If you’re looking for a place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Queen City Quarter will provide. Formerly known as “Epicentre,” the centrally located district is undergoing a major revival.
“I think everyone knew the heyday of the Epicentre’s in the past, so I think one of the metrics of success is the number of businesses coming here,” James LaBar, senior vice president of economic deveopment with Charlotte Center City Partners told WCNC.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the former Epicentre was the place to be. The expansive dining and entertainment district was known to draw concerts (and concert-goers), tourists, diners, and pop-up shops. In 2022, the property owner defaulted on a loan, causing a foreclosure and sparking a re-brand and rebirth of the city’s former jewel.
Fast forward two years, Queen City Quarter has secured several new businesses to the once-thriving district, including three that have opened within the past few months.
The team behind Sea Grill spared no expense in creating an elegant dining room.
Photo via @seagrill.clt
New businesses:
Kitchen and Kocktails | Opened June 1 | Serves elevated Southern comfort food.
Lottie’s Cafe | Opened June 15 | You’ll find coffee, breakfast, brunch, plus sells Charlotte-themed gear to rep your city.
Lip Print Beauty Bar | Opened in June | Book an appointment for custom beauty products.
Sea Grill | Opened Saturday, Aug. 10 | Dishes upscale seafood and cocktails.
Standout Vintage | Opened Nov. 2023 | Find apparel to rep your favorite decade.
Privee Clothing | Opened Sept. 2023 | Shop designer clothing, shoes, and handbags.
The M Factor Style Company | Opened Nov. 2023 | This salon offers a variety of beauty services.
Legacy destinations:
Mortimer’s Café & Pub | One of the QCQ’s longest-standing businesses, savor cocktails, craft beer, and pub food favorites.
Editor’s note: Try the mac and cheese bites + buffalo chicken wrap with fries.
Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo | Enjoy New American fare + cocktails and a view of the skyline on the rooftop lounge.
Bowlero | Eat, drink, and create memories bowling with your friends.
Red Eye Diner | Craving pancakes? This diner serves some of your favorite breakfast, lunch, and dinner plates.
Insomnia Cookies | Find warm and gooey cookies for your late-night or mid-afternoon snack.
Fleming’s Steakhouse | Savor your choice of steak, wine, and handcrafted cocktails during a date night out.
Tailored Smoke | Find your choice of 300+ cigars, whiskeys and spirits, and craft cocktails.
Fuji Hibachi & Teriyaki | Order your favorite item from this Asian fusion restaurant.
Location, location, location
Queen City Quarter is located at 210 E. Trade St. There is a parking garage on site + access to the Light Rail (Tryon Street and 3rd Street).
Pro tip: If you’re attending an event at the Spectrum Center (when it reopens), arrive early for a good parking spot + pre-show/pre-game snack.
