Brian Nagele
Charlotte, North Carolina, is one of the top cities in the South. Not only is it one of my personal favorite cities because of the abundant history and thriving art culture.
But I also can’t get enough of the food. Since Charlotte has a fantastic climate, there’s no shortage of unique outdoor dining options.
Next time you’re in town, make sure to check out my list of the best outdoor dining restaurants in Charlotte below!
Dilworth Tasting Room
300 E Tremont Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: 704-595-3337
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Dilworth Tasting Room is very close to Latta Park, and it’s one of the best wine bars in all of Charlotte. With a calm, chill atmosphere and friendly servers, it’s a great place to spend a classy evening in Charlotte.
There’s plenty of excellent food on the menu, too, including a butternut squash appetizer and a lovely cheese plate. Your server can also address dietary needs and give you suggestions on the menu.
NoDa Company Store
3221 Yadkin Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: 980-859-0441
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Near the Church of Jesus Christ, NoDa Company Store is a great watering hole where you can sample excellent specialty drinks and take in their lovely outdoor seating area.
If cocktails aren’t for you, there’s plenty of wine and beer on the menu and non-alcoholic options. Although NoDa Company Store doesn’t have food itself, there are usually several food trucks nearby, so you can grab a snack to go with your cocktail.
The Goodyear House
3032 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: 704-910-0132
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If there’s one thing that people rave about when it comes to The Goodyear House, it’s the service. The servers are friendly and knowledgeable, but they also deliver your food quickly.
The Goodyear House is an excellent place for BBQ chicken, burgers, and salads. But, if you’re looking for lighter fare, try the shrimp.
You can find this iconic Charlotte restaurant right across the street from Johnston YMCA. I have no doubt in my mind it will be one of the highlights of your trip.
Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
4150 Yancey Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
Phone: 704-525-5644
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The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is near the Early Learning Center on S. Tryon Street, and it’s got a huge beer garden that’s perfect for chilling out on a hot day.
You can find tons of different beers here, plus cider for people who want something slightly different.
Top items include any of their sausages and the blackberry cider. The cider is fruity, tart, and tasty. Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is also pet friendly.
Optimist Hall
1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Phone: 980-701-0040
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Optimist Hall isn’t just one eatery; it’s several different ones. This premier Charlotte-area food hall is only a few short blocks away from Cordelia Park and offers comfort foods, fusion fare, and craft beers.
You’ll also dine in a historic ambiance in a classic Charlotte building that’s been revamped for the modern-day.
One thing I love about Optimist Hall is the tremendous sense of community that you feel when you visit.
The Fig Tree Restaurant
1601 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204
Phone: 704-332-3322
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Next to Independence Park, you’ll find Fig Tree Restaurant, a first-class dining experience right in the heart of Charlotte.
This place is famous for many things, but topping the list is its epic wine pairings. Talk to your server about what wine works best with your dish, and you’re bound to have a lovely time.
Essential dishes include escargot and filet. I also love treating myself to their delicious polenta cakes. They also serve excellent homemade cocktails that are sure to delight.
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
4310 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
Phone: 704-365-1922
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The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar has a clever name and an even more clever menu. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re bound to find it at this local favorite.
Their pork belly is tender, decadent, and delicious, and their burgers are massive and full of tasty toppings.
As far as sushi is concerned, the Bento Box is a great pick, as is the spider roll. When I’m in the mood for something lighter, I like ordering their refreshing cucumber salad.
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar is easy to find, located right near the Charlotte Marriot SouthPark. So it’s an ideal spot if you’re returning from a walk or plan to take one after your meal.
Camp North End
300 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206
Phone: 980-337-4600
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Close to Hebrew Cemetary, you’ll find Camp North End, another Charlotte food hall that doubles as an artistic space.
Expect tons of cool stuff to see and do, plus plenty of dining options to tempt your tastebuds. Restaurants like Babe & Butcher offer meat and cheese platters perfect for snacking.
Free Range Brewing is one of Charlotte’s top regional breweries, and they always have something new and exciting on tap.
CAFE MONTE FRENCH BAKERY & BISTRO
6700 Fairview Rd #108, Charlotte, NC 28210
Phone: 704-552-1116
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Cafe Monte French Bakery & History is relatively close to Phillips Place Shopping Mall, so you can stop in for a quick bite to eat after buying some souvenirs back home.
It’s also the place to go in Charlotte if you want great French food at reasonable prices. You’ll find a vast selection of salads, pastries, and quiches.
Those with a larger appetite will certainly not want to pass up Cafe Monte French Bakery & Bistro’s steak fries.
Bricktop’s Restaurant
6401 Carnegie Blvd #1B, Charlotte, NC 28211
Phone: 704-364-6255
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Across the street from the DoubleTree Suites, you’ll find Bricktop’s Restaurant. This place has a fantastic outdoor dining option, great staff, and a wonderful atmosphere.
It’s also reasonably priced and very accessible. As a friendly note, so you don’t order more than you can chew as I did, their portions are absolutely gigantic! Fortunately, you can always get something to share if you’re visiting with friends or family.
Some menu items that you shouldn’t miss are the spinach and artichoke dip, lobster rolls, and fish tacos. Bricktop’s Restaurant is a great place to sit and relax with friends.
Paco’s Tacos and Tequila
6401 Carnegie Blvd #8a, Charlotte, NC 28211
Phone: 704-716-8226
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If you’re craving excellent Mexican food and a chance to sit outdoors and soak in Charlotte’s fantastic climate, you’re in luck. Paco’s Tacos and Tequila, right next to Charlotte Marriott SouthPark, is the TexMex destination of your dreams.
They serve tremendously good margaritas, including classic ones and homemade specialties. You can also find tons of different tacos with homemade toppings. Even the chips and salsa are great, ideal for sharing, and always fresh.
VBGB Beer Hall
920 Hamilton St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Phone: 704-333-4111
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Down the street from the Art of Banksy Without Limits is a great beer hall to sip on some suds and enjoy the sunshine.
VBGB Beer Hall serves impressive pints and delicious bar food, including boneless chicken wings with a variety of different sauces. Plus, I find their portions of beer and food to be very generous.
There’s also a lot to do at VBGB Beer Hall. Visit during the summer, and you might be able to play a game of volleyball or chess with the locals.
300 East
300 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: 704-332-6507
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Just a few minutes drive from Latta Park sits one of Charlotte’s top dining experiences, 300 East. This restaurant proudly serves American cuisine with an eclectic spin.
All of their dishes have a familiar feel, but there are surprising elements too, which is why both locals and tourists love 300 East.
Try their cheddar grits and shrimp. The dish is beautifully balanced with just the right amount of paprika and spice. The drinks at 300 East are good, too, including huge Bloody Marys and beers.
RuRu’s
715 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
Phone: 704-332-7933
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RuRu’s has a fantastic patio where you can sit and socialize all day. Since they’re relatively close to Edgehill Park, it’s easy to get there too.
RuRu’s is an excellent place to get tacos, and you can customize them to your taste. Just ask your server to make a swap as need be.
Other standout foods include the queso dip and mahi-mahi. Finally, wash it all down with one of RuRu’s signature cocktails.
Dogwood Southern Table & Bar
4905 Ashley Park Ln, Charlotte, NC 28210
Phone: 704-910-4919
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Right down the street from the Hilton Garden Inn, you’ll stumble across the Dogwood Southern Table & Bar, and you’ll be glad that you did.
This place has excellent ambiance and amiable servers, plus some of the best food in the city. Their seafood is excellent, especially the scallops and chicken, and even their humble vegetable sides are out of this world.
Plus, Dogwood Southern Table & Bar has a robust wine and beer menu. I usually go with their top recommendations for the wine, but you’re more than welcome to take your time exploring their diverse options.
Burtons Grill & Bar
1601 E Woodlawn Rd A, Charlotte, NC 28209
Phone: 980-299-0999
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Burtons Grill & Bar is another friendly, fun Charlotte destination that simply serves up great food at reasonable prices.
Their menu focuses on elevated comfort food, like tasty short ribs and crispy, meaty crab cakes. The other thing that Burtons Grill & Bar nails is the presentation. Each dish is artfully plated and served fresh and hot.
Burtons Grill & Bar is relatively close to Myers Park, and if you find yourself in the neighborhood, you should definitely stop in.
Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails
1320 S Church St Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: 980-207-4494
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Only two blocks from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte is Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails.
This beautiful restaurant specializes in creating artistic cocktails made from beautiful local ingredients. You will probably find a delightful combination that you’ve never tasted before.
In addition to the cocktails, Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails has a great burger menu and plenty of appetizers that are perfect for sharing. Try the housemade pimento cheese for a real treat. You won’t regret it.
The Waterman Fish Bar
2729 South Blvd suite d, Charlotte, NC 28209
Phone: 704-275-5558
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As you may guess from the name, The Waterman Fish Bar specializes in all things sea-related. This epic restaurant is only a few minutes drive from Southside Park and is the ideal spot for both local and out-of-town seafood lovers to get their fill.
Try the oysters with butter and parmesan cheese or the cheese fondue with bread.
Their lobster rolls rival anything that you might have in Maine, and the salmon tacos are a fun twist on an old classic dish.
Suffolk Punch Brewing
2911 Griffith St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: 704-319-8650
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Visit Freedom House Sound End, and you’ll be just a few steps away from Suffolk Punch Brewing. This place has a dazzling selection of local beers.
And their bartenders are super knowledgeable and can help you pick the best draft for you. Plus, they have a vast outdoor seating area where you can sip your pint and people watch.
There’s a good menu of craveable snacks if you’re hungry, including pimento cheese sandwiches and chicken with biscuits. It would be easy to pass the entire day at Suffolk Punch Brewing.
Charlotte Beer Garden
1300 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: 704-375-1776
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Charlotte Beer Garden is absolutely huge, and it has a massive beer menu with roughly 200 beers on it.
If you are a beer connoisseur, this is one spot that you have to put on your “must-see” list next time that you visit Charlotte. It’s easy to find since it’s right across the street from Mosaic South End Apartments.
For those who like a little snack with their beer, there’s pizza available and other specialties depending on when you visit.
Mimosa Grill
327 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: 704-343-0700
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Mimosa Grill is two blocks from Romare Bearden Park and is a trendy place to visit in Charlotte. Reservations aren’t required, but you should make them if you’re visiting during meal rushes or on the weekend. Once you arrive, prepare for some next-level southern food, like tasty grits and pimento cheese.
In addition, when I’m looking to grab a quick brunch, they provide an excellent French toast and hearty steak and eggs.
Final Thoughts
Charlotte is undeniably one of the gems of the South, but it also happens to be a fantastic foodie destination.
So visit during the balmy spring or summer months and check out one of these best outdoor dining restaurants in Charlotte. From craft beer halls to fine dining, there’s something for everyone.
Did we miss your favorite Charlotte outdoor dining restaurant? Drop us a comment, and we will check it out! Thanks for reading!
