by TM Petaccia

SouthPark’s Steak 48 offers a full upscale experience for prom night couples. Photo courtesy

It’s prom season. A rite of passage, young men and women are dressed to the nines with most taking their first steps into the world of formal adulting. Part of the tradition is the pre-prom dinner. For many, this is another first: upscale fine dining without the parents. Here are our picks of Charlotte-area restaurants where the couple can kick off the evening in style.

Beef ‘n Bottle Steakhouse, LoSo
Talk about rights of passage, Beef ‘n Bottle has hosted countless prom couples since the 1950s. With its old school steak and lobster menu, it offers the perfect vibe for students for whom History is their favorite subject. It’s also a fair bet the prom couple might just sit at the same table their parents, or even grandparents, enjoyed their pre-prom dinner. Reservations via OpenTable.

Haymaker, Uptown
Trendy, sleek, and a menu that combines the familiar with the innovative, William Dissen’s Haymaker is a spot for those who appreciate all things local and sustainable. The menu touts heirloom produce as well as responsibly raised and harvested meats and seafood. Reservations via OpenTable.

La Belle Helene, Uptown
Nothing like marble countertops and eye-catching chandeliers to give you that “special evening” feeling. A French-focused menu under the supervision of Top Chef’s Jamie Lynch, LBH offers classic French dishes with a few contemporary takes. Reservations via OpenTable.

Luce, Uptown
For couples who crave Italian, Luce offers a more refined setting – offering a broad range of seasonal, Italian cuisine with a focus on Northern Italian dishes. Reservations via OpenTable.

The Fig Tree, Elizabeth
Another one for history buffs. Located in the former Lucas House on 7th Street, The Fig Tree has been one of Charlotte’s de facto date night spots since it opened its doors in 2005. Featuring a seasonal French and Italian inspired menu, the food and service are both refined and on point – everything you want a prom night restaurant to be. Reservations via OpenTable.

Baku, SouthPark
Sushi for sure, but Baku also offers a deep dive to a variety of authentic Japanese dishes. The look is rich and sophisticated – just like the decked out prom couple. Reservations via OpenTable.

Steak 48, SouthPark
If the goal of prom night is to go all-out, a pre-prom dinner at Steak 48 is the place to go all-out in. It’s not for the budget conscious, but it is a great place to be seen in one’s prom finery as well as enjoy a high-end meal with attentive service. Reservations via OpenTable.

The Flipside Café, Ft. Mill
For the more southsiders, Jon and Amy Fortes’ Flipside Café also focuses on local sourcing with a wide-ranging menu with a more casual Southern-inspired flair. BONUS: If prom night just so happens to be Saturday, April 29, Flipside is offering a special Prom Night three-course menu at $29.99/person. Must show prom tickets or similar proof to be eligible for the deal. Call 803-802-1711 for reservations.

Epilogue, After the Prom

Waffle House, various locations

It’s pretty much a tradition to end the evening with an early (or late) breakfast. Capping off prom night with a dose of scattered, smothered, and covered is a quintessentially Charlotte way to close out a memorable night.