Charlotte’s 2025 culinary scene: new restaurants and revivals

This collection of stories explores shifts and developments in Charlotte's dining landscape throughout 2025.

New establishments like Antagonist, a cocktail and coffee concept, and the reopening of McHale’s Irish Pub in NoDa capture new business models and the revival of familiar names.

Meanwhile, the extensive list of over 135 new arrivals highlights continuous growth in neighborhoods across the city.

Closings also shape the landscape, as seen with the end of Krustaceans Seafood and Chefry’s Blue Smoke BBQ.

Established chains expand, such as Burtons Grill & Bar opening in the Lake Norman area, and Rada introduces a chef from New York City to the local scene.

The Pub At Uptown restores a sense of continuity by reviving much-loved dishes and the original jukebox from The Pub At Gateway.

Read the stories below.

Rada is the brainchild of young restaurateur, Eloy Roy, formerly of Oggi and The Lights.

NO. 1: NEW RESTAURANT RADA QUIETLY OPENS IN FORMER LITTLE SPOON SPACE, WITH ACCLAIMED NYC CHEF

The Charlotte restaurant’s new executive chef Chef Callan Buckles worked at Claud, Momofuku, The Four Horsemen, and Lodi — an impressive lineup with recognition in New York Times, the Michelin Guide, Eater, Bon Appetit and more. | Published January 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Kayleigh Ruller

Whataburger opened their first restaurant in the Columbia area on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. By Tracy Glantz

NO. 2: THE ULTIMATE LIST OF 135+ NEW RESTAURANTS, BARS AND CAFES COMING TO CHARLOTTE IN 2025

Check out the newest additions to Charlotte’s food and drink scene. | Published January 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by CharlotteFive staff

Krustaceans’ Crab & Shrimp Platter is served in a butter bath with sausage, potatoes, corn and a hard-boiled egg. By Alex Cason

NO. 3: FORMER PANTHERS PLAYER’S CHARLOTTE RESTAURANT CLOSES ITS DOORS AFTER 5 YEARS

The team behind the Lowcountry seafood spot announced its closing over the weekend. | Published January 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

McHale’s Irish Pub, shown in 2016 at its former Rock Hill location, operated there for 16 years and in Fort Mill for 17 years. The pub is reopening in Charlotte. By Google Street View

NO. 4: MCHALE’S IS BACK: IRISH PUB WITH STRONG TIES TO FORT MILL, ROCK HILL WILL REOPEN IN CHARLOTTE

Back on tap: The Irish pub, with 20+ years in SC before its 2020 closure, is brewing up something new in NoDa. Here’s what you want to know. | Published March 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sunny Hubler

Burtons Grill & Bar will seat 152 diners inside and 93 outside at its location opening soon near Lake Norman.

NO. 5: POPULAR EAST COAST INDOOR-OUTDOOR RESTAURANT CHAIN OPENS IN LAKE NORMAN-AREA LOCATION SOON

The made-from-scratch menu includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, seafood and prime steaks, plus gluten-free, allergy-friendly options. | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joe Marusak

NO. 6: MOORESVILLE BARBECUE RESTAURANT RATED AMONG ‘AMERICA’S BEST’ HAS CLOSED, OWNER SAYS

“We cherished every moment serving you, however we are no longer open,” a notice on the shuttered restaurant’s front door reads. | Published April 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joe Marusak

NO. 7: A NEW PUB FOR CHARLOTTE SPORTS FANS IS OPEN IN UPTOWN — AND IT FEELS FAMILIAR

You could be eating gouda mac ‘n cheese bites and burgers with bourbon while you catch a game. | Published May 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.