The Charlotte American Bistro — Restaurant in Dallas

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting The Charlotte twice recently, and while it is a lovely establishment with friendly staff, I wanted to share a few observations that I believe could enhance the overall experience.

During our first visit, my friends and I had a reservation. However, we were not seated until all four guest of our party had arrived. This caused a bit of frustration, as it is common practice in the restaurant industry to seat guests when at least half of the party is present. This policy also led to significant congestion in the bar area, as other guests were likely waiting for their tables as well or trying to find a seat at the bar area. After being seated at our table, everything was fine, though the service was a bit slow but we were understanding, knowing the restaurant had only recently opened.

Our second visit brought additional challenges. We had a reservation for 5:30 PM, but one of my friends arrived early at 5:15 PM and sat at the bar until 5:45 PM. No one took her order during her 30-minute wait. By 5:30 PM, the rest of our party arrived and we joined her in the bar area, which was again quite congested, as our reserved table was not yet ready. We were finally seated at 5:53 PM, well past our reservation time. The service was still slow, with our food arriving before our drinks, and a second round of drinks taking an additional 20 minutes to arrive.

While we were initially understanding about the delay, a situation with the manager left us disappointed. The manager, Valentine, informed us that tables are reserved for only two hours and we needed to either leave or move to another area. However, this time limit had not been communicated to us prior to the visit. Additionally, when Valentine approached us a second and third time to expedite our departure, I explained that we had only been seated at 5:53 PM, and technically had until 7:53 PM to occupy the table. While we appreciated the courtesy, it felt as though the situation could have been handled more delicately, especially given that our reservation time had not been honored.

Additional Observations: On both occasions, our servers presented the bill without asking if we were ready to tab out or how we would like the check split. While this may be a small detail, it left us feeling somewhat rushed to leave, rather than allowing us to enjoy the remainder of our evening at our own pace. There is a possibility that we could have been coming up on our two hour mark, but again that was not communicated during both visits.

Overall, The Charlotte is a beautiful establishment with respectful staff and a nice atmosphere. I share this feedback in the hopes that these issues might be considered to further elevate the...

The Charlotte is an exciting addition to the dining scene, effortlessly combining a trendy, upscale ambiance with a welcoming and stylish vibe. From the moment you step inside, the restaurant exudes a sense of modern elegance, with a lively yet refined energy that makes it an ideal spot for a night out. One of its most charming design elements is the subtle bear-themed décor, which adds a playful and memorable touch without feeling overdone.

My dining experience began with a frozen rosé, a refreshing and well-balanced cocktail that set the tone for the evening. The drink was smooth, slightly sweet, and had just the right level of chill to be both enjoyable and sophisticated. It was the perfect start to a meal that continued to impress.

For my appetizer, I opted for the spinach and artichoke dip, a creamy and flavorful dish served with perfectly crisped chips. The blend of cheeses, spinach, and artichokes was well-executed, creating a rich yet balanced taste that wasn’t overly heavy. This starter paired beautifully with my drink and left me eager for the main course.

For my entrée, I chose the salmon, and it did not disappoint. The fish was cooked to perfection—tender, flaky, and seasoned beautifully. The accompanying sides were thoughtfully prepared, complementing the salmon without overpowering it. The dish was light yet satisfying, making it a fantastic option for those who appreciate well-executed seafood.

To end the meal on a sweet note, I indulged in chocolate chip cookies with milk—a nostalgic yet elevated dessert choice. The cookies were warm, gooey in the center, and slightly crisp around the edges, paired with a glass of milk for the ultimate comfort-food experience. It was a simple but delightful way to conclude an already impressive meal.

Beyond the food, The Charlotte excels in creating a grown and sexy atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for date nights, celebrations, or an upscale evening with friends. The service was attentive without being intrusive, and the overall ambiance struck the perfect balance between lively and intimate.

If you’re looking for a restaurant that offers delicious food, an inviting yet stylish setting, and an effortlessly cool vibe, The Charlotte is a must-visit. It’s a place that not only lives up to the hype but exceeds expectations, making it a standout choice for a memorable...

I’ve now been to The Charlotte three times, and I can confidently say this spot is delicious and never disappoints! I’ve experienced it in a variety of settings: a small 1:1 engagement, a visit with my 3-year-old son to reconnect with an old friend, and a larger booth for a girls’ night out. Each time, the experience was fantastic, with Dylan standing out as the best server so far!

I’ve tried almost everything on the menu, and the flavors are consistently bold with a delightful spice kick that I truly appreciate. For starters, the crab fingers are bomb! The spinach and artichoke dip, calamari, and wings are all tasty. I also love the salads (both the Bibb and Caesar) with blackened chicken added for extra flavor.

When it comes to entrées, my favorites are the double smash burger, the crispy duck, and the salmon. The fried dishes, in particular, have a slight Cajun-style spice in the batter, eliminating any hint of blandness. Even when they accommodated “chicken strips” for my son, the batter was flavorful—so much so that he (and I) ate it all! The crab fried rice was another highlight, with the fried egg adding a nice touch.

Beyond the food, the decor and ambiance are top-notch—it’s festive and chic, definitely a vibe! One night, Living Single was playing on all the TVs, which added a fun nostalgic essence to the atmosphere. The music always hits, and during the holiday season, they step it up with adorable Santa hats on their signature bears, stunning festive decorations, and only the best holiday albums.

One of the standout moments was when they brought a bear in a Santa bag to join us as a “guest” at the table for my son—he absolutely loved it! For our girls’ night out, we also had a bear join us for photos, which was such a fun and memorable touch.

In short, I LOVE what Chef Wyl Lima is doing with the place. The whole restaurant is well seasoned, a “vibe”, and delicious from the ambience to the food. I hope this spot stays around for a very long time and has quickly become one of my go to “Dallas Spots.” My man is jealous that I’ve been here with everyone but him, so i have a feeling I will be back very soon 😉

Ps. The cookies and milk was soooooooooo good! The cinnamon toast milk to dip the cookies in…my god! Elevated childhood moment. Me and my girls...