What to know about dining out in Charlotte during COVID as omicron surges

Laurie Larsh
·5 min read

Navigating the constantly changing guidance around dining and COVID-19 has felt a lot like playing a game of Tetris. You finally figure out how the current pieces fit together, and then out of nowhere, a new piece of the puzzle comes flying at you.

Maybe you’ve been single-handedly keeping restaurants in business or perhaps you can count on one hand (or less) the number of times you’ve eaten at a restaurant since the COVID-19 pandemic began. No matter your comfort level, when new variants like omicron pop up it can be hard to know what it looks like out there.

Here is what you need to know to dine out in Charlotte.

Do I need reservations?

In a nutshell — yes, no and maybe. Reservation requirements really depend on the type of restaurant, time of day and how flexible you can be.

  • Hundreds of restaurants around Charlotte utilize the large reservation platforms like Resy and OpenTable. These sites also have the added benefit of showing you other restaurants that have availability on the date and time selected. They conveniently group searches so you can see, for example, all Indian restaurants or all restaurants available for lunch. OpenTable displays vaccine requirements and mask mandate requirements (more on that later).

  • If your favorite spot does not pop up on these platforms, don’t fret. Other venues, like Supperland, take reservations directly from their websites. Supperland’s reservation page allows guests to book a table up to three months in advance for its main restaurant or its speakeasy. Its bar is walk-up only.

  • It may also be possible to go online or call ahead, or get on a restaurant’s wait list. Superica, for example, does not take reservations but allows guests to sign up for its online wait list by going to its website.

Bottom line — although seated dining is still below pre-pandemic levels, it is always smart to check ahead about the need for reservations by going online or calling a restaurant directly.

What are my outdoor seating options?

Still not ready to dine indoors? We get it. Luckily we live in a climate that is moderate enough to allow for year-round dining al fresco. Here are some outdoor options:

  • If the winter nights are still a little too chilly for your Southern blood, check out the igloo dining available at restaurants like Merchant & Trade, The Goodyear House, Aura Rooftop and 1501 South Mint. Most require reservations and a food minimum.

  • Many restaurants around town are bringing the heat when it comes to keeping customers warm outdoors. Dozens of Charlotte restaurants with heated patios can help you find the perfect spot to cozy up for a meal. Many places even encourage you to bring your own blanket (and a few, like Flour Shop, will provide one for you for a small fee). Golden Owl Tavern, Vaulted Oak, Stagioni and Link & Pin are just a few spots around town with heated outdoor seating.

  • If a hot toddy is calling your name, consider a fireside cocktail like Nuvole 22’s Death from Below — a mixture of Creyente Mezcal, Zaya rum, Ford’s gin, Bittermens Xocolatl Mole bitters, ginger, lime and demerara.

The patio at Golden Owl Tavern is heated with propane heaters and overlooks the LYNX Blue Line’s University City Blvd Station. The restaurant’s side patio (not shown) has fire pits with chairs surrounding.
The patio at Golden Owl Tavern is heated with propane heaters and overlooks the LYNX Blue Line’s University City Blvd Station. The restaurant’s side patio (not shown) has fire pits with chairs surrounding.

Is it safe to eat out?

Survey says — it’s a personal choice. Four public health experts who recently spoke with NBC News advised vaccinated people to remain vigilant and conscientious when it comes to returning to pre-pandemic activities, including dining out.

Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, was the most cautious, saying that he has avoided travel and restaurant dining since March 2020. Dr. Celine Grounder, an infectious disease specialist in NYC Langone Health in New York City, said she has not dined indoors since COVID-19 hit the U.S. but will occasionally eat outdoors in makeshift restaurant structures.

  • Consider upgrading to an authentic N95 or KN95 mask. Be aware that the current mask mandate in the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County requires face masks in public places regardless of vaccination status unless people are actively eating or drinking.

  • For an updated look at how our area is fairing against COVID-10, visit the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website (covid19.ncdhhs.gov). Statistics are updated around noon Monday-Friday.

What else do I need to know about dining out?

We asked FS Food Group partner Remy Thurston for any last parting words for diners headed out during these unprecedented times. “Understand that we are all doing our jobs with about half as many hands as we are used to. We are keeping our high standards but just ask for patience with our teams,” Thurston said.

Patience is something that the restaurant industry is asking of customers as they continue to grapple with staffing shortages, said Remy Thurston of FS Food Group, which owns Little Mama’s (shown here).
Patience is something that the restaurant industry is asking of customers as they continue to grapple with staffing shortages, said Remy Thurston of FS Food Group, which owns Little Mama’s (shown here).

  • Check the hours at your favorite restaurant before assuming things are operating as they always have been — staff shortages can cause last minute changes in hours, as well as temporary closures. Ace No.3 announced it will open late and close early across all locations until it can better staff its kitchen.

  • PRO TIP: Instagram is a quick and easy way for many restaurant owners to update customers about temporary closures or changes in hours — so be sure to give it a scroll before leaving your house.

  • Unfortunately, many local restaurants — including longtime Charlotte staples like Mr. K’s, Price’s Chicken Coop and Earl’s Grocery — did not survive the pandemic. Before you head out, make sure your favorite restaurant hasn’t closed for good.

  • Reduced hours at some restaurants does not mean the end of late-night dining. Late-night dining can still be found — if you know where to look.

Blankets are available to rent on the heated patio at Flour Shop for guests needing a little extra warmth.
Blankets are available to rent on the heated patio at Flour Shop for guests needing a little extra warmth.