The Uptown Restaurant Guide to Charlotte
Charlotte is one of the only cities in the nation, if not the only city, that refers to its downtown area as uptown. Uptown is a fun, exciting, and vibrant area of Charlotte, featuring many museums, hotels, apartments, and businesses. Walking around and taking in the area can take a couple of hours and also can build quite the appetite. Luckily, there are a great number of fantastic high-quality restaurants available in uptown Charlotte serving many different styled dishes. This article will bring forth a number of Uptown restaurants in Charlotte that are a must to taste and enjoy while visiting the uptown area of Charlotte.
Alexander Michael’s
401 W 9th St Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 332-6789
Locals have a way of making everything their own and they have deemed this location’s name to be Al Mike’s, short for the full name of the restaurant, Alexander Michael’s. The restaurant opened its doors to the public in 1983 offering standard American food with zero pretentiousness in a tavern experience we know and love. The food is very tasty at this restaurant. Try the vegetable burger, made with quinoa, vegetables, and black beans, or the classic Reuben sandwich piled high with corned beef and served on rye bread. Also, try the Cajun fries that arrive by the basket load.
The Cellar at Duckworth’s
330 N Tryon St Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 349-4078
Make sure to secure a reservation before heading to this restaurant to dine, as they are regularly fully booked. This establishment gives the feeling of stepping back in time to a time when alcohol was illegal and people had to be sneaky to drink. The building itself is over 106 years old and gives the feeling of a speakeasy during prohibition. The truffle mac and cheese is thick and creamy and must be ordered for everyone to try. The Lemon Risotto is another favorite that is ordered from the menu. The cocktails are also a shining star at this establishment, with over 500 elusive labels. The Cellar at Duckworth’s serves the finest in liquor, cocktails, and beer.
5Church Charlotte
127 N Tryon St #8 Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 919-1322
Top Chef is a show that features many chefs competing on television against each other and pushing each other to greater cooking heights. Chef Jamie Lynch, of 5Church Charlotte, was a contestant on the famous television program. Lynch has helped to grow the establishment into a very popular restaurant and also played an integral role in the further expansion of 5Church Charlotte to Atlanta and Charleston. There is no mistaking that the restaurant decor is absolutely stunning. The bar has feathered lamps hanging above it and the ceiling has passages written upon it, taken from the book called The Art of War. This restaurant offers dining during brunch, dinner, and even offers tasty late-night options. Try the scallops, which are seared to perfection, or the lamb burgers. The restaurant also offers tasty cocktails.
The Asbury
235 N Tryon St Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 342-1193
A restaurant with a Southern flare, bringing Southern-style dishes to Charlotte. The Asbury is a restaurant the has food that is for the common person who wants to eat and enjoy. Try the deviled eggs, the fried chicken sandwich, grits, seasonal vegetables, and make sure to try a biscuit, cooked in a cast-iron skillet, with some bacon jam on top, it’s delicious. There is a large menu with many tasty items to enjoy.
Halal Truck
101 N Tryon St Charlotte, NC 28202
No Phone Available
A food truck on a list of the best food available at restaurants in Charlotte? The answer is a resounding yes. The Halal Truck is a destination all to itself, delivering the tastiest falafel salads, rice with pita bread, Philly cheese steaks, chicken gyros, and other items. The amazing aroma coming from the truck will entice any passerby who dare come within reach of the truck. If you are visiting the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, you most likely will find this truck waiting outside after you enjoy your event. A perfect time to enjoy the Halal Truck.
Public Market
224 E 7th St Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 230-4346
The 7th Street Public Market has many options for cheeses, wines, coffees, and a few counter-service restaurant options. Plan to spend some enjoyable time taking the area in as it is a great place that is wide open and offers many different options for drinks and dining. Try Italian food at the Zia Pia Imports, a crispy and fresh baked pizza at Pure Pizza, Rico’s Acai and their acai bowl, a fresh and raw juice mix from Viva Raw, and other great options to tantalize the tastebuds. Feel free to hang out a while, as there is WiFi and plenty of seating to relax.
Sea Level NC
129 E 5th St Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 412-2616
Sea Level NC is a step up in elegance and a step up in the pure freshness of its offerings. Farm-to-fork is what this restaurant prides itself upon. Delivering oysters that are grown in North Carolina, and also offering other fresh seafood from all along the coasts of the Carolinas. The items on the menu will shift with what is available and in season, to ensure freshness for customers. Try the Oyster Jammer with vodka, fish tacos, and their steam buns, as they are very tasty. However, also try the fried catfish and paella, which is caught daily and served as fresh as it can get.
Haymaker
225 S Poplar St Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 626-6116
Haymaker is a destination that offers very sleek and modern areas that give a grand view of Romare Bearden Park. The high windows help raise the feel of the ceilings, while also offering a better view of the outside area. The cocktails are a major attraction at this restaurant, which is served with Levain bread and cultured butter. Haymaker offers a number of smaller plates that can be shared featuring meat, cheese, and other items. Also, try the foraged mushroom toast that is very yummy. Larger entrees are certainly available and of high quality. Try the roasted pork shoulder or herb dumplings, if you brought a good hunger with you to the table.
Aura Rooftop
124 E Brooklyn Vlg Ave, Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 499-6645
Aura Rooftop is the perfect spot to meet up with some friends, grab some drinks, and nibble on some food. This rooftop bar has a magnetic vibe and regal tone in the heart of uptown Charlotte. Spend your evening savoring botanical cocktails while enjoying the gorgeous city skyline views. There are a variety of unique cocktails offered; Our favorites are the birds of paradise with dark rum, campari, pineapple, lime, and vanilla, as well as the opposites attract with tequilla, vodka, honey, basil, lychee, and bubbles. When you get hungry order a small plate like the ahi tuna tacos or the chicken satay, or perhaps a handroll such as the salmon poke or spicy tuna. If you have more of a sweet tooth, indulge in Aura’s incredible matcha olive oil cake or their heavenly chocolate mousse.
La Belle Helene
300 S Tryon St Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 209-0941
La Belle Helene is a refined brasserie serving French fare, beer & wine in a soaring, elegant space. The posh and classy atmosphere makes this spot perfect for special events such as a birthday dinner or an intimate date night. This restaurant is not only stunning from the moment you walk in, but the French cuisine makes this spot a must-try. If you stop by for dinner, start off with appetizers like the delicious French onion soup (one of the best you can get in Charlotte!) or the foie gras torchoni. Choose between entrees such as the boeuf bourguignon or the steak frites. End your dinner on a high note with some dessert; The creme brulee and la ricane here are absolutely exceptional. If dinner doesn’t sound appealing to you, stop by for a fancy brunch or lunch and try the deviled eggs, crepes, and freshly baked pastries. Whatever you decide to get at La Belle Helene, prepare for your tastebuds to be amazed!
Fahrenheit Charlotte
The Capital Grille
201 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 348-1400
Located in the heart of uptown Charlotte, The Capital Grille is perfect if you’re looking for a world-class dining experience. Enjoy dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood made from the highest quality ingredients. To complement your dining experience, The Capital Grille features over 325 new and old-world wines curated by a Sommelier and classic cocktails with a fun twist. Enjoy your meal in their posh dining room or the outdoor patio for some people-watching. Our favorite dishes here are the lobster bisque, the ribeye steak sandwich with caramelized onions and havarti, and the seared tenderloin with butter poached lobster tails for the ultimate steak and seafood experience. You won’t want to skip dessert here; The housemade cheesecake and flourless chocolate espresso cake are heavenly.
Conclusion
Charlotte is a city with much to offer in the way of great restaurants. The restaurants serve a wide variety of different dishes that are certain to help keep anyone satisfied. From fine dining to wide open spaces to enjoy food, to just grabbing a hot dog, this article has laid out a number of options available in Uptown Charlotte. Uptown Charlotte is an active and robust part of the city with many different restaurant varieties to share with the world.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink around Charlotte, check out our Charlotte city page.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on September 21, 2021 and last updated on November 20, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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