Charlotte is one of the fastest growing cities in the US. The flavors of the world have come to the Queen City, reflecting the diversity of its population.

Each month there are more options for beer lovers to choose from in and around Charlotte. Some of our favorites are available with enough dining and drinking options.

Mariposa
Executive chef Jonathan Moore delivers an impressive menu at Mariposa © Courtesy of Mariposa

Uptown

Mariposa

One of Charlotte's newest upscale dining locations is called Mariposa. A menu inspired by the small mezze plates of the eastern and southern Mediterranean is delivered by the executive chef. There is only one mistake you can make when ordering a dessert.

La Belle Helene

You can find a French experience in Charlotte. One of the Queen City's premier dining experiences has a menu that would satisfy the pickiest Parisians. For two, traditional French dishes include a porchetta sandwich and duck a l'orange.

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Blue Blaze Brewing offers a wide selection of brews made from locally sourced ingredients © Cody Hughes; Courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Blue Blaze Brewing

If you want to walk up a thirst, you can start near Bank of America Stadium and end at Blue Blaze Brewery. This laid-back taproom offers a wide selection of brews made from locallysourced ingredients, as well as a seasonal and specialty list perfect for every season.

Mert’s Heart and Soul

Mert's heart and soul is a comfort food restaurant in Charlotte. A fried wrap filled with veggies and fried chicken has been featured on the Food Network. Both Barack Obama and Joe Biden have eaten here.

The Market at 7th Street

The Market at 7th Street is located right next to a light rail stop, which makes it feel connected to the community. Pizza, a raw bar, momos, cupcakes, and waffles are just some of the options at the food hall.

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Futo Buta is located right on the Rail Trail with year-round patio dining © Nick Orchard / Lonely Planet

South End

South End has everything for eating and drinking. Cuisines from all over the world and an abundance of brewery are all within easy walking distance of each other.

Futo Buta

Are you looking for the best ramen? Futo Buta is a popular place to watch the world go by year-round. On a first come, first served basis, seating is limited and claimed. The Buta Bowl is made with chicken and dashi soup, smoked pork belly, and duck confit, and it's great if you like spice. It is worth waiting if you have to.

Copper

Copper combines traditional Indian cuisine with a modern flair. The staff is great at guiding diners towards a dish they will enjoy, so be prepared to be pleasantly surprised. The chicken Mirchi-malai with roasted onion-cashew sauce and Kashmiri chili paste should appeal to Indian food novices and experts.

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Olde Mecklenburg Brewery continues to lead the way in the Charlotte brewery scene © Courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

The leader of the Charlotte beer scene feels like a small part of Germany. OMB continues to lead the way in the Charlotte brewery scene by remaining faithful to the German style of brew called the "Reinheitsgebot."

Sycamore Brewing

There is a place to be on a Saturday. The Rail Trail has pop-up markets and frequent live music. The quality of beer is what keeps them here. There are at least three beers you can try: Mountain CandyIPA, Southern Girl Blonde Beer, and Specials Chocolate Beer.

The city of Charlotte is coming into its own.

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The Goodyear House features exquisitely prepared, locally sourced food  © Jamey Price; Courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

NoDa

The original artistic capital of Charlotte is named after North Davidson Street. No Da has an impressive array of eating and drinking options.

Goodyear House

Chris Coleman is the winner of the Food Network's Chopped cooking competition and he is at the old mill home called the Goodyear House. The attention to detail paid to the house's restoration is reflected in this farm-to-table restaurant. Don't forget to order the smoked mac.

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Oh My Soul’s spacious courtyard is a calm and relaxing oasis © Courtesy of Oh My Soul

Oh My Soul

You can enjoy a full plant-based, vegan menu at Oh My Soul. You can choose between the spicy Durbanite way or the Capetonian option with fried onion rings. Just a few steps from the bustle of North Davidson Street, Oh My Soul has a large courtyard.

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Optimist Hall vendors provide everything from empañadas to eastern Mediterranean delicacies © Courtesy of Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority

Optimist Hall

With a wide-ranging mix of international food options to satisfy any taste, Optimist Hall will definitely put a smile on your face. Everything from empaadas to eastern Mediterranean delicacies can be enjoyed in the relaxing inside and courtyard seating areas.

NoDa Brewing

Among the earliest entrants to the brewery scene in Charlotte, NoDa Brewing has an impressive range of year-round and seasonal beers. Stay for the award-winning beer and occasionally the Charlotte symphony.

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Grab a pint, have a seat and prepare yourself for a great conversation at Birdsong Brewing © Critsey Rowe Photography; Courtesy of Birdsong Brewery

Birdsong Brewing

One of the most interesting beer flavors in the Queen City is created by Birdsong Brewery. It's been on the menu for a long time, and the Jalapeo Pale Ale is something you have to try. Prepare yourself for a great conversation by grabbing a drink and sitting down. Try to time your visit to coincide with a small-batchURS day.

Sports fans and thrill seekers come to Charlotte.

Plaza Midwood

Plaza Midwood is located on the east side of Charlotte and has a variety of shops and restaurants. When Mick Jagger visited the Thirsty Beaver pub in 2021, it became a global sensation.

Soul Gastrolounge

The best places to eat in the city for small plates and craft cocktails are at the soul gastronomy lounge. You can't go wrong at this place, whether you're looking for a hip celebration, or just some laid-back vibes. Diners shouldn't be allowed to leave until they try the pork belly taco.

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There is always a happy buzz at Legion Brewing's original Commonwealth Avenue location © Kenty Chung; Courtesy of Legion Brewing

Legion Brewing

The Plaza Midwood has a social scene. At its original Commonwealth Avenue location, there is always a happy buzz and a wide range of beers to choose from.

Resident Culture

Resident Culture is a favorite place for beer lovers. Good food and live music can be found on Food Truck Friday from March to November. There is a triple dry hopped double india pale brew.

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Charlotte Restaurant Week showcases the best of the greater Charlotte area dining options © Courtesy of Charlotte Restaurant Week

Celebrating Charlotte Food

The Queen's Feast is a twice yearly event that showcases the best of the Charlotte area dining options. For 10 days in January and July, dozens of mid- to high-end restaurants offer three-course, prix fixe menus for $30-$45, giving residents and visitors a cost-friendly option to experience the best of the city's cuisine.

The last weekend of September is when ATaste of Charlotte is usually held. The Charlotte Knights' home will be the site of the event in 2022.