CharlotteFive

Charlotte Observer • 30th January 2024

Explore an authentic Dominican experience at República Restaurant & Lounge in Matthews

Republica Restaurant & Lounge in Matthews promises authentic Dominican food with a “little bit of gourmet.”

The restaurant, which was once an idea shared among owner Madeline Perez and two friends, started with the sentiment, “We wish there was a good Dominican restaurant.”

“There’s very few Dominican restaurants here in North Carolina, and we wanted to get that authentic taste that we missed from our island,” Perez said.

The Republica dining experience is a cultural celebration, as it hosts

Charlotte Observer • 23rd January 2024

Charlotte’s Black-owned restaurants offer seafood, soul food, sweet treats and more

When it comes to Black-owned restaurants, Charlotte has options for nearly every food craving you can imagine — including African, barbecue, Caribbean, soul food, seafood, modern upscale cuisine and more.

We’ve previously compiled a larger list of Black-owned businesses in Charlotte, but here you’ll find an update with more details about the city’s Black-owned restaurants, the cuisine they have to offer and menus so you can browse. Some food trucks, catering services and other food-related smal

Charlotte Observer • 11th January 2024

Visit this all-in-one South Asian grocery in Charlotte with a bakery, food court

Come with CharlotteFive to Triveni Food Court, situated in Triveni Supermarket, a South Asian grocery store featuring a bakery, halal meat and a food truck. At Triveni’s “in-house treat,” you can expect a wide range of “ready-to-eat homemade items and yummy treats,” available for dine-in, takeout and delivery.

And, on Saturdays and Sundays, you can find its food truck tucked away, serving South Indian food items such as traditional dosa with sambar and peanut chutney, all for under $10.
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Charlotte Observer • 27th November 2023

‘Buy-sell-trade party’: ThriftCon is coming to Charlotte to share sustainable fashion

Longing for a nostalgic trip to the flea market and more sustainable clothing options? You’re in luck because ThriftCon, a market with over 150 vintage clothing and collectible vendors, will make its way to Charlotte for the first time ever on Dec. 3.

Whether you’re in a ‘70s groove or a Y2K mood, at this “buy-sell-trade party,” you’ll have the option of buying secondhand and vintage clothing with some pieces starting at just $1 and typically ranging from $10 to $50.

ThriftCon, which was found

Charlotte Observer • 22nd November 2023

Tea time and wellness: Inside the herbal experience at Charlotte’s Five Goddess Farm

Nestled on a cozy corner in Elizabeth, Five Goddess Farm’s Apothecary + Tea Room is a sanctuary curated by owner Ashley Masters. Five Goddess Farm, which takes its name from Masters’ four daughters and herself, also offers services such as massages, reiki, intuitive readings and yoga sessions.

While Five Goddess Farm has been around for over a decade, the tea room — which first opened in June 2022 — is the manifestation of Masters’ idea to offer an escape for Charlotteans outside of the all-too

Charlotte Observer • 6th November 2023

Kristophers Sports Bar: The heart of Matthews turns into a ‘madhouse’ on game days

As waves of excitement echo off its walls, clamors of shouts and cheers can only mean one thing at Kristophers Sports Bar: it’s a Sunday night, and the game is on.

Kristophers, which is typically relaxed and dimly lit, comes to life with 52 TV screens, all guaranteed to be tuned in on game day.

“It’s not a wild party type of place. But when we crank up for a sporting event or for NFL football on Sundays, it’s a madhouse,” owner Robby Stringer said.

Built by Orie Johnson in 1989, when Matthews

Charlotte Observer • 23rd October 2023

A fan favorite food truck will close, and a new Rock Hill restaurant will take its place

The team behind Rock Hill-based food truck Cibi! Cibi! will launch its first brick-and-mortar location, Elk Ave Tavern, in early 2024.

The Cibi! Cibi! food truck, run by owners Anthony Legatie and Hunter Newton, is well known for its variety of street foods including smash burgers, cheesesteaks and fried chicken.

But when doors open at Elk Ave Tavern, you can expect the atmosphere to be somewhat of a “casual neighborhood spot for locals.” Look for a menu consisting of modern comfort foods, wit

Charlotte Observer • 17th October 2023

A trendy, Japan-based resale clothing chain expands to Plaza Midwood in Charlotte

2nd Street, a Japan-based second-hand clothing retailer of over 700 stores, has recently opened a new location in Plaza Midwood on Central Avenue, next door to Insomnia Cookies and nearby YAFO Kitchen and The Bohemian: A Wine Bar.

2nd STREET, which has already “received amazing feedback from our Charlotte shoppers,” is not a consignment shop – but actually a buy and sell store, because it gives cash on the spot for items. And, while it isn’t a vintage store either, because its items range from

Charlotte Observer • 10th October 2023

Treat your pup with goodies from these dog-friendly spots around Charlotte

Give a dog a bone? How about taking that a step further and giving your canine a chilled doggie daiquiri from a Charlotte business?

If you’re looking for pup-friendly places to treat your dog, Charlotte has a few bakeries devoted to pups and some spots that serve complimentary dog-friendly items.

So help your furry best friend indulge in more than just the usual kibble or dog bone treat, and explore the Queen City’s canine culinary scene with this list we’ve compiled.

Did we miss your dog’s f

Charlotte Observer • 8th September 2023

Drake is coming to Charlotte’s Spectrum Center. Get details on tickets, parking and more

As we prepare for a wide assortment of performances in Charlotte this fall, you’ll soon have two chances to rap along with Drake at Spectrum Center on Friday, Sept. 22 and Saturday, Sept. 23.

Whether you never got over “Yebba’s Heartbreak” from the Certified Lover Boy album or the 2018 hit, “God’s Plan,” Drake is sure to deliver you a “trip down memory lane” with this tour’s packed setlist.

So as you’re headed toward this 100% cashless arena, let us lead the way as you navigate buying tickets,

Charlotte Observer • 6th September 2023

Eat birria pizza and sip on $10 margarita flights at this Mexican restaurant in Concord

Inside its bright pink walls, a family-run restaurant in Concord serves traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist, accompanied by margaritas galore.

Birritaco offers a wide range of birria-inspired entrees and vegan and vegetarian options, along with an open kitchen, inviting you in.

Among the building’s other design features are its paintings, inspired by La Catrina’s Day of the Dead, and its walls displaying drawings and signatures from previous customers.

Marco Ruiz co-owns Birritaco

Charlotte Observer • 23rd August 2023

Now that we know aliens are real, where should we take them to eat when they visit Charlotte?

As more UFO evidence emerges alluding to the existence of aliens, I can’t help but imagine where I’d take these visitors if they were to make a stop in Charlotte. And as we know, aliens seem to have a particular fascination with the Queen City.

Aliens, if you’re reading this, I would love to take you out to some of Charlotte’s most stellar spots like Midnight Diner for a classic American breakfast. We could pop into Phat Burrito to indulge in a phunky, phresh quesadilla for lunch, maybe Rally P

Charlotte Observer • 22nd August 2023

The best restaurants to grab cheap dinner around Charlotte for $15 or less

Dinner’s ready somewhere in Charlotte. If you find yourself going on a first date or skipping a night of preparing a meal for the family, this city has quite a number of low-cost options to consider.

No matter the mood you’re in — whether that’s nostalgic Southern comfort, flavorful Korean barbecue or something plant-based — there are a wide variety of places to go to dinner without exceeding your budget.

So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly plate of supper to treat yourself for under $1

Charlotte Observer • 22nd August 2023

The best restaurants to grab cheap breakfast around Charlotte for $10 or less

Rise and shine, breakfast lovers! ☀️ From early morning risers to those who like to sleep in, going out to a local breakfast or brunch restaurant can run up a bill. But, if you know where to look, Charlotte has an abundance of breakfast spots that are both local and wallet-friendly.

Whether you are interested in vegan dishes or meaty platters, breakfast tacos or handhelds, you can find a quality meal within budget for every palate in the Charlotte area.

I’ve combed Charlotte’s streets in searc