The Charlotte: Refined Comfort

Breaking through Dallas’ dining scene is no easy feat. Each week the “hottest” or “best” restaurant opens, only to fall by the wayside when the next shiny doors open. It’s nearly impossible to become a staple in a diner’s rotation.

Dallas’ dining wishlist demands a well-curated space with top-notch cuisine, all without having to refinance your house. To break through the noise, restaurants must find that sweet spot that combines aesthetics, quality and accessibility. Henderson Avenue’s latest arrival checks all the boxes.

The Charlotte opened on Sept. 30 in the space formerly occupied by Enrique Tomas. In the weeks leading up to its opening, Uptowners began anticipating what this mint- and peach-colored restaurant would be. The Charlotte’s mascot riled Dallas’ influencers further: a larger-than-life-sized teddy bear floated around Instagram, pushing the spot into Dallas' must-visit lists.

On Oct.11, the Observer was invited to visit the 5,800-square-foot, two-story restaurant. We’re pleased to report this hot spot exceeds the hype. The downstairs dining room is peachy and bright, with large bears stuffed in booths. Early in the evening, light streams through the floor-to-ceiling windows that line the large patio. As the sun sets, the temperatures (and light) cool, allowing staff to open the doors and windows and create a large al fresco space. Be sure to sit with your back to the bar; facing the patio is a whole new experience.

The Charlotte comes to Dallas by way of operating partner and Hillstone Restaurant Group veteran Kimberly O’Neal and culinary director Wyl Lima.

Lima is the former chef de cuisine of Chicago’s Michelin-starred Temporis (now temporarily closed) and the former executive chef at Dallas’ Sister. Over the last year, he has partnered with The Experience, a Dallas-based social club that intersects food, art, music, wellness and travel. The Charlotte combines an elevated palate with nostalgia. The Teddy Bear Cafe-inspired mascot, a conceit borrowed from a restaurant in London, is playful. Mint tones are dominant throughout, with feminine watercolor-patterned upholstery. Wood elements and metallic details add a luxurious touch. The bistro oozes the sophistication and comfort of its namesake — Lima’s mother, Charlotte, who was a beacon in their neighborhood where everyone was welcome.

The Charlotte’s menu has something for everyone, but not in an overwhelming manner. Here, Southern cooking is married with flavors and styles from around the world. Dishes are at the same time familiar and exploratory.
Take the charred elote on the cob ($14), reminiscent of Mexican corn in a cup. Here, the corn is roasted until the kernels have a deep golden hue and are coated in cotija cheese, garnished with cilantro and served with a lime to reframe the street snack. The crab fingers ($22) served with cajun butter are heavenly. We suggest saving extra cajun butter for later.
We paired starters with the Porn Star Martini ($16), made with Stoli Vanil, passion fruit and bubbles. The combo tames the sweetness, allowing it to pair well with savory bites.

The playful menu includes salads, handhelds with a classy Wagyu Glizzy ($16) and pastas. Midwestern and deep Southern comfort food spaghetti and catfish ($29) headline the pasta menu. The mains menu has all the proteins checked off, with only one well-executed dish per option.
The spicy lamb chops ($48) are generous. Four hearty lamb lollipops are served on a bed of asparagus with chimichurri. The spice was mild for us. Our on-top-of-it waitress mentioned it was too spicy for her.

The seared branzino ($45) is deboned and light. It’s served on blistered tomatoes with a white wine sauce. We dipped a few flaky bites into the crab fingers' leftover Cajun butter. Perfection.
Don’t overlook the crispy duck ($34). A potato pavé pedestals a duck leg quarter with a plentiful pour of earthy and smoky harissa sauce. The sauce’s tang with the duck’s tenderness pairs perfectly with the potatoes' creaminess. The peaches and cream eggroll ($14) dessert is light, with just the right touch of sweetness. Think peach cobbler rolled into a delicious sugary shell.

Shockingly and appreciatively, The Charlotte has an outstanding happy hour. Sunday through Friday, from 4 to 7 p.m., select bites and drinks are on special for $7–9. Included is the Caesar salad, calamari and a smashburger. The entire scratch bar craft cocktail menu is $9.

The Charlotte has intentionally proven to be the perfect backdrop for memorable meals starting with the first bite.

The Charlotte, 2822 N. Henderson Ave., No. 100. Monday, 4–10 p.m.; Tuesday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.