2001 W Morehead St

First rate staff, very engaging and they've worked hard to tell a story with food and wine. Phenomenal. Food was fantastic. We went for the Titanic themed night, & it's obvious they did a lot of research, and experimentation!! They explained that one small bite we had (a bird's nest of crispy potatoes, other things, topped with wagyu beef tongue that was corned) took 9 months, 28 different iterations. That was one bite out of 10 dishes. The atmosphere creates a very connected experience - you're at the counter while they plate your dishes!

Second time here for the Titanic menu. Chef Sam is a culinary gem for the Charlotte community! His staff are clearly committed to their craft, and he seamlessly orchestrated the service with adroit timing and attention to detail. As he's done with other menus, Chef Sam pushes the envelope of flavor, ingredients, and technical cooking- thrusting his guests into new flavor experiences at every course. His Sous Chef, Christian and Pastry Chef Faith continue to demonstrate their imagination with their - roast duckling and duck proscuitto tortellini and a foie gras blueberry and oxalis eclair respectively. I cannot recommend Counter- enough. Book your spot, don't eat lunch, and arrive with an open heart. trust Chef Sam will guide you along through an epicurean story that'll have you reflecting on the dishes days after you've left the restaurant.

What an amazing experience. I was celebrating my significant other's 50th birthday and the Counter team made it very special. I am in world of event planning and took notice of every single detail, and let me tell you, they put thought and effort into the details. Our server quickly noted the crossword puzzle to help us get clued into what was in store. There were several cards on display that were later helped create the story telling of each tasting. Each tasting was themed to the global favorite dishes. It was very well told, served, and executed. Here are some thoughts coming out of it. -The experience overall is pricey, but they do have a couple of options to chose from and enhance the experience. Specifically, do you want the official counter experience (if its available because they sell out quickly) or do you want a more traditional dining room experience? The counter experience was sold out or else I would have reserved it. Initially I was slightly disappointed because the occasion deserved all the bells and whistles, but we were very pleasantly surprised by our experience regardless. -You can enhance the experience with truffles, DO IT! -You can add on a wine pairing experience with the private room service, DO IT. My "type A" personality made it complicated because I didn't know what we were eating, it is meant to be a surprise! I waited until the day of to figure out what to drink, so we ended up spending more money on a few glasses of wine as opposed to adding on the wine tasting upgrade at the time of reservation. They do allow you to add this wine pairing the day of, but we chose otherwise. The wine was great but just an afterthought I feel like I wanted to share. -The last thing I felt was important to share is that I wish I had gone sooner . All this said, it was such a special experience, celebrating one of the most special milestones in my friends life, I can't imagine anything being different.

Wish I could rate this higher than a 5 - a culinary experience that rivals any other I have had. I truly will remember it forever as it left such an imprint on my culinary heart. We went to the Divas dinner and the focus on making every detail women-focused was impressive. The wine, the music, the art and the food - the stories and knowledge the staff had on all of it was remarkable. The food is almost indescribable. Sam and his team have curated dishes that I could never imagine putting together - the flavor combinations are truly inspiring. We can't wait to go back!!

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.

We have been here twice - once for "Curry" and for "Titanic" Curry we liked more but you will be hard pressed to find another restaurant as inventive as this place. The staff is fantastic, the dining area is unique and the food is bold. The wine is overpriced but they make up for it in pairing and service of the wine. Best restaurant in metro Charlotte.

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!

This is an experience, and you are paying for the show component of the dinner as well. One feedback: It feels like the chef uses really high quality ingredients and puts them all together expecting it to taste even more delicious. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Sometimes, simplicity is better than bombarding a dish with 6 different items that should be showcased on its own. The creativity was fun and I would definitely recommend others to try this place at least once. The service was top notch and probably top 2 service in Charlotte. They even gave each of us a small cinnamon role to take home so that we could heat up in the microwave for breakfast. That was DELICIOUS. Of note-- the drink paring is extra and they have 3 tiers of options. One nice thing was that they have a non-alcoholic drink pairing as well. My husband said that the non-alcoholic pairing was better than their base alcohol pairing. I would consider going here again.

What a truly amazing experience, from start to finish, the first bite to adding to one of the art pieces to finish. Going out to dinner will never be the same. The story that is told through food and for this rendition of the menu, books. The chef tells personal stories of his life in each bite and sip. Watching the staff plate and cooking while sitting at the, "Counter," is truly mesmerizing. I would recommend to anyone who wants to try James Beard food and service. Congrats to the team at Counter, for giving me a memory I'll never forget.

Beyond words...14 courses of art, music and food that were all perfectly paired. My expectations were high because of the cost, but I had no idea they would be blown away. The food was delicious and beautiful- the stories, art and music complimented each dish. The plates, glasses, and utensils were all hand picked for each course. The wine pairing was on point! I probably will buy about every wine I tasted. Thank you chef Sam and your amazing team for what by far will be one of my favorite food experiences of all times.

How I Became a "Regular" - Revisited Continuing the Journey Since my last review, I have enjoyed approximately ten more meals at Counter, each visit further solidifying my status as a "regular." Chef Sam Hart continues to amaze with his culinary wizardry. His latest masterpiece, the "Drive Thru" course, is a whimsical yet sophisticated nod to American fast food, transforming familiar flavors into a gourmet experience. The Experience - Elevated Counter remains a beacon of gastronomic innovation and sensory delight. Each visit is not just about tasting food but experiencing it. Chef Sam's ability to intertwine visual and auditory elements with culinary excellence creates an immersive dining environment that transcends the ordinary. The Spirit-Free pairings, a new introduction, perfectly complement each dish, enhancing the overall experience without the influence of alcohol. Why I Keep Going Back - More Reasons Than Ever! My culinary adventures have led me to over 10 Michelin-starred restaurants, yet Counter holds a special place in my heart. Chef Sam has redefined fine dining in Charlotte, continually feeding my appetite for unique dining experiences. The "Drive Thru" meal, in particular, is a must-try for both newcomers and long-time patrons alike, showcasing the potential of what's next in the evolution of Michelin Star caliber dining in our city. I eagerly anticipate the day Counter joins the ranks of Michelin-starred establishments, a recognition it richly deserves.

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

Counter is an immersive dining experience unlike any other tasting menu. Chef Sam Hart--owner of Counter--takes you own a delicious 10 course food journey accompanied with sound. When my wife and I went for our wedding anniversary, we had the pleasure to experience their Cinema theme. I thought it was well-executed and thoughtful. Put simply, it was like an immersive exhibit but one where you can eat the art.

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 while ago and was kind of nervous about dining inside with how bad the pandemic is right now. Luckily, it's a very small restaurant and 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't familiar, there is always a theme that changes every few months. All of the courses on the tasting menu are centered around that theme and they pick music that goes with the theme and dishes as well. They plate each dish in the center of the seating area and describe it for you. The theme right now is cinema. The whole thing was really fantastic. Our top two dishes were a scallop one 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 the best 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.

Since there aren't many comparable experiences in Charlotte, I'll give them four stars. If Counter was operating alongside other fine dining restaurants in larger cities, probably three stars from me. The staff were wonderful: friendly, energetic, and working well together. The entire meal was executed at a great pace and the presentation was lovely. I also loved how they matched everything to a theme and enjoyed the playlist. Many of the dishes were good but a few were big misses for me. The potato paella was very salty, none of the desserts were to my liking, and the tomato banana pudding was vile (makes me ill just thinking about it). However, the Kahlo, scallop, crudo, and bread dishes were all great. Overall, it's worth trying out if you can afford it but if you've had the chance to dine at Michelin star restaurants in other cities, you'll find the price mismatched to the meal.

First you should know that chef Sam changes the entire menu based on a new theme every season. We were lucky enough to book the modern artist theme and what an AMAZING experience it was. Each course was truly a piece of art that in cases we'd rather take home and keep as an art piece rather than eating them. The most immersive dinning experience with extraordinary attention to details from dish designs to restaurant decor and even the music that you listen with each course. This is by far the most astonishing and educational experience I've had in any restaurant coupled with delicious food. Dishes are tremendously creative and you can easily tell how much time have been spent to design them.

I had high expectations of this event and was not disappointed. It was the premiere of Curried. The menu was developed over 2 years and the selection was like nothing I have ever had before. Ingredients and flavors were unique. I cannot say enough on how well everything tasted and was presented. If you get the chance to go you won't be disappointed. My reason for not giving a fifth star was ambiance. I felt the environment was a bit sterile. And since it was a premier night you could tell the staff was nervous. They seemed a bit preoccupied. When trying to engage them in conversation, you got them for a few seconds and then they would walk away. I know they have a job to do but part of this experience is theatrical. Looking forward to the next dinner in December.

Counter is one of those super unique dining experiences you hear about and desperately hope that it lives up to the hype. As someone who has been to restaurants similar to Counter with the interesting tasting menu and wine pairings and been completely disappointed, this could not be farther from that. I'm writing this review after being to Counter 3 times in the past 12 months - and it's gotten better every single time. I won't go too in depth with the menus offered (rotates every couple months based on the theme they are following), but they have been very inventive, have paired great with their wine tastings, and have not been the same each time I've gone. The experience is unmatched. The Chef not only has continuously improved his cuisine, he's also gotten noticeably better at playing "host" for the evening, walking the diners through the dishes, what inspired him, what to look for, and so on. I can tell that he has taken in feedback or is just paying very close attention to the diners as the evening goes on and he and the staff are very friendly and top notch. He also takes time at the end of each meal to introduce his entire crew for recognition and always makes sure he points out when a dish was partly or wholly conceptualizad by one of the team members! If you're worried about dropping a prettier penny than usual on a dinner and don't think this will live up to the hype, don't worry. It will.

WOW! Counter is an EXPERIENCE. Period. This review is from the "SLAY" dinner which focused solely on women and the boss babes that we all are! My close friend and I have had Counter on our radar for months! My friend is a local Chef and is super into all things "chefy", artistic and intentional. Counter is all of those things. We booked our dinner almost 3 months in advance, because it's pricey LOL. Once the date came around it felt like Christmas Eve. Counter is located in City Kitch and I believe it's the only restaurant inside City Kitch with seating. We were immediately greeted at the door by Sam # 1, he was amazing all night as well. Chef Sam (Sam # 2 apparently lol) was such a gem and wonderful storyteller as he shared intriguing information about each dish and Chef. He would take his time to chat with each table and he really makes you feel like part of the family. Their entire team was STELLAR!!! I never needed to ask for a thing, they anticipated every need and moved with precision as if they've practiced. It's really a sight to see! Kudos to the entire team for taking such great care of all of us. Next level service as well! The evening consisted of fantastic music from so many women I love; like Pink, Beyonce, Avril Lavigne, etc. We were in there jammin' and dancing the entire time, as we journeyed through history and fun facts about female Chefs and dishes they have created! Each course was curated on this theme and Chef Sam would talk you through each course. He also recommended that we add on the wine pairings and of course we did! It was the best advice because even the delicious wines were all from female owned wineries. #intentional #womenareamazing The food was superb, genuinely next level! I actually enjoyed every single thing we ate. They even substituted chicken breast for the pork dish for me. This was an artistic food journey and a show all in one. You have to go to really understand and I highly recommend you try it out at least once. This was an intimate crowd, perfect for a special occasion. Loved our dinner here! Can't wait to come back. #counterclt

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 !

To start, the food was incredible and the attention to detail was 100% noted. Perfecto to the presentation, sauces, food. The staff did a great job as well. My downgrade from 4 to 5 starts is that the chef's, while interactive, was not personable. He told his story of the food to the group, yes, he plated the food, yes, but when he plated he showed ZERO one on one personality. Like he c was comfortable putting on the show, but couldn't take the time to say anything personal when he was standing two feet in front of you pouring the finishing sauce on the meat for example. Honestly, very strange. The final blow for me was that his good buy parting words to the group, was that he asked us that if we enjoyed the service and wanted to do something extra, we could donate to one of his 3 selected charities. Mind you that my meal for two was $900 between the main meal, wine pairing, and caviar. To ask me to contribute to your charities is a huge pet peeve and turn off of mine. I have my own charities. Don't try to get me to ante up for yours. I won't return because of that. In summary, overall great experience but one and done. A little too impersonal and formal for me as far as the chef interaction. Atmosphere a little cold. Has potential but .... Lacking for me.

This was a great experience! Chef Sam and Team really do a great job of making every detail wonderful. From the presentation of dishes down to the music accompanying each dish. I'll be reviewing specifically for Counter's collab with Chef Nikko of Mansueta's Filipino Food. Chef Nikko did a great job of displaying Filipino food with a twist. The sisig made with mushrooms was our favorite. The fact that Chef Nikko can make what is normally a pork dish, from mushrooms and taste that good is talent. *Chef's kiss* While we're were there, I decided to do the wine pairing. I really enjoyed the knowledge and information provided by Chef Sam. You can feel the passion he has for food and wine. It makes the experience that much more enjoyable. We'll definitely be back.

Too much time spent on the "experience", not enough on the food. Chef wouldn't stop talking the ENTIRE MEAL. 5 minute breaks between every course for him to explain the food really made the meal borderline laborious to sit through.

Tonight we did date night to celebrate our anniversary. We tried this place and was very impressed. The food was great. The service was great. The music was great. The chef was there and presented each plate. The wine pairings and the nonalcoholic pairings were also delish. There were 10 courses of food and 3 courses for dessert. We left very full. The experience was pricey but similar to that of a Michelin Star experience. It was worth it. I've been to a good number of Michelin restaurants and this place definitely can run with the big dogs. The menu was so very eclectic. Everything was cooked to perfection. The play on words, music and art all represented in each dish was executed fantastically. The video of the deconstructed root beer float as the final dessert course did not make this post. But it was amazing. AND the chef somehow incorporated pop rocks and you could tell, but only when you ate it. They mentioned that there will be a "street fair" tasting coming soon. Without a doubt, we will be back.

I found out about this amazing restaurant from followTK (dot com) and learned that I could use my Chase Sapphire credit card points to pay for this dinner, wine, & tip making this essentially a FREE meal! (And the restaurant got paid!) It was a fabulous way to use our points. Honestly, if you like dinner with a show and some art thrown in, you'll love this super creative meal. Ours was a choreographed "Cinema" themed meal with story, light changes, and music to complement the dishes that not only looked amazing and on theme but tasted out of this world. This is NOT a fancy dinner in the sense of dress up and enjoy intimate conversation with your guest. It is being seated counter-style facing the show and something constantly going on for 2 hours. The plating of the food with a brief description of the sustainability or the rarity of the dish was beautifully done. This style of meal is well known in NYC, SF, and LA. Chef Sam and the team do an excellent job in their creation here in CLT. Counter- changes the theme up quarterly and has some pop-up themes as well to keep it exciting and fresh. Reservations are required and prepaid. If you are considering counter- know what you are getting into, they will knock your socks off with creative, thoughtful (and scientific) dishes that you will never find at any other restaurant in CLT. You are there for a show and it is well paced, delicious, and only experienced with a handful of people, so a fairly private event. I want a membership, Chef Sam, if you open up more spots! Thank you for bringing this to Charlotte. I wish you much success and cannot wait to come back.

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 a season pass holder for the last two years I've never EVER left Counter disappointed. Chef Sam Hart provides such a unique and multi-faceted dining experience I no longer feel the need to try other restaurants because each time I attend a Counter dinner it's like I'm stepping into a new restaurant. Chef Sam's attention to detail is untouched, and this goes beyond the flavors on your plate - from the utensils and dishes, the music paired with each plate and even the art on the wall - everything is selected with thought and purpose. Don't sleep on the drink pairings - alcoholic and non-alcoholic - you won't be disappointed. I attended several dinners while pregnant and never felt like I was missing out on the wine my husband was drinking next to me (we usually choose the reserve pairing). Dietary restrictions? Chef will help cater to your needs and ensure you have an amazing dining experience without feeling restricted. I'm so excited for the new concepts that will be debuting in 2022 and recommend you book your dining experience at Counter now.

My friend and I came for the street food experience. I want to start by saying that everything was really delicious. I really liked getting to try all different things. We also had the wine pairings which were perfectly matched. Double thumbs up. While this was easily the best meal I have had in Charlotte, what made it even better was they why behind what we were eating. Knowing how much effort is being put back into the community that absolutely needs it, along with the charity pop ups, I'm really looking forward to coming back again and not just supporting a great chef, staff, and restaurant, but one that stands for something more. In addition to all these great things, it was one of the first times I saw staff preparing dishes that didn't look stressed. Everyone was so happy and it was a welcome experience. The counter concept was pretty cool too. 6 stars. Oh also I have an annoying allergy and it was accommodated flawlessly and didn't take away from any of the dishes!

We actually loved every part of our time at dinner - every part was carefully thought out and executed, from pre-dinner wait to music before every course. It was dinner and a show. It is an interactive experience - this is meant to be shared with those around you and the artists/chefs themselves. We had the drive-thru themed dinner and loved every bit! Highly recommend. The folks were so happy and seemed to very much love their job and taking care that we had the best time. Thank you so!

Fantastic people, food and such a unique experience. So much personal interaction with a staff that is so personable, knowledgeable and invested in making your dining experience a one of a kind. The counter style seating makes interacting and viewing the staff at work is incredibly cool.

This is the best meal I've had in NC, and one of the best meals I've ever had. Everything and every detail - service, quality of ingredients, presentation, atmosphere, overall experience - was exceptional. It's expensive but considering the experience was on par with 3* Michelin restaurants that cost twice as much, the value is also exceptional. It is a tasting menu. They will accommodate virtually any dietary restrictions, but you're not going to know what's being served ahead of time. So, if you're not an adventurous eater, it may not be your thing. If you're looking for an amazing and memorable dining experience, you can't do better than Counter-.

What a fun, memorable experience that I highly recommend. The food was amazing with a well thought out menu along with the wine and spirit free pairings. The service was exceptional with a friendly, fun service. I live in Michigan, was visiting my daughter, and have never had such a unique and fun dining experience. Thank you, and I can't wait to return.

Amazing experience at Counter, the food is delicious and the service is top notch. I loved how the food was all based on a theme and that you learn as you enjoy the food. Will definitely be back!

The best restaurant in Charlotte. Unique concept that I've not seen anywhere. Will be coming back many times in the future.

This is hard one to review because there's some things I liked and others that just aren't my style. So before we get to the food, let's review the experience. It's a little bit theatrical dinner. If that's something you like, then this place will probably appeal. I however like my wife pretty decent and want to spend time talking to her when we're enjoying a $500 special meal. So the overall presentation of the night just isn't in our wheelhouse. Now, I would try this place again but I think I'd do as a group of 4 which is a less intimate setting and probably fit this place better. So the theme of this dinner was top chefs, so each dish is aimed at a version of some of the best chefs across the world and their famous dishes. Neat concept, not sure if the quality of the food can compare when my wife and I have eaten some of the dishes counter was trying to imitate. The pea dish was really good we had this night and there wasn't a bad dish served........ I also don't think there was a single thing I woke up the next day and wanted to eat again. Chef, seemed very cool and charismatic and did a good job of emceeing the night but as a whole, I felt like this place was a little gimmicky. This is another place I'd like to give a half star because it's a 3 1/2 star place

This dinner was amazing. Chef Sam is passionate about his love of Prince and worked some magic with this special menu. Every dish was perfection and the coordinating music was played exactingly. Everyone involved with our dinner was a professional through and through. Yes, the price is ridiculous and YES the experience is ridiculous. I came fully prepared to leave still hungry but did not! I will absolutely be back for another experience.

Let me be clear- my 5 stars are not because I enjoyed every single item I tried. Some I loved, some not so much. But as counter- is not a conventional dining experience, I think it would be unfair to evaluate it as such. Really counter- is part dining, part art show, and part science fair. Kind of a sensory experience. Despite not liking every menu item, I loved getting to try flavor combinations that I wouldn't otherwise. My eyes feasted on the innovative presentation. I could appreciate the music and choreography of service. Exceptional attention to detail here. Most of all, I had fun! Yes, it's pricey. But again, the value is in the experience as a whole, rather than just what's on your plate. I think counter- is something novel for Charlotte. It won't be everyone's cup of tea and it's not trying to be. However, if the idea of a more creative food encounter appeals to you, this is your place.

Thank you Chef Sam for bringing this gem to Charlotte! As others have mentioned the menu is theme based and changes, but what a wonderful experience. You would think that given the nod to the artistry of food, music, and art that the dinner would be somewhat pretentious, but given the warmth of Sam and the staff - it is far from that. I've dined at many fine restaurants but this experience was something different. What I think other reviewers fail to highlight is the quality of both the ingredients and the preparation. We'll be trying to get a season pass for 2024!

This restaurant is incredibly underwhelming. While they are definitely trying to be unique in a city that has no other similar restaurants, it's just okay. Chef Sam has a big ego. If you ask him, the restaurant is worthy of a Michelin Star. But it falls flat in many aspects. To start with, some of the staff has an attitude. They yelled at my husband and I that we came in the wrong door. Ummm, okay. Have better lighting and signage. Secondly, their decor felt like a bachelor pad with a hodge podge of flags from around the World. The food tasted just okay. The courses that we liked the best were from their one Asian chef. The rest were lack luster. The restaurant is trying really hard to be an Oriole (Chicago) or Alinea (Chicago) but it isn't. For the money, there are better options in Charlotte.

TL;DR -- Amazing, outstanding, stop reading this review and go make a reservation for whatever day and time you can find and make it happen! I was fortunate enough to attend the last service of Covered where Chef Hart does his own spin to pay tribute to 7 legendary Michelin star chefs. The experience outshines all of my previous tasting menu experiences (mostly in NYC) for two main reasons. *Note -- if you're looking for a review on taste of food, move on from mine. Everything tasted fantastic, you won't regret it. I just don't feel like getting into it because I think for the Counter, it's more important to form your own opinions and this restaurant has elevated itself from just serving food to serving you with an experience, so yours will be different from mine. Hence the reasons below focus on the experience rather than food. Reason 1, Immersive 360 show: The team put the heart and soul into developing a music playlist for the different courses, coming up with fantastic options for wine pairing if you so choose, and even enlisting local artists to cover their own favorite legends and showcasing their art on the walls. For dessert, they turned off the light and had a great time plating to the beat of the music, smashing different components so that it was not just a dish but a piece of art. Super fun to watch. The devil is in the details, even down to the menu and pencil which was engraved with the name of the theme. Reason 2, Behind the scene view: The plating is done right in front of you. Chef Hart does an amazing job to explain how he came up with the concept, why it's close to his heart, the reason for each dish, and why everything on each plate has a place. For example he talked about where the wine came from, who the person behind the wine is; he also talked about how many ingredients went into the jars a la royal sauce and how many DAYS it took to reduce to just the amount that was served to us. I absolutely love that because while I love food, I don't always understand. It makes me feel like I took a Masterclass on fine cuisine and a sneak peak inside a master chef's brain. At the end of the night, we got to meet the entire team. I am glad we got the chance to show them our appreciation because they perfected fitting so many components within 1.5hrs, working hard during prime dinner hours to serve up an experience for others. Everyone, especially Chef Hart and Chef de Cuisine, were very approachable. You can ask them any questions and not feel that you're being judged by snobby food elitists. (You know what I'm talking about. Honestly, sometimes it's not even the chefs, the servers at elite restaurants can be the worst!) What Chef Hart said at the end was also incredibly heartwarming. He's originally from Charlotte and has worked many gigs all over with the latest at Alinea in Chicago before opening the Counter. He talks about the lack of diversity he sees in the kitchen, which I think we can all agree (even if you haven't been in a restaurant kitchen, you've no doubt watched Netflix food shows), that the crew is usually composed of mostly white men. Chef Hart makes a special effort to invite people of all culture, ethnicity, and sexual orientation to create an inclusive staff. I'm really proud that we have a restaurant like Counter in Charlotte and he came back to establish the COunter here. I truly believe Chef Hart will make great strides in evolving the Charlotte food scene, educating every day diners, and influencing other chefs to rethink their choices inside the kitchen. Really excited to see that day happen.

Counter has been on my list of places to try. When the "Street Food" segment was announced, I jumped right on it! So happy I did. When you walk in the doors of Biblio, a hostess is their to greet you and check you in. He was super nice. I sat at the bar while I waited and was offered a complimentary glass of wine (which was delicious) while I waited for my section to be seated. When it was my turn to go back, I grabbed my glass and was guided down this beautiful hallway filled with butterfly artwork. Turns out, they were cutouts of albums played during their events. You tell them your name and they take you to your designated seat. I didn't originally have a wine pairing, but after the week I had, decided to go all in on the experience. Best decision made! All the wines were delicious and incredibly paired. From the music, to the wine, to the artwork, everything was expertly paired and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience! Can't wait to go back again!

My boyfriend and I went to for the "Aphrodisiac" event for Valentine's Day and it was quite the culinary show. Everything was carefully thought out and perfectly executed from service to food. Counter- now takes the reign for the best fine dining in the city because it is unlike any restaurant with its whimsical and playful approach to food. Chef Sam Hart worked at Michelin-star Alinea in Chicago and it shows... I also really appreciated that they could modify the tasting menu to any dietary restriction, as we are both pescatarian. On top of inspired food, they pair each course with a song and all events/ seasonal menus are themed. Every technique was perfectly executed and left me wanting more. Well worth the $$$$ and a must try for avid adventurous foodies. You will leave surprised. Thank you to the Counter- team for pulling this off we will be back!

We purchased the very first season pass to Counter- and have happily participated in every seasonal dinner since they opened. Sam Hart, Elinn Hesse, and the entire team create a very unique culinary experience. In short, they are bold. Are you going to love every single dish? Of course not, but you will never be bored. They will challenge your palate with beautiful and delicious food while entertaining you with kickass music.

We went for Here & Now and did the old and new world wine pairing, and this was one of the coolest restaurant experiences I have ever had in Charlotte. The food and wine were excellent, we loved the art, music, and history, and the entire experience was top notch. Highly recommend!

Please ignore all of those positive reviews and READ THIS FIRST: " The communication was terrible. I was originally told our reservations were at 8:15 pm, then 6:30pm (central time), then 7:30 pm. So I called them multiple times and they never answered (voice mailbox was full), so I emailed them. Never heard back. So we just played it safe and showed up at 6:30, only to be turned away because our reservations were, indeed, at 8:15. So they don't answer their phone OR their emails. " The food was so-so (and -so). And by this I mean some was "so good" and some was "so bad," and the portions were "so small." The theme of the season was Street Food and it tasted just like it sounded: food you'd buy on the street. Hardly worth the $235/person we were paying for the 14-course meal. By the time we were finished, I'd say we consumed the amount of a medium-sized regular meal. And, on a side note, they brought TWO people's food on ONE plate, so we had to SHARE from one plate. For $235/person, I think they could wash the extra plate. Also, the dessert course was horrendous. All 5-6 desserts were terrible. As a dessert lover, I didn't even think that was possible. " This is big: we assumed since this was a "pairing" meal, we would be experiencing wine paired with foods. And that's kind of true. What they do NOT tell you ahead of time is that the cost of the wine isn't included in the $235/plate! The top tier of 3 tiers was almost $400 PER PERSON and that was for a TASTING for each course. In all, I bet we consumed a total o 6-8 oz of wine. " The biggest surprise: tipping is included!! However, they ALSO don't tell you this ahead of time so the average person would have to tip HUNDREDS of dollars on top of the cost of the meal and the wine. Only to find out later that it was included. It IS buried in their website, but is vague and sounds like it pertains only to season ticket holders. " So we were expecting that our meal that was $235/person x 4 people would cost $940 (plus unnecessary tip) actually cost approximately $3,500!!! Unbelievable. " So we were all terribly unhappy (as I'm sure were many people there) and I wrote a review, much longer and more negative and detailed than this one. But to be fair, I emailed a copy of it to Sam Hart, chef and owner, just to see if he'd like to weigh in. He never ONCE apologized for the situation, and he also never DENIED any of the above. He did say, I'm sure in an effort to not let this review be published, that he would give us a $500 credit to their sister restaurant, Biblio. So I replied to that, saying I doubt we'd be going back, etc. Well, something I said must have made him mad because he then told me he was TAKING BACK the $500 credit!! Un.believable. " So my husband and I both decided the two words that describe this experience best are: disappointing (to say the very least) because of the poor quality of the food, and deceptive, due to the lack of information on wine/wine cost and on tipping. " By the way, this event occurred almost a month ago, on April 15, 2023, but it's taken me this long to write a calm, shorter, straightforward, factual review.

I will admit, after reading some of the coverage leading up to Counter's opening, I thought the whole music pairing concept was going to feel like a gimmick. But I was delightfully surprised. A reservation at Counter is equal parts fine dining, molecular gastronomy, performance art, story telling, musical journey, and cooking show. Of course none of that would matter if the food wasn't good. Luckily, they delivered the goods and it was fantastic. Counter is a very welcomed addition to the Charlotte food scene. I encourage you to give it a try before the secret gets out and it's impossible to get a reservation.

This place is so so fun for charlotte! Such an experience. Perfect for date night. Don't go here if you need to have important conversations over dinner, it's too interactive for that. I would always get the wine pairing and whatever course add-on they offer. Cannot recommend enough!

Counter- was a unique experience among restaurants I've dined at in Charlotte. There may be a couple of other restaurants with tasting menus now, but I'm sure there are none that pair their dishes with both fantastic wine choices and music! Chef Sam and the other staff were personable, helpful and friendly. We felt very welcome at Counter-, and quite enjoyed our experience. We purchased the standard wine pairing, and we were both quite happy with the quality and appropriateness of the pairings. We also purchased the truffle add-on, and our personal opinion is that while this additional course was tasty, unless you truly appreciate truffles (we know nothing about them), you may not find this addition to be worth the extra cost. I would definitely recommend Counter- for the hospitality, originality and quality of food. I'm looking forward to returning and trying the next set of innovative dishes!

Amazing!!! Can't even tell you how great the experience and food was. They did a great job with the mocktails and accommodating for vegetarians

Underwhelming is a compliment for how bad the food was coupled with the astronomical pricing. My reason for 2 stars and not zero was the service and effort. Chef Sam seems very passionate and he clearly puts in a lot of thought into his menus and concept. All that being said, the food was awful. The best analogy I could use to describe this place a like when a child say that they love chocolate and they also love pasta individually and therefor the two things they like must be even better when together. Out of a 14 course meal, I can honestly say the best course was the bread. Very disappointing as this was place has great reviews however I'm convinced that the people of Charlotte are so desperate to finally have a fine dining experience similar to one you may find in Spain, France or even a bigger city like NY that they are turning a blind eye to quality. For some context, I enjoy and have experienced great food whether it is at a Michelin Star restaurant or a hole in the wall neighborhood joint and sadly, this just simply doesn't meet the bare minimum standard. All this being said. Chef sam and his team work hard to provide a unique concept and it shows. Lastly, my bill was 654 dollars for a party of 2 which is something I am happy to pay for a meal that is memorable. This price tag for the very odd mixtures of food that didn't mesh and almost child like thought out menu was a tough one. I would not recommend. If you are looking for a unique experience or tasting menu, check out Bardo or for a more casual vibe with excellent quality, the sister restaurant VANA.