Hidden gem in Charlotte’s Oakhurst neighborhood where the menu is as creative as the food
May 21, 2026
Q&A: Looking for beach vibes, Guard & Grace
Each week, we answer reader questions about food and drink in Charlotte
Q: I can’t make it to the beach this Memorial Day holiday weekend, where are some area bars and restaurants that will give me that beachy vibe?
Tom: I feel ya. A beach getaway sounds real good right now. But lacking that, there are some options. If you are still looking for some waterfront views and don’t mind a little bit of a drive, Hello, Sailor! in Cornelius is a great spot to sit on the patio, have some of chef Joe Kindred’s beach cuisine. A little up the road in Mooresville, Havanna 33 will give you excellent lakefront views with a bit of Cuban flair. Toucan’s Lakefront Restaurant, also in Mooresville, offers kicked back views, and some impressive margaritas. In the other direction, check out Papa Doc’s Shore Club on Lake Wylie. If you’re okay without traveling to see water, but want a little beachside grub, Topsail Steamer, off Park Road will give a nice choice of seafood buckets to eat at home. Also check out Po Boy’s Low Country Seafood on Freedom Drive. If you can wait a week, Hermanita, the speakeasy inside El Malo Tacos on Central, will convert to Puerto Jaguar, with cocktails inspired by the Mexican coastline, for the entire month of June.
Q: Are there any updates to Guard & Grace coming to Charlotte?
Tom: Not really. All indications still point to the Michelin Recommended “non-traditional, globally-inspired” steakhouse opening its third location (Denver, Houston) in Charlotte sometime this fall, however, as we’ve seen before, restaurant openings are subject to numerous variables. When it does open in the ambitious Queensbridge Collective (former site of Midnight Diner and other businesses on the Uptown/South End border), it will span over 10,000 square feet, including a 2,000 square-foot patio. Chef/owner Tony Guard has already started making his footprint in Charlotte by participating in collaborative dinners with Andres Kaifer at Customshop and Chayil Johnson at Community Matters Café. Once open, day-to-day kitchen operations will be under the guidance of executive chef Adam Vero, who comes from G&G’s Houston operation.
