Shop Dine & Stay

Refresh and reconnect.

Perfect for working professionals, families, students and individuals or friends seeking diverse food, lodging or shopping experiences, University City has choices for everyone.

Dine

The area offers niche locally owned and operated restaurants, as well as upscale restaurants and lounges with executive chefs. There are quick eats for lunch or dinner on a busy workday, casual and authentic dining settings, some of the best global dishes, southern style seafood, lounges for brunch or fine dining and specialty drinks that have gained national attention. University City dining choices continue to grow and make it possible to try something different every visit.

Shop

Whether you are looking for traditional or unique clothing and products, University City has something you will love. Shoppers seek retail therapy at Concord Mills outlet stores, Northlake Mall, IKEA at Belgate Shopping Center, in addition to 30 other retail shopping centers.

Pop-up vendors who sell specialty and artisan goods can be found at seasonal and annual events like University City Farmers Market. These shops meet your everyday needs to your something-special-gotta-haves.

The area also offers a variety of grocery stores from popular brands like Publix, Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Lidl, Walmart and Target, to small locally owned markets like Patel Brothers, Holy Joes Meats & More and Zaytuna Halal Market.

Stay

Come and spend a few days exploring, visiting or doing business. University City hotels offer unique amenities, gorgeous views, in-house or nearby dining and our signature southern hospitality. Short and extended stay hotels are accessible to Center City and South Charlotte by way of public transportation on CATS buses or LYNX light rail, making it convenient for Charlotte visitors.

News

Spotlight On: Project LeanNation University City

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Ted Williams, along with Domonique Williams, who's originally from Columbus, Ohio, opened Project LeanNation University City in September 2023. Though the two share a last name, there's no relation. They met through a group of...

5 Questions With: Chef Tara Quinones, Papi’s Puerto Rican Cuisine

Where are you from and when did you open Papi’s? I was born in Manhattan and raised in the Catskill Mountains of New York. I opened Papi's four years ago in June. Our family has been in the restaurant business sharing Puerto Rican cuisine for generations. My...

Famous Toastery Updates

On May 1, Famous Toastery franchise owner Patrick McManaman and his wife, Charlotte (among other teammates), celebrated the grand reopening of their University City location, which included new floors and fresh paint. See updates below.

Cinergy Dine-In Cinemas

Come April, you will have the option to watch movies in heated recliner chairs at 5336 Docia Crossing Road, formerly Studio Movie Grill. The Cinergy Dine-in Cinemas movie theater will have 10 screens, swivel tables, with a full bar and menu available to patrons. Read...

Support These Black-Owned Businesses

Whether you’re in the mood for a cocktail with friends, new jewelry, or a new dentist, check out all of these wonderful 70+ Black-owned businesses in the Charlotte area. Notable mentions for University City are Cuzzo’s Cuisine and Jazzy Cheesecakes. Read the full...

African American History in Charlotte

Places To Connect With African American History In Charlotte There are many things to explore in celebrating important people and historical events from the African diaspora that contributed to our communities today. An article in the Charlotte Observer  features 5...

Multi-Family Mixed-Use Project

Flournoy Development Group and the developer, GID have partnered together for a mixed-use project in University City. 25 acres at 900 W. Mallard Creek Church Road were purchased for $4.5 million. There will be retail space, offices, 341 multifamily units, and 56...

Cuzzo’s Cuisine Returns

The popular southern comfort food restaurant had to close its University City location shortly after opening in February of 2020. Now, the cousin duo, Andarrio Johnson and Anglee Brown are reopening Cuzzo’s Cuisine II on Super Bowl weekend. You may want to check them...

University City Night Market is Back!

The annual winter entertainment and shopping experience, University City Night Market, will return this holiday season. This open-air marketplace at the lake and boardwalk at Shoppes at University Place  is an opportunity to support small local businesses, purchase...

Feed Your Spirit, Mind, & Body with Free Chick-fil-A

There’s something special about bringing a community together. Especially around the holiday season when there are endless amounts of love, gratitude, and joy from everyone. The Keith Family YMCA understands this. Since the late 90s the Christian Mission Committee, a...