A guide to local favorites in Plaza Midwood Charlotte
One of the city’s most pedestrian-friendly areas, Plaza Midwood is packed with things to do. Take a walk down The Plaza (actually a street) or Thomas Avenue to see some of the neighborhood’s historical homes, pick up some handmade gifts at a local shop and grab a bite on a patio or rooftop while watching passersby. The community members of this area are as diverse as its retail landscape. You’ll meet new residents packed into apartment buildings, longtime ones sitting on their porches, young families pushing strollers to breweries and working professionals taking advantage of their off hours.
Meet your local
Kristen moved to Charlotte from D.C. in 2013. She was born in New York and has finally found a city with a proper climate. The former editor of Charlotte magazine, she started a subscription-based website covering food and drink in the city and enjoys working from home with her two rescue pit bulls and pet tortoise.
kristenwileWant to get in touch? Email bytheway@washpost.com
Where I live:
Plaza Midwood. It’s walkable and has everything you need.
Best way to get around the city:
Lyft or on foot. Each neighborhood is compact enough to let you pick a drop-off destination, then get around by walking.
Don’t leave without having:
A meat-and-three plate from Mert’s or King’s Kitchen.
But the local favorite is really:
Brisket from Sweet Lew’s BBQ.
If I moved, I’d most miss:
The people! Charlotte has a Southern charm yet a progressive attitude — a hard combination to find.
Plaza Midwood
Undercurrent Coffee
Bright windows, sustainable coffee and local ingredients make this neighborhood coffee shop an all-day destination for young professionals with their laptops and a breakfast or lunch stop for everyone else.
Undercurrent Coffee, 2012 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte, N.C. 28205
CLTCH
Selling a collection of jewelry, men’s and women’s accessories, and gifts, CLTCH (pronounced “clutch”) is also packed with attitude.
CLTCH, 1512 Central Ave., Charlotte, N.C. 28205
The Thirsty Beaver
This small dive bar sandwiched between two wings of an apartment building is a middle finger to the development surrounding it.
The Thirsty Beaver, 1225 Central Ave., Charlotte, N.C. 28204
Moxie Mercantile
Craftsmanship is on display at Moxie, a shop where you can find candles, leather goods, barware, jewelry and other gifts.
Moxie Mercantile, 2008 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte, N.C. 28205
The Diamond Restaurant
When a Greek family opens a late-night diner, you get the Diamond, which has a menu ranging from burgers cooked on a seasoned flat top to gyro platters.
The Diamond Restaurant, 1901 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte, N.C. 28205
N.C. Red
Grab a seat on the patio and slurp down some raw oysters, savor a lobster roll, or crunch on hot or mild fried chicken in this New England-meets-New South spot.
N.C. Red, 1205 Thomas Ave., Charlotte, N.C. 28205
Resident Culture Brewing
Breweries aren’t just for beer lovers anymore. While Resident Culture draws hardcore beer fans, its well-curated wine selection and family-friendly patio draw big crowds.
Resident Culture Brewing, 2101 Central Ave., Charlotte, N.C. 28205
Kristen Wile
Kristen moved to Charlotte from D.C. in 2013. She was born in New York and has finally found a city with a proper climate. The former editor of Charlotte magazine, she started a subscription-based website covering food and drink in the city and enjoys working from home with her two rescue pit bulls and pet tortoise.
@kristenwileTravis Dove
Travis is a contributing photographer to The Washington Post based in Charlotte.
@travisdovephoto
