Hubs and I had the most amazing dining experience at Counter- From the planning stage to execution, this team does not miss! Ella not only reached out to confirm our reservation and discuss dietary restrictions, she even created the cutest card as a surprise for Hubs. They go all out to give you the best experience possible. We had the theme Home which celebrates various pieces of NC. As someone raised in Charlotte since the 80's, the theme hit Home for me. The food - amazing! Each dish that came out was delicious. And it kept coming out nonstop. Can you say foodie heaven?!?! My fave dish is the fried catfish with peanut butter sauce. Actually, my fave is the Brunswick stew with cornbread. Or the chips and dip. Scratch that, I love them all!!! Customer service - pick a positive adjective and insert it here. I said what I said - THEY DO NOT MISS! I can't really describe it in words that would do it justice. Even the pics don't do it justice. It's something you have to experience for yourself, at least once. Highly recommend! read more

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How I Became a "Regular" - The Michelin Chapter The Prophecy Fulfilled In my second review, I wrote that Counter "richly deserves" a Michelin star. On my 30th visit in November 2025, I got to see that actually happen. What started as a serendipitous discovery has turned into a front-row seat to Charlotte's first Michelin-starred restaurant. The Experience - Validated The core of Counter hasn't changed. It's still a tightly choreographed, multi-sensory experience where the food, visuals, and soundtrack are all working together instead of living in separate lanes. The Michelin star just makes official what regulars have known for a long time: Chef Sam Hart didn't just bring tasting-menu fine dining to Charlotte, he made it his own. The Home menu, landing right as the star was announced, felt like a culmination. You can taste the evolution: the playful nostalgia of "Drive Thru," the cinematic fun of "Tarantino Tribute," and that "White Cake" that, for me, was quintessential Counter. That season finale of "Home" service was the perfect way to step into the Michelin era. This wasn't a restaurant suddenly becoming "star-worthy"; it was the guide finally catching up. Why I Keep Going Back - And Why You Should Go At Least Once I've dined at over 13+ Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. Counter now sits comfortably in that group--not as a newcomer trying to prove itself, but as an essential experience if you care about food and storytelling. Sam's sui generis approach, his attention to the tiny details, and his willingness to take real creative risks are what keep me coming back. At 30 meals deep, I'm still not done--and if you haven't been yet, you should probably fix that. read more

Tonight, I had the incredible pleasure of dining at Counter in Charlotte, North Carolina and I can honestly say, it was one of the most inspiring dining experiences of my life. The restaurant is led by Chef Sam Hart, and it doesn't take long to realize that food, storytelling, and mission-driven creativity aren't just his passions... they're his entire language. Calling Counter a "restaurant" feels incomplete. It's part dinner theater, part art installation, and part love letter to North Carolina. From the moment you sit down, you're not simply eating, you're participating. The decor, the energy, the sound, even the silence.. everything is intentional. Counter doesn't just feed you; it enlightens, entertains, and involves you. Their mission is clear and relentless: Local, through and through. The tables? Made in North Carolina. The plates? Thrown and fired by a North Carolina ceramicist. The ingredients? Grown, caught, or raised here. The inspiration? 100% Carolina. Chef Hart began our ten-course meal by explaining that every dish was designed to represent or evoke a memory tied to the state, moments from his life, his team's stories, and the seasons themselves. From local trout and mushrooms to beef or berries, every plate felt like a chapter in a storybook about the land we live on. The flavors were beautiful, but it's the emotion behind them that left a mark. Counter's service runs with the precision of a Swiss watch but it's the chaos underneath that makes it magical. The music isn't simple background noise.. it's choreography. It swells to mask the kitchen's intensity, then quiets to pull you closer. At one point, the staff began walking backwards mid-service... not by mistake, but because the song lyrics literally said "going backwards." It's small moments like that (moments you'd miss if you blinked) that show how deeply this team is obsessed with storytelling. They're not just plating foo, they're building a world. Despite the obsessive artistry, there's no pretension. The staff laughs, curses, dances, and interacts like real humans who love what they do. At one point, during a course introduction, an F-bomb dropped in perfect sync with the music. Somehow, it fit the rhythm of the moment.. raw, unfiltered, honest. This isn't the kind of place that polishes the edges off its personality. It celebrates them. If Counter stopped at creativity, it would already be a special restaurant but it goes further, much further. Chef Hart and his team are on a mission to be a one of a kind and truly unique project. Every week, they give away fresh vegetables to the community. They've structured their business to give employees partial ownership, ensuring that success is shared, not hoarded. Each season's story, ts menu, its art, its playlist.. is told once and then retired forever. No reruns. No repeats. No second act. Each menu is a time capsule, a fleeting moment in the city's creative life that, like all great art, only exists once. So when Counter received North Carolina's first-ever Michelin Star (just two days ago), it wasn't just a culinary victory, it was a moment of poetic justice. A restaurant so deeply committed to its people, its state, and its purpose deserved to be the one that made history. Let's be clear though, don't go to Counter expecting a traditional dinner. If you show up starving and expect to leave stuffed, you'll miss the point. This isn't about volume but rather it's about the meaning. If you wouldn't go to an art museum and complain that the paintings weren't big enough, then you shouldn't go to Counter expecting portion sizes over poetry. Think of it as a cross between fine dining, immersive theatre, and a community project. If you're open-minded, if you care about food, music, culture, and creativity, you'll find yourself completely swept up. The music ranges from '80s and '90s hip-hop and rock to cinematic scores timed to plating. The chefs wear Nike Blazers in the kitchen. The walls feature local art and the whole atmosphere somehow manages to feel both luxurious and rebellious... like fine dining had a baby with a skate shop. It's approachable. It's thoughtful. It's cool. Counter proves that a restaurant doesn't need white tablecloths or silent servers to earn a Michelin Star. It just needs heart, precision, and purpose. There are restaurants that serve food, and there are restaurants that tell stories. Counter does both very well and then rewrites the rules entirely. Each course is an emotional note in a larger symphony, a tribute to North Carolina, to craft, to community. It's local cuisine elevated to performance art, but grounded enough that you still feel like part of the family. For a restaurant so committed to honoring its state, sharing its success, and serving its people, this Michelin Star feels like more than an accolade. It feels like a promise fulfilled. read more

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What an amazingly fun experience. A night of ABBA. Full of great music and food. I'm not super outgoing in my food choices so my husband was concerned. But I did end up eating everything. Some I loved more than others. The staff is truly incredible and you can tell that they love what they're doing here. I have never spent this much money on a meal and probably never will again. But it was our 10th anniversary so we went all out. I do wish the portion sizes were a tad larger. I felt like I should have been a little more full when we left since we literally dropped a mortgage payment. But for a once in a lifetime experience we throughly enjoyed ourselves. We did not get the wine pairing but I did enjoy listening to all the info they gave to the other couples who did. read more

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Fantastic food and service. The music coordination and thought behind each course was lovely. Absolutely recommend. read more

Counter- - New American Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

One of the most interesting dining experiences I've had in some time. A set menu with dare I say a theme. This culinary adventure took across the world experiencing the relationship fire has with food. Each component, each course diligently prepared for your pleasure. The staff brings the meal to life by explaining everything that went into the dish. The red wine was phenomenal it paired nicely with our dinner. Can't wait to book another dining experience here at Counter ! read more

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Counter was a birthday gift event for me and It was a really great experience. It's located in a business park and all very dark ! It's pretty much reservation based and you pay I think when you make your reservation. It's a set menu and fixed price with several courses. You can add wine pairings . We chose to go with a Botrle for the meal. We went when it was the last day of the Scandinavian pescatarian menu. They also have another one going on at the same time which is on a much bigger scale in the other side of the building many more courses at the ciunterand more staff involved I think. This one was a quieter sit down at a table set up. This menu was 4 courses with a snack to start with. The snacks were amazing ! So different and took me out of my box a little. You get 3 each and they are little works of art . The first was a white anchovy on seaweed . Totally not my thing but did I like this ? Yes ! Not very fishy and not too salty like I had thought it may be. Nice crunch on the seaweed. I really liked this and I feel it opened my palate. Next was the trout roe and rye. This popped on my mouth , loved that. Nice subtle flavors. The third was the beets and black currant tart. I loved the crunchy base and the beet flavor with the tartness mixed with a little sweetness. This was a little flavor bubble. If these snacks were anything to go by we were in fir a treat next few courses. First course was Gravlax with citrus, dill buttermilk and cucumber. Light refreshing with the little trout roe bubbles. Almost a salad type dish. Nice opener. You could also upgrade each course but we stuck with the plan. Next course was scallop with kohlrabi, sea buckhorn, ramp and cream. Not sure what ramp is, but this was a nice rich sauce, I love scallops, so this was my favorite course. This scallop literally melted in my mouth. Next course was the rainbow trout. With black currant scarlet kale, potato, caulini and cremini. Wow, who knew trout could be this good. This was a seriously great tasting dish,the trout was perfectly cooked, I loved the base of the sauce and veggies. Still light but like a main course. Last course was the black currant and red currant tart, with lingonberry. I loved the what I think was ice cream on the side! The tart crust was nice crunchy, and the currants were a nice tart and sweet gel like jam kinda thing! Loved this. Such a great meet of sweet and salty. Great last course of an amazing dinner. Every course was really well executed, and thought through. Loved this menu and presentation. The whole experience was really nice, I'd have to say though we were kinda disappointed in the sommelier. I felt we knew as much as he did.he didn't really help out when we asked for opinions on wines, and kinda took his time finding a cooler for our wine. We did get two little to go boxes of cardamom buns which was a nice gesture, we had to ask for a third, as there was 3 of us and we paid for 3 people, shouldn't we each get a to go box? We got a third when we asked. Otherwise counter was something different in Charlotte. Great concept . Chef here is on point with the times. Would love to try another menu . read more

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It's been a busy week, so please pardon the multiple reviews. I started with Counter- I no longer write formal reviews because it's always spectacular!! I never make it through a meal without literally getting tears in my eyes from Chef Sam Hart's love and compassion for the people and origins that contribute to his craft!! As usual it was an amazing meal... this time featuring the Carolina Coast. Here are some pics, but I won't say more because the surprise is so much a part of the experience. read more

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Unique dinning experience! Counter‑ offers an immersive 10-14‑course tasting‑menu experience helmed by James Beard-nominated chef SamHart. Each season brings a new theme--we went to the Summer Piedmont theme. Guests start in a lobby area for an opening bite, then move to an 18‑seat open‑kitchen counter. It's a theatrical dining journey--complete with curated music, plated art, and chef narrations. Open kitchen and lively music create a fun and unique dinning atmosphere. They use local sourcing ingredients, specialized items, and occasionally hard‑to‑find ingredients make each course feel unexpected and special. The negative is that it is pricey! Food was good but nothing extraordinary or out of this world. The rabbit casserole was gamey and I couldn't eat it. Out of everything my favorite are the desserts. Menus start around $225-$255 per person, plus extras and pairings--expect bills near $300+. read more

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Wish I could rate this higher than a 5 - a culinary experience that rivals any other I have had. I truly will remember it forever as it left such an imprint on my culinary heart. We went to the Divas dinner and the focus on making every detail women-focused was impressive. The wine, the music, the art and the food - the stories and knowledge the staff had on all of it was remarkable. The food is almost indescribable. Sam and his team have curated dishes that I could never imagine putting together - the flavor combinations are truly inspiring. We can't wait to go back!! read more

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Let me start by saying I'd be surprised if the chef or the staff have actually met/talked to a Black person or even a true southerner. Which is insnane to say since the chef is actually from Charlotte. From a fine dining stand point (for reference my finance and I have eaten at several Michelin star places Cote, The Inn at Little Washington, Bacchanalia, etc.) it was very okay. No stand out dishes and the pricing is absurd. Granted, congrats for paying your workers a livable wage; however to brag about helping food scarcity while guest feast on over priced underwealming food gives the Hunger Games/Capital/district vibes. Mind you, But let me address the elephant in the room. I pray it's because all the Black staff were at the Brandy and Monica concert because there isn't a single Black person visibly on staff. To have Charlotte's first (which Charlotte is a HISTORICALLY Black city) Michelin restaurant not give any nods to its southern roots feels so tone deaf. To add insult to injury, the food journey is paired with music selection. This is cute in idea, but to play Kendrick Lamar's tv off immediately after Post Malone's Congratulations is comical. Just as comical as mentioning the Palestine genocice in the same story as referencing Harry Potter (JK Rowling need I say more). But back to the point, nothing about the dishes represented Charlotte and its rich history. Now the food itself. Girl, boring. Not only boring but not satisfying. We left and got fast food after dropping $1000+. To offer no major proteins outside of the entree and a crumb of trout for that price is criminal. Overall, I wouldn't waste your time here. Hopefully with the noterity and profits they'll make from their stars; the experience and food will improve. But, after tonight's meal and experience we won't be back nor recommend this place to literally anyone. Unless your a cringey millennial with a limited palate. Side note: they put my purse on the floor. After telling me it would be fine to leave on the table in the front, I came out after my meal to my bag literally on the ground. This sounds like first world problems but when you work hard for the things you have; the last thing you want to feel is disrespected. I would've just put my bag back in the car. Also further proof there are NO BLACK PEOPLE OR EVEN PEOPLE FROM THE SOUTH working here because it's common knowledge this is bad luck. read more

Maneki Pop-Up at Counter was everything and more. Chef Kenny and the Maneki team showed OUT and shared why this is a foodies happy place. I had the opportunity to be at first setting of this concept and watched as they moved effortlessly through course after course. From vegetarian to meat options and soup. This was my first time at the Counter as reservations go as soon as they pop up. I used to frequent their sister Biblio before they closed and loved it. I am looking forward to the next pop up experience. read more

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This was the most amazing dining experience I have had! The concept is fresh and fun, the entire staff is personable and very knowledgeable, the food is unforgettable, and the entire place is absolutely spotless! This is not just fabulous food....it is an entire dining multi sensory interaction with taste, texture, and visual appeal. read more

You go for the experience of fine dining in an intimate setting and tasting fresh, incredible, top notch-ingredients. It is pricey, yes. But if you are willing to splurge, it is worth every penny. Something like 10 courses, delivered promptly all paired with a unique flair. The menu changes constantly, but the chef always delivers. There is an optional wine-pairing as well or you can order by the glass/bottle. This is the closest thing to a Michelin experience in CLT. An absolute must try! read more

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This is an experience, and you are paying for the show component of the dinner as well. One feedback: It feels like the chef uses really high quality ingredients and puts them all together expecting it to taste even more delicious. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Sometimes, simplicity is better than bombarding a dish with 6 different items that should be showcased on its own. The creativity was fun and I would definitely recommend others to try this place at least once. The service was top notch and probably top 2 service in Charlotte. They even gave each of us a small cinnamon role to take home so that we could heat up in the microwave for breakfast. That was DELICIOUS. Of note-- the drink paring is extra and they have 3 tiers of options. One nice thing was that they have a non-alcoholic drink pairing as well. My husband said that the non-alcoholic pairing was better than their base alcohol pairing. I would consider going here again. read more

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Recently visited Counter- and it was an experience! I'm so happy we had the opportunity to try this place, but it's not a place we would go back. My husband and I didn't think it was worth the price for walking away hungry. The place is described a a theatrical experience, and I think they have that down. Every plate has a song, an experience and a story which we loved, but despite being 10 courses, but husband and I never felt full. We brainstormed on the amount of true protein we actually received and it had to be around 4oz. We also both had a sugar rush upon leaving. We both felt we were overloaded with desserts... too many desserts. We also didn't love the up sale in the beginning of starter drinks and add ons for the experience. We felt a bit pressured into purchasing a starter drink despite having the Absurd wine pairing. After we completed this experience, we were super excited to review and discuss the wines from dinner. One of the workers told us we would receive an information card, so there was no need to take photos of the bottles. When we arrived home, we looked at the card and was disappointed to see that we were given the incorrect wine list. Overall, food, service, and experience was all great. However I think there needs to be more focus on balance - the portion sizes and amount of desserts received. read more

What an amazing experience. I was celebrating my significant other's 50th birthday and the Counter team made it very special. I am in world of event planning and took notice of every single detail, and let me tell you, they put thought and effort into the details. Our server quickly noted the crossword puzzle to help us get clued into what was in store. There were several cards on display that were later helped create the story telling of each tasting. Each tasting was themed to the global favorite dishes. It was very well told, served, and executed. Here are some thoughts coming out of it. -The experience overall is pricey, but they do have a couple of options to chose from and enhance the experience. Specifically, do you want the official counter experience (if its available because they sell out quickly) or do you want a more traditional dining room experience? The counter experience was sold out or else I would have reserved it. Initially I was slightly disappointed because the occasion deserved all the bells and whistles, but we were very pleasantly surprised by our experience regardless. -You can enhance the experience with truffles, DO IT! -You can add on a wine pairing experience with the private room service, DO IT. My "type A" personality made it complicated because I didn't know what we were eating, it is meant to be a surprise! I waited until the day of to figure out what to drink, so we ended up spending more money on a few glasses of wine as opposed to adding on the wine tasting upgrade at the time of reservation. They do allow you to add this wine pairing the day of, but we chose otherwise. The wine was great but just an afterthought I feel like I wanted to share. -The last thing I felt was important to share is that I wish I had gone sooner . All this said, it was such a special experience, celebrating one of the most special milestones in my friends life, I can't imagine anything being different. read more

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First rate staff, very engaging and they've worked hard to tell a story with food and wine. Phenomenal. Food was fantastic. We went for the Titanic themed night, & it's obvious they did a lot of research, and experimentation!! They explained that one small bite we had (a bird's nest of crispy potatoes, other things, topped with wagyu beef tongue that was corned) took 9 months, 28 different iterations. That was one bite out of 10 dishes. The atmosphere creates a very connected experience - you're at the counter while they plate your dishes! read more

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Beyond words...14 courses of art, music and food that were all perfectly paired. My expectations were high because of the cost, but I had no idea they would be blown away. The food was delicious and beautiful- the stories, art and music complimented each dish. The plates, glasses, and utensils were all hand picked for each course. The wine pairing was on point! I probably will buy about every wine I tasted. Thank you chef Sam and your amazing team for what by far will be one of my favorite food experiences of all times. read more

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We have been here twice - once for "Curry" and for "Titanic" Curry we liked more but you will be hard pressed to find another restaurant as inventive as this place. The staff is fantastic, the dining area is unique and the food is bold. The wine is overpriced but they make up for it in pairing and service of the wine. Best restaurant in metro Charlotte. read more

Calling all foodies! What an experience! We visited Counter for the East Coast vs West Coast dinner experience and we had an absolute blast! First, each course was unique, had a story behind it and most were delicious. I think we ended up with twelve small courses by the end of the experience. The vibe was fun and lively since music from the East & West coast were played as we dined. The service was excellent and Chef Sam does an incredible job interacting with patrons and keeping the evening fun. Go!! It's a great experience! read more

Second time here for the Titanic menu. Chef Sam is a culinary gem for the Charlotte community! His staff are clearly committed to their craft, and he seamlessly orchestrated the service with adroit timing and attention to detail. As he's done with other menus, Chef Sam pushes the envelope of flavor, ingredients, and technical cooking- thrusting his guests into new flavor experiences at every course. His Sous Chef, Christian and Pastry Chef Faith continue to demonstrate their imagination with their - roast duckling and duck proscuitto tortellini and a foie gras blueberry and oxalis eclair respectively. I cannot recommend Counter- enough. Book your spot, don't eat lunch, and arrive with an open heart. trust Chef Sam will guide you along through an epicurean story that'll have you reflecting on the dishes days after you've left the restaurant. read more

An unforgettable dining experience. counter- is far more than a restaurant -- it's a fully immersive culinary journey. Each course is paired with its own lighting, music, and visual art, creating an atmosphere that's both intimate and theatrical. The attention to detail is stunning, from the evolving ambiance to the perfectly timed service. It's *reservation-only*, not just for exclusivity, but so the team can thoughtfully accommodate all dietary restrictions -- something rarely done so well in our area. Every element -- from flavors to soundscapes -- is curated with care and intention. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience that engages all your senses, counter- delivers in every way. read more

What a truly amazing experience, from start to finish, the first bite to adding to one of the art pieces to finish. Going out to dinner will never be the same. The story that is told through food and for this rendition of the menu, books. The chef tells personal stories of his life in each bite and sip. Watching the staff plate and cooking while sitting at the, "Counter," is truly mesmerizing. I would recommend to anyone who wants to try James Beard food and service. Congrats to the team at Counter, for giving me a memory I'll never forget. read more

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We went to one of the Anomaly popups before Counter had a permanent location back at the beginning of 2020. We really enjoyed the food and experience so we decided to choose it for our anniversary celebration this year. I made the reservation a while ago and was kind of nervous about dining inside with how bad the pandemic is right now. Luckily, it's a very small restaurant and there was only one other group dining at the same time as us (and of course the staff all had masks on). If you aren't familiar, there is always a theme that changes every few months. All of the courses on the tasting menu are centered around that theme and they pick music that goes with the theme and dishes as well. They plate each dish in the center of the seating area and describe it for you. The theme right now is cinema. The whole thing was really fantastic. Our top two dishes were a scallop one and a pork belly one, but there wasn't a single one that wasn't delicious. It's a very expensive meal, but I think it's the best dining experience in Charlotte. We won't be back all the time, but it's a great place to celebrate a special occasion. We'll definitely be back if there's a future theme we like. read more

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Counter is an immersive dining experience unlike any other tasting menu. Chef Sam Hart--owner of Counter--takes you own a delicious 10 course food journey accompanied with sound. When my wife and I went for our wedding anniversary, we had the pleasure to experience their Cinema theme. I thought it was well-executed and thoughtful. Put simply, it was like an immersive exhibit but one where you can eat the art. read more

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Since there aren't many comparable experiences in Charlotte, I'll give them four stars. If Counter was operating alongside other fine dining restaurants in larger cities, probably three stars from me. The staff were wonderful: friendly, energetic, and working well together. The entire meal was executed at a great pace and the presentation was lovely. I also loved how they matched everything to a theme and enjoyed the playlist. Many of the dishes were good but a few were big misses for me. The potato paella was very salty, none of the desserts were to my liking, and the tomato banana pudding was vile (makes me ill just thinking about it). However, the Kahlo, scallop, crudo, and bread dishes were all great. Overall, it's worth trying out if you can afford it but if you've had the chance to dine at Michelin star restaurants in other cities, you'll find the price mismatched to the meal. read more

WOW! Counter is an EXPERIENCE. Period. This review is from the "SLAY" dinner which focused solely on women and the boss babes that we all are! My close friend and I have had Counter on our radar for months! My friend is a local Chef and is super into all things "chefy", artistic and intentional. Counter is all of those things. We booked our dinner almost 3 months in advance, because it's pricey LOL. Once the date came around it felt like Christmas Eve. Counter is located in City Kitch and I believe it's the only restaurant inside City Kitch with seating. We were immediately greeted at the door by Sam # 1, he was amazing all night as well. Chef Sam (Sam # 2 apparently lol) was such a gem and wonderful storyteller as he shared intriguing information about each dish and Chef. He would take his time to chat with each table and he really makes you feel like part of the family. Their entire team was STELLAR!!! I never needed to ask for a thing, they anticipated every need and moved with precision as if they've practiced. It's really a sight to see! Kudos to the entire team for taking such great care of all of us. Next level service as well! The evening consisted of fantastic music from so many women I love; like Pink, Beyonce, Avril Lavigne, etc. We were in there jammin' and dancing the entire time, as we journeyed through history and fun facts about female Chefs and dishes they have created! Each course was curated on this theme and Chef Sam would talk you through each course. He also recommended that we add on the wine pairings and of course we did! It was the best advice because even the delicious wines were all from female owned wineries. #intentional #womenareamazing The food was superb, genuinely next level! I actually enjoyed every single thing we ate. They even substituted chicken breast for the pork dish for me. This was an artistic food journey and a show all in one. You have to go to really understand and I highly recommend you try it out at least once. This was an intimate crowd, perfect for a special occasion. Loved our dinner here! Can't wait to come back. #counterclt read more

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First you should know that chef Sam changes the entire menu based on a new theme every season. We were lucky enough to book the modern artist theme and what an AMAZING experience it was. Each course was truly a piece of art that in cases we'd rather take home and keep as an art piece rather than eating them. The most immersive dinning experience with extraordinary attention to details from dish designs to restaurant decor and even the music that you listen with each course. This is by far the most astonishing and educational experience I've had in any restaurant coupled with delicious food. Dishes are tremendously creative and you can easily tell how much time have been spent to design them. read more

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This was a great experience! Chef Sam and Team really do a great job of making every detail wonderful. From the presentation of dishes down to the music accompanying each dish. I'll be reviewing specifically for Counter's collab with Chef Nikko of Mansueta's Filipino Food. Chef Nikko did a great job of displaying Filipino food with a twist. The sisig made with mushrooms was our favorite. The fact that Chef Nikko can make what is normally a pork dish, from mushrooms and taste that good is talent. *Chef's kiss* While we're were there, I decided to do the wine pairing. I really enjoyed the knowledge and information provided by Chef Sam. You can feel the passion he has for food and wine. It makes the experience that much more enjoyable. We'll definitely be back. read more

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TL;DR -- Amazing, outstanding, stop reading this review and go make a reservation for whatever day and time you can find and make it happen! I was fortunate enough to attend the last service of Covered where Chef Hart does his own spin to pay tribute to 7 legendary Michelin star chefs. The experience outshines all of my previous tasting menu experiences (mostly in NYC) for two main reasons. *Note -- if you're looking for a review on taste of food, move on from mine. Everything tasted fantastic, you won't regret it. I just don't feel like getting into it because I think for the Counter, it's more important to form your own opinions and this restaurant has elevated itself from just serving food to serving you with an experience, so yours will be different from mine. Hence the reasons below focus on the experience rather than food. Reason 1, Immersive 360 show: The team put the heart and soul into developing a music playlist for the different courses, coming up with fantastic options for wine pairing if you so choose, and even enlisting local artists to cover their own favorite legends and showcasing their art on the walls. For dessert, they turned off the light and had a great time plating to the beat of the music, smashing different components so that it was not just a dish but a piece of art. Super fun to watch. The devil is in the details, even down to the menu and pencil which was engraved with the name of the theme. Reason 2, Behind the scene view: The plating is done right in front of you. Chef Hart does an amazing job to explain how he came up with the concept, why it's close to his heart, the reason for each dish, and why everything on each plate has a place. For example he talked about where the wine came from, who the person behind the wine is; he also talked about how many ingredients went into the jars a la royal sauce and how many DAYS it took to reduce to just the amount that was served to us. I absolutely love that because while I love food, I don't always understand. It makes me feel like I took a Masterclass on fine cuisine and a sneak peak inside a master chef's brain. At the end of the night, we got to meet the entire team. I am glad we got the chance to show them our appreciation because they perfected fitting so many components within 1.5hrs, working hard during prime dinner hours to serve up an experience for others. Everyone, especially Chef Hart and Chef de Cuisine, were very approachable. You can ask them any questions and not feel that you're being judged by snobby food elitists. (You know what I'm talking about. Honestly, sometimes it's not even the chefs, the servers at elite restaurants can be the worst!) What Chef Hart said at the end was also incredibly heartwarming. He's originally from Charlotte and has worked many gigs all over with the latest at Alinea in Chicago before opening the Counter. He talks about the lack of diversity he sees in the kitchen, which I think we can all agree (even if you haven't been in a restaurant kitchen, you've no doubt watched Netflix food shows), that the crew is usually composed of mostly white men. Chef Hart makes a special effort to invite people of all culture, ethnicity, and sexual orientation to create an inclusive staff. I'm really proud that we have a restaurant like Counter in Charlotte and he came back to establish the COunter here. I truly believe Chef Hart will make great strides in evolving the Charlotte food scene, educating every day diners, and influencing other chefs to rethink their choices inside the kitchen. Really excited to see that day happen. read more

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Counter offers such a unique and memorable dining experience that I truly cannot compare to anything else. My boyfriend and I went to Counter for Valentine's Day this year and we were truly blown away by the experience. I cannot recommend Counter enough read more

Counter- - New American Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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I had high expectations of this event and was not disappointed. It was the premiere of Curried. The menu was developed over 2 years and the selection was like nothing I have ever had before. Ingredients and flavors were unique. I cannot say enough on how well everything tasted and was presented. If you get the chance to go you won't be disappointed. My reason for not giving a fifth star was ambiance. I felt the environment was a bit sterile. And since it was a premier night you could tell the staff was nervous. They seemed a bit preoccupied. When trying to engage them in conversation, you got them for a few seconds and then they would walk away. I know they have a job to do but part of this experience is theatrical. Looking forward to the next dinner in December. read more

Counter is one of those super unique dining experiences you hear about and desperately hope that it lives up to the hype. As someone who has been to restaurants similar to Counter with the interesting tasting menu and wine pairings and been completely disappointed, this could not be farther from that. I'm writing this review after being to Counter 3 times in the past 12 months - and it's gotten better every single time. I won't go too in depth with the menus offered (rotates every couple months based on the theme they are following), but they have been very inventive, have paired great with their wine tastings, and have not been the same each time I've gone. The experience is unmatched. The Chef not only has continuously improved his cuisine, he's also gotten noticeably better at playing "host" for the evening, walking the diners through the dishes, what inspired him, what to look for, and so on. I can tell that he has taken in feedback or is just paying very close attention to the diners as the evening goes on and he and the staff are very friendly and top notch. He also takes time at the end of each meal to introduce his entire crew for recognition and always makes sure he points out when a dish was partly or wholly conceptualizad by one of the team members! If you're worried about dropping a prettier penny than usual on a dinner and don't think this will live up to the hype, don't worry. It will. read more

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Tonight we did date night to celebrate our anniversary. We tried this place and was very impressed. The food was great. The service was great. The music was great. The chef was there and presented each plate. The wine pairings and the nonalcoholic pairings were also delish. There were 10 courses of food and 3 courses for dessert. We left very full. The experience was pricey but similar to that of a Michelin Star experience. It was worth it. I've been to a good number of Michelin restaurants and this place definitely can run with the big dogs. The menu was so very eclectic. Everything was cooked to perfection. The play on words, music and art all represented in each dish was executed fantastically. The video of the deconstructed root beer float as the final dessert course did not make this post. But it was amazing. AND the chef somehow incorporated pop rocks and you could tell, but only when you ate it. They mentioned that there will be a "street fair" tasting coming soon. Without a doubt, we will be back. read more

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Counter is exactly what the Charlotte food scene needed. As a self-proclaimed chef and foodie I struggle going out to restaurants in Charlotte as more often than not I'm left saying "well I could have made this better myself at home". As a season pass holder for the last two years I've never EVER left Counter disappointed. Chef Sam Hart provides such a unique and multi-faceted dining experience I no longer feel the need to try other restaurants because each time I attend a Counter dinner it's like I'm stepping into a new restaurant. Chef Sam's attention to detail is untouched, and this goes beyond the flavors on your plate - from the utensils and dishes, the music paired with each plate and even the art on the wall - everything is selected with thought and purpose. Don't sleep on the drink pairings - alcoholic and non-alcoholic - you won't be disappointed. I attended several dinners while pregnant and never felt like I was missing out on the wine my husband was drinking next to me (we usually choose the reserve pairing). Dietary restrictions? Chef will help cater to your needs and ensure you have an amazing dining experience without feeling restricted. I'm so excited for the new concepts that will be debuting in 2022 and recommend you book your dining experience at Counter now. read more

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I found out about this amazing restaurant from followTK (dot com) and learned that I could use my Chase Sapphire credit card points to pay for this dinner, wine, & tip making this essentially a FREE meal! (And the restaurant got paid!) It was a fabulous way to use our points. Honestly, if you like dinner with a show and some art thrown in, you'll love this super creative meal. Ours was a choreographed "Cinema" themed meal with story, light changes, and music to complement the dishes that not only looked amazing and on theme but tasted out of this world. This is NOT a fancy dinner in the sense of dress up and enjoy intimate conversation with your guest. It is being seated counter-style facing the show and something constantly going on for 2 hours. The plating of the food with a brief description of the sustainability or the rarity of the dish was beautifully done. This style of meal is well known in NYC, SF, and LA. Chef Sam and the team do an excellent job in their creation here in CLT. Counter- changes the theme up quarterly and has some pop-up themes as well to keep it exciting and fresh. Reservations are required and prepaid. If you are considering counter- know what you are getting into, they will knock your socks off with creative, thoughtful (and scientific) dishes that you will never find at any other restaurant in CLT. You are there for a show and it is well paced, delicious, and only experienced with a handful of people, so a fairly private event. I want a membership, Chef Sam, if you open up more spots! Thank you for bringing this to Charlotte. I wish you much success and cannot wait to come back. read more

The food is as incredible as you'd expect but the attention to detail through the efforts of the staff and owner far exceeded any service that I have experienced. Through the music, showmanship, and conversation, this is much more of an all-encompassing experience than it is just a restaurant. Worth the price and makes 3 hours of your time fly by. Couldn't recommend more! read more

This is hard one to review because there's some things I liked and others that just aren't my style. So before we get to the food, let's review the experience. It's a little bit theatrical dinner. If that's something you like, then this place will probably appeal. I however like my wife pretty decent and want to spend time talking to her when we're enjoying a $500 special meal. So the overall presentation of the night just isn't in our wheelhouse. Now, I would try this place again but I think I'd do as a group of 4 which is a less intimate setting and probably fit this place better. So the theme of this dinner was top chefs, so each dish is aimed at a version of some of the best chefs across the world and their famous dishes. Neat concept, not sure if the quality of the food can compare when my wife and I have eaten some of the dishes counter was trying to imitate. The pea dish was really good we had this night and there wasn't a bad dish served........ I also don't think there was a single thing I woke up the next day and wanted to eat again. Chef, seemed very cool and charismatic and did a good job of emceeing the night but as a whole, I felt like this place was a little gimmicky. This is another place I'd like to give a half star because it's a 3 1/2 star place read more

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Let me be clear- my 5 stars are not because I enjoyed every single item I tried. Some I loved, some not so much. But as counter- is not a conventional dining experience, I think it would be unfair to evaluate it as such. Really counter- is part dining, part art show, and part science fair. Kind of a sensory experience. Despite not liking every menu item, I loved getting to try flavor combinations that I wouldn't otherwise. My eyes feasted on the innovative presentation. I could appreciate the music and choreography of service. Exceptional attention to detail here. Most of all, I had fun! Yes, it's pricey. But again, the value is in the experience as a whole, rather than just what's on your plate. I think counter- is something novel for Charlotte. It won't be everyone's cup of tea and it's not trying to be. However, if the idea of a more creative food encounter appeals to you, this is your place. read more

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