The local food scene has been popping off this past month and there are quite a few new places that we think you’ll love. So without any further ado, here is the rundown on the freshest faces in town:

Catalú

Catalú has opened in Eight and Sand’s spot in South End, and while we miss those buttery croissants, the new vibes seem good. It’s like a mini vacation to Barcelona, minus the airfare. Get ready to say “Olé!” to some seriously good tapas, plentiful Spanish wine, and maybe even flamenco your way through the night.

Where: South End

Vibe: Sleek, with a twist of Spanish flair

Must-Try: The canelones and arroz negro del mar (the latter option comes with head-on shrimp, so maybe choose a different pallela if you don’t like to look your dinner in the eye)

Reservations: Book Your Table at Catalú

Photo provided by Que Hospitality Group

Bar Taco

Bar Taco has burst onto the scene in Birkdale Village and it’s already more popular than your high school crush. Chill vibes, killer tacos, and margaritas that’ll make you forget your ex’s name.

Where: Huntersville (Birkdale Village)

Vibe: Casual chic meets seaside escape

Must-Try: Duck tacos and their jalapeño margarita

Photo provided by Bar Taco

Substrate

Substrate is the new wine bar serving up natural wines, vermouth, and amaro in a dive-bar meets wine bar kinda atmosphere.

Where: Optimist Park

Vibe: If a Brooklyn bar had a love child with a vineyard

Must-Try: We are not wine snobs, so go with the som’s rec on this one

Maíz Agua Sal (MAS)

MAS is bringing homestyle Mexican cooking and agave drinks to West Charlotte with tortillas so perfect, you may start speaking Spanish (BTW they are corn tortillas, for our GF readers).

Where: West CLT

Vibe: As vibrant as a fiesta at Frida Kahlo’s house

Must-Try: Tacos al pastor and From the Heart

Photo provided by MAS

OROSOKO Sound Bar

OROSOKO is where an expertly-engineered sound system meets Asian fusion and cocktails. It’s a great spot for sound hounds looking to sip on something good while nodding to some smooth tunes.

Where: South End

Vibe: Urban chic with a dash of downtown rhythm

Must-Try: We haven’t been yet, comment if you’ve been and let us know if you go and what you recommend from the menu

Reservations: Chill at OROSOKO

Photo by Longitude Design

Sneak

Sneak is a cocktail bar that calls itself a “sneakeasy”…the bar itself is not hidden like a speakeasy but, it does feature secret doors and of course, craft cocktails. It’s open til 2 on the weekends and midnight on the weeknights.

Where: Elizabeth (next to Bang Bang Burgers)

Vibe: Cozy, chic and creative

Must-Try: Private Getaway

Walk ins only

Photo by Sneak

Bruno

Hidden underneath Seoul Food Mill District, Bruno is a speakeasy that’s as elusive as it is enchanting. It’s like finding Narnia, but with better drinks. This place only seats 12 so you may have trouble getting in…especially if you run off and tell all your friends about it.

Where: If we told you, we’d have to kill you…(but we tell you in the paragraph above)

Vibe: Covert, with a touch of vintage glam

Walk ins only

Photo by Seoul Meat Co

Dos Caminos

This Mexican cantina is serving up fajitas, enchiladas, and margaritas that’ll make you want to salsa your way through the night. And the chips and salsa are worth the trip alone.

Where: Uptown

Vibe: Lively and colorful like a piñata at a birthday bash

Must-Try: Skirt steak asada that’ll make you say “¡Ay, caramba!” and the dos enchiladas that are dos times the fun

Reservations: Book Dos Caminos

Photo by Dos Caminos

Eggspection

Eggspection is flipping some seriously good pancakes in Ballantyne and also deserves a shoutout. They serve generously-portioned breakfast all day and above-average American fare if breakfast for dinner ain’t yo thing…but how could it not be?

Where: Ballantyne

Vibe: Casual, industrial-chic with a full bar—because mimosas are a must

Must-Try: Everything on the breakfast menu is good, depends what you’re into 

Walk ins only

Photo by Eggspection

Fin & Fino Huntersvile

Good month for Huntersville! Fin & Fino just opened their second location in Birkdale village, serving up some elevated seafood dishes, wine and cocktails.

Where: Huntersville (Birkdale village)

Vibe: Yacht club esque without the membership fees

Must-Try: Scallops, fries, and if you’re budget allows for it—try “the treatment” which is a multi-course, chef-driven experience featuring on and off menu items. 

Reservations: Book Fin & Fino

Photo by Fin & Fino

We hope you guys enjoyed this and that it brings you all a well-deserved food coma.