PM.
