Queen City Craft and Gourmet is a neighborhood gem in Charlotte, North Carolina, combining gourmet food with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Founded in 2018 by Charles and Cat Read, it was born from a desire to bring made-from-scratch meals, freshly baked bread, and a well-curated selection of craft beers and wines to their community. Crafted to offer more than ordinary casual dining, this restaurant delivers thoughtful dishes, creative pairings, and a space where guests can feel both at home and pampered.
Origins and Vision
A Passion Project
Charles Read brings over 25 years of experience in service and hospitality, supplemented by a culinary arts education from Johnson & Wales University. His wife, Cat, contributes her talent as a skilled baker, ensuring house-made breads, pretzels, and pastries are always fresh. Together, they turned a shared vision into reality at the Promenade on Providence shopping center in South Charlotte ©citeîturn0search0îturn0search1îturn0search2î.
Neighborhood Focus
Rather than creating a formal fine-dining setting, the Reads aimed to craft an upscale yet approachable restaurant. They prioritize food quality and hospitality over late-night service or hard liquor, making Queen City Craft and Gourmet perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or after-work drinks ©citeîturn0search1îturn0search2î.
Menu Highlights
Scratch-Made and Seasonally Rotating
The menu features inventive dishes made from scratch using fresh ingredients. Daily specials rotate, often highlighting seasonal produce and chef-driven creativity ©citeîturn0search0îturn0search2î.
Starters and Shareables
- Grilled Brie wheel with apples, walnuts, maple browned butter, and crostini
- Truffle fries with garlic aioli and pecorino
- Hushpuppyfried green tomatoes with pepper jam and pimento cheese
- Fried Brussels sprouts with chorizo and pickled onions
These plates deliver big flavors, perfect for group sharing or pairing with a beverage ©citeîturn0search4îturn0search10î.
Salads, Soups, and Boards
Fresh and balanced, standout options include:
- Charred Caesar salad with homemade croutons
- Apple walnut salad with gorgonzola and crispy prosciutto
- Onion soup topped with melted Gruyère
- Cheese and charcuterie boards served with house-baked crostini
These dishes illustrate QCCG’s strong focus on texture, flavor, and presentation ©citeîturn0search5îturn0search10î.
Entrees and Sandwiches
- Bacon cheeseburger and Brewer’s burger with prime chuck
- Buffalo chicken sandwich and crab cake sandwich
- Blackened snapper over jasmine rice with chorizo étouffée
- Truffle mushroom risotto or lobster-focused specials
- Beef stroganoff with pappardelle and cremini mushrooms
These main dishes showcase comfort-food depth elevated with chef-quality ingredients ©citeîturn0search10îturn0search5î.
Brunch Creations
Weekend brunch brings dishes like chicken and waffles with cheddar-scallion waffle, shrimp and grits cakes with Cajun cream sauce, and creative options such as bananas foster French toast and crab cake Benedict ©citeîturn0search10îturn0search9î.
Craft Beer, Wine, and Cheese Flights
Wide Rotating Beer Selection
QCCG offers around 20 rotating taps featuring local and national craft beers. Guests can sample Centennial Flights and themed beer dinners such as collaborations with Triple C Brewing ©citeîturn0search0îturn0search3îturn0search2î.
Wine Pairings and Cheese Flights
The restaurant is known for pairing curated cheese selections with wine or beer. Guests can choose daily rotating flights pairing three cheeses with beers or wines for a complete flavor experience ©citeîturn0search1îturn0search2î.
Atmosphere and Service
Casual Yet Refined Setting
Located in Promenade on Providence, the space blends elegance and comfort. Artful décor reflects the owners’ travels and adds to the relaxed, neighborhood vibe. Outdoor seating and Edison lights add charm for diners ©citeîturn0search1îturn0search2î.
Warm and Attentive Staff
Reviews often note the friendly, engaged service owner Charles frequently visits tables to ensure guests are satisfied. The staff is recognized for helpful drink and food recommendations and genuine hospitality ©citeîturn0search0îturn0search1îturn0search9î.
Special Events and Community Engagement
Beer Dinners and Seasonal Events
Queen City hosts specialty events like curated beer dinners and themed celebrations, such as Christmas in July with festive menus, beer taps, and seasonal desserts ©citeîturn0search3îturn0search8î.
Supporting the Neighborhood
The Reads emphasize local engagement, celebrating milestones and fostering community through food, atmosphere, and approachable hospitality ©citeîturn0search1îturn0search2î.
Patron Feedback
What Guests Appreciate
- Creative and flavorful dishes like fried oysters, cheese boards, and hushpuppy fried green tomatoes
- Highly curated beer and wine selections
- Outstanding cheese flights paired with drinks
- House-made breads, pretzels, and desserts
- Owner engagement and personalized service
Many reviews describe returning guests, noting the restaurant as a local favorite and recommending it for special occasions or casual meals alike ©citeîturn0search4îturn0search9îturn0search5îturn0search0î.
Considerations
Some diners mention that the menu appears limited but well thought out. Beers rotate frequently, so favorites may change. During weekends, wait times can be longer and ambiance lively. While interior décor is pleasant, it may feel understated compared to high-end venues ©citeîturn0search5îturn0search9îturn0search0î.
Why It Stands Out
Food-First Philosophy
Although the environment is relaxed, every dish reflects culinary care. From charred salads to house-baked pretzels and inventive desserts, the menu consistently balances comfort with creativity.
Perfect for Group Dining and Pairing Experiences
With shareable dishes, rotating beer and wine lists, and curated cheese and drink flights, Queen City Craft and Gourmet caters to groups, food lovers, and casual tasters alike.
Queen City Craft and Gourmet delivers an elevated yet approachable dining experience in South Charlotte. Led by a passionate husband-and-wife team, it elevates neighborhood dining with scratch-made specials, expertly paired cheeseboards and drinks, and an atmosphere that feels celebratory without pretension. Whether you’re there for brunch, dinner, or a local event, expect thoughtful food, creative pairings, and warm hospitality in every visit.
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