The Charlotte, an all-day neighborhood American bistro and bar combining old-school charm with a modern style, will officially open to the public on Monday, September 30th. The menu is curated by Culinary Director Wyl Lima and Operating Partner Kimberly O’Neal.
Situated in the heart of the city, The Charlotte is located at 2822 N Henderson Ave, Dallas, TX 75206, the 5,800 square feet restaurant features a full-service patio on both floors.
Culinary Director Wyl Lima will lead the kitchen with a fresh approach, blending comfort food with influences from Texas, the South, and beyond. With nearly two decades of experience, including five years as Chef de Cuisine at the Michelin-starred Temporis in Chicago and serving as Executive Chef at Sister in Dallas, Lima is known for his innovative yet approachable style. His goal is to deliver food that is both exciting and flawlessly executed, while remaining inviting and accessible to all guests.
Meanwhile, Kimberly O’Neal, Operating Partner, is no stranger to the hospitality industry. She brings nearly two decades of expertise, including an 11-year tenure at Hillstone Restaurant Group. Her commitment to elevating hospitality standards continues at The Charlotte, where she combines her industry knowledge with a passion for delivering an exceptional and memorable guest experience.
“When it came to naming the restaurant we wanted something that truly captured the heart and soul of what we’re creating—a second home for our diners,” said Kimberly O’Neal in a statement. “We found inspiration in a childhood memory shared by one of our partners. His mother, Charlotte, was the heart of the neighborhood. She was like a second mother to all the kids, and everyone looked forward to going to ‘Auntie Charlotte’s’. Her warmth left a lasting impression, and that’s the feeling we want to bring to the neighborhood – a place where our guests can walk in, see familiar faces, and feel like they’re at home.”
The menu offers a fresh twist on American dishes, infused with global flavors and locally sourced ingredients. Highlights from the opening menu include shared dishes such as Biryani Spiced Wings served with citrus ranch; Charred Elote, a Mexican street food classic served with crema, lime, queso fresco, cotija, and chili; and Charbroiled Oysters, a Southern favorite, broiled with a choice of Cajun style or lemon parmesan.
The Charlotte also offers a diverse selection of meat and seafood dishes. Guests can savor options like the Crispy Duck, served with roasted red pepper sauce and potato pavé; or the Steak Au Poivre, a decadent tableside dish featuring a brandy peppercorn cream sauce served and crispy fries. The Lamb Chimichurri presents spiced chops paired with tender asparagus, while the Roasted Chicken with Piri Piri sauce offers a bold choice with its roasted quarter bird and zesty cucumber tomato salad. For a Southern classic, the Shrimp & Grits features cheesy grits, roasted red pepper, and sautéed onions and peppers.
For pasta lovers, the Spicy Vodka Pasta, a crowd favorite, is made with conchiglie, basil, topped with breadcrumbs, parmesan, and chili flakes. The Spaghetti & Catfish, provides a Southern twist with a crispy catfish filet, meat sauce, and parmesan; while the Cajun Truffle Mafaldine Pasta delivers a daring and hearty option made with jumbo shrimp.
Additionally, The Charlotte offers seafood choices such as the Crispy Whole Snapper, served with andouille, herb salad, sautéed onion, and pepper with a touch of harissa. The Whole Branzino, inspired by Mediterranean flavors, is finished with charred lemon butter and chili flakes.
Other mains include handhelds such as the Smash Cheeseburger, featuring caramelized onions, pickles, American cheese, and jerk mayo on a sesame brioche; and the Chicken Sandwich, available fried or grilled, topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and remoulade, served on a sesame brioche.
No meal is complete without a selection of sides to complement the main courses. Guests can choose from classic options like Mac & Cheese or Whipped Potatoes, or explore globally inspired options such as Crab Fried Rice, Creole Okra, Charred Cabbage, and Jollof Rice.
“The menu at The Charlotte is an expression of all of our collective experiences and the diverse culinary traditions that shape how we approach food,” says Executive Chef Wyl Lima. “We’ve woven the comforting essence of Southern cooking with flavors from around the world. Each dish has its own story to tell, and our goal is to evoke a sense of discovery and familiarity simultaneously.”
He adds, “I want every guest to feel a personal connection to what’s on their plate, as though it was made just for them. For me, it’s about creating lasting memories that linger long after the table is cleared.”
Carefully designed to enhance the dining experience, the cocktail menu offers a curated selection of signature cocktails, seasonal scratch-made drinks, frozen favorites, and a progressive wine program blending local mainstays with diverse regional styles. Some standout scratch libations include the Key Lime Pie made with Roku, vanilla, lime foam, boba pearls, topped with Graham Cracker dust; Frozen Espresso Martini featuring Grey Goose and coffee foam, dusted with cocoa shaped teddy bear on top; Blackberry Mojito made with Bacardi Silver, mint, and lime. Guests can also enjoy the house curated Mexican Candy Shot, a sweet and spicy fan favorite that is made with Cuervo Devil’s Reserve, Stoli Chamoy, and watermelon.
One of the highlights is the Happy Hour, readily available Monday through Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm.
The Charlotte’s space includes vibrant accents, such as mint tones and metallic details, which are harmoniously paired with the cozy appeal of wooden elements and custom watercolor-patterned upholstery.
A playful touch is found in the restaurant’s signature teddy bear motif, thoughtfully incorporated throughout the decor.
The Charlotte will be open 11am -10pm Sunday and Monday, 11am -12am Tuesday-Thursday, and 11am-1am Friday and Saturday.
