Reviews for Counter- in Charlotte, NC
I never leave reviews, in fact this will be my first on Google. But after dining with Chef Sam and his team last Saturday for... their 14-course ?Greatest Hits? menu, I felt like I had to leave one. I won?t get in to each dish, as I don?t want to spoil itfor anyone that hasn?t gone yet, but let?s just say the experience was incredible. The staff, the wine, the music, the art, andof course the food were all top notch. I can?t wait to join the Chef again at his 2 new restaurants in September. Read more
What a delightful find for our visit to Charlotte! My husband and I are firm believers that one of the best things about travel... is the food. And if there was ever a reason to take a trip or splurge on an excellent meal, this is it. We've been fortunate toexperience a lot of high end meals, but this is easily the most warm and personal service we've come across. It felt likevisiting fun friends, who make the most delicious food. Come here if you're celebrating an occasion or if you just want tocreate an occasion! Everything is a treat, from the quality of the food, to the beverage (wine or non-alcohol) pairings, thesongs coordinated with each course, and the wonderful people who provide it. Read more
My parents and I were at the opening week for Counter- back in September 2020. Since then, we have collectively experienced 16... different menus from Chef Sam and his team. No two experiences are the same, and every time you leave you look forward to thenext dinner. The thing that makes Counter- unique compared to other dining experience is not just the food and music/artworkpairing. They take great care in everything they do, from honoring food allergies and aversions with no judgement, to supportinglocal artists, raising money for the community, utilizing local farms and producers, and creating an inclusive environment. I amgluten free and have never felt deprived at any meaul, and the team goes out of the way to ensure I know the food is glutenfree. Counter- is a group of outstanding humans who just happen to make phenomenal food, and the experience is worth everydollar. I recently moved away from Charlotte, but I will make a point to visit every quarter for the seasonal menu. Yes, it isthat good. Read more
If you want the best food in Charlotte this is where you should eat. I have eaten at restaurants all over the world, including... some with Michelin star(s), and I can honestly say that Counter- is ranked with the best of them. I have dined here for severalof their events and will attend all that I can in the future as well. Dining with Chef Sam Sweet at Counter- is an experienceyou will remember. I highly recommend Counter- Read more
Had the most unbelievable experience at Counter. We went for the ?Cinema? meal and each one of the courses was paired with a... movie theme. The experience included music and lighting. Chef Sam is a genius. He did such an incredible job. You could purchasea wine pairing but we opted for a bottle of wine. They didn?t have the one we wanted so he gave us a substitution and charged usthe same amount even though the substitution was more money. It was definitely pricey ($175 pp) but I think it?s so worth it fora special occasion or if you really want to impress a date. Will definitely go back and try another theme. Read more
Counter is exactly what the Charlotte food scene needed. As a self-proclaimed chef and foodie I struggle going out to... restaurants in Charlotte as more often than not I'm left saying "well I could have made this better myself at home". As aseason pass holder for the last two years I've never EVER left Counter disappointed. Chef Sam Hart provides such a unique andmulti-faceted dining experience I no longer feel the need to try other restaurants because each time I attend a Counter dinnerit's like I'm stepping into a new restaurant. Chef Sam's attention to detail is untouched, and this goes beyond the flavors onyour plate - from the utensils and dishes, the music paired with each plate and even the art on the wall - everything isselected with thought and purpose. Don't sleep on the drink pairings - alcoholic and non-alcoholic - you won't bedisappointed. I attended several dinners while pregnant and never felt like I was missing out on the wine my husband wasdrinking next to me (we usually choose the reserve pairing). Dietary restrictions? Chef will help cater to your needs andensure you have an amazing dining experience without feeling restricted. I'm so excited for the new concepts that will bedebuting in 2022 and recommend you book your dining experience at Counter now. Read more
We went to one of the Anomaly popups before Counter had a permanent location back at the beginning of 2020. We really enjoyed... the food and experience so we decided to choose it for our anniversary celebration this year. I made the reservation a whileago and was kind of nervous about dining inside with how bad the pandemic is right now. Luckily, it's a very small restaurantand there was only one other group dining at the same time as us (and of course the staff all had masks on). If you aren'tfamiliar, there is always a theme that changes every few months. All of the courses on the tasting menu are centered around thattheme and they pick music that goes with the theme and dishes as well. They plate each dish in the center of the seating areaand describe it for you. The theme right now is cinema. The whole thing was really fantastic. Our top two dishes were a scallopone and a pork belly one, but there wasn't a single one that wasn't delicious. It's a very expensive meal, but I think it's thebest dining experience in Charlotte. We won't be back all the time, but it's a great place to celebrate a special occasion.We'll definitely be back if there's a future theme we like. Read more
Chef Sam Hart is truly special. A Charlotte native who went to all the ?real places? to learn fine dining. He knows how to blend... continental European dining with really interesting East and South Asian flavors. His team is amazing. He curates what I thinkis the most interesting and expansive menu that Charlotte has to offer. I really am excited to see where his career goes to inthe next few years. Hopeful to check out his new restaurant and projects Oh, he really develops his staff. And showcases themand provides credit. He has the humility of a true North Carolinian! Read more