New Restaurant And Speakeasy Coming To Former Hickory Tavern Location At Charlotte’s Metropolitan

The spot where Hickory Tavern once resided in Metropolitan won't be vacant much longer. The Charlotte Observer reports that a new restaurant and speakeasy are set to take over the location in the coming months. An Instagram page for the restaurant, named 3rd & Fernwood, debuted last night. The bio states 3rd & Fernwood is an "elevated take on Southern meat and three by JBF-nominated @chefgregcolliertn and @chefophus, Coming Fall 2023". With so many new restaurants coming to town that all seem to offer the same things, this description does intrigue me.

So far the Instagram page is the only official media available on 3rd and Fernwood the new restaurant and speakeasy coming to the former Hickory Tavern location at Charlotte's Metropolitan shopping center. The shopping center has a little more info, including the restaurant on the dining section of its website. They describe the spot as an "extraordinary dining experience". They say that the menu is still in the development phase. But dishes are expected to include, " a fried chicken sandwich tossed in hot/fish sauce caramel, pickles & herbed mayo, and fish fry-style skate wing with collard green kimchi slaw." Diners can expect sides such as "creamed collard greens with pickled fennel & annatto-tomato jam", and "creamed corn with country ham vinaigrette, saffron yuca con mojo, hambone grits, etc."

So think your Grandma's southern cooking, but slightly more elevated. I'm definitely interested in giving 3rd & Fernwood a try. The restaurant joins other Metropolitan dining options including Cava, Dresslers, Pieces Sushi, and Pizzeria Omagia among others. It's expected to open in the Fall of 2023, hopefully in time to enjoy the outdoor patio included in the footprint of the space's former resident. Follow 3rd & Fino on Instagram here to stay up to date on opening, menus, and other news!