This weekend in Charlotte: Drag brunch options + new must-try pizza in Cotswold
If your calendar has more blank squares than plans this weekend, we’re here to help. Charlotte’s food scene keeps expanding, Pride weekend is bringing the sparkle and there’s an under-the-radar beach sitting just 3½ hours away.
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If you missed today’s CharlotteFive newsletter, here’s a quick summary of what caught our attention. 👀
When a beloved local pizzeria opens a fifth location, there’s always the question: Will it hold up? At Inizio Pizza Napoletana’s new Cotswold spot 📍 282 S. Sharon Amity Rd., Ste. 335, Tristan and Jamie say the answer is a resounding yes.
Co-owner Grant Arons’ first-timer recommendation? Start with the Margherita. “You can’t hide behind toppings,” he said. Many key ingredients are imported from Italy, including San Marzano tomatoes, the water for the dough and buffalo mozzarella. Every pizza layers three cheeses: cow’s milk mozzarella, buffalo mozzarella and Pecorino Romano.
Tristan and Jamie sampled the Margherita, Pistachio and Vodka Pesto. The Pistachio — built on pistachio pesto with rosemary, sea salt, ricotta, roasted garlic and crushed pistachios — was one of the most memorable pies they’ve had this year. But the Vodka Pesto stole the show, pairing a slightly spicy vodka sauce with a bright pesto swirl.
🌿 Take a look with Tristan and Jamie.
Pride weekend is bringing sequins, sparkle and — naturally — brunch. A couple of uptown spots are pouring mimosas alongside high-energy drag performances on Saturday and Sunday, and Evan is sharing the details.
Ink N Ivy 📍 222 S. Church St., is hosting Pride brunches across the weekend. Saturday afternoon’s event features RuPaul’s Drag Race All Star Nicole Paige Brooks. 💫 The menu spans wings, Buffalo shrimp, chicken nachos, burgers, tacos and Cajun cream pasta, with weekend drink specials on mimosas and Bloody Marys. Tickets are $33.85.
Midtown Tavern 📍 1500 E. 3rd St., is celebrating with two brunches hosted by Buff Faye: “Born To Slay” on Saturday and “Love Out Loud” on Sunday. Expect chicken and waffles, French toast, breakfast burritos, avocado toast and breakfast sandwiches, plus shareable bar fare like wings, fried pickles and loaded nachos. Tickets are $36.56.
👉 See Evan’s full Pride weekend brunch guide.
Lake Norman doughnut fans, this one’s for you. Your Mom’s Donuts brought its famous square pastries to the Shops at the Fresh Market on Torrence Chapel Road this week.
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“The wait is over… we are so excited to officially be OPEN in Cornelius!” the team posted on Instagram on Wednesday. “Come on by and check out the new space (and donuts and coffee of course)!”
The new spot joins the shop’s Matthews and Charlotte locations, and Saturday appearances at the Davidson Farmer’s Market. The menu covers classics like plain glazed, milk chocolate and vanilla with sprinkles, plus popular picks like cinnamon sugar and lemon honey, and rotating specialty flavors including guava and cream cheese.📍 20601 Torrence Chapel Rd. #106, Cornelius
👉 Get the full scoop from Tanasia and Heidi.
About 200 miles and 3½ hours from uptown, Holden Beach feels like a step back to a slower era of beach vacations. Jamie and Tristan seriously considered keeping this one under wraps, then gave in.
No high-rise hotels line the shore. Instead: rental homes, quiet streets, three restaurants on the island, a coffee shop, a pair of ice cream spots and a small beach market. Most rentals run Saturday to Saturday. 🌊
Across the bridge in Supply, you’ll find mini golf, waterslides, pizza, ice cream and grocery stores, all within about five minutes. Golfers should make time for Lockwood Folly Country Club, where the finishing hole runs along the Intracoastal Waterway. Craving more energy? Ocean Isle Beach is a short drive away.
👉 Read Jamie and Tristan’s full Holden Beach guide.
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This report was produced with the assistance of a proprietary tool powered by artificial intelligence and using our own originally reported, written and published content. It was reviewed and edited by our journalists. To learn more about how The Charlotte Observer is using AI in our newsroom, see our policy here.
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