This was a surprise.
From the outside the building is, well, plain. The only reason we stopped in was to meet up with friends. Many complain on Yelp have complained that the kitchen is located at the entrance. I have mixed feelings. From a flow perspective it makes little sense however in an odd way it was strangely welcoming especially since EVERYONE is friendly.
My wife and I had a drink at the bar pre-dinner. I had my usual martini - made well with bleu cheese stuffed olives - while she had a "fun" blackberry martini. It's not a large bar - nice live piano music - but a decent enough selection for a drink after work or while waiting for a table.
When our friends arrived we ventured to the back room which has significantly more seating. The atmosphere was great without being pretentious. A wonderful mix of soft lighting, quiet, pleasant music, etc.
The menu is comfort food with a Charleston influence. The table had two appetizers - fried green tomatoes and hummus & pimento cheese - which were very good. The entrees were wonderful. I thought the prices were reasonable (almost all $20 and under). I will say that their wine selection is limited which is too bad. They have decent wine and great wine but not many options especially by the glass. I hope they step this up in the future. The service was very friendly and thankfully we were left us to enjoy our food and company without being ignored. Our waiter had a wonderful knowledge of the menu and gave great recommendations (salmon, the fried chicken, the shrimp-n-grits and mushroom risotto).
We didn't have dessert because everyone cleaned their plates with enthusiasm and couldn't imagne another bite. I'm not sure how I'm going to solve this problem of eating too much next time but I'm looking forward trying :)
The restaurant scene has really improved in Charlotte and who would have guessed that Montford Drive would become such a restaurant row . . .