¡THE QC LOCAL!

Charlotte’s a busy place. Here’s the best of it.

🎢 In my last edition, I mentioned that I was heading to Jon G’s in the coming weekends. Well, two weekends ago, 11 of us made the pilgrimage to Peachland, NC and got the full Jon G’s experience. Rundown:

• Our group(s) pulled in at 9:23am, set up our lawn chairs and posted directly behind the picnic tables. The line was already wrapped around the building — more appropriately described as a tailgate, with people playing spike ball, making mimosas and talking to their line neighbors.

• Several of our group opted for the breakfast tacos and kolache’s, which were supposedly phenomenal.

• At about 11:30, the folks at Jon G’s put out the free beer cooler, and refilled it about every 20 minutes, filled with beer from NoDa Brewing Co.

• The line was relatively slow moving, and we were pretty far back, but managed to get in the door by about 1:30pm (2.5 hours after the opening).

• Between the 11 of us, we got literally everything on the menu, including my friend, Will Grisham, who purchased a 3lb beef rib.

• Highlights: Bacon Burnt Ends (Special), Classic Brisket (best thing on the menu IMO), Brisket Fried Rice, Tater Tot Casserole, and the Oreo Dirt Cup.

10/10 would recommend. Absolute blast.

🌹ROSE

• While I unfortunately can’t make it, a bunch of my friends are going to float the Catawba River tomorrow, which is a staple Charlotte activity in the summertime. If you’ve got a free Saturday and nothing to do, grab a couple friends, a pool float, and a cooler, I guarantee you’ll have a blast.

🪷BUD

• Heading to the PGA National Resort down in Palm Beach Gardens this week, which features 5 golf courses, 2 driving ranges, 4 restaurants and a full spa, among other things. While I’m more so going for the couple’s vacation aspect, it would be a phenomenal spot for a golf trip with some old friends. The rates aren’t bad at all and get better when you book it within a month. Plus, they give you $50 breakfast vouchers, which are hard to beat.

DEAL OF THE WEEK

🍕 One of the most underrated spots in the city, Carmella’s, which I have mentioned before — runs some awesome food and drink specials. This upcoming weekend (& most weekends), they offer a 1 topping 14” pizza and a bucket of beer (5) for $25, which is hard to beat.

Additionally, they have $2 beers all weeknights, depending on the beer. One of Charlotte’s best dive spots with great food, would highly recommend Carmella’s for a great budget-friendly dinner.

PREMIER SOCCER in CLT

‼️With the meteoric rise of Charlotte FC, as well as the consideration that they might be our only half-decent Charlotte-based team for a while, Charlotte is becoming more and more of a soccer city by the day. That’s why it should come as no surprise that 2 big time European clubs are playing in Charlotte next week, where nosebleeds are running for over $100 for Real Madrid, but only $30 for Bayern Munich. Matchups (all at Bank of America Stadium):

• June 22: Real Madrid vs. Pachuca

• June 24: Bayern Munich vs. Benfica

Also worth noting that Charlotte will be hosting the championship games of both of those groups the following weekend once those are determined!

(1 of) My Favorite Restaurants Right Now

For those of you that know me well, you know that I frequent my favorite spot in Charlotte, Ed’s Tavern, on Thursday nights for Trivia. While most people know Ed’s and they have no problem filling seats, it’s worth mentioning that it is definitively the best place to watch a game in Charlotte. It’s also worth mentioning that I have met some of my closest friends in Charlotte at Ed’s, although I’m still unsure if that’s a good thing or not.

Also, their food is awesome. I’ve gotten most things on their menu at this point, but the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Caesar Wrap, and Fried Pickles are consistent Go-To’s for me. The Chicken Quesadilla always gets the job done as well. Har to go wrong with anything on the menu here, so highly recommend Ed’s if you don’t want to break the bank and meet some awesome people at Music Bingo or Trivia night.

UNDERRATED IN THE 704 - Apartment Deals

With the massive increase of apartments in Charlotte, it’s no shock that tons of apartments are giving out crazy move-in deals. Moreover, it feels like everyone is moving right now because so many leases are up. See three great move-in deals below in the Southend Area.

1. The Boulevard Charlotte - Offering up to 2 Months Free Rent!

2. Hawkins Press - 2 Months Free Rent on Select Apartment

3. Cortland South End - 2 Months Free Rent

If you are moving anytime soon, shoot me a text or email, since we have helped a bunch of friends move in recently with my truck & trailer, and would be happy to help anyone out!

other goings on 🔥

• Camp Northend has begun their Crossroads Cinema Series, featuring movies like Up, The Dark Knight and Holes on their monstrous outdoor screen. Definitely a great family friendly activity.

• Nebel’s Alley (next to Jeni’s Southend location) is having a night market on Saturday, 6/14 with Father’s Day specialty vendors to get something for your dads this year!

• Sugar Creek Brewing Company is doing their Annual “Summer Jam” with food trucks, local beers, and live music on Saturday, 6/14.

Let me know of anything you hear about or wanna hear about!

Hit me up at [email protected] for any q’s or debates you may have.

— Jack