The service and food were nothing spectacular. Unfortunately I came here for my birthday and despite being told they’d make it special over the phone , there was nothing special about the evening. Not sure if it was because we were the youngest people there or because we didn’t order wine pairings, but we were not really spoken to or checked on by the server while dining. This is unfortunate because we did order a non-alcoholic drink each, and by the 3rd or 4th course we would have wanted to order a refill had someone stopped by to check. Additionally, while they did call beforehand to check in on dietary restrictions, during the meal it felt like they didn’t put much effort into making the updated dishes as great and seemed in most cases the substitutions were not comparable in taste or value. It would be a great challenge for them to make a menu where the vegetables are the star. For the cost, we did not feel that the experience was worth it or memorable.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Evan D
Dining at Counter- was a transformative experience, blending nostalgia with culinary innovation across a 10-course meal that left me in awe. Chef Sam Hart and team reimagined fast food classics into gourmet masterpieces, from a one-bite Crunchwrap Supreme to a final ode to The Varsity's "Frosted Orange." The attention to detail in the presentation and the knowledge of the sommeliers added layers of enjoyment. Highlights included a Sonic-inspired Cherry Limeade hamachi, McDonald's-inspired Filet o Fish, and a dessert course combining McDonald's Apple Pie with Dairy Queen's Blizzard. The intimate setting allowed for personal interaction with the chefs, making the meal not just a dinner, but an unforgettable experience. It's a culinary journey that's absolutely worth the splurge, showcasing the exciting food culture developing in Charlotte.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caviar
Sloan M.
Maneki Pop-Up at Counter was everything and more. Chef Kenny and the Maneki team showed OUT and shared why this is a foodies happy place. I had the opportunity to be at first setting of this concept and watched as they moved effortlessly through course after course. From vegetarian to meat options and soup. This was my first time at the Counter as reservations go as soon as they pop up. I used to frequent their sister Biblio before they closed and loved it. I am looking forward to the next pop up experience.
Emily G.
Counter offers such a unique and memorable dining experience that I truly cannot compare to anything else. My boyfriend and I went to Counter for Valentine's Day this year and we were truly blown away by the experience. I cannot recommend Counter enough
Lynne G.
Had an amazing evening at Counter for their "drive theme " dinner . Seven courses of wonderful interpretations of the greatest drive thrus I. America ! Music and decor were well thought out making the meal and experience. Hard to choose what course was the best . I loved the take on filet of fish and krispy crème but the crazy last dessert presentation made the evening ! Thank you Chef Same and team ! Can't wait to return !
David Short
This is the best restaurant in Charlotte, and it’s not remotely close. Actual fine dining, incredible service, and a well thought out experience for an evening all around. Could not recommend it more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
JetpackComics andGames
One of the top tastings we have ever done. Do not miss this experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kate
Over priced for what it is. We have paid less at Michelin star restaurants per person and liked every item on their menu every time. HOWEVER here, there were three dishes that we absolutely didn’t like. One of them was a “bloodless” blood sausage. That was #1 worst plate I have ever tasted at these chef experiences in my life. I almost threw up, no joke. Ruined my whole birthday night. Then, I had a bone in my rabbit dish, almost broke my tooth and it hurt so bad. The combination of everything I ate had my stomach hurting all night. The service was good and the chefs were nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Dennis Mooney
Ok how do you review an $800 per couple night. 13 courses of fabulous food. Seating is about 20 people seated at the same time in a U shaped counter facing the open kitchen. Chef Sam and his partner are outstanding. Totally enjoyable 2 1/2 hour dinner. Now the hard part. We did not have the wine pairing at $90 per person. We brought an expensive magnum for which they charged $90 corkage plus 20% service. The meal was a single price $575 per couple. We decided to add caviar because it was harvested on Germany 24 hours earlier. 4 of us shared it for $140. I had a small spoonful. Our friends ordered the truffles. $100 and I had 2 slivers.Bottom line. It was my wife's 60th and we totally agreed it was worth it for the experience and the food. The extras were way overpriced so don't feel any obligation to be upsold. Can't comment on the wine but we were told it was 1 oz pours. End of night 2 glasses for $90. If you choose the high end wines 2 glasses are $475.Did it once. That's enough. Worth it for a very special occasion
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Moe “Moe” Moe
Great overall experience! At times there were some foods that I was disappointed in, especially for the cost. Must note that the Mock-tails were out of this world!
Loved EVERYTHING about our experience! Thank you all for a terrific evening. Fond memories and looking forward to returning for another Archive experience soon. ❤️❤️Dietary restrictions: They'll accommodateWheelchair accessibility: Easy roll in if you're there for an Archive experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kevin C. Brinkman
All around great food/dining and experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Hudak
Excellent meal from start to finish, Excellent experience, highly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Zach M.
You go for the experience of fine dining in an intimate setting and tasting fresh, incredible, top notch-ingredients. It is pricey, yes. But if you are willing to splurge, it is worth every penny. Something like 10 courses, delivered promptly all paired with a unique flair. The menu changes constantly, but the chef always delivers. There is an optional wine-pairing as well or you can order by the glass/bottle. This is the closest thing to a Michelin experience in CLT. An absolute must try!
The service and food were nothing spectacular. Unfortunately I came here for my birthday and despite being told they’d make it special over the phone , there was nothing special about the evening. Not sure if it was because we were the youngest people there or because we didn’t order wine pairings, but we were not really spoken to or checked on by the server while dining. This is unfortunate because we did order a non-alcoholic drink each, and by the 3rd or 4th course we would have wanted to order a refill had someone stopped by to check. Additionally, while they did call beforehand to check in on dietary restrictions, during the meal it felt like they didn’t put much effort into making the updated dishes as great and seemed in most cases the substitutions were not comparable in taste or value. It would be a great challenge for them to make a menu where the vegetables are the star. For the cost, we did not feel that the experience was worth it or memorable.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Dining at Counter- was a transformative experience, blending nostalgia with culinary innovation across a 10-course meal that left me in awe. Chef Sam Hart and team reimagined fast food classics into gourmet masterpieces, from a one-bite Crunchwrap Supreme to a final ode to The Varsity's "Frosted Orange." The attention to detail in the presentation and the knowledge of the sommeliers added layers of enjoyment. Highlights included a Sonic-inspired Cherry Limeade hamachi, McDonald's-inspired Filet o Fish, and a dessert course combining McDonald's Apple Pie with Dairy Queen's Blizzard. The intimate setting allowed for personal interaction with the chefs, making the meal not just a dinner, but an unforgettable experience. It's a culinary journey that's absolutely worth the splurge, showcasing the exciting food culture developing in Charlotte.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caviar
Maneki Pop-Up at Counter was everything and more. Chef Kenny and the Maneki team showed OUT and shared why this is a foodies happy place. I had the opportunity to be at first setting of this concept and watched as they moved effortlessly through course after course. From vegetarian to meat options and soup. This was my first time at the Counter as reservations go as soon as they pop up. I used to frequent their sister Biblio before they closed and loved it. I am looking forward to the next pop up experience.
Counter offers such a unique and memorable dining experience that I truly cannot compare to anything else. My boyfriend and I went to Counter for Valentine's Day this year and we were truly blown away by the experience. I cannot recommend Counter enough
Had an amazing evening at Counter for their "drive theme " dinner . Seven courses of wonderful interpretations of the greatest drive thrus I. America ! Music and decor were well thought out making the meal and experience. Hard to choose what course was the best . I loved the take on filet of fish and krispy crème but the crazy last dessert presentation made the evening ! Thank you Chef Same and team ! Can't wait to return !
This is the best restaurant in Charlotte, and it’s not remotely close. Actual fine dining, incredible service, and a well thought out experience for an evening all around. Could not recommend it more.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
One of the top tastings we have ever done. Do not miss this experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Over priced for what it is. We have paid less at Michelin star restaurants per person and liked every item on their menu every time. HOWEVER here, there were three dishes that we absolutely didn’t like. One of them was a “bloodless” blood sausage. That was #1 worst plate I have ever tasted at these chef experiences in my life. I almost threw up, no joke. Ruined my whole birthday night. Then, I had a bone in my rabbit dish, almost broke my tooth and it hurt so bad. The combination of everything I ate had my stomach hurting all night. The service was good and the chefs were nice.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Ok how do you review an $800 per couple night. 13 courses of fabulous food. Seating is about 20 people seated at the same time in a U shaped counter facing the open kitchen. Chef Sam and his partner are outstanding. Totally enjoyable 2 1/2 hour dinner. Now the hard part. We did not have the wine pairing at $90 per person. We brought an expensive magnum for which they charged $90 corkage plus 20% service. The meal was a single price $575 per couple. We decided to add caviar because it was harvested on Germany 24 hours earlier. 4 of us shared it for $140. I had a small spoonful. Our friends ordered the truffles. $100 and I had 2 slivers.Bottom line. It was my wife's 60th and we totally agreed it was worth it for the experience and the food. The extras were way overpriced so don't feel any obligation to be upsold. Can't comment on the wine but we were told it was 1 oz pours. End of night 2 glasses for $90. If you choose the high end wines 2 glasses are $475.Did it once. That's enough. Worth it for a very special occasion
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great overall experience! At times there were some foods that I was disappointed in, especially for the cost. Must note that the Mock-tails were out of this world!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Best dining experience in charlotte.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loved EVERYTHING about our experience! Thank you all for a terrific evening. Fond memories and looking forward to returning for another Archive experience soon. ❤️❤️Dietary restrictions: They'll accommodateWheelchair accessibility: Easy roll in if you're there for an Archive experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
All around great food/dining and experience!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent meal from start to finish, Excellent experience, highly
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
You go for the experience of fine dining in an intimate setting and tasting fresh, incredible, top notch-ingredients. It is pricey, yes. But if you are willing to splurge, it is worth every penny. Something like 10 courses, delivered promptly all paired with a unique flair. The menu changes constantly, but the chef always delivers. There is an optional wine-pairing as well or you can order by the glass/bottle. This is the closest thing to a Michelin experience in CLT. An absolute must try!