PLAZA MIDWOOD | EAT DRINK PLAY SHOP LIVE
As one of the oldest Neighborhoods in Charlotte, Plaza Midwood has a lot of interesting history but it has also changed with the times. Home to some of the best places to eat, drink, shop and have fun there is always something to do in this neighborhood.
EAT With all the great restaurants, you might have trouble deciding where to eat but that is a good problem to have. If you want to get something to eat while you are out walking your dog, then relax in Pint Centrals dog friendly patio. There is a special everyday that will have you coming back from $1 Tacos on Monday to the Bloody Mary Bar on Sunday. If you feel like trying a unique dining experience then you cant go wrong at Bistro la Bon. Their menu has influences from all around the world; from the Fried Chicken Sandwich to Goat cheese stuffed Peppadew. Midwood Smokehouse is another great choice when you are in the mood for expertly smoked BBQ. Their claim to fame is that they smoke their meat in their custom-built wood-burning smoker that is overseen by a seasoned pit master. If youre looking for southern comfort food then swing by DISH for Breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Start off with some fried green tomatoes while youre waiting for your entre and finish off with some Vanilla bourbon sweet potato pie. Despite the name the Peculiar Rabbit offers good food familiar to all southerners, with a twist. Their 24-hour sweet tea brined wings will give you a whole new idea of southern food and their brunch menu will make your mouth water. If you are more in the mood for seafood then Krazy Fish offers dishes from fried dishes to Vietnamese pho, all fresh and made daily for your enjoyment. Fern lists dishes to please vegetarians and carnivores so everyone can find something to eat. Zada Janes also has food for vegetarians and meat lovers and even boasts two grills so the meat stays separate. Akahana has the most expansive sushi menu in Charlotte with the fresh ingredients to make it a meal to remember. And dont worry they have dishes for those of us who dont like our food raw. A little known restaurant Intermezzo Pizzeria and Caf has both indoor and outdoor dining options serving fresh, never frozen, hand tossed pizzas. Among the many great places to eat and relax Kickstand Charlotte Burgers and Bar is among the best and offers all manner of fried food and thirst-quenching drinks for a great weekend get together.
DRINK Your cup will runeth over in any of the great places to get a drink in this neighborhood. Whiskey Warehouse has a menu for every time of day as well as a Flight menu so you can sample several beers so you can pick your favorite. If you want something stronger than try one of Soul Gastrolounges hand-crafted cocktails and munch on some of their small plates and sushi. If you want to start the party early then go to Joe Hoopers 11am brunch on Sundays for their $4 Bloody Mary bar and $2 Mimosas or drop by Wednesday for half priced wine after a long day at work. Petras Piano Bar and Cabaret hosts some great performances and serves some great signature martinis as well as shots to help you relax. Dog friendly Hatties Tap and Tavern has a laid back feel of a local watering hole and a dink list to please everyone. There is always something going on from karaoke to live music so every visit is a new experience even for the regulars. Whether its craft, draft, or bottle you can find a beer to suite your tastes at Blue Restaurant and Bar. Serving great Mediterranean food and offering an extensive list of cocktails, beers, and wines. Thirsty Beaver Saloon is a local business that is always hopping with activity from their many events and loyal customers. Relaxed and fun this bar has music off all genres so pick a night to go out and see a show. Get your sea legs at Snug Harbor, have a drink and enjoy a concert from regional bands before they make it big.
PLAY Plaza Midwood is crawling with theaters, art, and events year round so there is always something to look forward to. Enjoy some local artists creations at The Light Factory and maybe find something to inspire you in your own life. Another art gallery in the neighborhood is Twenty- Two, peruse the gallery while drinking an ice cold beer with your friends .Get in shape at Charlotte Capoeira with classes for Capoeira, Brazilian Jiu jitsu, Forro, Samba, Afro Samba, and more. A Great weekly event in the neighborhood is the Tuesday Night Bike Ride; its a 10 to 15 mile bike ride that stops at an appointed place to refuel. Its a great way to meet new people and get to know the city so grab your helmet and safety light and go for a ride! Relax and enjoy a day out in the sun at Midwood Park its 6 acres of fun. With an Outdoor amphitheater, Tennis Court, Full-court basketball court, and Community garden there is something for everyone to do on a nice sunny day. If you are looking for a fun and relaxing way to get in shape then sign up for a yoga class at Okra or schedule a massage and grab a cup of tea off their menu. In September there is an awesome Plaza Midwood Chili cook-off so get ready for some spicy treats! And there is always something going on at VanLandingham Estates so check their events calendar and plan a visit. And if you are looking to play some pool with your friends after work then you should stop by Elizabeth Billiards for a few rounds and just enjoy the afternoon.
SHOP Take some time to browse the shops around the neighborhood and find something unique and perfect for you. If you are looking for a cool new skateboard then check out Armada Skate Shop for one of their awesome boards. Or f you are looking for a trendy new outfit that doubles as a conversation piece then flip through the racks at the FrockShop. This trendy little store has all styles of clothes and you are sure to find something just right for you. While youre out why not pick up some fresh seafood for dinner from Catch Seafood Market, or sit down and eat there to avoid dishes. In recent years we have been seeing a rise in vintage clothing stores that show that you can recycle clothes as well as plastic and paper. And where better to find some vintage clothing than Buffalo Exchange? Carrying both mens and womens clothes it is a great place to find vintage items in good condition. Social Status got its start in Charlotte and carries higher end shoes and fashions that are to die for. If you have some cash to spend then drop by and get whats trending. One of my personal favorites Book Buyers has used books from every genre at a reasonable price with a comfy atmosphere; try to find the cats lurking among the shelves! Find everything you need at Green With Envy where you can purchase all the necessary luxuries to have your clothes, home, and garden looking fabulous. And lets not forget your four legged friends; Four Dogs Pet Supplies specializes in American-made all natural pet food and all other supplies to keep your pet happy. And dont worry they have items for cats and even chickens!
LIVE They say home is where your heart is but that doesnt mean it cant be somewhere trendy and fun to live. And with so many new apartment buildings opening up around the neighborhood its too tempting not to move in! Metro 808 apartments have brand new apartments ranging from studio, one, two, and three bedroom apartments and even town homes so they are sure to have one perfect for you. 100% smoke free and close to all the activity in the city its a great option for your next home. So new it still has that new apartment smell Vistas @707 apartments have everything a modern city guy or girl needs. Check out their Facebook page for their referral discount and find out when you can move in! Brand new and ready for renters Edgeline Flats on Davidson is close to all the action as well as modern and affordable. With stainless-steel appliances, Balcony, hardwood floors, and walk in closets it has everything. Not to be left out Venue Apartments is one of the newest luxury apartment complexes and it even has a pet park! But for a full list of amenities be sure to go to their website. The Vyne on Central has a tropical swimming pool, grilling stations and 9ft ceilings to give its residents a feeling of spacious luxury in the city. If you want something with an open floor plan and granite countertops then look up the leasing options at Plaza 25 Apartments. Make sure to tour the apartments with views and see if you can picture yourself living there. Renovated and ready to lease Aurora Apartments has outdoor fire pits, new fitness center, and a community vegetable garden. Make sure to stop by for a tour when you are looking for a new apartment because these are sure to go fast.
By Krista Brehm