Hello, Loyal Scallionpancake Readers!
Welcome to a new series on the blog--Ollie's Bites. All of the articles featured here are also featured on the super cool travel website Localeur, for which Scallionpancake recently started writing. You should download the Localeur app posthaste, and use it to get insider recommendations from locals whenever you travel to a new place. Localeur is in tons of cities around the world and is growing daily. It's a damn fine concept, as getting recommendations from trusted locals is a hallmark of meaningful travel, in our humble opinion. Even though many of our readers are local, we like to think our recommendations are good for Charlotte natives or those just passing through. We hope you enjoy!
Here's the first installment--Date Night in Charlotte:
Growler’s Pourhouse
Image courtesy of QC Exclusive
Start your night out at this NoDa neighborhood bar, which is a super chill spot for hipsters and mere mortals alike to grab a drink before dinner. In addition to a wide range of local craft beers and cocktails, you would be remiss if you didn’t order a round of oyster shots to get your night started on the right note. Feeling hangry while you wait for dinner? Never fear--there’s complimentary popcorn for you to nosh on.
Stick those babies in a shot glass and drink up!//image courtesy of Charlotte Five
Haberdish
Before heading to Growler’s, definitely put your name on the waitlist for this super popular southern eatery. Use the Nowait app, if you would rather avoid the half-block schlep. Can’t miss items include the mac and cheese (don’t you dare neglect to add the spicy chicken skin on top) and the sweet potato dumplings. Colleen Hughes is the master mixologist behind the cocktails here, and the quality and creativity of her drink menu has rightfully earned her a fair amount of local fame. Thus, you should have a drink. Heck, maybe have two. There’s not a bad one in the bunch, guaranteed.
Popbar
Us Charlotteans are beyond excited to get our first location of this New York gem. Do you like gelato? Obviously. Would you like it even better on a stick? Of course you would. The options for customization are endless--you can get your pop dipped (full dip, half dip, or a drizzle) in white, milk, or dark chocolate, and then covered with as many toppings as your heart desires. Don’t despair if there’s a line out the door--it moves fast, promise!
The Comedy Zone
HAHAHAHAH//image courtesy of The Comedy Zone
After walking the previous three spots, it’s time to take a quick drive just one neighborhood over for some entertainment. The Comedy Zone is open seven days a week, and they pull pretty big names; I’ve seen Bob Saget and Margaret Cho here, and both were magical. Is the offering an open mic on the night you’re in town? Well, congratulations--you’ve just hit the jackpot. Charlotte has some awesome local comedic talent, but it is a truth universally acknowledged that awkward stand up is sometimes even more delightful than quality stand up.
8.2.0
Image courtesy of d3 Studio
Just a short walk away from The Comedy Zone, you will find this funky little joint that’s just right for a nightcap and some fun to keep your energy up into the wee hours. Highlights include the karaoke room, arcade games, or the sorta-secret speakeasy library (hint: push the bookshelf!). I highly recommend a boba cocktail and some french fries (with all the dipping sauces) for a late-night snack.