Plaza Midwood is one of the absolute best neighborhoods in Charlotte, *she says as someone who lives in the hood.* So I may be biased, but I also think I’m right. This Plaza Midwood Neighborhood guide includes places with stellar food, cozy dive bars, fun shopping and tons to do. This post will cover all the best spots to explore in Plaza Midwood, from a local.
This post is all about the ultimate Plaza Midwood neighborhood guide!
Eat
The food options in Plaza Midwood really span just about anything you could want. There are picture perfect date night spots, great family hangs, quick bites and everything in between. Here are a few of the best of the neighborhood.
Calle sol
In the former Penguin building, Calle Sol is a delicious Cuban fusion joint. Grab a Brainkiller cocktail, a fresh ceviche, or a cuban sandwich. Don’t sleep on the “Chino-Latino” section of the menu for some exciting flavor combinations.
the Diamond
Truly a gem in the crown of Plaza Midwood is The Diamond. This old school diner has been around since 1945. And while it has changed hands a few times since then, it still offers primo southern diner fare. Grab a corndog, a Winky dog (pimento cheese and chili), or a traditional Three Carat Club sandwich. And don’t forget the crinkle fries. This is the perfect spot to enjoy some good, greasy, delicious food.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Dave’s Hot Chicken is a newer hot spot in Plaza Midwood. When they first opened, lines were out the door for their signature Nashville Hot tenders and sandwiches. While the menu is limited, is is definitely an ideal spot for a quick, craving-satisfying meal. And don’t be fooled by perceived small portions, the tenders are more the size of chicken breasts and are quite filling! Don’t miss out on the Dave’s sauce or adding honey!
Zada Jane’s
On the corner of Thomas and Central Ave, this breakfast/brunch/lunch spot is a staple in Plaza Midwood. The food is made with sustainability in mind and has delicious options. On the weekends, don’t miss out on the Zada’s Cinnabuns, covered in pecan compote and cream cheese frosting.
Snooze Eatery
A newer spot in the neighborhood, with multiple locations popping up around Charlotte, this breakfast joint is filled with creative twists on classic breakfast dishes. Their variety of eggs Benedict’s (everything from classic to habanero pork belly benny) will satisfy those savory cravings. But their French Toast or Pancake Flight is sure to curb even the biggest sweet tooth.
Supperland
From the owners of NODA institutions like The Crepe Cellar (now Ever Andalo) and Haberdish comes this new Plaza Midwood favorite. The restaurant is in a remodeled church and is inspired by Sunday potlucks. The space has a main dining room, a cocktail bar, private dining table and even a new speakeasy space. As beautiful as it is, it also more than delivers on delicious seasonal food. This is another perfect special occasion spot (as pricing is a bit higher).
Emmy Squared
This restaurant, that originated in New York City, is actually home to delicious Detroit-style pizza. Crispy deep dish pizza with both classic and unique flavors fill this menu. They also have a sampling of sandwiches, salads, fries and more. There are lots of pizza options in Charlotte, but this is definitely an elevated and unique spot. The Big Al or Big Ang pizzas will satisfy any pizza craving.
Three Amigos
This Mexican restaurant is truly everything you want in good cheap Mexican fare: delicious chips and salsa, large margaritas, and absolutely bomb food. Just a few blocks down from the main stretch, no Plaza Midwood neighborhood guide would be complete without this spot. They have one of the biggest, most delicious plates of nachos, and you won’t believe the price (which is even lower on special on Sunday). It’s so filling, I recommend sharing unless you’re trying to prove something.
Dish
This restaurant is the epitome of southern home cooking. Entrees range from meatloaf to chicken fried steak to sandwiches. Each dish at Dish is served with a delicious biscuit and deviled egg and choices of homemade sides. This is the perfect place for a hearty meal that sticks to your bones.
Midwood Smokehouse
This flagship location is home to some of the best BBQ in Charlotte. Pulled pork, chicken, brisket, ribs and more fill their menu. Follow the running pigs on their sign for a memorable BBQ experience. They also happen to have one of the best chopped salads.
Milkbread
In the historic Dairy Queen building, comes the second location of this new concept from the Kindred family. Their first location is in Davidson, near their flagship restaurant Kindred and their second baby Hello, Sailor. Milkbread will have walkup service with coffee drinks and milkbread donuts, chicken sandwiches, salads and bowls. Their opening in Plaza Midwood is much anticipated.
Drink
A proper Plaza Midwood neighborhood guide could never ignore the amazing bar and brewery option available. These range from absolute dives, to upscale cocktail lounges, to drink and gaming spaces. Here are a few of the best offerings!
the Workman’s friend
The Workman’s Friend is the ultimate neighborhood bar. This Irish pub has everything you could want in a neighborhood haunt: friendly and fun staff, a great indoor/outdoor space, delicious drinks and food, and the best vibes. Come for all your favorite Irish pints, stay for the A Fine Thing cocktail and a bag of chips. Their patio space is mostly indoors, with huge folding doors that they open during good weather (or even when its snowing). It’s also the ideal spot to do some people watching in Plaza Midwood’s busiest section.
Resident Culture
This local brewery features a big open indoor space and great outdoor space. Long tables scattered throughout make it a great place for large groups. They also have areas that can be rented out for events. But the best feature by far is their Food Truck Friday that they host in their parking lot. Come and drink local brews and eat local fare.
Legion Brewing
Another local brewery is the much small, more cozy Legion Brewing. They now have several locations, but their Plaza Midwood space is by far my favorite, for the vibes alone. Home to delicious house brews, like the famous Juicy Jay, this is the perfect place for a beer aficionado. They also have yummy bar snacks, and have weekly Trivia nights for a fun weeknight out.
Stroke
This mid century themed bar and indoor putt-putt course is an amazing addition to Plaza Midwood. Located just back from Central ave, this spot has signature cocktails, and shareable snacks, plus some stellar photo moments. They even host a miniature golf league. This is a great place to play and laugh and drink with friends.
Pinhouse
This Duckpin Bowling alley and bar is a top notch choice for the friends that love a good competition with their drinks. This self-serve bar features wristbands connected to your credit card so you never have to worry about waiting on a bartender. Grab a drink and sit in one of the many indoor or outdoor lounge areas or grab a lane for some bowling.
The Thirsty Beaver Saloon
This biker dive bar is famous and infamous for many reasons. Located on Central Ave, there is a huge apartment complex built around it because the owners refused to sell it to developers. This institution is a relic of Plaza Midwood of old, before all the developing started, with owners that refused to give in to it. It recently gained notoriety when Mick Jagger stopped by for a drink the night before the Rolling Stones concert. Stop by and grab a drink in this legendary dive.
Thomas Street Tavern
This seems to be one of the bars where nights out in Plaza end. This is most likely thanks to the big outdoor space out back. If you’re going late, when it has turned from a restaurant into exclusively a bar, you may have to pay a cover. But the college house party vibes definitely have their appeal.
Coffee and Sweets
The coffee and sweets are an essential part of the Plaza Midwood neighborhood guide. After a delicious meal, or if you’re just looking for a pick-me-up, check out one of these spots.
The Giddy Goat
This cute coffee roaster and shop has coffees, teas, and pastries. There is a rooftop with a view as well as outdoor seating. They also have a selection of empanadas available!
Undercurrent Coffee
This boutique coffee shop has absolutely picture perfect coffee, tea and house made soda. They also have delicious breakfast bites and snacks, I suggest grabbing a pour over, some avocado toast and enjoying the peace.
Two Scoops Creamery
This adorable ice cream shop is owned and operated by three best friends. All the ice creams are homemade and they come in some truly amazing flavors. Personal favorites include Cookie Monster, Papi Crunch, and Pralines and Cream.
Ocha Time
If you’re looking for something interesting and fun to please your sweet tooth, check out Ocha Time. They have tons of milk teas, boba teas and fruit teas, as well as Taiyaki fish rolled ice cream and soft serve!
Shopping
There are so many wonderfully unique shops to be included in this Plaza Midwood neighborhood guide. These include traditional gift and retail shops, as well as exceptional specialty shops!
Moxie Mercantile
This shop, located inside an adorable craftsman house, is filled with beauty inside as well. Tons of amazing gifts, jewelry, bar ware, greeting cards, and so much more line the rooms. I always manage to find something that I simply must have here.
social status
On any given day, you can find a line down the street outside of Social Status: eager fans waiting for the newest shoe to drop (in a good way). This store even played host to Vice President Kamala Harris when she was in town a on the 2020 campaign trail because they were featuring a special 2020 Vote Converse. Check this store out to elevate your style game.
Lunch Box Records
Lunchbox records is the perfect place to burn an hour while feeding your vinyl collection addiction. This shop has all of the vintage hits that make vinyl collecting so nostalgic, as well as all the new music you can’t wait to get your hands on. Go and have your very own ‘High Fidelty’ or ‘Empire Records’ experience.
Midwood Guitar Studio
Channel your inner rock star in this boutique guitar shop. Located in the main stretch of Plaza Midwood, this shop sells acoustic and electric guitars, amps and pedals. They also do repairs. Check out this local shop for all your guitar needs.
CLTCH
This shop is filled with unique, quirky and fun products. Everything from celebrity prayer candles, throw pillows, bags, jewelry, and more. The common denominator in this shop is flare, which makes it a great place to explore and shop.
Sadu
A Plaza Midwood establishment since 1999, this shop is one of the best piercing shops around. People from all ages come to this piecing shop for safe, professional piercings. For those of us that went to Claire’s as a kid and have PTSD from the earring gun, I wish I had known about places like Sadu.
Sanctuary Imports
If you need to clear some negativity, channel some good energy, find some guidance or simply find some ute gifts or decor, Sanctuary Imports is the place for you. This crystal shop has a huge variety of crystals, sage bundles, tarot decks and other amazing products.
To See
During your tour of Plaza Midwood, there is also so much to see. Here are a few of the free highlights as you explore!
Snag a Picture in front of Wall Murals
No Plaza Midwood neighborhood guide would be complete without mentioning all the amazing wall murals there are to see in the neighborhood. They also make the perfect spot to snap a picture! Check out Art Walk CLT for an updated list of murals as they pop up!
Perhaps the one that has been around the longest, and one of the first you see is the technicolor groovy mural on the side of the White Rabbit. Just across the street there is the Two Scoops ice cream cone mural, as well as the Thanos mural on the tattoo shop. Further into the main stretch of Plaza you’ll find a colorful ‘Plaza Midwood’ sign on the side of Calle Sol. And don’t miss the “Stay Sexy Plaza Midwood” mural. There are new ones popping up all the time, so don’t miss the perfect photo moment and a chance to appreciate some local free art!
Admire the Historic homes along The Plaza
Charlotte is not always known for preserving their historic buildings. We tend to be a place that knocks down and builds up. But there are a few pockets of homes and buildings that have survived, and The Plaza is one of those streets. This beautiful street is lined with bungalows, and craftsman manors built mostly in the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. These houses ooze charm and nostalgia. If you’re a Zillow junky, you’ll love checking out these homes. And don’t miss the VanLandingham Estate, a current event venue that was a home built in 1913-1914.
Have Fun Exploring!
This post has been all about the Ultimate Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Guide!
Plaza Midwood is such an amazing neighborhood with so much to offer in Charlotte. I hope this inspires you to spend the day exploring here and take in some local treasures. If you feel like exploring more around the Charlotte area, check out my Day Trips from Charlotte post!
