5 Things to Do in North Charlotte Without Driving Uptown

Queen City Conversations: North Charlotte Edition

You do not have to drive thirty minutes into Uptown every time you want a good night out. North Charlotte and the Concord Mills corridor have real, genuinely fun options close to home, whether you are planning a date, a family outing, or just an evening that does not involve fighting traffic. Here are five worth knowing about.

Rio 150

Rio 150 on Concord Mills Boulevard has become a genuine local favorite, and it is easy to see why. The food is solid, but the drinks are the real draw, specifically the giant margaritas that come out in glass vessels shaped like little handbags. It sounds like a gimmick until you see one arrive at the table next to you and immediately want one yourself. The service is genuinely good too, friendly and accommodating even for odd requests. I order the nachos supreme almost every time, and I always ask them to bring the toppings on the side instead of piled on top, so nothing gets soggy and I can eat it more like a dip. It is a strange request, and they have never once made me feel strange for asking. Fun, lively, and easy to make a last minute decision to go.

The Boardwalk at University Place

This is one of those spots that manages to feel both relaxed and a little bit special. A walking path loops around a pond in the heart of University City, lined with restaurants and treat shops, with paddle boats available to rent right on the water. Sol Delish and KPOT Korean BBQ are both popular destinations right along the boardwalk, worth building an evening around on their own. It is popular enough for proposals and small weddings that you will occasionally catch one happening while you walk by. Grab dinner, take a lap, rent a paddle boat if you are feeling it. Simple, and it works for nearly any occasion.

Camp North End

Camp North End is a genuinely unique spot, a sprawling, reimagined industrial space full of food stalls, shops, and event space with a creative, laid back energy you will not find anywhere else in this part of the city. It has also become a favorite backdrop for photographers, between the murals scattered throughout the space and the industrial architecture itself, it photographs beautifully, which is part of why you will often spot a photoshoot happening somewhere on the property. There is a lot to explore here, but two spots in particular are worth calling out. Cork & Cap is a specialty beer and wine shop built for exactly this kind of outing, curated drinks, a comfortable place to linger. Blasian Asian Way serves Korean barbecue fusion that started as a food truck before earning a permanent spot here. I happen to know both families behind these two businesses personally, and watching them build something this good is part of what makes recommending them easy.

The Escape Game at Concord Mills

I have not made it here myself yet, but it consistently shows up with excellent reviews and a strong reputation, multiple themed rooms, real puzzles, and a format that works well for couples, families, or a group of friends. It is on my own list to try, and I wanted to include it because the reputation genuinely backs it up.

Ninety’s Dessert Bar

For something lighter and more casual, Ninety’s in University City is worth knowing about, big, shareable, over the top desserts that make for a fun, low pressure stop, whether that is the whole outing or the last step after one of the other four.

Let’s Talk

Whether you are relocating to Charlotte, buying your first home here, or getting ready to sell, I love showing people that this part of the city has just as much life in it as anywhere Uptown, without the drive.

You can reach me anytime at hello@ebonisellscharlotte.com.

xo, Eboni, a Jersey girl who chose the Queen City.