New elevated bites, fresh cocktails + nightly music await in South End Charlotte
When is the last time you’ve been to VINYL? Or have you ever visited the South End bar and restaurant before? There’s more to experience than just the DJ booth.
The compact space teeming with music-themed personality was recently touted as having food that ”will leave you wanting more” by Charlotte influencer Andrea Fox of Daily Dre CLT.
You may want to make a new visit or find a time to drop in for a bite if you’ve never been, though. That recent preview VINYL dropped, promising “something is coming,” is all about new food, new drinks and having a good time amid the glow of neon lights quoting The Notorious B.I.G.
The VINYL team is now rolling out a new food menu designed by executive chef Matt Moore along with adventurous cocktails from beverage director Henry Schmulling. And the changes are all about flavor.
As you sit among pictures of Jimi Hendrix and other music artists in the 27 Club, just a few sips will let you know that Schmulling pushes the envelope — in some fun ways, and some weird ways. For example, the log-like accent in VINYL’s new Panic Switch cocktail ($16) is made with dehydrated Spam to create a jerky stick of sorts, complementing the broiled pineapple flavor in the drink. (Vegetarians and vegans, be aware it’s not noted on the menu.)
On the food side, Moore — who said in a news release that grilling and smoking are among his “favorite techniques” — is sneaking those flavors into the menu in creative ways. One spot where it stands out is the Steak Frites ($29), where grilled Angus beef hangar steak drizzled with a mild chimichurri is served alongside garlic Parmesan fries and smoked ketchup for dipping that beckons you to keep coming back for more.
Another section of the menu you’ll want to consider is the new garlic bread pizzas, made with Verdant Bread focaccia. Please also note that — depending on how stringent you are about your pizza definition — the description may be a slight misnomer for the lusciously fat bread slices that come topped Margherita style; with pepperoni, marinara, mozzarella and hot honey; or with Brussels sprouts, garlic cream, provolone and balsamic glaze. But, nonetheless, they’re delicious.
Other new things to try include:
Arugula & Apple Salad, with radish, candied pecans, blue cheese and cider vinaigrette ($14, or add chicken for $7 or falafel bites for $5 more).
Brussels sprouts, with maple bourbon glaze and cripsy bacon ($10).
Chipotle Club Sandwich, with sliced turkey, bacon, chipotle aioli, provolone and lettue ($14).
Italian Cold Cut Sandwich, with prosciutto, salami, mortadella, smoked provolone, pickled cherry peppers, lettuce, tomato, onion and Duke’s mayo on a Verdant Bread hoagie roll ($14).
Nachos Rancheros, with grilled Springer Mountain chicken breast, black beans, salsa roja, hatch chilies, queso, pickled red ionion, jalapeno, cilantro and radish ($14).
Twilight Zone cocktail, with Caramel Patron Reposado Tequila, spiced pear, lemon, aromatic bitters and saline ($15).
Reminder: VINYL has also added lunch and brunch service to its offerings since opening — and you can dress up or down. They’ll take you however you come.
VINYL
Location: 1440 S Tryon St Suite 105, Charlotte, NC 28203
Cuisine: American, bar food
Instagram: @vinylclt
