Late-night restaurant brings sushi, craft cocktails and live DJ sets to Charlotte

With few late-night dining options in Charlotte, a new eatery is stepping in to fill the void, serving sushi, cocktails – and live DJ sets in South End.

Yugenn, the latest venture from local restaurateurs Lisa and Linda Nguyen — the sisters behind popular fast-casual Sake Express — opened Wednesday, Oct. 15. It aims to combine elevated Japanese cuisine with music, drinks and a high-energy vibe.

“This has been a passionate project for the both of us,” Linda said. “We’ve always wanted to dabble in the fine dining, more elevated scene.”

Yugenn will feature an intimate yet lively atmosphere, complete with DJs who will “keep the vibes going,” Linda said, spinning everything from chill lounge beats to upbeat dance tracks, making sushi and hot plates the soundtrack of your night out.

“We felt like South End was a great location for that,” Linda said. “It’s more of a young vibe, more high energy and just what we want for our customer base.”

What to expect at Yugenn

While sushi will remain a centerpiece, the menu at Yugenn goes beyond raw fish.

“There’s going to be a lot of sushi, but we don’t want to be known for just sushi,” Linda said. “We’re going to have a lot of hot plates, as well, but it’ll definitely be Japanese-forward.”

Yugenn will also feature a curated cocktail menu, limited-edition specialty drinks and a carefully selected wine list, general manager Sabrina Trinh said.

According to the restaurant’s website, the team is looking to create a “sensory experience,” engaging guests with bold flavors, lively music, and an atmosphere designed to delight every sense.

“I would say we want to create a vibe that’s not just beautiful, but one that appeals to all your senses,” Trinh added. “Great food, great atmosphere, leaving you feeling good whenever you leave the restaurant.”

Unlike a typical bar scene, Trinh said Yugenn’s focus will remain on food and ambiance, even during late-night hours.

“It’ll definitely be more of a restaurant atmosphere,” she said. “We’re going to be open late, but we don’t intend to create a bar atmosphere. I would say it’s kind of more like the pre-game spot before you go out or a special dinner, before you go grab drinks or go out with your friends,”

Yugenn

Location: 225 W. Bland St.., Charlotte, NC 28203

Cuisine: Japanese

Instagram: @yugennclt

This story was originally published August 20, 2025 at 5:00 AM.

Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.