So I have learned the trick is to come for brunch! After visiting for an unimpressive dinner a couple years I lost interest. Somehow I found myself in Denver near Union station enjoying a brunch at the Denver location and once I was back in Charlotte, my faith had been restored.
I have come here for brunch now a few times and its delicious! The Tupelo play on shrimp and grits is rich and delicious. The shareable avocado toast points are so yummy. The pecan pie french toast was a bit too much for my yankee spirit but tasty nonetheless. The brunch cocktails are great too. Ive tried both the spring and summer sangrias (*which seem to be seasonal) and they are both excellent.
The service was also consistently good. The staff is attentive and engaging. While there is outdoor seating I always opt for inside, as the outside can become crowded with people waiting to be seated.
Sidenote, you can book a reservation on OpenTable to avoid super long waits but the hosts do make the wait somewhat pleasant by inviting you to grab a cocktail at the bar.
Nice job Tupelo!