50+ things to know about Charlotte's food scene in October.
In October's bustling Charlotte food scene, several common themes emerge, including change and expansion in local establishments, new experiences for food lovers, and notable closures.
The Charlotte Regional Farmers Market remains a popular fall destination with seasonal produce like root vegetables. Rollercoaster news includes Truva Turkish Kitchen opening where Riccio's Italian Restaurant closed after 62 years.
Meanwhile, a tragic loss for Brooks' Sandwich House as it announces temporary closure for the trial of co-owner Scott Brooks' murder.
Local favorite Indigo Tea + Coffee Co. reopened in Uptown after closing its South End location in July. Vegan café Oh My Soul expanded with a new grab-and-go concept in the Ally Building.
New ventures continue with Charlotte chef and Netflix alum Courtney Evans discussing her culinary journey and future plans after her show spotlight.
New restaurant openings include Ace No. 3 and Krazy Curry, both bringing diverse flavors to Uptown Charlotte.
A Concord dessert shop, Classy Scoops, launched a second location in University City.
Significant closures include Blaze Pizza's South End location and Yiding Hot Pot in Pineville.
The grand opening of Mama Lina’s Pizzeria plus new Charlotte ventures from established favorites reflect constant shifts within the city’s gastronomic landscape.
NO. 1: MY FRIENDS ARE NEW TO THE CHARLOTTE AREA. HERE’S WHERE WE EAT IN HUNTERSVILLE
In a stroke of good luck, my husband‘s best friend and his family — the couple who set us up together and have been by our side ever since — have moved to the Charlotte area this year and landed in Lake Norman. | Published October 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 2: WILL A CHARLOTTE RESTAURANT EARN A MICHELIN STAR THIS YEAR? SIGNS POINT TO YES
As Michelin prepares for the big reveal of its Michelin Guide American South on Monday, Nov. | Published October 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 3: WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT CHARLOTTE’S CUBAN SANDWICHES? THE ANSWER IS: EVERYTHING.
The Cuban, or Cubano, is a thrilling feat of sandwich engineering whose singular goal is to impart maximum pleasure. | Published October 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Timothy DePeugh
NO. 4: 8 (SORT OF SECRET) SPEAKEASIES WHERE YOU CAN SNEAK IN FOR A DRINK AROUND CHARLOTTE
Tucked away in hidden spots and out of the way places are some of the Charlotte area’s swankiest cocktail bars, a set of speakeasies that we’re letting you in on the secret about. | Published October 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 5: BASED ON A TRUE ‘BOURBON’: DISTILLERY CONTINUES TO MAKE FOOTPRINTS IN CHARLOTTE
After turning a hobby of making homemade whiskey into a local distillery business, buddies Matt Simpkins and Thomas Bogan believe great-tasting bourbon should come with a story. | Published October 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chase Jordan
NO. 6: A 62-YEAR-OLD CHARLOTTE RESTAURANT CLOSED. HERE’S WHAT’S TAKING ITS PLACE.
A new Mediterranean eatery is bringing authentic Turkish cuisine to Charlotte. | Published October 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 7: CHARLOTTE LOVES NEW RESTAURANTS. HOW ARE OLDER ONES KEEPING YOUR ATTENTION, TOO?
More than 100 restaurants have opened across Charlotte in 2025. | Published October 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Rothaus Bertrand
NO. 8: 10 UNDERRATED LATIN AMERICAN RESTAURANTS IN THE CHARLOTTE AREA
Good flavor knows no boundaries, and Charlotte’s restaurants featuring authentic Hispanic and Latin American cuisine will make your mouth water. | Published October 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Loàn Lake
NO. 9: NC HAS A FAVORITE BURGER CHAIN AND IT’S NOT MCDONALD’S, NEW SURVEY SAYS
Who doesn’t love a good burger and fries?McDonald’s remains the nation’s largest burger chain with more than 13,400 restaurants and counting. | Published October 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 10: WHAT’S IN SEASON THIS FALL AROUND CHARLOTTE? CHECK OUR AUTUMN FARMERS MARKET GUIDE
As humidity-heavy summer memories fade into crisp autumn air here in the Carolinas, our palates change, too: Many of us are starting to crave warm, filling meals made with hearty root vegetables. | Published October 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler
NO. 11: WOULD YOU TRY ONE? 5 WEIRDEST COCKTAILS IN CHARLOTTE RIGHT NOW
This fall, Charlotte bartenders are blurring the lines between cocktails and culinary art in delicious ways, putting out drinks. | Published October 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 12: GO-TO SEAFOOD RESTAURANT CLOSES SUDDENLY AFTER 2 YEARS IN CHARLOTTE. WHAT’S NEXT?
Two years after Nick’s Gyros & Seafood expanded from Columbia to Charlotte, it posted on Instagram that it had closed its West Boulevard restaurant. However, all is not lost: Owner Khalif Muhammad told CharlotteFive on Wednesday that he has simply sold the location to friends of his. | Published October 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler
NO. 13: ‘HOLISTIC’ CHARLOTTE RESTAURANT TO FILL FORMER JAMAICAN SPOT DEVASTATED BY FIRE
JuaMoto Sunfired Cuisine, a Black-owned restaurant specializing in vegan and plant-based offerings, is moving to Charlotte, its owner told CharlotteFive. | Published October 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 14: ‘TIME FOR JUSTICE’: BROOKS’ WILL CLOSE DURING FIRST DAY OF TRIAL IN THE DEATH OF SCOTT BROOKS
Almost six years after the tragic death of Brooks’ Sandwich House co-owner Scott Brooks, a trial date has been set. | Published October 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler
NO. 15: A CHARLOTTE BOTTLE SHOP CLOSED FOR A ‘MAJOR’ REVAMP. WHAT’S HAPPENING NEXT?
A Charlotte bottle shop known for its ultra-rare sake and gourmet bites is undergoing a “major” transformation before its planned reopening. | Published October 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 16: LAKE NORMAN NIGHTLIFE VENUE TO CLOSE AND BUILDING RAZED FOR MAJOR NEW PROJECT
Old Town Public House, a popular nightlife venue in downtown Cornelius, will close in January before the building is demolished for a new development project, its owner said Thursday. | Published October 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joe Marusak
NO. 17: NEW RESTAURANT PROMISES ‘TRUE INDIAN DINING EXPERIENCE’ IN SOUTH END CHARLOTTE
A new restaurant is bringing “the vibrant traditions of India“ to Charlotte’s dining scene. | Published October 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 18: 10 NC RESTAURANTS NAMED ‘BEST OF THE BEST’ IN THE US, TRIPADVISOR SAYS
From up-and-coming concepts to award-winning classics, North Carolina’s food scene is full of delicious dining spots — including a few that have been named among the best in the country. | Published October 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon
NO. 19: CHARLOTTE CHEF COURTNEY EVANS TALKS LIFE AFTER NETFLIX’S ‘NEXT GEN CHEF’
Courtney Evans is still overwhelmed by all the attention she’s received since the finale of Netflix’s “Next Gen Chef” aired September 30. | Published October 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Shindy Chen
NO. 20: HOW DID THIS COUPLE GO FROM CHARLOTTE RESTAURANT STARS TO STARRING IN A TV SHOW?
Jeff Tonidandel and Jamie Brown have proved once again that they know how to use historic buildings in Charlotte to their advantage. Recently, the husband-and-wife team that co-owns some of the city’s hottest restaurants — including Plaza Midwood’s Supperland and Dilworth’s Lelulia Hall, both of which are located in repurposed historic church buildings — hosted a premiere of their new PBS docu-series in a most apropos place: “Welcome to the beautifully restored Carolina Theatre,” Brown said to a crowd of about 800. | Published October 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Theoden Janes
NO. 21: BEST PIZZA? CHARLOTTE RESTAURANT CLAIMS NO. 1 SPOT IN NORTH CAROLINA, REPORT SAYS
Flaky crust, zesty sauce, flavorful toppings and a cheese pull worthy of your Instagram story: all hallmarks of the perfect pizza slice. | Published October 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 22: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE CRAFT BEER SQUEEZE — NATIONALLY AND IN CHARLOTTE
The craft beer industry is making headlines again, with The New York Times spotlighting the recent wave of brewery closures and industry challenges across the country. | Published October 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by CharlotteFive staff
NO. 23: CONCORD NATIVE CLOSES DOORS ON DOWNTOWN COFFEE SHOP. ‘I’M BEYOND GRATEFUL’
A Charlotte-area coffee shop is “officially closed” after nearly two years in business. | Published October 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 24: FROM BIRYANIS TO GROCERIES: INDIAN FOOD HALL + SUPERMARKET OPENS IN CHARLOTTE
A new supermarket hopes to be Charlotte’s one-stop shop for all things Indian cuisine and culture. | Published October 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 25: BURGER SPOT OPENS DOORS ON NEW LOCATION IN UPTOWN CHARLOTTE. WHAT TO KNOW
Ace No. 3, a counter-style burger joint, just opened the doors on another location in Charlotte. | Published October 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 26: INDIAN-NEPALESE RESTAURANT NOW OPEN IN UPTOWN CHARLOTTE. WHAT’S ON THE MENU?
Those in search of authentic Indian fare can find it at a new spot in uptown Charlotte. | Published October 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 27: ‘STRANGER THINGS,’ SAFE SPACES AND SWEET SIPS: WAS THIS CHARLOTTE CAFE WORTH IT?
What do “Stranger Things,” spectrum-friendly restrooms and sugary chai lattes have in common? | Published October 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Evan Moore
NO. 28: SHE DROVE AN HOUR+ FROM HER HOUSE IN CHARLOTTE FOR A $21 VIRAL FRUIT PASTRY. WAS IT WORTH IT?
A few weeks ago, I saw a TikTok post from a woman who was trying the viral fruit pastries at Daily Grind Coffee Bar in Waxhaw. I practically sprinted to my computer to tell Tamia. | Published October 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler
NO. 29: NEED A LITTLE LIGHT? THESE CHARLOTTE RESTAURANTS, BARS GIVE OUT MATCHBOOKS
I’ve been on a side quest; a sort of Charlotte scavenger hunt, if you will. Recently, I’ve been collecting matchbooks from local restaurants and bars across the city. | Published October 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Samantha Husted
NO. 30: A QUEST TO BITE INTO SOME OF CHARLOTTE’S BEST SANDWICHES LED ME TO LAUREL MARKET
Pulling into the Laurel Market parking lot, all I could think was: “Why haven’t I been here before?” | Published October 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Sofia DiStefano
NO. 31: HOT POT RESTAURANT WITH ROBOT SERVERS QUIETLY CLOSES IN PINEVILLE. WHAT WE KNOW
A hot pot restaurant where AI robots served bowls of savory broth has closed in Pineville after just two years in business. | Published October 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 32: THIS UPTOWN CHARLOTTE CAFE SAT EMPTY FOR MONTHS — SEE WHAT’S TAKEN ITS PLACE
A specialty coffee and tea bar has found new home in uptown Charlotte just a few months after closing. | Published October 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 33: CONCORD DESSERT SHOP BRINGS ROLLED ICE CREAM, BOBA TEAS TO NEW CHARLOTTE SPOT
A Concord ice cream shop is bringing it scoops and boba teas to Charlotte’s University City neighborhood. | Published October 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 34: BEAN THERE, SIPPED THAT: A CAFFEINATED TOUR OF THE BEST CHARLOTTE COFFEE SHOPS
Iced lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, seasonal drinks or maybe a shot of espresso — these are some of my go-to orders at coffee shops across Charlotte. As one of my favorite pop girls, Sabrina Carpenter says, “That’s that me, espresso.” | Published October 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tamia Boyd
NO. 35: CRAFT BEER, CROISSANTS AND MORE: NEW SHOPS ARRIVING SOON IN DOWNTOWN HUNTERSVILLE
A Charlotte-area city is looking to grow its food and dining scene with two new options coming next spring. | Published October 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 36: PIZZERIA WITH ‘FAST FIRED’ PIES CLOSES IN SOUTH END CHARLOTTE. WHAT WE KNOW
Blaze Pizza, a fast-casual chain serving fast-fired pies, has shut its doors in Charlotte’s South End. | Published October 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 37: THIS CHARLOTTE ROOFTOP BAR RANKS AMONG THE BEST IN THE US. WHY FOLKS LOVE IT
A Charlotte lounge known for serving signature cocktails and small bites against the dazzling backdrop of the city’s skyline is among the nation’s best rooftop bars, a new report says. | Published October 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 38: VEGAN CAFE EXPANDS IN CHARLOTTE WITH NEW CARRYOUT CONCEPT. ‘WE’RE ON THE MOO’VE’
A popular vegan café just launched a new concept perfect for Charlotteans on the go. | Published October 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 39: FAMILY-OWNED RESTAURANT PROMISES AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD AT NEW CHARLOTTE SPOT
Fiesta Patria Mexican Restaurant Bar + Grill has opened in the Mountain Island/Harwood Lane area, serving up classics like chicken fajitas, enchiladas, carne asada and more, manager Antonio Alvarado told CharlotteFive. | Published October 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 40: CHARLOTTE-AREA RESTAURANT + COCKTAIL BAR TO OPEN NEW SPOT. HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW.
A Charlotte-area cocktail bar and restaurant is taking its classic American fare across state lines. The Garrison is expanding from Pineville to Tega Cay, with a second restaurant slated to open in mid-spring 2026. | Published October 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 41: I ATE AT A CHARLOTTE RESTAURANT I OWED AN APOLOGY TO. HERE’S WHAT I GOT FOR $25
Remember how apologizing as a kid wasn’t just about saying “sorry”? | Published October 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Evan Moore
NO. 42: FORT MILL IS GETTING A NEW ITALIAN RESTAURANT WITH FAMILIAR TASTES OF NY PIZZA
Fans of the former Mama’s Pizza Pasta in Indian Land won’t have to wait much longer for another helping of traditional Italian food, this time in Fort Mill. | Published October 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by John Marks
NO. 43: NEW ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SUSHI SPOT OPENING SOON IN PINEVILLE. HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT
Hot pot and sushi lovers, rejoice. | Published October 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 44: CHARLOTTE-AREA BRUNCH SPOT OPENS DOORS ON A NEW LOCATION. ‘WE’RE SO EXCITED’
A Charlotte-area diner promises to serve “good food and plenty of it” at its newest location. | Published October 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 45: IT WAS NAMED CHARLOTTE’S BEST COFFEE SHOP. NOW, IT’S SUDDENLY FORCED TO CLOSE
A Charlotte coffee shop has shut its doors after the owner said it was suddenly booted from its spot. | Published October 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 46: FAST-CASUAL EATERY EARNS TITLE FOR TASTIEST INDIAN FOOD AROUND CHARLOTTE
Craving Indian cuisine? Here’s which restaurant was voted as the very best around the Charlotte area. | Published October 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon
NO. 47: NEW BAR TO RAISE A GLASS WITH LOCAL SPIRITS IS NOW OPEN IN SOUTH END CHARLOTTE
A new spot to drink locally made spirits is now open at The Winnifred in Charlotte’s South End neighborhood. | Published October 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 48: A WEEK+ AFTER BAR-B-Q KING ANNOUNCED IT WILL CLOSE, THE LUNCHTIME CROWDS STILL POUR IN
A week ago, Bar-B-Q King’s announcement that it would close was still fresh, so it was no surprise when CharlotteFive reported long lines of people showing up for one last meal at the classic restaurant. | Published October 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler
NO. 49: PRESSED BUT NOT CRUSHED: CONCORD COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND FAMILY-OWNED JUICE CAFE
For Charlotte-area entrepreneurs Eugene and Ayanna Williams, and their six children, the last year has been a whirlwind of new beginnings and life-altering challenges. | Published October 31, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Rothaus Bertrand
NO. 50: ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT KOREAN BBQ SPOT CLOSING AFTER FOUR YEARS IN SOUTH CHARLOTTE
A Korean barbecue spot is packing up with plans to close in three days. | Published October 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 51: CHARLOTTE PUB FAMOUS FOR FISH AND CHIPS TO CLOSE — FOR NOW. 'THIS ISN'T GOODBYE.
The British-style tavern is known for hosting soccer fans and serving classic fare. | Published October 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 52: LONG-AWAITED PHILLY HOAGIE SHOP IS OPENING SOON IN CHARLOTTE'S NODA NEIGHBORHOOD
Ricci’s Hoagies has been putting out its iconic hoagies and cheesesteaks in Philadelphia since 1920. | Published October 16, 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.