Familiar sports bar replacing shuttered uptown Hooters. It’s ‘something special’
A beloved sports bar ranked among Charlotte’s best is bringing its signature wings to a new part of the city.
Picasso’s Sports Café in University City plans to open a second location in uptown at 123 W. Trade Street. The space was most recently home to a now-shuttered Hooters restaurant, Word on the Street CLT first reported.
An opening date wasn’t confirmed, but a Google listing says the grand opening is Friday, May 1. A bar spokesperson said final inspections are underway and could impact when the doors officially open.
“We couldn’t keep this to ourselves any longer, and we’re so excited to be bringing the Picasso’s experience to the heart of the city,” Picasso’s owners said in a message shared on Instagram. “This is going to be something special.”
In 2025, the eatery was voted among the Top 50 sports bar in Charlotte, cementing itself as a go-to spot for sports fanatics, CharlotteFive previously reported.
Beyond game day wings, customers can expect pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and salads, among other classic bar bites. Fan-favorite menu picks include Buffalo chicken pizza and the pepperoni roll, the bar’s website says.
Picasso’s Sports Cafe
Location: 123 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202 (coming soon)
Location: 230 E W.T. Harris Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28262
Cuisine: Pizza, wings and sandwiches
Instagram: @picassossportscafeuncc
This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 12:03 PM.