Dogwood Southern Table & Bar, now located in Uptown Charlotte, is a premier dining destination known for elevating classic Southern cuisine with modern elegance and a focus on seasonal, local ingredients.
Here is a detailed look at what makes Dogwood unique, its history, menu highlights, and logistics.
🍽️ What Makes Dogwood Unique
Dogwood’s distinctive character is rooted in its design and its culinary philosophy:
- Design and Ambiance: The interior is inspired by North Carolina’s official flower, the Dogwood tree, blending modern elegance with Southern tradition. The space, located inside The Westin Charlotte, features impressive glass walls, soaring 30-foot ceilings, and a beautiful, striking 36-seat floating bar. The atmosphere evokes the soft, refined feel of a Southern garden and veranda, complete with custom furnishings and white oak herringbone flooring.
- Culinary Focus: The menu is a modern take on Southern classics, with a strong commitment to sourcing ingredients from local purveyors and farmers. This dedication ensures the freshest, seasonal bounty is reflected in every dish.
đź“ś History and Significant Events
Dogwood Southern Table & Bar is owned and operated by Rare Roots Hospitality, led by Jon and Kim Dressler.
- Original Location & Closure: Dogwood was a beloved favorite in the SouthPark neighborhood (Ashley Square) for nearly a decade, operating from 2014 until August 2023.
- Significant Reopening: After a brief hiatus, the restaurant made a highly anticipated return, opening a new location in Uptown Charlotte inside The Westin Charlotte on January 22, 2025. This reopening was a key part of the hotel’s $24 million renovation.
- Charitable Preview: A notable event surrounding the launch of the new Uptown location was a special preview night on January 15, 2025. The proceeds from this event supported Giving Kitchen, a James Beard Foundation organization dedicated to helping food service workers in crisis.
- Queen’s Feast: The restaurant is also a regular participant in Queen’s Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week, offering special multi-course menus.
🌟 Highlighted Menu Items
The menu focuses on creatively reinvented traditional dishes, with several items standing out as customer favorites:
| Category | Highlighted Dish | Description |
| Appetizers/Small Plates | Duck and Dumplings | A signature dish, frequently praised for its flavorful, crispy duck skin and soft meat. |
| Appetizers/Small Plates | Mushroom Toast | A customer favorite from the small plates selection. |
| Entrees | Shrimp and Grits | A classic Southern comfort dish featuring rich, creamy grits topped with savory shrimp, andouille sausage, and a peppery gravy. |
| Entrees | Steaks with Bacon Jam | Dry-aged steaks often topped with their famous signature bacon jam. |
| Dessert | Mom’s Cheesecake | Joan Dressler’s classic New York-style cheesecake, highly recommended by guests. |
| Drinks | Craft Cocktails | The beverage menu, crafted by Bar Director Brittany ‘BK’ Kellum, is acclaimed for being imaginative, perfectly balanced, and using unique local ingredients. |
🗣️ Customer Feedback
Dogwood has consistently earned high praise, boasting a strong rating from customers who often highlight the following:
- Outstanding Hospitality: Reviewers consistently mention the staff for their professionalism, warmth, and genuine Southern hospitality.
- “Divine” Food: The cuisine is often described as “absolutely divine” and “the best food we had,” with particular emphasis on the rich and complex flavors of the Southern-inspired dishes.
- Cozy Ambiance: The beautifully designed space is frequently cited as creating a warm and memorable dining experience, making it popular for couples, families, and business dinners.
đź“Ť Contact and Links
| Category | Information |
| Address | 601 S College St #1829, Charlotte, NC 28202 (Inside The Westin Charlotte) |
| Phone | (704) 335-2064 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | Dogwood Charlotte |
