Legendary Charlotte Restaurant Closing After 35 Years

Favorite restaurants come and go. It's a very risky business. But, I think many are surprised to hear of this legendary Charlotte restaurant closing after 35 years in business.

A SouthPark staple for more than 3 decades, Village Tavern announced its closure this week. According to Charlotte Ledger, the restaurant posted a note on the door indicating the lease was expiring and owners decided the space, "could not accommodate our newest menus and design prototypes going forward long term."

This Charlotte restaurant closing after 35 years also pointed to hopefully returning to Charlotte in the future. The note posted on the door hinted they would try to find a location and space that would work for the business. They went on to thank employees and loyal customers.

Village Tavern was a staple in the SouthPark area. And, fans of the spot loved their iconic crab dip. The Charlotte location of the regional chain opened in 1989 and holds many fond memories for folks in the area, including myself.

Not long after we arrived in Charlotte to begin our radio career in the Tar Heel State, we had a standing deal to broadcast our show on a monthly basis from the SouthPark location of Village Tavern. Our son was young at the time. And, he would join us after school during our broadcast to have dinner.

We set up on the popular patio area of the location. And, everyone who came to visit enjoyed the time we had there. It's sad to see it go. But, hopefully, this Charlotte restaurant closing after 35 years will return. We'll keep our ears open and update as we hear anything related to possible plans.

If you've been in Charlotte over the past few years, it is no surprise that the Queen City has a lot to offer for 'foodies.' There are literally hundreds of restaurants with a variety of cuisines. And according to Southern Living magazine, Charlotte has some of the best eating spots.

The magazine put together a list of the 22 best restaurants in Charlotte. It doesn't matter what you crave -- Southern traditional, Italian, Asian, or seafood -- Charlotte's culinary landscape has something for you. I have lived in Charlotte for more than two decades and I still have not experienced even half of the restaurants on their list.

In the article, Southern Living boasts of many of the successes made on Charlotte's food scene. It states "For years, the Queen City has steadily marched toward becoming a top food city in the South—with recent nods from the James Beard Foundation validating its expertise and growth."

And growth indeed. There are new restaurants popping up regularly. From fresh seafood, street tacos to rolled sushi, the sky is the limit. Charlotte's international flare (Vietnamese, Ethiopian) on food makes it even more difficult to decide just where to go.

Which is why I listed a few of the restaurants I've already visited. (In no particular order) And if you're open to trying something new AND  good, then check these out. Check out a full list of Southern Living's restaurant recommendations.

If seafood is your thing like it is mine, than you're in or a treat! What I loved most about Fin & Fino is they get fresh fish and shellfish delivered EVERY DAY. And the raw bar is everything! The "Penthouse" is a seafood lovers dream. It's a tower of  oysters, shrimp, lobster tails, crab and more.  And to top it all off, the ambiance is made for a nice date or a girls night out.

35 Levine Avenue of the Arts #100, Charlotte, NC 28202

It's been called a 'juke joint', but the best kind with food made with love and a Southern Mississippi flare. Owned by a husband and wife team, Leah & Louise describe what they've created as a space that provides 'Southern comfort food and cocktails and retro digs.' It's quaint, so not a lot of seating. I'd recommend reservations.

301 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC 28206

I got my first taste of Vietnamese food a few years ago at this spot and it's still banging! Lang Van’s owner Dan Nguyen is well-known and is the soul of the restaurant. That's because she brings passion to the dishes like the noodle dish I tried with fresh vegetables, pho and the spring rolls are to die for.

3019 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215

I've been loving this spot since I moved to Charlotte. And it's been around since the late 80's. It's a refurbished Victorian house that sits in the quaint and posh neighborhood of Dilworth. One of my favorites is its famous French Onion soup, and any one of the salads. It also a great go-to spot for brunch and you'll have to try the Wong drink - a single drink served in a pitcher. And you are only allowed to order ONE!

300 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

This sandwich shop proves some of the  'best restaurants' may not have all the esthetics, but the proof is in the puddin', so to speak. Brooks’ Sandwich House doesn't have high prices or even a classy view, but it DOES have some of the best burgers ($8) and hot dogs ($4) in the city. And did I mention their homemade beef chili? The shop has been around almost 50 years and is family-run. Here, they keep is simple. Only cash is accepted.

2710 N. Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28205