Sponsored by Crown Station
By Beth Mack
July 23, 2024
Constructed as a village for textile mills in the early 1900s, then revitalized as an arts district in the early ‘90s following decades of desolation after the mills were sold, NoDa, is known as one Charlotte’s most vibrant neighborhoods. With the introduction of the light rail in 2018 and Charlotte’s rapid growth, the area is ever-evolving. Whether you are heading to a live show in the neighborhood, grabbing a drink with friends, or looking for a new late-night haunt, NoDa has something to offer for all tastes.
Salud Cerveceria
More than just a bottle shop, Salud Cerveceria, offers an experience that extends beyond craft beer. Ascend the stairs to find a sprawling adult treehouse, where you will find a bar offering beer, seltzers, ciders, and locally roasted coffee. Downstairs, the adventure continues with a well-stocked bottle shop and yet another bar to grab a drink. Not to be overlooked is Salud Cerveceria’s food, recognized as a 2023 James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Outstanding Bar. From wood-fired pizzas, gourmet sandwiches, salads, meatballs, and even Detroit-style pizzas on select days, this is not your typical bar food. Friday through Sunday, early risers are treated to a can enjoy breakfast burritos, tostadas, crunch wraps, and bagel sandwiches. With their own craft beer and a rotating array of local drafts, there’s no shortage of options to imbibe, whether you are catching up with friends, enjoying their Noche Latina dance party, or stopping in to catch the Charlotte FC game.
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The Goodyear House
In January 2020, restaurateurs Chris Coleman, A.J. Klenk, and Sean Potter renovated and expanded the 1900s mill home along Davidson Street to create The Goodyear House. The farm-to-table restaurant brings a cozy fine dining experience to Noda. Each meal begins with freshly baked, complimentary sour cream and onion brioche, as you peruse the menu of small plates and entrees of elevated Southern dishes by Chef Coleman. The outdoor patio and bar provides a charming atmosphere to try out their cocktail menu created by renowned Charlotte mixologist Bob Peters.
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Haberdish
A restaurant inspired by the neighborhood’s history, Haberdish embodies the essence of Southern culinary heritage. Opened in 2016, Haberdish is a NoDa staple owned by neighborhood pioneers Jeff Tonidandel and his wife, Jamie Brown, who also own Ever Andalo and Growlers Pourhouse. With dishes like their cast iron trout, shrimp and grits, and fried chicken, the menu showcases locally sourced flavors and ingredients. Their cocktail program is spearheaded by acclaimed mixologist Colleen Hughes, and offers a rotating selection of seasonal drinks.
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Urban District Market
Take a culinary tour of Asia at Urban District Market. The hospitality management company behind Seoul Food Meat Company, opened the Asian-centric food hall in April 2023. Located in the Lintmen building, Urban District Market features over 10 different concepts including Crispy Patty (all things katsu), The Rare Butcher (a steakhouse), Hand Chop Burger Company, Stick Street (skewers of grilled meats and vegetables), Ka Udon (udon noodle dishes), Stuffed (dumplings and baos), Bop Bop (Korean rice bowls), science-themed bar laBAratory, Super (market with grab-and-go meals, snacks, and beer), Taco Adventure Company, and Coffee. The kid-friendly, indoor food hall is a great place to explore a multitude of Asian flavors.
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Ever Andalo
After 13 years of serving French cuisine as the Crepe Cellar, owners Jamie Brown and Jeff Tonidandel of Brown-Tonidandel Restaurant Group decided it was time for change. They closed the restaurant for a month in 2022 to renovate the space and revamp the menu to give way to the new Italian concept, Ever Andalo. In homage to Tonidandel’s heritage, the menu features authentic Italian dishes with appetizers such as housemade burrata, freshly baked focaccia, antipasti, oysters, and olive oils imported from Sicily, Tuscany, and Veneto. Entrees include freshly made pasta with doppio zero flour imported from Italy, grilled octopus, branzino, chicken piccata, porchetta, and more. Complement your meal with a glass of wine from their all-Italian wine list curated by sommeliers or try an Italian-inspired cocktail.
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Brooks’ Sandwich House
A Charlotte institution, this walk-up restaurant has solidified its place in the hearts of locals since it opened in 1973. Renowned for its classic offerings, including burgers, hotdogs, a legendary fried bologna sandwich, and a cherished family recipe for beef chili, it’s a haven for comfort food. Opt for your order burger or hot dog “all the way” with mustard, onion, and chili, and quench your thirst with classic local sodas, Cheerwine and SunDrop. Operating solely Monday through Fridays, this establishment is cash-only, adding to its old-school charm.
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Heist Brewery
Joining the ranks of NoDa breweries in 2012, Heist was one of the first breweries in the city to offer an extensive food menu. Equipped with a wood-fired oven, they craft flatbreads and dips, burgers, wraps, and salads, all complemented by their brews and evolving cocktail program. While they initially became known for their traditional Belgian- and German-style beers, their repertoire has expanded to include IPAs, sours, stouts, porters, and hard seltzers. On Sundays, guests can indulge in a brunch buffet, adding yet another reason to visit.
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Cabo Fish Taco
For over 20 years, Cabo Fish Taco has brought fresh Baja-style Mexican cuisine to Charlotte. With a robust menu of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and margaritas, Cabo notoriety even gained them a feature on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for their mango bbq mahi tacos. No meal that includes tacos is complete without a margarita and Cabo has you covered with over 10 different varieties made with their own fresh-squeezed house sour mix. Cabo has expanded its footprint to include four other locations, but none compare to the eclectic flagship restaurant in NoDa.
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Benny Pennello’s
Established within the historic walls of an old gingham factory, the beloved Virginia-based pizza chain established its first Charlotte location in 2015. Known for their iconic 14-inch slices and colossal 28-inch pies, they offer the classic cheese, pepperoni, and sausage toppings, alongside two rotating specials. With art-adorned walls, the space gives quintessential NoDa vibes to enjoy a slice with a local brew. Doors stay open until 3 a.m. on weekends for the best late-night slice in the city.
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Sabor Latin Street Grill
For a quick, but authentic bite to eat, stop by Sabor Latin Street Grill. Founder Dalton Espaillat, a native of the Dominican Republic, created Sabor to celebrate the flavorful cuisine of his home country. The menu at the Charlotte-based chain features street food not just from the Dominican Republic, but also El Salvador, Venezuela, Mexico, and Colombia. You can take yourself on a culinary tour of Latin America with its assortment of arepas, empanadas, gorditas, and tacos without ever leaving the neighborhood.
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Amelie’s
Step inside Amelie’s original location off 36th Street, and be instantly transported to the streets of Paris with French-inspired decor. Guests are greeted with pastry cases brimming with a diverse selection of French delights, ranging from a host of macaron flavors, flaky croissants, tarts, éclairs, and beyond. While this bakery has garnered acclaim for its pastries, Amelie’s also boasts a menu featuring soups, salads, sandwiches, and locally roasted coffee. Whether you’re craving a sweet indulgence or seeking a space to connect with friends or work, this welcoming establishment provides a charming setting.
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NoDa Company Store
After an extensive renovation of a 1905 mill house, NoDa Company Store opened its doors to welcome the community in 2016. The shop is part taproom and self-proclaimed “sangriaria” featuring a large selection of local and regional craft beers, wine, and handcrafted sangrias. The interior is cozy and quaint, complete with board games, while the yard has been transformed into a dog-friendly, tropical beer garden with palapas and swing seating. Located on Yadkin Avenue between 35th and 36th, the store previously owned by Scott Lindsley and Joey Hewell, is now under the ownership of John Brinsfield, co-owner of the Lincolnton-based BrickTree Brewing Co.
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Local Loaf
After gaining traction at Charlotte’s 7th Street Market in Uptown, Chef and owner Adam Spears opened Local Loaf in NoDa in 2017. Located on the corner of 35th and North McDowell Street, the quaint eatery offers artisanal baked goods, breakfast fare, gourmet sandwiches, salads, and soups, all meticulously prepared in-house utilizing local ingredients. Additionally, Local Loaf is home to a farmers market that takes place every Thursday evening to further help support local farmers and artisans.
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Seoul Food Meat Company
Seoul Food Meat Company offers Korean-inspired dishes with a Southern twist, offering a variety of meats with all a la carte sides like green tea cornbread, sriracha cracklins, doenjang collard greens, kim-chili ramen mac, and soy-pickled deviled eggs, to name a few. To round out the menu, you can find Korean fried chicken wings and tofu, fusion tacos, and kimbap (Korean sushi roll). To complement their local beer selection, there’s a variety of fruit-flavored soju and makgeolli (milky rice wine), baekseju (ginseng wine), and bokbunja (fruit wine). Their Optimist Park location features fun for everyone with private karaoke rooms, games like air hockey and shuffleboard, and an extensive outdoor area complete with a dog park, splash pad, and playground.
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Rhino Market & Deli
On the outskirts of NoDa’s western border sits Rhino Market. Expanding from its original location in Wesley Heights, owner Rob Rondelez opened the third location in 2019. A combination of a market and deli, Rhino offers everything from locally roasted coffee, beer, wine, grab-and-go foods, and a deli with over 40 menu items. Whether you are looking for a casual spot to drop in for breakfast or grab a pint of beer, Rhino Market is a great hangout spot or meeting place.
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Artisan’s Palate
Noticing the exodus of local art galleries that defined NoDa as Charlotte’s art district, chef and owner Christa Csoka wanted to preserve that history. A graduate of the French Culinary Institute, Csoka created Artisan’s Palate to appeal to all five senses beyond just food and beverages. The restaurant offers an elevated tapas menu, locally roasted Magnolia coffee, craft cocktails, curated international wines, and an art gallery. The relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere features monthly rotating art exhibits to celebrate Charlotte’s vibrant art scene. Open daily for lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends, the Artisan’s Palate is a great spot to connect with friends while taking in the city’s arts scene.
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Pho @ Noda
In 2019, Trung Cao opened his second Vietnamese restaurant in Charlotte, Pho @ Noda. His original restaurant, Saigon Bay, has since closed but the more modern Pho @ Noda is thriving. While this restaurant specializes in the popular noodle dish, they also serve banh mi sandwiches, gỏi cuốn (fresh summer rolls), chả giò (crispy spring roll), bánh xèo (crepes stuffed with seafood and fresh herbs), bún (vermicelli dishes), lemongrass stir-fries, and rice dishes.
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Oh My Soul
In a spunky bright blue house located on North Davidson Street is the fast-casual, purely vegan restaurant, Oh My Soul. With limited indoor seating, they have transformed the fenced-in backyard into a pet-friendly patio outfitted with picnic and bistro tables, fire pits, a bar, and a small stage where they host live music on the weekends. Their menu features everything from ribs, burgers, loaded waffles, and even some South African dishes in homage to owner Tallulah Duffin’s homeland. If you don’t have time for a meal, drop in to visit their coffee bar and pastry counter featuring fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, and milkshakes.
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Boudreaux’s
At the corner of 36th Street and North Davidson in the heart of Noda sits one of its most iconic restaurants, Boudreaux’s. Since they opened in 1999, Boudreaux’s has been one of the few places in Charlotte cooking up Louisiana-style cajun, creole, and low-country cuisine. You’ll find classics such as gumbo, jambalaya, po boys, etouffee, shrimp and grits, bourbon fried chicken, gator bites, and beignets. Try one of their hurricanes or a Sazerac for a classic Louisiana cocktail. Boudreaux’s is also one of NoDa’s best spots for a low-key brunch complete with a bloody mary and mimosa bar.
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The Degenerate
Hiding in plain sight along North Davidson Street is The Degenerate. Owners Greg Guilorn and John Wentworth moved from New York City and opened the establishment in June 2020. The gastropub offers a selection of craft beer, wine, and cocktails, but don’t sleep on their food. Inspired by some of their favorite cuisines, you will find an array of options on their menu. Tapas-style small plates with highlights of their FGT sliders (fried green tomato sliders), jerk tacos, pierogies, deviled eggs, and Asian-style lettuce wraps. Entrees range from lamb pappardelle with house-made noodles and Cuban-inspired mahi mahi, to a crispy chicken sandwich. The Degenerate provides a laid-back environment to enjoy a drink and a meal. They are open for dinner every day of the week and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Jack Beagle’s
A staple in the NoDa bar scene since 2010, Jack Beagle’s is a homey neighborhood pub offering great bar food. With an extensive menu featuring burgers, hot dogs, cheesesteaks, wings, salads, and various flavors of mac and cheese, there is something for everyone. Owners Chris Ingram and Mike Crowley have recently expanded Jack Beagle’s in the Charlotte region with two other locations, but the flagship location in NoDa remains their liveliest. Whether you are looking to catch some music on their patio, a relaxed brunch, or a late-night spot on the weekends, stopping by Jack Beagle’s is always a good idea.
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Deejai Thai Noodle Bar
Located on the edge of NoDa, Deejai Thai Noodle Bar has been bringing the vibrant flavors of Thai street food and sushi to the neighborhood since September 2017. From fresh poke bowls and sushi to favorites like pad thai, drunken noodles, and fried rice dishes with customizable spice levels, the menu is vast. Enjoy the rich flavors of their Thai curries, and the hard-to-find classic northern Thailand/Laos dish, khao soy.
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Billy Jack’s Shack
Every great neighborhood is not complete without a divey watering hole and Billy Jack’s Shack is just that. The small chain is an eclectic, craft beer-focused bar that features a variety of rotating beers and ciders. Billy Jack’s also offers a bar menu, serving sliders, burgers, nachos, and wings. Whether you are there late at night, sunbathing with a beer on the patio, or for brunch on the weekends, you’ll feel at home.
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Sponsored by Crown Station
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