Tom E.
Yelp
Dot Dot Dot (which I will refer as DDD throughout the review) is a members only speakeasy in the back of the Park Road Shopping Center. I have been trying to go here since they have opened, but timing and the pandemic had slowed things down considerably- since living in Denver made it more difficult for frequent visits. All I can say is, I am glad I finally made it.
I would like to start out that during the pandemic, they started making to go cocktail kits, which were an awesome idea. When it first started, I ordered some kits for my BIL to pick up, and he absolutely loved them- I think specifically the Old Fashioned kit. They have a very active IG page (dotdotdotclt) where they have the run down on everything, including their page to order and pick up kits and other merch. If you like cocktails, I suggest it- it comes with everything sans the booze.
Speaking of booze, I really hate that I never came here when I was a drinker, as I would have probably emptied the bar. Also, take note they have days where they "break even" on special bottles of booze, so if there is something rare you are wanting to try, this would be a great opp to do so.
When I came for my actual visit, I had been eyeing the reservations all day. But since I literally just drove through Zeta and it sure as hell hadn't cooled off any (more like steamed up), my wardrobe wasn't the finest (I was wearing shorts). With that being said, I didn't want to get a reservation only to be turned away, so right at 5PM, I went up with my BIL, and went for it, and thankfully, the gentleman up front let us through. We then walked down a dark hallway and was greeted by Stephen, were he gave us a fancy table to sit at. We had the option to sit at the bar, but it is tough to stare at 100s of bottles you cannot drink (that sobriety life eh).
James, our server, had greeted up shortly after. He was fantastic. He told us about the wifi, and to use it to help download the 15 page menu on the phone. That definitely helped! They mostly have share plates, and we decided to get 4- the roasted carrots, the crispy mushrooms, the ravioli, and the scallops. To drink, I asked if they made mocktails, and I told James I liked bourbon a lot, so something down that alley. He suggested a few flavors, and I thought sure!
One thing I did notice, even the mocktails are photogenic here! It was fun watching them make them at the bar as well- there was even a blue like drink they made under the lighting, it almost reminded me of that gold treasure in the beginning of Raiders Of The Lost Ark just sitting there, on its pedestal- regal, and mystical, to say the least! My first mocktail, whatever was in it (notes of ginger), was fantastic.
The food came out as it was prepared (we told em whatever is easiest!). The fried mushrooms, were meaty, and seasoned great. The ravioli, was tasty, and even had sauce leftover, so James brought us grilled bread (excellent on its own, btw) to help mop up leftover sauce, nice touch. The carrots, while tasty, were probably the least favorite out of everything, if I had to rate. Maybe it is because they were the healthiest. The scallops, were huge, and seasoned to the nines. I liked them a lot. The risotto that came with them was cooked al dente. Another thing I noticed, they used a lot of dill- which is a herb I am not typically a fan of, but they made it work. So kudos!
At this point, I asked for another mocktail, and told James to surprise me. I also ordered the neapolitan verrine for dessert, and looked like a drink in its own. I scarfed both of them. To pay, they use a mobile device thing, along with other precautions (everyone had gloves and masks on, tables were spaced out, and limited amount of patrons, hence the strict reservation policy). All in all, the overall experience was fantastic. The staff, food, and drink were all excellent. This was one of my favorite dining experiences I have had in Charlotte, and I have had quite a few over the years. I am so glad to be considered a member. Keep up the great work, team DDD!
