Familiar sports bar replacing uptown Hooters opens: 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 will open its second location Friday, May 29, 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.
The grand opening celebration will include live music, food and drink specials and ribbon cutting ceremony around 2 p.m.
“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 bars 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.