Here Are The 2025 BOB Winners: The Best of the Best in Charlotte

Every May, we reconnect with our good friend BOB, and the guy just keeps changing on us. A couple of years ago, he was into artisanal doughnuts, acai bowls, car detailers, and custom jewelers. This year, trend-chaser that he is, he’s all about brunch boards, THC seltzers, disc golf, plant-based frozen desserts that taste like something other than siliconized caulk, and, of course, tinned fish. He’s all over the place. But, like his city, he grows, diversifies, and changes with the seasons and years. So do we.

Here’s the best of the best in Charlotte.

EAT: The Best in Food & Dining in Charlotte

IMBIBE: The Best of Drinks & Going Out

EXPLORE: The Best of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment

LIVE: The Best of Health, Wellness, and Celebration

SHOP: The Best of Style and Shopping

VOTER’S CHOICE

MaÍz Agua Sal’s Elote, Photos by Peter Taylor

EAT: The Best in Food & Dining in Charlotte

New Restaurant: Albertine

The decor is clutch, the service top-notch, and the food absurdly good. But we’d expect nothing less from Joe and Katy Kindred, the couple behind Kindred, Milkbread, and Hello, Sailor. They opened this Mediterranean-meets-Southern restaurant in September on the ground floor of the Duke Energy Building uptown, and it might be their finest work. The atmosphere feels luxurious and regal with custom millwork, brass accents, and banquettes upholstered in plush velvet. The menu features a stellar lineup of dips, spreads, chilled seafood, and desserts. Most dishes are meant to be shared, but forks may fly. 525 S. Tryon St., Ste. 125

Secret Menu Item: Papi Queso’s Spaghetti Melt

You won’t see it posted anywhere on the menu. But order this dish, and the cashier will give you a knowing smile that says, “I’m picking up what you’re putting down.” It’s spaghetti-meets-grilled cheese-meets-garlic bread—and they’ll throw in some ricotta beef meatballs if you want to be really extra. 1115 N. Brevard St., Ste. 2

Accidental Baker: Matt Cabana

Matt Cabana was a tennis pro and corporate banker until December 2023, when he accidentally became a baker. His wife, who can’t eat gluten, struggled to find baked goods in Charlotte that didn’t taste gluten-free. So, Matt says, he started making them himself. Family and friends encouraged him to turn it into a business, and he launched The Accidental Baker from his home kitchen. Today, customers can order gluten-free breads, pastries, cookies, cakes, biscuits, and more for pickup in Oakwold. (Walk-in service not available.) 4416 Monroe Road, Ste. D

Accidental Baker, Matt Cabana

Breakfast Behemoth: The Crunkleton’s Tomahawk Brunch Board

This 42-ounce bone-in ribeye is sliced and served on a platter packed alongside biscuits and gravy, fingerling potato hash, and four sunny-side up eggs. Bring a few friends, order it for the table, and feast. 1957 E. 7th St.

Plant-Based Frozen Dessert: Really Not Ice Cream

Full offense, but most vegan ice cream tastes like keister candy. This stuff does not. You don’t even have to be vegan—or even a health-conscious individual—to vibe its flavor. Key Lime Pie, Mint Chip, Blackberry, and Belgian Chocolate are all bangers, but their greatest hit is Vanilla Oreo. Owner Adam Duke sells it at local farmers markets, and it’s also on the menu at Bang Bang Burgers South End, Free Range Brewing, and Sweet Lew’s Barbecue.

Big-Ass Dessert: Union Barbecue’s Big Deborah

The barbecue here slaps, and so does this dessert. Owner Holden Sasser and sous chef Chase Young came up with this supersized take on a Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie. Nicknamed the Big Deborah, she’s about as big as your head. Track down this food truck and try it for yourself.

Pig and Fig Pizza: Flight

This 10-inch pie arrives fresh out of the wood-burning oven on a wooden pizza peel—and it gets everything right: blistered edges, bubbling cheese, and an even distribution of sweet and savory flavors. It’s topped with prosciutto, goat cheese, arugula, fig jam, pickled red onion, and balsamic drizzle, so you’ve got all your food groups covered. 1949 E. 7th St.

Caviar and Potato Chip Pairing: Bar à Vins

You’d expect full-bodied pours and a menu of vino-adjacent snacks at this neighborhood wine bar. But a bag of Lay’s on a platter with tart creme fraiche? Just go with it. One scoop of those briny, fanciful orbs paired with a swig of bubbles is a testament to the magnificent union of salt and fat. It’s science, really. 3206 N. Davidson St.

Mexican Street Corn: Maíz Agua Sal’s Elote

This Wesley Heights spot serves the charred corn off the cob and tossed in a bowl with spices, mayo, red salsa, and cotija cheese. It comes with a basket of house-made chips. But it makes a spectacular taco garnish, too, so try to save a few scoops for your entree. 1018 Jay St., Ste. 110

Tacos: Tacos de Trompo at Tacos El Regio

“Regio” is slang for someone or something from Monterrey, Mexico, where the locals refer to pork al pastor tacos as “tacos de trompo.” (A “trompo” is the vertical, spinning rotisserie the pork is roasted on.) This humble eatery, in a shopping center off Albemarle Road, uses an adobo marinade that tints the pork bright red. It’s sliced off the trompo and placed atop corn tortillas; you can add fresh lime juice, red or green salsa, chopped onion, and cilantro to taste.  8829 E. W.T. Harris Blvd.

Bar Snack: Warm Cookies at The Ugly

You wouldn’t expect a dive known for its cheap highballs, photo booth, and chilled Negronis to serve the best bar snack in town. Prepare to have your preconceptions shattered. This NoDa bar serves warm cookies that pair surprisingly well with wallet-friendly suds. 424 E. 36th St., Ste. 2

Pour-Over: Sancocho de Mariscos at MaBí Cocina Tropical

The team behind Sabor Latin Street Grill and Three Amigos opened MaBí Cocina Tropical last summer in NoDa. Its version of sancocho—one of the Dominican Republic’s national dishes—is a stew of red snapper, shrimp, veggies, avocado, coconut rice, and a broth you pour yourself. 416 E. 36th St.

Lesser-Known Food Hall: Alley 51

It opened in May 2024 as an addition to the new Super G Mart that anchors The Centrum, a sprawling shopping center in south Charlotte. Among the multicolored chairs and globe lanterns in its dining areas are (as of this writing) 14 vendors that serve a wide array of Asian street foods: sushi from Yume; Tteokbokki, or Korean spicy rice cakes, from Mukja; Lechon Kawali, or Filipino fried pork belly, from Manila Grill; and many, many other delights. 10500 Centrum Parkway, Pineville

Bagels That Went Viral Before They Even Reached Charlotte: PopUp Bagels

On Jan. 5, viral New York City bagel shop PopUp Bagels posted to Instagram: “My next trip to Charlotte won’t just be to see our cousins … Excited to announce the first chapter in our Southeast expansion plans!!! Permanent Bagel Shop Coming Spring 2025.” There was a rush of bagel-based excitement on Charlotte social media following the announcement. We all eagerly await more info. 14020 Stream Way, Suite 113, Ballantyne

Kid-Friendly Food Truck: Nacho Average Food Truck

When you’re on the go with hangry kids, a great food truck is like a desert oasis. Nacho Average Truck shines in its shareables, slinging piles of nachos in varieties like Buffalo Chicken, Beef Supreme, and Chicken Enchilada. Mobile

Sandwich: The Riverside at Schreiber’s on Rye

Most of us beeline right to the Reuben or pastrami at a Jewish deli. Further down the menu, though, the mighty Riverside awaits with its stacks of roasted turkey breast, Swiss cheese, slaw, and Russian dressing on rye. Add a cup of Opa’s Matzo Ball Soup for a complete—and wholly comforting—midday meal. 1115 N. Brevard St., Ste. 14.

Authentic Enough for the Gringos: Casa del Tequila

This Ballantyne spot serves authentic and traditional Mexican cuisine but can still cater to the most basic chips-and-salsa seeker. Get a Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla alongside a fishbowl-sized margarita adorned with umbrellas, flamingos, and a blinking neon light (seriously). Or try the Mojarra Frita Fish entree and sip on a Cazuela, a traditional Latin American cocktail served in a shallow terra cotta dish. 14815 Ballantyne Village Way, Ste. 155

Dumplings: Pho Good Time Asian Fusion

Order the Rainbow Dumpling Set, and you’ll get a bamboo steamer full of neatly folded pouches. Each one is color-coded with natural dye, so you’ll know which flavor you’re about to eat. 2410 Park Road

Flaming Cheese Saganaki from Hellenic Greek Kitchen

Flaming Cheese: Saganaki from Hellenic Greek Kitchen

Cheese tastes better after it’s been set on fire. Hellenic—a 2-year-old establishment just off the Bland Street light rail stop—starts with a rectangle of firm, salty Halloumi cheese, fries it, and serves it hot in a cast-iron skillet with lemon juice. Then your server pours a shot of whiskey over the cheese and lights it; once the whiskey burns off, you plate and eat it with pita triangles. Despite its Japanese-sounding name, saganaki is a traditional Greek dish—although the flambéed version originated in the now-closed Parthenon restaurant in Chicago. 1436 South Blvd.

BOBlight:

CHARLOTTE RESTAURANTS WE’VE LOST

Restaurant closings are an unfortunate reality in any city, but the last year has been particularly hard on Charlotte’s culinary community. Many faced staffing challenges, escalating rents, and rising food costs. Legacy restaurants like Zada Jane’s, Fenwick’s, JJ’s Red Hots, and Letty’s on Shamrock all ended their runs. Harper’s Restaurant, known for an affordable menu of burgers, ribs, and wood-fired pizzas, closed after more than three decades in SouthPark when the landlord decided to demolish the building and replace it with a bank. (How Charlotte is that?)

Noche Bruta, the pop-up that turned the Hex Coffee space into a full-service restaurant at night, struggled to find diners to embrace the dual concept. Other beloved restaurants that have appeared on this magazine’s 50 Best list—Futo Buta, Haymaker, and The Good Wurst Company—closed, too. But as any Charlottean knows, the city’s food scene moves at full tilt, so we know something new will take their places. Rocksalt, the seafood restaurant in Park Road Shopping Center, will reopen as Bossy Beulah’s later this year. Volo Ristorante in Myers Park will become Yassou Greek Cuisine. The Bottle Tree in Belmont is rebranding as Kaya Gastrolounge. By the time this issue lands, there will almost certainly be a few more.

IMBIBE: The Best of Drinks & Going Out

Printed Espresso Martini from Sea Level NC, Photo by Peter Taylor

Printed Espresso Martini: Sea Level NC

Your cocktail is your canvas when you order Sea Level’s Espresso Martini. Just scan the QR code, upload an image (or select a pre-designed one), and show your server the number on your screen. They’ll prepare the vodka-and-cold-brew-based martini, then use a Ripple printer to top it with your “ink” design, made from plant-based extracts. Bottoms up! 129 E. 5th St.

Free Wine Tasting: Wednesday Nights at Substrate

This Optimist Park bar pours wine on the house every Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. Each week has a different theme—wines from Austria or Germany, for example, or from a specific producer. Owner Matt Green says he wants to introduce Charlotteans to wines they may not be used to, like sparkling, bottle-fermented pét-nats and full-bodied orange wines, made with grapes that keep their skins during fermentation. When it’s warm, sippers bask in the sun on the breezy front patio. Substrate’s vinyl collection, proximity to Optimist Hall, and checkerboard tables don’t hurt, either. 512 E. 15th St.

Beer That Should Not Be Good But Is: Origin Story at Lower Left Brewing

Charlotte breweries make some superb coffee beers. The Wake Up Porter from Birdsong and Ground Up Coffee Stout from Lenny Boy come to mind. But a coffee-infused New England IPA with hops that add tropical and fruity notes? Alex Shoenthal, Lower Left’s founder and head brewer, makes this seasonal brew every fall with coffee from Night Swim, conveniently located across the street from the brewery and taproom. He uses a different single-origin coffee every year. (Consistency’s overrated.) A coffee IPA should not be drinkable. Origin Story is—and it tastes like nothing else. 4528 Nations Crossing Road

Low-Altitude Rooftop: Burial Beer

A great rooftop bar needn’t be some downtown crow’s nest 30 stories up. Sometimes the view’s better from closer to the ground. Burial’s whitewashed second story is a splendid spot to sip a cold beer on a warm afternoon and watch the denizens of Plaza Midwood amble by. 1214 Thomas Ave.

Pickle Cocktail: The Pittsburgh at Blue Door, Photo by Peter Taylor

Pickle Cocktail: The Pittsburgh at Blue Door

This South End cocktail bar opened last fall with a menu inspired by the great American road trip, and each drink is named after a different city. The Pittsburgh starts with an acidic homemade pickle brine and gin, softly heats up with long pepper and lime, and rounds out with earthy Suze and Cocchi Americano. Mixologist Mike Guzman came up with it after a drunken evening with his friends in Pittsburgh, which is famous for its pickle festival. 1508 S. Mint St.

Tribute to Understatement: Blinders Sports Lounge

Its owners bill this South End sports bar as “the sports lounge with a big-ass screen.” How big is this ass?  It’s 60 by 15 feet—850 square feet total, which would rent for about $3,000 if it was a studio apartment. It hangs 8 feet off the ground and weighs about 10,000 pounds. Cost: $1.5 million. And that’s just the centerpiece of a Vegas-adjacent experience that includes a patio and plush banquette seating. Y’know, just a humble little neighborhood joint. 225 W. Tremont Ave.

Coffee Shop That Hands Out “Lucky Ducks”: Backyard Brew

Approach Backyard Brew’s counter-service window on the covered front porch of a historic house in Dilworth. Co-owner and roaster TK Khalil greets you with a smile and, just for fun, hands you a teeny, plastic, yellow “lucky duck.”  “We’re not a coffee shop, he says. “We’re a make-you-happy shop!” You can show up in a bad mood, but you won’t leave in one. TK’s friendliness is as warm as the Turkish coffees and Banana Bread Lattes that Backyard brews. 1218 East Blvd.

New Neighborhood Hang: Copperhead Social Club

This NoDa bar, which opened in October, aims to be as much like a friend’s home as possible. It’s a house, for one thing, with vintage arcade games, a cozy yard with picnic tables, a front porch with ashtrays, and bric-a-brac scattered throughout. Hungry? You can order burgers, fries, and wings from the immobilized food truck out back. Friends and co-owners Alex Beebe and Julian Billings had operated Pepperbox Doughnuts & Coffee shop here since 2021. But, in the face of rising costs and declining sales, they closed last May to make way for this hangout. 2810 N. Davidson St.

NA Beer: N.A.R.C. at Resident Culture Brewing

Young people today don’t drink as much as young people of the past. How do local craft brewers respond? By raising a glass to NA beers: Resident Culture, one of Charlotte’s most innovative breweries, unveiled its N.A.R.C. (Non-Alcoholic Resident Culture) line in early 2024. In October, its IPA won the gold medal for Pale Non-Alcohol Beer at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado. The line includes Lime & Sea Salt and Hop Water flavors as well, and they’re refreshing, regret-free alternatives to both beer and soda. 2101 Central Ave.

Small Brewery Co-Run by a Cattle Dog Named Gumbo: Keepsake Brewery

In a city where breweries are constantly expanding (in more ways than one), it’s refreshing to visit the little brewery that sticks to the basics. The cozy German-style taproom, which opened in February 2024, has white walls and mismatched antique chairs and tables. The names of Keepsake’s four flagship beers—and maybe one seasonal or a wine by the glass—are scrawled on an antique mirror above the unfussy draft tower. Co-owner Bobby Myers learned how to brew in Berlin, and what he pours is worth the drive to Gastonia. Even better: Bobby and his wife and co-owner, Katherine, run the brewery alongside their “little helper,” a Catahoula leopard dog named Gumbo. Look for him tucked into a bar-side bed. 211 Columbia St., Gastonia

Chai Window: The Chai Window at Twenty Two West

Art studio Twenty Two West added a walk-up Chai Window last year to the side of its chartreuse historic bungalow on The Plaza. The silky chai is served hot, iced, popsicle-d, or in an ice cream sammie—and with a fresh flower on the side. How freaking cute is that? 2338 The Plaza

Locally Made THC Seltzer: Five Flowers

Cannabis-infused drinks are great for those who want a buzz without the hangover. They’re also a solid entry point for the cannabis-curious who might not want to smoke or deal with the time commitments of an edible product. Local brand Five Flowers, specifically their grapefruit flavor, is the best-tasting THC seltzer we’ve tried. At 5 milligrams of THC and only 20 calories per can, it’s a smart first-seltzer experience. It’s also delightful as a low-cal mixer for those who really want to lean in.

Cannabis Consumption Lounge: Happy Camper

The dispensary at 2017 N. Davidson St. (across from The Hobbyist) and consumption lounge at 3100 N. Davidson St. (next to Haberdish) have become one—er, two—of the city’s most popular places for THC products and, if you want to hang out, their effects. By the time you read this, the Happy Camper folks expect to have united the two in a new, larger location: a house across from Heist Brewery and Benny Pennello’s. They plan to host food trucks and events, too. 2918 N. Davidson St.

Stealth Beer: Pap Pap’s Salted Lager at Fonta Flora Brewery

Another pale lager. Big deal. But you sip and notice: Wow, this is quite refreshing. Is it the hint of “ancient Appalachian sea salt”? You check the can—says here it’s made with 91% local ingredients. Pap Pap’s is a Dortmunder, a German lager style known for its crispness and amenity to food, and the quality of this particular brew’s ingredients makes it one of our favorite quaffs. Thank goodness (and underground aquifers) that Morganton-based Fonta Flora saw fit to open a Charlotte taproom. 1115 N.
Brevard St. (Optimist Hall), Ste. D

BOBlight: 

Food POP-UPS

When Charlotteans return from a trip to Charleston or New York, they want cutting-edgier dishes or chefier-driven restaurants. Often, they return defeated. But they’re just looking in the wrong places.

These types of spots exist in Charlotte but not in brick and mortar. The city’s food pop-ups, from roaming food trucks to nomadic sandwich makers, serve some of the most compelling bites in the city. Disgruntled Ronin’s sandwiches burst at the seams. Chutney Cat’s chicken is alive with Tandoori spice. Dulce Dreams Cafe’s conchas are pillow-soft. Ashik Bakery’s croissants play with saffron and lemongrass. Their diverse cuisines and cult followings are a testament to building something from the ground up—and without a restaurant group. The pop-up crews collaborate with each other, like Kimmy Bazan of El Veneno and Holden Sasser of Union Barbecue truck, who blend tacos and barbecue. Even places with physical locations, like Marina’s Tapas, are doing pop-ups and collabs at wine bars.

EXPLORE: The Best of Arts, Culture, and Entertainment

Sullenberger Aviation Museum, Photo by Rusty Williams

Museum Revamp: Sullenberger Aviation Museum

The former Carolinas Aviation Museum reopened last summer after five years and a $30 million redevelopment. Along with new facilities and exhibitions, the museum was renamed after Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, the pilot who safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River in January 2009. The Charlotte-bound plane, which carried 155 passengers, lost power to both engines after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport in New York City when it flew into a flock of geese. The Airbus A320 is part of the museum’s immersive Miracle on the Hudson exhibit, which is pivotal to its mission to educate the public about aviation history, safety, and science. 4108 Minuteman Way

Place to Play Darts: The Flying Saucer

Ah, yes. Brilliant. A proper pub for a proper pint and a proper darts match with a mate. The designated nook has ample railings on each side for your pints. The boards are the genuine article: Winmau Blade 6s, none of this plastic nonsense. You’re in a University City shopping center, not a pub in Sussex, but you get over that after a couple of drafts and a bullseye or two. 9605 N. Tryon St., Ste. A

Urban Refuge: Latta Park

This 31-acre emerald in the Queen City’s crown is easy to miss, a winding strip of oak-shaded trails hemmed in by some of Charlotte’s busiest roads and its largest hospital. But it’s a lovely and convenient spot for older folks to enjoy a midday stroll or picnic, young ballers to hoop on the Hornets-themed outdoor basketball court, and kids to frolic at the splash pad. 601 E. Park Ave.

Regional City’s Development to Watch: Monroe

The 2018 opening of the Monroe Expressway eased the 30-mile drive from Charlotte, and spillover from the larger city has set Monroe up as a small city primed for growth. Monroe’s city government offers grants and other financial incentives to draw businesses and events to its historic downtown. In recent years, bars, restaurants, and retail shops have opened, and a social district established in 2021 allows outdoor alcohol consumption in the city center.

Pickleball Coach: Wynn Johnson at The Dinkery

Up your pickleball game or learn to have more fun playing with lessons from the guy determined to make the sport cool. Wynn is most often at Freedom Park but will travel.

Colorful Residency: Residency Music Experience

Musical theater kids, this one’s for you: one room, one piano, and a bunch of strangers singing songs that fall under a theme (Taylor Swift, Emo Night, etc.). The lights are dim, and glow sticks glow.

New Greenway: Long Creek Greenway, Phase 3

Mecklenburg County has stepped up its greenway construction, having opened 5 miles’ worth in 2024 and planned 16 more. One of the more welcome projects should be open by now: the final stretch of the Long Creek Greenway, a 7-mile meander west from Interstate 77 just south of Huntersville to Oakdale Road in northwest Charlotte. The full greenway blends elevated pedestrian bridges with a widened trail to connect neighborhoods, and stream improvements along the route are designed to soak up floods and preserve adjacent wetlands. Parking: Northcrest Shopping Center, 9841 Northlake Centre Parkway

Zone for Zoomies: Swaney Pointe Dog Park

We visit on a crisp Valentine’s Day. The sun filters through the pines and oaks at this end of Ramsey Creek Park and lands on a small pack of good dogs and their well-behaved humans. A brindle pit bull approaches, orange tennis ball in his mouth, then a brindle Frenchie with one floppy ear. The four-legged potato scratches the pine needle-covered ground, sniffs, and trots away. Nearby Lake Norman may contribute to this atmosphere of friendly curiosity. A vizsla hops onto a nearby picnic table and inserts her snout into a navy-blue tote. “Naya, no!” calls her owner. “Get out of there!” 18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius

Demoted NFL Color Analyst: Greg Olsen

For two seasons, the longtime Panthers tight end and pediatric heart patient advocate was Fox Sports’ first-string color commentator for NFL broadcasts. Then some guy named Brady came along and relegated him to backup status. Olsen expressed frustration with the network’s decision in an interview with The Athletic before Super Bowl LIX in February—for which Brady, not Olsen, was in the broadcast booth. You’re still in our starting lineup, Greg. (We may still be salty over Super Bowl XXXVIII.)

Display of Perseverance: Ballantyne Ridge High School Football Team

For the school’s inaugural year, CMS gave rising juniors and seniors the option to stay at their current high school. Most did, resulting in a varsity football team led by freshmen and sophomores. The Wolves experienced crushing losses, only managing to put single-digit points on the board in a few games. But they kept on. Watch out for this team (and QB Ryder Polston) in the 2026-27 season, when they’ll be equal in size but untouchable in preparation.

Old Town Rock Hill, Photo by Rusty Williams

Quaint Downtown Less Trafficked: Old Town Rock Hill

Belmont—the Gaston County city, not the Charlotte neighborhood—has earned well-deserved recognition for its compact, charming downtown. But don’t sleep on our neighbors south of the state line. Rock Hill and York County officials have developed an enviable historic district in a booming small city. It offers numerous local retailers; plenty of bars, restaurants, breweries, and cafes; and regular concerts and other events. It’s like a mini-Charleston that’s a 40-minute drive away.

Place to Play Agricola with a Buzz: Carolina Tabletop Games

When Rob Ross (not to be confused with Bob Ross) opened a board game store in 2016, he knew he wanted to attract adults, not the afterschool crowd. He realized it was easier to establish that culture than he imagined: He just had to get a state license to serve beer. Now customers can mix and match games like Blood on the Clocktower and Magic: The Gathering with pints from local brewers like Wooden Robot and Middle James. 315 Main St., Ste. 1, Pineville

Disc Golf Course: Kilborne Park

Tired of playing sports with high entry fees like golf and pickleball? Throw yourself into disc golf. The longstanding eastside park’s course is a solid place to start. It’s varied, easy to navigate, well maintained, and suits all skill levels. Frisbee on. 2600 Kilborne Drive

Local Awards Show: The Blumey Awards

Charlotte has produced a surprising amount of Broadway talent, and those journeys began in local classrooms. The Blumey Awards are like the Tony Awards for high school productions in and around Charlotte, and Blumenthal Arts makes each of their artisans feel like stars, from stage leads and ensembles to student costume and set designers. You’ll be amazed at the teen talent packed inside Belk Theater for this year’s event on May 18.

Polyglot Pingpong: Charlotte Table Tennis Club

Pingpong in the United States is a goofy rec room endeavor, often combined with red Solo cups filled with beer. In the rest of the world, table tennis is serious business, totally deserving of its spot in the Summer Olympics. So when competitive players from around the world end up in Charlotte, they gravitate to the Charlotte Table Tennis Club, which plays matches at First United Methodist Church: Membership includes former champions from Nicaragua, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago. 501 N. Tryon St.

APB Skatepark, Photo by Rusty Williams

Place to Hit an Ollie: APB Skatepark

Charleston-based apparel and sneaker brand APB opened a skatepark in Charlotte last summer. (The brand’s first Charlotte store followed at the same location, The Collective on Tuckaseegee Road, in November.) It’s free to use and hosts regular community events. 2705 Tuckaseegee Road

Visual Artist: Elliana Esquivel

Illustrator Elliana Esquivel crafts surreal yet vivid worlds with sparse line work. She says her upbringing as a dual citizen of the U.S. and the Philippines forms that sensibility, with works that adorn covers of books published by HarperCollins and Little, Brown and Company.

Musician: Austin McNeill

The Salisbury native discovered music as a 5-year-old singing in a Southern Baptist church. Today, he’s a rising country star, with recent appearances at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry alongside Lainey Wilson, and, this month, a set at Lovin’ Life Music Fest.

Expansion in the Face of Hollywood’s Collapse: The Independent Picture House

Yes, your couch is comfortable, but movies are still better with a crowd. Since 2022, the Independent Picture House has been Charlotte’s best place to see Oscar nominees, arthouse experiments, and old movies that range from Infernal Affairs to Desperately Seeking Susan. Now it includes a fourth screen, in a theater that seats 145. The vibes are already good: When we caught Nosferatu in the new auditorium, the stranger sitting next to us offered to share his popcorn. 4237 Raleigh St.

Free Electric-Powered Rideshare Service: SouthPark Skipper

Just download the Freebee app, request a ride, select your destination, and confirm your pickup location. When the white car arrives, its gull-wing doors lift automatically to reveal a sleek, clean interior. It’ll drop you anywhere within the SouthPark neighborhood between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.

LIVE: The Best of Health, Wellness, and Celebration

Elise Pentz at Paste & Paper. Photos by Rusty Williams

Wallpaper Installer: Elise Pentz at Paste & Paper

Here’s the thing about wallpaper: You could waste a weekend trying to DIY it, or just call Elise to install it properly. She handles all the precise cutting and careful placement that you have no business doing yourself. Your walls—and your spouse—will thank you.

Scalp Massage: Passion Hair Co.

Fun fact: Each hair follicle on your head contains a sensory nerve. That’s why a scalp massage feels so dreamy—it releases those feel-good hormones and gives you the green light to relax. At this University City head spa, owner Anna Pham uses techniques her mother and grandmother learned in Vietnam. Choose from a 60-, 70-, or 90-minute service and enjoy a hair wash; scalp, neck, and shoulder massage; and a foot rub. Add-ons include a lymphatic massage facial and a blowout. Have a few friends in need of some crown care? Anna and her team can accommodate groups of five Thursday through Saturday. 10230 Berkeley Place Drive, Ste. 250

Hair Color Connoisseur: Jessica Chatham

Most of her clients found her because they stopped strangers and asked, “Girrrrl. Who does your color?” Jessica can do highlights, lowlights, balayage, gray coverage, and root touch-ups—and wax your eyebrows or upper lip while your color processes. You can expect to be in her chair for a few hours because magic like this takes time. But an afternoon at the salon with a stack of crisp magazines never hurt anybody. Salon Lofts SouthPark, 720 Governor Morrison St., Ste. 170

Lip Blush Tattooing: Genevieve & Co.

Once you choose your shade, your aesthetician numbs your lips and gets to work. It usually takes two passes to create that kissable tint, and you may experience a few days of light peeling, but after that, your color lasts up to three years. 1315 East Blvd., Ste. 150

Self-Promotional Billboard Takeover: Mark Spain

Like it or not, we’re all familiar with his face and CASH OFFER—guaranteed. Everywhere

Etiquette Aficionada: Elizabeth Anne Russell

This third-generation etiquette instructor doesn’t just teach kids the difference between salad and dinner forks. Children ages 5 to 12 learn how to introduce themselves, send handwritten notes, and invite someone into a conversation circle—life skills that minimize the risk of jackassery, if you will.

Modern Upkeep

Upholstery Refresher: Modern Upkeep

Before you kick your couch to the curb, call Clint Green. Stains, spills, dingy fabric, pet hair, kid grime, even mildew on outdoor furniture—he can get them out and make your furniture and rugs like new again. He calls it a spa day for your house. It’s as refreshing as it sounds. And if cleaning videos are your porn, his Instagram page is full of satisfying befores and afters. 

Place to Freeze or Sweat Your Ass Off: Sauna Culture

Finally, what we’ve all been waiting for: At Sauna Culture in Cotswold, you don’t have to choose between freezing or sweating your ass off. The “sauna club,” which opened last spring, offers four different temperature cold plunges and two saunas so you can scurry back and forth. 274 S. Sharon Amity Road, Ste. 1

Portal to the Real Housewives: Christian Gray Snow

He’s what’s known as a Bravo-influencer, posting hilarious Real Housewives and Bravoleb content. The Charlotte media personality has even managed to forge relationships with the women he turns into shareable memes. Last summer, he levitated in the Bravosphere and launched My Friend, My Soulmate, My Podcast, which he co-hosts with none other than the OG of the OC, Vicki Gunvalson. 

Stand-Alone Spa: Woodhouse Spa

It has the feel of a resort spa—robes, fluffy chaise lounges, infrared sauna, salt room, mineral baths—but stands alone in the Piedmont Town Center. Enjoy facials, massages, and a variety of body treatments. You could spend the whole day there. But you’ll have to leave when you’re done. 4625 Piedmont Row Drive, Ste. 125

Helium and Happiness: Confetti Castle

When you hire Tiffany Donovan and her party people for your event, you don’t need to know the lingo or even what’s possible with balloon arches. Just tell them your colors and vibe, and they’ll create epic garlands, backdrops, and light-up marquee letters that signal to your guests, “The fun starts here.”

Scrap Daddy Composting

Scrap Daddy: Scrap Daddy Composting

We love a Daddy who collects our chicken bones and carrot tops each week—and returns finished compost twice a year—so that we don’t have to get our hands dirty.

Place to Rock: The 11-Chair Array on Concourse A

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is justifiably proud of its more than 100 rocking chairs, the first of which were installed in 1997; aside from construction that will not end, they’re CLT’s signature feature. The airport recommends a group of 11 chairs about 100 yards beyond the entrance of 32-gate Concourse A, on the left, just past the first people mover. The chairs face tall windows, and fliers kick back with their phones, books, coffees, and snacks. It’s as calm a spot as you’re likely to find in an airport: Watch planes taxi and baggage carts scurry, not you. 5501 Josh Birmingham Parkway

Window and Upholstery Glam Up: Posh Diggs

A new window treatment or reupholstered furniture can do for a room what a set of lashes and a spray tan can do for your face. Posh Diggs is like your room esthetician, offering custom drapes, pillows, duvets, and furniture upholstery. 8155 Ardrey Kell Road, Ste. 101

Way to Make Your Party Pop: Mama K’s Kettle Corn

Want to draw attention to your event or storefront and form a mob of drooling passersby? Book Mama K’s trailer and fill the air with the irresistible scent of sweet, buttery popcorn. For gifts or your own personal stash, they sell this addictive treat by the bag, too. 

Ingrown Eliminator: Amber Holland Skin

If you suffer from ingrown hairs, razor burn, or are just over the tedium of shaving, go see Amber. She uses one of the most advanced medical laser hair removal machines, at very reasonable prices. 709 International Drive, Ste. B

Shop: The Best of Style and Shopping

Thrift Pony, Photos by Rusty Williams

Place to Play Dress-Up: Thrift Pony

This resale shop is bright pink and glittery, a walk-in treasure chest of vintage dresses, low-rise cargos, and fuzzy jackets of all sizes. Dressing rooms are wallpapered in vintage magazines, and the mirror has a squiggly pink frame. 1824 Statesville Ave., Ste. 103

Place to Get Tins of Fish: The Culture Shop

If celebrities had to stock their pantries in Charlotte, this is where they’d go. Shelves are lined with provisions like really good cheese, natural wines, and, of course, the modern-day cool-cat snack: tinned fish. The Culture Shop carries everything under the sea—smoked caviar, Fishwife anchovies, octopus paté. Get a sleeve of fancy crackers and a tin of fish, and settle into that omega 3-rich, salty high that only fish packaged in metal can provide. 1425 Kennon St.

Place to Cast a Spell: Sanctuary Imports

Sometimes, we all need a jar of dried herbs to throw in a pot and cast a little spell. Sanctuary Imports in Plaza Midwood is a metaphysical playground that hosts new moon circles, tea gatherings, Reiki, sound baths, and Tarot readings. If you’ve ever wanted your aura photo taken, they can do that, too. 822 Lamar Ave.

Meat to Support Western North Carolina: The Chop Shop Butchery

One of the easiest ways to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts is to shop Western North Carolina businesses. Asheville-based whole-animal butcher Chop Shop Butchery has a location in Myers Park. When you buy its (gorgeous) short ribs or pork chops, you support not only the shop but also the Western North Carolina farmers who supply it. 2820 Selwyn Ave., Ste. 160

Paint Store to Get DIY-Inspired: CLT Paint Cures

This south Charlotte retailer is the only woman-owned, independent paint store in the state. Find top brands like Benjamin Moore, Romabio, and Golden Paintworks, plus luxury brands like Little Greene. Owner and color expert Kristine Compton, who worked at the store for almost 20 years before taking it over, is always there with a smile and helpful guidance. 8706 Pineville-Matthews Road, Ste. 120

Old School Golf Club Whisperer: John Gamble, Carolina Golf Manufacturing

When something’s a bit off-kilter with your club—and you’re certain it’s not the person swinging it—Johnny’s your guy. You’ll find golfers of all levels lined up inside his Plaza Midwood shop waiting for him to tinker with their drivers. 2917 Central Ave., Ste. B

Prime Fish Cellar

Sake and Provisions Shop: Prime Fish Cellar

When you want an encore of anything you tasted at Omakase Experience, head a few doors down to this gourmet market and bottle shop in Providence Plaza. It’s stocked with rare wines, premium sakes, fresh wasabi root from Japan, and hard-to-find ingredients to make your own sushi. It’s also the only Charlotte retailer to carry the Yubari King muskmelon, one of the world’s most expensive fruits. If you’re in a rush, grab a fresh sashimi box or some A5 wagyu meatballs from the freezer. If you have some time, stay to sample caviar and wine flights. 2921 Providence Road

Cocktail Mixers: Spirits of Alchemy

Most cocktail mixers taste overly sweet and artificial. But each bottle from Charlotte-based Spirits of Alchemy feels dialed and packaged. One of its Old Fashioned mixers blends cinnamon and smoked cayenne pepper, while its Cast Away product, fusing mango and pineapple, conjures Caribbean vibes. All varieties can be found on the company’s website or at local shops, including Sip City, Moxie Mercantile, Tip Top Daily Market, and Paper Skyscraper locations.

Sports Card Selection: Replay Sports Cards

This South End shop has sealed boxes, rare cards, and an adorkable staff that’s schooled in specific eras and players. Check their schedule for monthly Rip Nights where you can buy, sell, and trade with fellow collectors and enjoy free giveaways. 115 E. Park Ave., Ste. C

Noelle Muñoz models her Soñadora necklace, 6-Stone ring, Bones bracelet, and Solara earrings.

Boho Modern Jewelry: Noelle Muñoz

It’s hard to watch Noelle Muñoz at her workbench and call her a jewelry designer. When she’s bouncing between the torch, soldering tools, clamps, metal files, and polishing machine, it feels disrespectful to call her anything other than an artisan. Her jewelry blends architectural shapes and Mexican iconography, resulting in striking silver and gold statement pieces that whisper rather than yell. On her website, you’ll find a range of earrings, necklaces, and rings under $200 as well as bold signature pieces like her Bones bracelet ($825) and the Soñadora necklace ($835).

Place to Get Your Giddy Up: El Potrero Western Wear

This ain’t Texas, but you can pass for a Lone Star native after a trip to this east Charlotte store. Find a vast selection of western hats, boots, leather belts, and apparel for men, women, and kids from brands like Ariat, Stetson, and Cuadra. If the vibe is cowboy-chic, this is the place to shop. 3036 Eastway Drive

Community in Motion: VisArt Video

Charlotte’s last video rental store officially became a nonprofit in 2021. With a rarity-filled trove of 50,000-plus titles, the store boasts “the largest collection of film and video on the East Coast.” Beyond access to that treasure, visitors to this east Charlotte spot can take advantage of VisArt’s educational programming, special screenings, coffee shop, and community events. 3104 Eastway Drive

PC Paradise: Micro Center

Think of it as a Home Depot for home office tech. Micro Center carries row upon row of computing products, 3D printers, robotics kits, graphics cards, gaming-specific upgrades, and much more. One major attraction for 3D printer enthusiasts: a filament-dispensing robot that produces your selection in seconds. 4744 South Blvd.

Place to Get and Save a Goldfish: The Fish Room of Charlotte

This team knows aquatic pets: what they like, who gets along with whom, and plant preferences. They also know enough about water purification technology to earn an honorary science degree. When your kid’s betta fish seems to be panting on the bottom of the tank, they’ll do triage with you over the phone and walk you through the remedy. Whether you have a wall-to-wall tropical aquarium or a singular swimmer in a bowl, this place will take your fish family seriously. 8129 Ardrey Kell Road, Ste. 103

Paper Goods: Good Postage

Many folks still love a nice handwritten note. Good Postage has the materials for that and much more at its Camp North End store—with paper that’s recycled and printed locally. Beyond its notecards, notebooks, and writing tools, you’ll also find original art, art supplies, pouches, totes, and more. 1824 Statesville Ave., Ste. 106A

Christmas Superstore: Holiday House & Co. Pop-Up

This isn’t the place to go for a new ornament or strand of lights. This is the spot for those who want to make Santa gasp when he sees your tree. We’re told they’ll be back this year in a new location.

Courtesy, Belmont Bookshop

Bookshelf Wealth: Belmont Bookshop

Browse books and vinyl records, play board games, have a drink with friends, and let the kids explore the indoor treehouse. The big green chalkboard in the back always has a schedule of events, like book release parties, kids story times, and blind date book clubs (if you know, you know). 7 N. Main St., Belmont

BOBlight:

Overstock Resellers

Our readers love to shop, and we all go nuts for a deal. When we reported the opening of Reclectic, the overstock discount store for Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Free People, half a million people interacted with the post. So brace yourself—Charlotte’s got more. There’s Where Ya Bin, an Amazon overstock and returns store in Matthews (1834 Matthews Township Parkway, Ste. 100) and Concord (30 Branchview Drive NE); Fast Design (4746 Sweden Road), a Target home liquidation warehouse; and the Frontgate outlet (9571A South Blvd.), which sells discounted returns, overstock items, and minorly damaged goods from the pricey home furnishing retailer.

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