Matthews Rising

After years of transition, the dining scene in downtown Matthews is starting to hit its stride

’Cue It Up

Last summer, Atlanta-based Pure Taqueria bid adieu to its hip, industrial-style space on Trade Street. Moe’s Original Bar B Que scooped up the prime real estate and opened this past June. The twenty-sixth location of the Alabama-based barbecue chain takes its ’cue seriously. The meat—smoked turkey, brisket, ribs, chicken, pork, and more—is the star here, so expect minimal sauces (the signature sauce is a mix between Memphis and Eastern Carolina). Five to six freshly made sides such as squash casserole, fried green tomatoes, and red beans and rice are perfect complements to the smoked meats and the 12 local and regional craft beers on tap. 111 Matthews Station St., 704-814-6637, moesoriginalbbq.com

Family Style

This spring, mother-daughter duo Elena Mizrahi and Alexis Mizrahi Botero opened Royal  Café & Creperie. This order-at-the-counter spot boasts oversized sweet and savory crepe offerings inspired by global cuisines—the Smokey Chipotle Chicken and the Caramel Apple Pie (both $7.75) are standouts—rounded out with locally roasted coffee and tea. 131 Matthews Station St., Ste. E, 704-846-2233, royalcreperie.com

Pay Your Respects

Next to Royal Creperie, Carolina Beer Temple opened its doors in May. Here you’ll find a curated selection of craft beers from all over North Carolina and the world. In addition to mix-and-match six-packs and growlers from local and state breweries, there are 12 beers on tap that owner Rob Jacik rotates and announces on Facebook daily. Enjoy one at the bar or outside on the patio with a build-your-own crepe from next door (it doesn’t serve food). 131-1C Matthews Station St., 704-847-2337, carolinabeertemple.net