Over the past few months, the pandemic has pushed back grand openings for many business owners. Now that Charlotte restaurants can operate at 50 percent capacity, more and more are beginning to open to welcome their very first customers. While the dining experience may be unusual, you can still get a taste of something new at these locations.

Note: Hours of operation listed below are subject to change.

Ilios Crafted Greek
1514 S. Church St.
Hours: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily

Enjoy a fresh lunch of lamb gyro, rotisserie chicken, falafel, and Greek side dishes at the new fast-casual concept from the owners of Ilios Noche. If you’re looking for dinner, try the family meal for $26.95. It includes one whole roasted chicken, two large sides, and one salad. The dining room is open, or you can order online for takeout.

Tropical Grille
1605 Elizabeth Ave.

This Greenville, SC-based offers Cuban-inspired menu items and consider themselves “your healthy alternative.” Try a Tropical Bowl with proteins like chicken, roasted pork, or palomilla (thinly slices steak) or get it all wrapped up in pita. For a quick trip, call 980-949-6207 to place a pick up order.

The Fairwood 226
226 Fairwood Ave.
Hours: Sunday-Tuesday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

The newest neighborhood bar in South End also operates as a restaurant, so they meet the qualifications to open under Phase 2 in Charlotte. Make plans to hang out on their patio or rooftop in the summer sun. On the menu, you will find friendly foods like wings, sandwiches, flatbreads, and salads. Down the road, they’ll be open late-night for drinks and eats.

Scratch House Chicken
3032 N. Davidson St.
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m-9 p.m. Closed Monday.

Chef Chris Coleman of The Goodyear House has opened a fried chicken concept, currently operating out of his NoDa restaurant. The chicken sandwiches, chicken bites, fries, and hand pies are only available for delivery or takeout. So far, they’ve been selling out fast! Chef Coleman hopes to find a brick-and-mortar in the near future. Order online or call 704-910-0132.

Grinning Mule
1109 Morningside Dr.
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5-10 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.

This non-profit restaurant is now open in a renovated mechanical garage in Plaza Midwood. The menu of small plates, flatbreads, wonton tacos, and salads is meant to be shared. Behind the bar, you’ll most likely find well-known mixologist Bob Peters, who now calls Grinning Mule his home-base while still maintaining his consulting business.