Plaza Midwood is the eclectic and quirky subsection of the Queen City, just east of Uptown and south of NoDa. Century historic homes surrounded by eccentric antique and consignment shops meet on each corner. This trendy corner of Charlotte is known for its bustling nightlife, lively barbeque joints, and low-key coffee shops that double as vintage clothing and record shops. Plaza Midwood is the place to fulfill your hipster dreams in the Uptown Charlotte area.
Coffee Shops: Midwood by Morning
Jada Zane’s Corner Cafe
Whether you’re searching for your morning coffee to get your day started or looking for a relaxed place to grab a latte and breakfast and catch up with some friends, Zada Jane’s Corner Cafe has it all. Known for their breakfast, you can opt to sit in an eclectic dining room or the outdoor patio on the bustling corner of Plaza Midwood.
Snooze
Snooze is a Denver-based, retro-inspired chain that won over Charlotteans almost immediately. Here you can get a pancake flight with hockey puck-sized hash browns, or you’re not a sweets for breakfast person, you can get the Everything Bacon Sensations (everything spic brioche bun with green goddess cream cheese topped with an over medium cage-free egg, bacon, and citroneete dressed arugula). snoozeeatery.com
Central Coffee
Another coffeehouse staple in Plaza Midwood is Central Coffee, located at the edge of Plaza Midwood and the Elizabeth Community. Central Coffee has a modern yet quaint feel and serves artisan roasts from Joe van Gogh. Grab a golden latte and pair it with one of their famous quiches for a perfect start to your day.
Take a Walk
Veteran’s Memorial Park
Looking for a place to run or take the family on a walk on a gorgeous Charlotte summer day? Explore the trails of Veteran’s Memorial Park on Central Avenue. The trails a lush and green during the summer, making this park the perfect place to go for a run or take the kids to the playground, tennis or basketball courts.
Where to Shop
Buffalo Exchange
Looking to expand your wardrobe? Visit the trendy Buffalo Exchange shop that focuses on vintage and used clothing and accessories. Ripped jeans, a vintage band tee and distressed denim jackets are in style, especially in the eclectic streets of Plaza Midwood. The Buffalo Exchange is the perfect shop to find quality vintage and designer staples alike for good prices.
Green With ENVY
Visit Plaza Midwood’s Green with ENVY on Central Avenue to buy a little bit of everything. This colorful shop has 4,000 square feet of almost everything you could think of. From clothing and jewelry, to garden and kitchen supplies, even to artisan soaps and bath goods. You will want for nothing after leaving this eccentric little shop!
Lunchbox Records
Feeling punk? Check out Lunchbox Records, a punk rock label from Atlanta started in the early 90’s. Inside is every punk kid’s dream with hundreds of vinyls to peruse through. Owner Scott is dedicated to serving Charlotte music-lovers everything from CD’s, vinyls and more, even serving as a venue host for bands and other live music. For more information, visit their website.
Where to Eat
Soul Gastrolounge
Visit one of the hottest scenes in Plaza Midwood, known for late night eats and craft cocktails. Soul Gastrolounge puts an asain-inspired twist on tapas, specifically their most popular menu item: asain glazed pork belly tacos. Their renowned global tapas menu also features sushi, and the hip atmosphere usually has a DJ past 10 p.m. to get your night started. For a full menu, visit Soul Gastrolounge’s website.
Midwood Smokehouse
Midwood Smokehouse is one of Charlotte’s most beloved barbeque joints. With a roadhouse atmosphere, the menu is jam packed with different smoked meats and traditional southern side dishes. Try a classic barbeque plate, with five samples of their renowned meats and two classic sides. Check out their full menu on the Midwood Smokehouse website.
Dish
A longtime neighborhood favorite that’s been serving Southern Food since 2002. Deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, and meatloaf are just some of the delicious southern staples that await you at this local joint.
eatatdish.com
KiKi
Another concept from Soul Gastrolounge owners, KiKi is divided into three sections: the main dining room, a pocket rooftop terrace that overlooks Central Avenue, and a cocktail lounge called Tattoo. The restaurant serves vegetable-forward, French and Greek inspired American small dishes.
kikibistro.com
Coaltrane’s Char Grill
Coaltrane’s is a South American inspired rotisserie and char grill with a focus on healthy. They offer local chicken, stuffed avocados, char-grilled wings, flesh made bowls, and many other vegetarian options.
coaltraneschargrill.com
Moo and Brew
Who doesn’t love burgers and beer? Visit Moo & Brew to get the feel of a backyard barbeque at this neighborhood burger joint known for its giant beers and colossal burgers on Central Avenue. These burgers put others to shame with artisanal takes on the classic cheeseburger. If you’re a sports fan, come watch the game and fill up on beer and classic sports bar inspired food.
Breweries and Nightlife
Whiskey Warehouse
Drop by this bustling rooftop bar and restaurant combo that offers a beautiful skyline view of The Plaza and Charlotte. This fashionable pub is known for its gourmet burgers and craft cocktails on two trendy and spacious levels. Enjoy a lovely Charlotte afternoon accented by string lights and a panorama of the sunset as you kick off your night in Plaza Midwood. For a full food and drink list, visit Whiskey Warehouse’s website.
Legion Brewing
Walk across Commonwealth Avenue to enjoy some craft beer and board games at Legion Brewing. One of Charlotte’s best known breweries, Legion Brewing is the home of the regionally renowned Juicy Jay IPA. This popular taproom serves artisan pub-inspired food which you can enjoy with friends over some board games.
The Workman’s Friend
Workman’s Friend on Central Avenue is the Irish Pub you have been searching for. Enjoy an Irish Coffee or a Guinness in the cozy atmosphere of the pub, either indoor or outdoor seating separated by large garage doors so you can enjoy the warm Charlotte breeze. Workman’s Friend offers small pub-inspired plates as well as a full brunch menu and speciality cocktail list alike, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Thomas Street Tavern
The number one bar in the city, Thomas Street Tavern is the epitome of a classic neighborhood bar. There is no theme, no gimmicks, no pretentiousness — it’s just an easygoing atmosphere where everyone can have a good time. They serve classic American Pub food that people rave about.
