Tucked into the heart of LoSo, Henrietta’s in Charlotte is redefining what it means to dine out. The brainchild of Barrett Worthington and Meg Charity, the duo behind the social-meets-sport concept Rally Pickleball, Henrietta’s is an entirely different kind of gathering space. It feels equal parts elegant dinner experience, buzzing cocktail bar, and neighborhood hangout.
Located in a beautifully renovated building the duo has held onto for two years, Henrietta’s is the result of obsessive planning, creativity, and a vision to bring something completely fresh to the area. “Opening Henrietta’s was incredibly hands-on,” says Worthington. From designing the interior to building menus and renovating the space, the Rally team had a hand in every detail. “You name it, we obsessed over it.”
The inspiration behind Henrietta’s in Charlotte is simple to imagine but hard to recreate. “We wanted Henrietta’s to feel like being at a friend-of-a-friend’s dinner party. You’re greeted with warm hospitality, a beautiful tablescape, a great playlist, and of course an outstanding menu,” says Charity.
Though it might seem like a departure from their pickleball-powered success with Rally, the spirit of connection runs strong through both. Rally fosters community through active play. On the other hand, Henrietta’s creates it through shareable plates and an atmosphere that’s both elevated and approachable. “Both are intentional about quality food and drink, and both prioritize experiences that foster connection,” says Worthington.
A Menu That Moves With the Seasons
Henrietta’s kitchen and bar menus prioritize seasonality, a philosophy that lets ingredients speak for themselves. “When you use what’s fresh right now, you can make food that’s remarkably simple, but incredibly delicious,” says Worthington. “It also gives people more reason to visit again and again. We’ll never let anything sit on the menu for too long, even if we love it!“
On any given night, diners can expect bright, inventive small plates ideal for sharing. Although the menu changes regularly, simplicity and flavor are always front and center. From perfectly seared proteins to vibrant vegetables, each dish is not only a reflection of the season, but also of the team’s commitment to doing the basics exceptionally well.
The cocktail program mirrors the food menu in its ingredient-driven approach. Think fresh-squeezed juices, house infusions, and bold flavor combinations. One of the early standouts is “Light as a Feature,” a strawberry-infused gin cocktail that’s become a signature favorite.
Even as a first-time visitor, expect to feel like a regular when you visit. From the moment you walk in — past the glowing indoor-outdoor bar and into a space humming with playful surprises, good music, and even better vibes — Henrietta’s feels like the kind of full circle social club that keeps familiar faces returning for decades. Which is to say that your first visit won’t be your last, and that’s something worth toasting.
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