So you're hungry — and you're ready for some New American cuisine. Good news: We've found the freshest spots to satisfy your appetite. Here are the newest restaurants to check out the next time you're in the mood for contemporary American fare with international influences.
Bardo
1508 S. Mint St., Unit B, South End
Bardo is serving up modern American fare on the South End. The restaurant specializes in small plates and is located at 1508 S. Mint St.
The current spring/summer menu includes dishes like lamb belly with carrot, mustard, cocoa nibs and rhubarb, and beef tartare with egg yolk jam, mushroom, radishes and togarashi. For something sweet, check out the carrot cake, made with ginger, cream cheese and opal basil.
With a five-star rating out of seven reviews on Yelp, Bardo has already gathered fans.
Randolph J., who was the first Yelper to review the new spot on May 25, said, "Arrived and was immediately welcomed into a warm and inviting space. The impeccable decor and eye for detail is apparent at every corner."
Ken L. added, "Excellent food. The oyster was fresh and delightful. The yuzu sauce doesn't overtake the freshness of the oysters and the oysters were fresh and yummy. The Spanish octopus is crunchy on the outside while the inside is soft and tender."
Swing on by to take a peek for yourself: Bardo is open from 5 a.m.–10 p.m. from Tuesday-Thursday and 5 a.m. –1 p.m. from Friday-Sunday. (It's closed on Monday.)
The Stanley
1961 E. Seventh St., Elizabeth
Over in Elizabeth, The Stanley, another small plates spot, is bringing modern American fare to the neighborhood. Located at 1961 E. Seventh St., the restaurant focuses on farm-to-table food that is seasonal and locally sourced, according to the Stanley's website.
The small plates menu includes chicken liver mousse and steam buns with pork belly, pickles and sweet and spicy sauce, along with a variety of main dishes including roasted chicken and risotto.
The Stanley has gotten good reviews thus far, with a 4.5-star rating out of 12 reviews on Yelp.
Chelsie D., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on May 20, said, "Chef Paul Verica did not disappoint, as the food was inventive and refreshing. The farm-fresh vegetables were truly the star of all the dishes we tried and we advise that you eat everything on the plate!"
Yelper Ben T. added, “A world-class addition to the Charlotte restaurant scene. This is a beautifully designed blend of new and old but completely inviting.”
Interested? Stop by to welcome the new business to the neighborhood. The Stanley is open from 5–9 p.m. from Tuesday-Thursday and 5–10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. (It's closed on Monday and Sunday.)
131 Main
5970 Fairview Road, Suite 100, South Park
131 Main is a New American spot whose interior is decorated with wood detailing and gas lamps. Check out the chef's bar, which overlooks the open kitchen, or the outside dining options around the fire pit.
Specialties include the jumbo Maryland-style crab cake, tossed with mixed greens and marinated grape tomatoes, and the North Carolina rainbow trout. The restaurant also has locations in Blakeney, Lake Norman and Asheville.
131 Main currently holds five stars out of five reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.
Kate T. wrote, "From the decor to service, everything was spectacular. The menu remains consistent with their other locations, with some amazing specials each day."
Yelper Christy T. noted, "The setup makes for a very romantic date spot with its warm and cozy feel. The Big Island rib-eye was amazing. Tender, juicy and the flavors were pure perfection. Don't forget to check out the peanut butter pie when they have it. Truly to die for."
131 Main is open from 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. from Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.–10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.–9 p.m. on Sunday.
Haymaker
225 S. Poplar St., Downtown Charlotte
Haymaker is a New American breakfast and brunch spot that says it offers farm-fresh fare and uses sustainable meats and seafood. The small plates menu includes N.C. shrimp a la plancha, served with farm and sparrow grits, manchego, brown butter vinaigrette and pickled chiles.
Feeling extra hungry? Try a large plate, like the Brasstown beef burger: smoked cheddar, tomato jam, pickled red onion and butter lettuce between two potato buns.
Yelp users are generally positive about Haymaker, which currently holds four stars out of 30 reviews on the site.
Yelper James B. wrote, "All the appetizers were plated nicely and had great flavor without overwhelming seasoning. My wife ordered trout and I had the strip. Both were cooked perfectly and complemented by their accompanying sides."
Yelper Megan F. wrote, "Exceptional N.C. farm-to-table cuisine with a welcoming atmosphere! We shared small plates, and the prices were very reasonable. My favorites were the pork belly and the cornmeal hush puppies with jalapeño butter."
Haymaker is open from 7 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–11 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. and 5–11 p.m. on weekends.
