Picasso's Sports Café has quietly slipped back into the Uptown mix, soft-opening this week in Third Ward and putting its wings-and-screens energy right in the middle of the action again. The longtime Charlotte favorite is gearing up for a grand opening next Friday, May 29.
New Uptown outpost in former Hooters space
The new spot sits at 123 W Trade St in the former Hooters space next to Tilt and comes loaded with a 36-seat bar, a mix of booths and high-tops, and roughly 30 brand-new TVs tuned to live games. The restaurant has already soft-opened and is planning its official debut next Friday. As reported by Axios Charlotte, the team also plans to build a stage on the patio for weekend live music, pitching the spot as another game-day option within walking distance of Bank of America Stadium.
A return to the city center
This Uptown move marks a homecoming for Picasso's, which shifted to University City years ago and still draws a steady crowd at its original location. The owners teased the return on Instagram and told local media, "This is going to be something special," according to the Charlotte Observer.
What you'll find on the menu
The Uptown lineup sticks to the greatest hits that built Picasso's following, including wings, pizzas and burgers, as listed on the restaurant's site. Details on the University City location and hours are available at Picasso's Sports Café, while the new Uptown room is being positioned as a watch-heavy hangout for groups and pre-game crowds.
When to go
The grand opening is set for next Friday, and anyone aiming to catch a big game should expect a lively, screen-focused atmosphere once the doors are fully open. Axios Charlotte notes that the venue has about 30 TVs along with a full bar, which should help turn it into a go-to stop on downtown game nights.
So whether you are headed to a Charlotte FC match or a Panthers game, Uptown just picked up another place to huddle before kickoff. The new Picasso's is betting that local name recognition, plenty of screens and a familiar menu will be enough to pack the place on opening weekend.
