4 new restaurants are joining Charlotte’s food scene. Latest updates
Happy Friday, Charlotte! It’s Tanasia.
The weekend is finally here, and now that the pollening is (seemingly) over and the weather is warming up, I’m looking forward to grabbing a meal with my girls — preferably on an outdoor patio.
The city already has plenty of spots to choose from and will soon add another, as a new taco stand concept takes shape in Plaza Midwood.
If grilled cheeses are more your speed, a familiar eatery is preparing to open its first-ever storefront in Myers Park next week. Plus, a Carolina-born burrito chain is looking to expand its footprint.
Read on for my weekly recap of recent and upcoming openings around the metro:
Burrito Shak
Burrito Shak is bringing its Baja-inspired burritos, bowls and tacos to the Charlotte metro.
The chain is looking to build a new restaurant in Kannapolis. The project would include a paint job, new interior finishes, plumbing and electrical work, among other updates, according to a building plan review filed in Cabarrus County.
If you’re a fan of build-your-own burrito spots like me, Burrito Shak could be one to add to your “must visit” list. Expect locally-sourced “fresh-mex” dishes, including house-made salsas, corn tortillas, quesadillas and more, the restaurant’s website says.
This will mark the chain’s first Charlotte-area restaurant, joining spots in Cary, Greensboro and Hampstead.
Picasso’s Sports Café
I wouldn’t describe myself as a sports fan, but I’ll tune in for the big games — especially if wings and pizza are involved. Charlotteans will find that and more on the menu at Picasso’s Sports Café, which is slated to open a second location on West Trade Street in uptown.
The classic sports bar, voted among the best in the city, will take over the old Hooters restaurant spot.
An official grand opening date hasn’t been announced.
“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.”
Orrman’s Cheese Shop
Orrman’s Cheese Shop is moving into its own storefront after more than a decade slinging specialty cheeses inside The Market at 7th Street in uptown.
The shop will start its “new chapter” in Myers Park at the grand opening Monday, May 4.
“We are so grateful for every visit, every conversation, and all the cheese we’ve shared over the years,” owners Rachel Klebaur and Jose Espinosa wrote in a farewell message shared on Instagram.
The cut-to-order cheese shop offers more than 100 varieties of specialty cheeses, most of which are sourced from local and regional producers. Grilled cheese sandwiches are on the menu, as are meats, olives and other items to build your own charcuterie board.
La Vecina
Exciting news for taco lovers. La Vecina, an outdoor-only eatery serving a fusion of Latino cuisines, opens soon in Plaza Midwood.
The exact opening date is still under wraps, but locals can look forward to traditional dishes like al pastor served on homemade tortillas, plus tasty margaritas (I’ll take mine with plenty of mezcal).
There will be Sunday brunch, too, and expect live DJ sets on the weekend.
The restaurant’s walk-up counter is a big part of the experience, allowing hungry customers to take their tacos and cocktails to go. The space will also feature a large outdoor patio that will be open year-round (enclosed during the colder months).
