The Most Fun Restaurants in Charlotte

Is Charlotte the most fun city in North Carolina? From life in the fast lane at the NASCAR Motor Speedway to thrills and spills at the National Whitewater Center, excitement and adventure are only ever a few minutes away in this vibrant city. But where are the most fun restaurants in Charlotte? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. We’ve embraced Charlotte’s love of fun and discovered twenty restaurants that make dining a little bit more intriguing.

The OpenTable Team

12 Restaurants

Updated November 19, 2019

Restaurants:	Peppervine, McNinch House, The Melting Pot - Midtown NC…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	American, Continental, Fondue…
Neighborhoods:	SouthPark, Uptown, Midtown…

Peppervine

$$$$

American

SouthPark

4.8

1521 reviews

Before Peppervine opened it was one of the most hotly anticipated new restaurants in SouthPark. That anticipation was well rewarded. This super modern space serves up locally sourced, seasonal fare from a menu that changes nightly. Peppervine is totally independent, chef-driven, and high-class. It's a fine dining experience like no other. Pair excellent small plates with craft cocktails and be ready for a unique night. Booking recommended.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

McNinch House

$$$$

Continental

Uptown

4.8

900 reviews

This beautiful restaurant is an absolute must for any history-loving foodies out there. The venue is a lovingly restored Queen Anne style house from 1892, the original home of Charlotte Mayor, Sam McNinch. Marvel at the Victorian moldings and fittings, while tucking into Louisiana-style crab cakes, roasted cauliflower, or rabbit loin roulade. Look out for special events like wine tastings and the pre-theatre dinner options- with free parking. Perfect for those truly special occasions.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Melting Pot - Midtown NC

$$$$

Fondue

Midtown

4.8

1283 reviews

Just across from Little Sugar Creek Greenway is a restaurant that’s as much an entertaining night out as a great place to eat. The Melting Pot’s name refers to the different types of fondue, melted to perfection, and served with a diverse variety of foods, both savory and sweet. The full experience includes four courses of salads, seafood, vegetables, meats, artisan cheeses, bread, and chocolate- to name just a few options! A great choice for trying something new for special occasions.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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forchetta

$$$$

Mediterranean

Uptown

4.5

334 reviews

Whether guests are heading uptown for a sporting event at the Spectrum Centre or to take in a festival at First Ward Park, forchetta is waiting to serve up a “New Dining Experience” for hungry locals and tourists alike. The theme is authentic Italian, from Naples street food to platters of charcuterie with house-made jams. Everything has a little twist to make it more intriguing, like meatballs made from elk meat, or baked eggs with shaved truffle. A hidden gem for any fan of modern Italian cuisine.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bulla Gastrobar - Charlotte

$$$$

Spanish

Charlotte

4.8

1882 reviews

Filled with Spanish inspiration, Bulla is the brainchild of experienced restaurateurs and a chef who has travelled all over the world but has firm Costa Rican roots. Widely recognized as one of the most fun restaurants and bars in Charlotte, Bulla offers outdoor seating, authentic Spanish Tapas, huge paellas, plus an enormous drinks menu with a range of exciting cocktails. Seasonal, vibrant, and always welcoming.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Cellar at Duckworth's

$$$$

Gastro Pub

Uptown

4.8

1971 reviews

A 2019 Diner’s Choice, The Cellar at Duckworth’s is the epitome of the American Gastropub. The “pub” part of that is an extensive list of specialty and rare beers, plus intriguing signature cocktails crafted by expert mixologists. The “gastro” part is local, seasonal fare including cheese, charcuterie, huge steaks, juicy burgers, and more unusual dishes like kimchi gnocchi. The place itself looks like being in a beautiful, old-fashioned wooden cellar, for a truly unique dining experience.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Fin & Fino

$$$$

Seafood

Uptown

4.8

1861 reviews

When the night calls for a touch of class, what impresses more than oysters? Well, this restaurant serves 12 different types of the succulent shellfish. Add to that a range of other seafood dishes that draw inspiration from a range of seafaring cultures. Guests can indulge in pan-seared trout, Faroe Island Salmon, and even colorful Poke Bowls, all while surrounded by décor reminiscent of the ocean and the shore. Very cool, very fun and a must for all seafood lovers.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Ri Ra Irish Pub - Charlotte

$$$$

Irish

Uptown

4.1

644 reviews

Rí Rá is a real Irish pub right in the heart of Charlotte’s Fourth Ward. The extensive beer menu starts, of course, with Guinness- but it certainly doesn’t end there. Belgian beers, ciders, plus a range of ales and lagers that’s constantly updated depending on what's new. The food menu is a riot of Irish touches, such as a traditional lamb stew and an Irish cheese board. The most fun thing about Rí Rá is the convivial atmosphere, perfect for parties. Grab friends and get ready for a wild night at Rí Rá's.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Fahrenheit - Charlotte

$$$$

American

Uptown

4.3

6544 reviews

Fancy a restaurant with a view? Fahrenheit is right on top of the Skye Condos on South Caldwell Street. New American Cuisine is on offer here, plus crafty cocktails and local beer on tap. The gorgeous rooftop area boasts cozy firepits, a social pool, and even an herb garden that changes with the seasons. Enjoy sharing small plates or fill up on lamb chops or lobster mac and cheese while enjoying some of the best views the city has to offer. A new and exciting way to see the Queen City while enjoying an excellent meal.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cantina 1511- Mooresville

$$$$

Mexican

Mooresville

4.2

131 reviews

Head north out of Charlotte and discover Mooresville even more incredible and fun eateries. Cantina 1511 is one of those, promising and delivering some of the best Mexican food in North Carolina. Booking recommended although parties of 14 and more must contact the catering coordinator. This is exciting food and intriguing drinks: pitchers of margaritas, sharing menus and churros with raspberry melba sauce make this a delightful night out for any occasions.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Trio Restaurant - Charlotte

$$$$

American

Charlotte

4.5

662 reviews

Making mealtimes fun is all about adding those little twists that keep diners coming back. Trio has perfected that art, with classics like French Toast getting a total makeover, and cool ideas like a brunch sampler- or even an enormous brunch pizza! Over a quarter of a century’s experience in delivering quality American cuisine guarantees a tasty night out. The creative menu and excellent service make this one of the most fun restaurants in Charlotte, for brunch, lunch or dinner.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

37sol Southwest Kitchen & Tequila Bar

$$$$

Mexican / Southwestern

Charlotte

4.5

415 reviews

A streak of spicy Mexican flavor combines with Southern classics at this Outlets Boulevard eatery. 37Sol makes everything with pride from scratch, from Lola’s Steak Skewers to the freshest juices. The excitement of the menu continues through regular events like live music, tequila tasting nights, plus the ever-popular Taco Tuesday. Plus, with so many of the dishes contributing money to charities, this is a fun restaurant with a conscience.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Most Fun Restaurants