Begging the question: Turn down for what?

Seven things to do in NoDa before you die

By Jeff Hahne @jhahne

click to enlarge

JEFF HAHNE - 60. Hear your next favorite band in a local music venue.

Jeff Hahne
60. Hear your next favorite band in a local music venue.

Tools

Email
Print
Favorite

Saving…
Add to Custom List

Loading…
Comments

60. Hear your next favorite band in a local music venue.

Attend the Find Your Muse open mic night at the Evening Muse to see up-and-coming Charlotte talent as well as a few familiar faces. Sink down into the leather of a Cadillac bench seat while taking in live music at the Chop Shop. Enjoy the new convenience of the bar platform in the main room of the Neighborhood Theatre. Bob your head on the back patio at Jack Beagle's for a night under the stars. And when the vibe calls for something more intimate, get down and dirty in Roux! (at Boudreaux's). Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St., www.neighborhoodtheatre.com; Evening Muse, 3227 N. Davidson St., www.eveningmuse.com; Chop Shop, 399 E. 35th St., www.chopshopnoda.com; Roux, 3306-A N. Davidson St., www.facebook.com/rouxnoda; Jack Beagle's, 3213 N. Davidson St., www.jackbeagles.com.

61. Taste the best hot dog you've never had.

You've probably eaten a hot dog on a street corner before, but until you've had one of Carlos Diaz's dogs "his way" with Latin relish — tomatoes, peppers, onions, lime juice, cilantro, etc. — you've never really had a hot dog. Weekend nights in front of the Evening Muse.

62. Handle some balls at the Blind Pig.

There are plenty of bar games around town, but a little incentive to try your best never hurts. If you can score over 500 in skee ball at the Blind Pig, your dreams will come true: Free beer. 453 E. 36th St. www.theblindpignoda.com.

63. Be celebrated at dupp&swat.

While some might not consider 28th Street NoDa proper, we can't think of any business that speaks more to the spirit of the neighborhood. Trying to define dupp&swat, located in the Amelie's atrium, is a bit of a challenge — the folks here offer styling, hair and makeup services and venue rental. Photo shoots, intimate discussions and brunches are all in regular rotation, as well as the I'm an Artist, Dammit exhibit series, highlighting local creatives' work. And they stock goods from local clothing and accessory designers. If you're lucky, a purchase will get you Insta-famous, with the hashtag #supportCharlotte. 2424 N. Davidson St. Suite 112B. 980-224-2128. www.duppandswat.com. (Kimberly Lawson)

64. Eat Charlotte's best burger at Brooks Sandwich Shop.

At least, according to the sign outside of this tiny shack of an eatery on Brevard Street. This hamburger and hot dog joint has been open for 40 years and is tucked a little out of sight from the main drag. Isn't it about time you stopped by to see if it is truly the best? You might as well throw some chili on there, too — just get plenty of napkins and perhaps a clean shirt (or bib). When you leave, expect to smell like burgers. 2710 N. Brevard St. 704-375-7808. www.eatbrookschili.com.

65. Get a sandwich named after you at NoDa Bodega.

There's no greater honor than to have a food titled in your name. All you have to do is somehow catch the attention of the talented sandwich makers at NoDa Bodega. Oh, and it might help to relish the savory meats of quality Boar's Head. Our fave is Justin's Photomen — named after CL photog Justin Driscoll. 800 E. 35th St. 704-375-8704. (Lawson)

66. Jump on the mic at I AM Art: Spoken Word at Upstage, and spill your guts.

You've penned a thought-provoking, stick-it-to-The-Man work of lyrical art. Why not get up on the mic and share it with the world? Or, at least the crowd that gathers each Thursday at Upstage. They're generally gentle to first-timers. 3306-C N. Davidson St. 704-430-4821. www.upstagenoda.com.

More Neighborhood Guide Profile »