I had high hopes for this restaurant when I made a reservation for Valentine's Day, but…read moreunfortunately, the experience fell far below expectations. While I take full responsibility for arriving 15 minutes late, I was shocked at how rudely the hostess--who we later learned was the manager--handled the situation. Rather than a simple acknowledgment of the delay, or improbability of getting a table, she made a point to shame us, emphasizing that accommodating us would be an extra burden for her. This set an uncomfortable tone from the start. When she begrudgingly seated us at a table that had somehow magically become available, she made another unnecessary comment, implying that I should do my part to not make her job so difficult again. My partner was immediately put off and suggested we leave, but I decided to give the restaurant another chance, assuming the manager might just be having a rough night. Unfortunately, things did not improve. The food, best described as uninspired frozen bar fare from the main Duckworth's kitchen, took over 30 minutes to arrive--and even then, it was served before our drinks. When the drinks finally did arrive, they were nothing exceptional. I ordered a French 75, and my partner had a Paloma, only to realize that even the drinks had come from downstairs at Duckworth's. Given the restaurant's supposed reputation, I was surprised that it didn't have its own bar, unlike how things are set up at The Cellar. The only redeeming aspect of our visit was our waitress, who was pleasant and professional. However, what puzzled us the most was that despite the manager's initial reluctance to seat us, nearly half of the restaurant remained empty throughout the evening. With at least three or four servers working in a relatively small space, it was clear that staffing wasn't the issue--so why the hostility? It was hard not to wonder if other potential diners had been similarly turned off by the manager's deplorable attitude and the underwhelming menu. Overall, the experience left a bad taste in our mouths--both literally and figuratively. Between the lackluster food and drinks, and the uncalled-for attitude from management (she is bald and was wearing a dress on the evening of 2/14/25 at 9:30PM-11PM), I cannot recommend this place to anyone looking for a pleasant dining experience.

Came here on 1/11/24 for their soft opening and man I can't wait for this new spot to fully open in…read moreSouth Park! It's going to be such a hit. The drinks were bomb and ambiance was perfect!!! When: Friday at 5:00pm, party of 2 Overall: 4.8/5 Food: 4.5/5 - we got the bbq chicken flatbread. It was pretty good but not a standout for us. The drinks are what really shine here but it was still very nice to have food to pick from since we were starving! Drinks: 4.8/5 - Same mixologist as the Cellar At Duckworths so i knew these dunes were going to be fire and i was correct. We got the paloma which was yummy with fresh grapefruit juice. I think i got the dirty collins which was a lighter drink but not overly sweet so it was perfecttt!! I was eyeing the pisco sour too but will have to try that next time. Service: 4.8/5 - Since it was their soft opening I either expected mediocre service or top of the line. Thankfully I received the latter! Saturn was a wonderful server who provided great recommendations for drinks and kept checking in on us. She was super sweet and hospitable! Vibes: 4.8/5 - definitely get a seat in the bar area if you can. It feels more intimate and cooler..! we were seated in the dining room which was still nice and more quiet but i think it would have been more fun for us personally to be closer to the bar to watch them make drinks and overlook the road by the windows. The place is just like a modern day cocktail lounge! Other: free parking garage in the same building! It is inside of Duckworth's but up the stairs.

Wow what an experience! I'm in Charlotte for the weekend, and my good friend's colleague…read morerecommended we come here after dinner for drinks. There's outdoor seating, and initially we wanted to sit outside but we didn't have reservations. Luckily, they seated us at a small corner section near the back of the bar. It's very cozy and intimate inside. Just my type of vibe. The service was top tier. They were unable to validate our parking because of some sort of discrepancy with the signage outside and lack of having the proper equipment for validation. To make up for it, they offered us complimentary champagne to start. We were not expecting that, and pleasantly surprised! Their menu has an eclectic selection of cocktails, both full and mini. We opted to order from the mini cocktail menu, and we each ordered two drinks. I had the Creepy cucumber cocktail and it was refreshingly sweet and probably my favorite drink of the night. I also ordered the Don't Shy Away which was a sour and spicy rum concoction with carrot in it. It was definitely spicy and had a puréed texture. I really enjoyed it. And, then don't get me started on the music!!! The dj was masterful. He played all the types of music I love and he mixed them in such a refreshing way. I ended up asking him for his contact information before leaving, and whether he does weddings because my fiancé and I are currently looking for a DJ. He was just that good. This would definitely be my spot if I lived here in Charlotte. It was the perfect way for us to end the night.

Ugh, I so wanted to LOVE this place! It's in my friend's neighborhood and near some other spots we…read morelove. But it just hit me as average. It's a small intimate setting and I do love the dark aesthetic they did. Gives it a swanky vibe and makes a great date spot. But they were burning incense in the tiny space and it was overwhelming. The other bar guests sitting next to us agreed. *They did finally pick up on it and the staff moved it toward the kitchen door* Staff was friendly as well, though, it was busy and looked as if they had a trainee in tow, so attention was lacking just a bit. So why we came: The drinks were average to me. One was weird (Pineapple Fried Rice) and I just couldn't get it sit well on my palate - and I tried - sip after sip. But the mixologist saw my struggle and swapped it out for a different one. I did like the Don't Shy Away - it was an interesting take on a margarita with a strong carrot base. The Whispering Dove was a take on a Paloma and I couldn't find the lemongrass infusion on my palate. So I found it pretty basic, but pricey. So overall, decent. And I might stop buy if I was stuck in the area again.

Warning - Detailed (worth it)! Peppervine - Southpark…read more My daughter took me to Peppervine for the first time for Mother's Day. On Saturday though. What an incredible experience! We got there at approximately 5:15pm free parking a short walk from the restaurant. The area is extremely clean, quiet, there were people out, but it was not crowded or busy at all. We were seated immediately, and I could see into the kitchen as the staff worked on preparing our meals. Extremely clean, I loved the decor, the environment, even the music was wonderful. Very calming and level. Service was stellar. OK now the food?! Pimento Cheese Scones Thai Spareribs Mussels Scallops Pork Tenderloin Lemon Poppyseed Zeppolis Butterscotch Pot de Crème I ordered the pimento cheese scones, which were excellent and went beautifully with the sauce that the mussels and the scallops were in! You get one piece of crostini for the mussels and it was gone, of course. Those scones? I scooped up every bit of sauce in both seafood dishes. It was THAT good! INCREDIBLE! I begged the manager to please please do not take the mussels or the scallops off the menu! Apparently, they rotate menu items regularly. I could not get over the seafood, neither one of us could stop talking about the size of the mussels. The freshness, the texture was perfect. I love seafood? Hands down. Those were the best mussels I have had anywhere. They were out of the shell and I'm not gonna lie. I was a little nervous when I first saw them. Honestly? We will go back and there will be more than one order of mussels to go around if they're still on the menu! He did share that they brought them in from Maine and explained the location that they were purchased from was very controlled. Pristine. Can I just tell you? It showed! We ordered the Thai spare rib, which was cooked perfectly and so tender it came right off the bone. A balanced and even flavor as well. We will definitely order those again if they have them. I had the pork tenderloin with dirty rice stuffed cabbage. It was fresh and beautifully cooked, but my daughter enjoyed it more than I did. That by the way is a personal preference I just felt after having the seafood? Nothing was going to compare. My daughter had the scallops again that cream sauce was just phenomenal! It was definitely different ingredients different flavor than the sauce used with the mussels, but they've got a winning recipe. Let me tell you. The pimento cheese scones were the best compliment to the sauces and the seafood dishes. Not to forget the spreads that they brought with the pimento cheese scones. They were excellent as well. Last we had dessert and I ordered the lemon poppyseed Zeppoli's, which were good. I felt they could've been a little lighter on the inside. They were slightly gummy, but the flavor was excellent. Again, a personal taste, especially being Italian and having them homemade by family. My daughter's dessert was to die for. Butterscotch Pot De Crème. Seriously, the ingredients they used and the combination of flavors. It was just spot on! I don't think any other dessert would've compared - it just really stood out and we ordered it on the recommendation of our wonderful server. He said it definitely was a favorite and he was right. I will be going back to Peppervine and I highly recommend it however, the seafood is what did it for me. That was my absolute favorite.

There are so many unknowns when trying to remotely coordinate an important event in a place you've…read morenever been. As someone based in Seattle and not attending in person, I spent considerable time researching restaurants in Charlotte that could accommodate a group of 12 executives, offer private or semi-private dining, and meet a high standard of service. The Peppervine exceeded expectations on all fronts. I worked closely with Tommy Trull, who immediately put me at ease. He was incredibly responsive to my (many) emails and even took the time to connect over the phone to walk through menu options and service details. His willingness to collaborate and accommodate our needs made the planning process seamless. Tommy was also very flexible--he thoughtfully adjusted the menu to accommodate food sensitivities, and when our headcount changed at the last minute, he allowed the group to order off the menu instead of sticking to the pre-selected options. They also offered a very reasonable food and beverage minimum, especially given the level of service and flexibility provided. Our guests had a fantastic experience, and everything was executed flawlessly. Peppervine is an excellent choice for business dining, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

Red head at the bar is why this is 1 star and that is only because there is no way to do -5 stars…read more If you're looking to get treated like garbage, get ignored, feel like an inconvenienced for the job that was clocked in for, get below the bottom service, zero care to craft a drink properly, and more, look for the Red head at the bar. I ignored all of this since there was no getting in the way of my good time but when another person said the same thing, I was like omg, same feeling here! I'm absolutely astounded that this sort of attitude, service and treatment to patrons is allowed. They were all there watching it. This is a reflection on the AC hotel brand and not the "bar". It was so bad that I went out of my way to personal tip one individual through cash app because they share tips. I just couldn't. AC hotels, please do better.

I stopped by to see some friends. And they recommended to come by Cordial for some drinks and a…read morebite. Located on the 8 floors. It was a great night for a rooftop gathering. Weather is gorgeous and ambiance was nice and soothing. There were quite a few people at the place.. However, there's only one bartender working.. She had to service about 8 people at the bar including myself.. She was overwhelmed but she kept her cool. She had to make the drinks, delivers the food and try to restock everything all at once.. I really wish Cordial would've handle staffing better. Since this is not the first time I been to this location. They alway seem to be short handed. And the bartender seem to be doing everything. I ordered tomatoes & Prosciutto Toast. Definitely not my favorite. Toast wasn't warm nor do it has a nice crust. Overall soggy. The tomatoes just tasted like tomato paste. Nothing special. I truly enjoyed the ambiance. I just feel bad seeing she had to handle everything herself.

Had a fabulous dinner at DTR SouthPark. The restaurant has a great cool atmosphere perfect for a…read moredate night or a group dinner. The staff was super nice and accommodating. We got multiple cocktails which were all great - DTR always has the best drinks! We started off with the truffle fries, brussels, and short rib arancini. They were all amazing! For dinner, I had the chicken piccata and I thought it was very good. My husband had the truffle burger and said it was insane! Our friends had the pumpkin gnocchi and loved it! To end the night we got the chocolate cake and it was good! We love DTR and look forward to our next visit!

Really liked Dilworth Tasting Room--easy 4/5 for me…read more The vibe is super cute and relaxed but still feels a little elevated. Service was amazing--so friendly and attentive, which honestly made the whole experience. Food was a little mixed. I didn't love the roasted carrots, but the bread and salad were SO good--definitely highlights. And the Prosecco was perfect. Overall, great spot with a fun atmosphere and amazing service. I'd definitely go back!

As a girl born in Texas, a really good chicken fried steak is practically part of my DNA. It's one…read moreof those comfort foods I don't eat often because it's so rich--but when I see it on a menu, it absolutely catches my attention. That's exactly what drew me to The Southern Pecan in SouthPark. Here in the South, they call it country fried steak, and I'm happy to report this one did not disappoint. I met a colleague there for lunch, and everything about the experience felt easy from the start. The restaurant is located in Phillips Place, a lovely little shopping area that feels a bit polished and upscale--with shops like Orvis, Tory Burch, and even a Restoration Hardware restaurant nearby. They do offer valet parking, which is a nice touch, though honestly parking is easy enough on your own. We had reservations through OpenTable and were seated on the patio, which was absolutely delightful for this time of year in Charlotte. The weather was perfect, the setting was relaxed, and the service started off warm and welcoming right away. Now, the food. The country fried steak was beautifully cooked--crispy on the outside, tender inside, and served with creamy mashed potatoes and gravy that hit all the nostalgic notes from my Texas upbringing. I paired it with a vegetable side (I believe it was broccoli or corn), and it was a classic Southern plate done right. We also enjoyed a couple of cocktails, and to finish, we split a praline bread pudding, which felt like the perfect Southern ending to the meal--sweet, comforting, and indulgent without being overwhelming. The staff was friendly and attentive, and one of the things I continue to appreciate about Charlotte is how easy it is to connect with people. We even chatted with diners at nearby tables, which added to that welcoming, community feel that makes dining out here so enjoyable--especially for someone coming from the Bay Area. Prices felt fair for the quality, the setting, and the portion sizes, and overall the experience left a great impression. Bottom line: If you're craving a solid Southern classic like country fried steak--or just want a relaxed patio lunch in a charming part of SouthPark--The Southern Pecan is definitely worth a visit. And as someone happily eating my way through Charlotte and the Southeast, this stop was another reminder that the journey has been a delicious one.

I've heard rave reviews about this place so Michelle & I went for Sunday Brunch…read more They recommended a reservation so we had one @ 12n. It was already quite busy when we arrived and it's not clear where your parking options are. People are pulling up to the entrance and dropping people off so it gets jammed up and chaotic, of course people are running late so those BIG Yukons and Suburbans are making it a challenge to navigate a small entrance area. You would THINK they would at least have a Valet option of Sat/Sun during Brunch. To park, go BEHIND the restaurant on the street to the left and you'll see some free parking options that are close and walkable. We asked for a table on the patio and were immediately seated. The bar was already buzzing with solo diners enjoying their Mimosas. The patio is NOT that big, a little over crowded and table are very close with not much space in between. There was a LARGE group of 'FUN' ladies right beside us enjoying their MIMOSAS, dropping the 'F' bomb from time to time and making a LOT of noise. What can you do? Nothing but try to make the best of it and just start talking LOUDER like everyone else. The OVERHEAD heaters were way too intense so the Staff was very responsive at our request to turn down the heat. We shared the BBQ Shrimp Starter which was SO good, I highly recommend. I had the Gumbo and Michelle had the beet and goat cheese salad. We both had the Red Fish which comes with smashed potatoes and broccoli. The potatoes were so BLAND, the broccoli had NO seasoning. The Red Fish wasn't that great of a flavor and not very tender, not easy to cut, had to use my knife at times to get a bite. Kinda disappointed, I lived in N Orleans for a couple of years and it was always so good there. The biggest disappointment was the Gumbo. It had all the right ingredients but the ROUX was to strong, dark and heavy. It actually gave me indigestion afterwards. The service was OUTSTANDING. Our Server was Daylean, she was so nice and helpful with the menu and kept our refills coming.

What a fun spot to visit while in town! My girlfriend had been wanting to try it, so we took the…read moreopportunity while I was staying with her this week. We did make reservations for a Monday night, though it wasn't busy at all, so you could probably swing by on a whim should you want to during the week. The place was a bit elusive to find, as you have to look for the '3 dot sign' with a staff member guarding the door, which I'm sure is the intent! Once you enter, you walk down a long, candlelit hall, which sets the speakeasy mood right away. Upon entering, the classic speakeasy vibe hits you! Dim lighting, leather chairs, a beautiful bar stocked to the brim with whiskey, bourbon, scotch, and all the other good things you would expect to find in a place that prides itself on great cocktails. It certainly set the mood and got us ready to have an experience. The mixologists were welcoming and informative. I enjoyed my first drink, which was suggested based on my personal preferences in taste. It was a spin off a classic, and I really enjoyed it. Sort of like a cross of a penicillin and a whiskey sour. [The Never Ending Story]. My friend had the clarified punch since we had similar things we've loved in the past. It was slightly sweet, smooth, and easy to sip. We decided to just get some classics since the cocktail menu felt more like just off shots of other classics we love. They were both excluded well! But the thing that really blew us away was the food! I was really pleased with this portion of our evening! We had the crispy Brussels sprouts, and they were the best BSs I've ever had! I thought we'd take some home, but that did not happen! My friend got the Mushroom Casarecce. It was creamy and delicious! The beef carpaccio was also really nice. Overall, we had a nice night, and it was a fun experience to be had!

Intimate setting with low lights. Perfect spot for date night and conversation. Staff were friendly…read moreand engaging. Drinks were well prepared! We had the black magic women very boozy forward but a touch of sweet to keep it cute 5/5. Elegantly wasted more fruity but the booze is there 5/5! Both are on the winter menu which was had the last day! Old fashioned and mojito were also very good. We also had the Brussels and scallop ceviche 5/5. Have to return to try their next seasonal drink menu! Def recommend!!

This place blue my mind…read more I was visiting my best friend while in town for a conference on amusement ride standards. We had a reservation for Blue Door for Saturday night, and it was amazing. Now while she was vaguely aware of their "spirited kingdom" menu, I had NO CLUE. It was the best surprise! They have such a cool menu with a full theme park map containing 4 lands with 4 cocktails each. The cocktails all match the type of ride they are, it's honestly such a cool idea, and it was so well done. I loved the art. I will say, I was skeptical that all of their drinks would actually work and worried that they'd be too caught up in the theme to make results but . . . Oh my goodness I was so impressed by the drinks here. I think a lot of bars these days can get so caught up in trying to be unique that their drinks become nearly undrinkable. This place definitely doesn't suffer there. They brought us an aperitif when we came in, but unfortunately I have a blueberry allergy so we skipped that. We had 4 drinks between the 2 of us and they were all awesome. I ordered the star breaker and the green dragon (what can I say, I love gin and a good coaster), and they were both balanced and tasty. My friend got the diablo and the neon shift, and they were both fantastic as well! The neon shift was served with a black light too which was super cute. The one drink I have to call out specifically is the green dragon. There was something about this drink that was so unique, I have genuinely never had anything like it but I would order it a thousand times over. It's so good. It keeps me up at night. It haunts my every bar order. I will be writing home about it. What else can I say about this place - the service was great, the atmosphere was fun, and the DJ was amazing. I thought "wow this guy really likes sax covers" only to look over and see him PLAYING HIS SAXOPHONE LIVE?? Iconic. This place was perfect and I wouldn't change a thing about it. The spirited kingdom menu will only be around for 6 months according to the waitress, so definitely catch it while it's there! If I'd heard about it sooner, I would've maybe descended upon them with 200+ theme park engineers in town for the conference (maybe it's a good thing I didn't know they were there until after it was over), but instead I will just say DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND MAKE YOUR RESERVATION NOW

3.5/5 stars. Went back to Blue Door to give it another chance with the new menu... it's still my…read moreleast favorite cocktail bar in all of charlotte. The menu this time is theme park theme... again, a fun concept but not well executed. Pretty overwhelming, especially with the bartenders explaining the menu to us twice with the same spiel there is too much to look at it makes it difficult to pay attention to the drinks. I really did not love my drink (starbreaker?) you could only taste the lychee The bartenders not a vibe, it was not that comfortable to sit at the bar. They now serve food, hotdogs... which do NOT match the vibe at all, so that was interesting that their only food (other than the free popcorn) is not hot dogs..