Father’s Day Gifts for Charlotte Foodies
Father’s Day is coming up on June 21st, and it’s time to start thinking about what to give Dad to show how much you love and appreciate him. A delicious meal out is always the perfect gift, and although most restaurants have limited seating due to health and safety regulations, we’ve compiled a list of great options that are offering gift cards so that you can gift dad with either option.
Call ahead and make reservations at one of these top Charlotte restaurants, beloved by Charlotte foodies of all kinds, or purchase a gift card. By doing so, you can support local Charlotte businesses while still treating Dad to his favorite meal on his own time and once restrictions are lifted.
Rooster’s
Rooster’s locations have reopened for dine-in, and you can still purchase gift cards or order food for curbside pickup. Rooster’s serves lunch and dinner, and their seasonally-inspired menu features locally-grown produce thanks to partnerships with local farmers.
Who’s it for: A dad who likes a family style meal.
Plan to spend: $18- $30 per person
Noble Smoke
Noble Smoke barbecues over 1,200 pounds of beef, pork, and poultry every day, which means that it’s the perfect destination for any meat-loving dad. Chef Jim Noble was inspired to create his heartfelt menu after tasting barbecue from all over the country during the past 25 years. Noble Smoke cooks their meat for up to 14 hours, but be sure to come early, because once they’re out for the day, they won’t be cooking any more until the next.
Who’s it for: A meat-loving dad who values North Carolina roots.
Plan to spend: Around $20 – $35 per person.
Red Rocks
Red Rocks, which was founded in 1992, has three locations around Charlotte that you can visit. They are a three-time Diners’ Choice Award Winner, and serve unique American cuisine at reasonable prices. You can buy a gift card for dad in their online store.
Who’s it for: A dad who loves good southern cookin’ at a reasonable cost – who wouldn’t?
Plan to spend: Around $15 – $30 per person.
The Fig Tree Restaurant
The Fig Tree, located in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood, has a new entree every day during quarantine; you can check out their menu for the week online! They focus on French and Italian inspired dishes and have an award-winning wine list. Chef Greg, the executive chef and owner, has worked all over the country, including in Hawaii, Napa Valley, and Cincinnati. You can buy gift cards online.
Who’s it for: The dad who deserves a fine dining experience.
Plan to spend: $35 – $65 per person
Bardo
Bardo, located in South End, is an eclectic, chef-driven restaurant that serves American cuisine small plates. Popular dishes include beef tartare, Spanish octopus, and aged ribeye. Chef Michael Noll has worked at some of the best restaurants in Chicago and Pittsburgh, and now he has brought his expertise to Bardo. Bardo’s mixologist, Amanda Britton, was also recently named NCRLA Mixologist of the Year.
Who’s it for: The dad with eclectic taste and a love for mixology.
Plan to spend: $30 – $45 per person
Amelie’s
Available for pre-order Friday, June 19, through Sunday, June 21. Amélie’s took their signature Salted Caramel Brownie and made it family size, perfect for Father’s Day. You can personalize this giant brownie with a custom message (up to 40 characters long). Choose from two different sizes Giant Brownie Sheet (equal to 9 brownies; $17.99) or a Mega Brownie Sheet (equal to 18 brownies; $32.99). Gluten-free brownie versions are available too.
Yume
Yume is a unique sushi and ramen bar located in South End. There, you can order different types of ramen, sushi, sashimi, and other foods like dumplings and yakitori. Their dining room has reopened and you can order online or pick up a gift card for Dad.
Who’s it for: A dad who loves Japanese cuisine.
Plan to spend: $25 – $45 per person
Sea Level NC
Sea Level, in South End, features fresh Carolina seafood. Owner and operator Paul Manley created a restaurant that relies on sustainable, local seafood supply lines, and now he serves the only farm-to-fork oysters grown in North Carolina. You can also order seafood to-go from their sister restaurant, The Waterman Fish Bar, or you can purchase a physical gift card that works at both restaurants. 20% of all gift card purchases go directly to their Staff Relief Fund.
Who’s it for: Seafood lovers who want a great outdoor patio experience.
Plan to spend: $18 – $30 per person
Fahrenheit
Fahrenheit, which is located 21 stories above Uptown Charlotte, offers unparalleled views and inventive American cuisine. Chef Rocco Whalen appreciates local ingredients and food made from scratch, and this shines through in Fahrenheit’s menu that Dad is sure to love. Even just having drinks and enjoying the amazing views of Charlotte from the roof would be a special celebration.
Who’s it for: The dad who likes to dine in style, with a view.
Plan to spend: $40 – $80/person
Dressler’s
Dressler’s Metropolitan is an upscale contemporary restaurant with a warm and imaginative menu that Dad will love. It is located Midtown on Metropolitan Avenue and makes for a perfect special dining experience. Dressler’s offers patio dining, and a menu featuring inspired seafood dishes, steak and creative appetizers. Dad will also love the full-service bar and full wine list. The owner, Don Dressler, creates an inviting atmosphere which makes Dressler’s a shining jewel among the Midtown dining. Dressler’s is currently open for dine-in upon reservation, which can be made on their website.
Who’s it for: A dad who loves seafood and steak dishes, and a classic cocktail.
Plan to spend: $31 – 60 per person.
Haberdish
Who doesn’t love Carolina-inspired southern cooking? Haberdish, located in Noda just 2 miles from Uptown Charlotte, offers a Southern home cooking atmosphere that pairs perfectly with the southern hospitality from the staff. Haberdish specializes in locally-grown fixin’s like crispy southern fried chicken and vegetable sides. Their full-service bar expertly crafts apothecary specialty cocktails from a 1950’s inspired soda fountain. Haberdish is currently open to indoor seating at 25%. You can easily access their waitlist on their website.
Who’s it for: A dad who is inspired by southern cooking and hospitality.
Plan to spend: $18 – 50 per person.
The Stanley
Bringing farm to the table is the main philosophy at The Stanley. This unique restaurant can be found at the corner of 7th and Pecan in Elizabeth in Charlotte. The James Beard nominated Chef Paul Verica owns and operates The Stanley closely with his sous chef and son Alex, making this the perfect Father’s Day dining experience. The menu changes with the season, so there will always be something new to try. Reservations can be made via The Stanley’s website or over the phone.
Who’s it for? A dad who appreciates a unique dining experience.
Expect to spend: Around $18 – $50 per person.
Dogwood Southern Table
Dogwood Southern Table is another southern-inspired restaurant in Sharon Square on Ashley Park Lane. Dogwood is inspired by the old-fashioned southern home cooking and fresh local ingredients unique to the Carolinas, like pan-fried golden potatoes, trout, and vine-tomatoes for a savory palate your dad is sure to love. Dogwood brings the natural beauty of the Carolina’s along with the unique history of culinary art personally to your table with classic southern hospitality and a feel-good atmosphere. Dogwood also works closely to support local Charlotte farmers and breweries. They are currently operating at 50% capacity in keeping with safety rules and regulations, and can also support carry-out orders. Reservations can be made on their website.
Who’s it for? A dad who enjoys the local southern cuisine of the Carolinas with a modern twist, plus a stout cocktail.
Expect to spend: $20 – $60 per person.
Haymaker
Tall windows and an incredible interior aesthetic make Haymaker, with its magnificent view of Romare Bearden Park, one of the best places in Uptown for a night out. As its name might imply, the restaurant serves food with a whole lot of impact. The wild-caught NC grouper, served with succotash and shrimp bisque, is particularly delicious and remains a staff favorite. Chef William Dissen uses dozens of local farms to source his produce, meat, and sustainable seafood, and the bar program is standout. Bonus: You can have brunch at Haymaker on weekends, too. Note: As of the time of this story, Haymaker is still closed to in-house dining, but offers takeout and curbside.
Who’s it for: A dad who digs farm-to-table, but is also happy eating a burger.
Expect to spend: Between $30 – $50 per person
Barrington’s
If you’re looking for a special-occasion dining experience and one of the best gifts for Charlotte foodies, Barrington’s is the place to go. The first of Chef Bruce Moffett’s restaurants, Barrington’s offers an experience in New American cuisine. Barrington’s is unique in that it offers a family-style dinner option. For $125, your family of four is served a four-course meal of choice complete with soup and salad, choice of pasta, choice of chicken or select seafood, and dessert. This is the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day with the family. Barrington’s dining room opens June 1st and will operate at 50% capacity in keeping with safety regulations. Call and make a reservation or through their website in advance to secure your table for Father’s Day.
Who’s it for: A dad who likes upscale dining in a non-fussy environment.
Expect to spend: $31 – 60 per person, or $125 for family style dinners.
Order one of these Father’s Day gifts for Charlotte foodies today!
Words by Kiran Wheeler & Gina McCallie