Food and Drink

8 new tastes and nostalgic returns in Charlotte’s dining scene

Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization

Charlotte's dining scene continues to shift as restaurants open, close, and return. Change marks many dining stories from 2025, with new tastes joining established favorites and some familiar names making a comeback.

Whataburger expands into the region, first in Gastonia and then in Rock Hill.

The area sees losses too, as McCormick & Schmick's and Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse close. Newcomers enter with concepts like Tipsy Pickle, which merges pickleball and Tex-Mex, and Coffee Republic adds a location uptown.

McHale’s Irish Pub reopened in NoDa after years away, while The Pub At Uptown revives a favorite sports bar with familiar menu choices.

The Pauline Tea Bar & Apothecary shuts its second lounge due to high rent, yet its main location looks to grow.

The cycle of endings and beginnings defines Charlotte's dynamic restaurant landscape in 2025.

As part of Historic West End Partners’ “Thrive” revitalization, The Pauline Tea-Bar Apothecary’s second location will be in a yellow house on Beatties Ford Road in Charlotte.

NO. 1: CHARLOTTE TEA LOUNGE CLOSED ITS DOORS AFTER 1 YEAR IN BUSINESS DUE TO RISING RENT COSTS

Here’s what’s next for the team behind the tea bar known for its herbal teas and complimentary pastries. | Published January 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

Link & Pin has a restaurant location at The Arboretum in Charlotte and another in Huntersville.

NO. 2: TWO POPULAR CHARLOTTE RESTAURANTS PERMANENTLY CLOSE SOUTH END, BALLANTYNE LOCATIONS

“We’re in the midst of evaluating several exciting opportunities for the future of these spaces — including the possibility of a new dining concept,” the owner said. | Published January 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

Mazi’s menu will focus on Mediterranean mezze and small plates.

NO. 3: NEW LATIN LOUNGE, PIZZA PLACE, PICKLEBALL COMPLEX AND MORE: THE WINTER'S FOOD SCENE IN CHARLOTTE

10 restaurants opened and 7 closed in February. | Published March 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

Late night eats will be available at The Pub at Uptown, which will serve food until its 2 a.m. closing time.

NO. 4: 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

Whataburger is in the planning and construction phase of several restaurants across North Carolina.

NO. 5: OUR WAIT IS OVER: WE HAVE OUR FIRST WHATABURGERS NEAR CHARLOTTE

SWho’s lining up with us for Breakfast Taquitos, Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits and Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burgers? | Published May 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

Whataburger’s first North Carolina restaurant opens in Gastonia on Thursday, May 29, with several more locations to follow. One will be in Rock Hill, slated to open in early 2026. By Heidi Finley

NO. 6: WHATABURGER IS OPENING A ROCK HILL LOCATION. HERE’S WHEN YOU CAN EAT THERE.

After the first Whataburger in North Carolina opened, more locations quickly follow. | Published May 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

Prime rib roast with herbs and spices. By Brent Hofacker/Courtesy of Landry’s

NO. 7: MCCORMICK & SCHMICK’S HAS CLOSED IN UPTOWN, MARKING ITS EXIT FROM CHARLOTTE

Locations of the once-prominent steakhouse have been closing nationally. | Published May 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley

Brenden Kuhlkin, owner of McHale’s Pub. By Alex Cason

NO. 8: AN INSIDE LOOK AT CHARLOTTE’S NEWEST IRISH PUB, MAKING A COMEBACK IN NODA

Expect Irish charm and community spirit along with pub fare, whiskey and beer. | Published July 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sunny Hubler

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.