10 Hot Openings for Your Summer Bucket List | Listen

By: SophieBaker

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From ivy-covered wine pubs to rooftop Mexican cantinas, these 10 restaurants sit at the top of our summer bucket list.

For many, summer means sandy shores, backyard cookouts, and the warm embrace of sun on skin. Here at The Local Palate, we’re leaning into the summertime by celebrating 10 restaurants that have recently opened their doors across the South.

NÀDAIR | Atlanta

A tribute to his Scottish heritage, James Beard finalist Chef Kevin “Red Beard” Gillespie created the concept of NÀDAIR. Inspired by the vistas of Scotland and the intrinsic interwoven nature of the landscape, Gillespie represents the intentionality behind NÀDAIR’s menu. Patrons can choose between a four-course prix fixe menu or six-course tasting menu with “reimagined Scottish” dishes like softly-cooked Wild King salmon with roasted beets and wood-oven haggis with grilled turnip salad. Be sure to book your table ahead of time, as NÀDAIR is reservation only.

Junto and Bar Kapu | Bentonville, Arkansas

Brewing in the lobby of Motto by Hilton are two sister establishments, Junto and Bar Kapu. Junto presents a modern Japanese menu mastered by chef Masa Hamaya that contains a selection of freshly made sushi, sashimi, and nigiri.

After omakase, stroll across the lobby to Bar Kapu, a tropical bar with fruity tiki-themed drinks and Southeast Asian shareable plates.

B100M | Miami

New to bustling downtown Miami, B100M is a unique fusion of the incredible minds of culinary director J.D. Hilburn, chef Maykel Vargas, chef Alejandra Espinoza, and chef Yasu Tanaka. From sunup to sundown, B100M transforms to meet the needs of the hour.

Ceviche Jipijapa at B100M, one of our hot 10 restaurants — B100M, Cotoa

Morning guests can expect to grab a Coast Roast coffee or energizing juice from the coffee bar. At lunch the bar shifts into Shade, the restaurant’s designated cocktail bar with a selection of panini, salads, and sushi.

Chef Espinoza’s Cotoa, her specialized Ecuadorian dinner menu, highlights rave favorites like Ecuadorian pizza, guaguas, and maduro con queso to round out the evening.

Arriba Abajo Rooftop Cantina | Austin

Situated on the fourth floor of the Thompson hotel, this rooftop cantina knows how to party. Named for Mexico’s most popular toast, Arriba Abajo draws flavor inspiration from Oaxaca to Yucatán. Don’t miss dishes like milanesa de pollo or mouthwatering pulled carnitas with nopal. Find your way to Tambien, the mezcaleria, for favorites like the Hola Barbie with vodka, hibiscus, grapefruit, cucumber, and yuzu lime soda or a prickly pear margarita.

Coral Club | Nashville

Coral Club offers a relaxed cocktail lounge experience developed by Aaron and Matthew Izaguirre, Kristopher Esqueda, and Brice Hoffman. Dive into the tropical menu with drinks like the Rosé Paloma, a refreshing blend of dry rosé, salt, and grapefruit, or the Côte d’Azur, a mix of brandy, blanc vermouth, apricot, pineapple, lime, and absinthe.

Kicking back in the Coral Club is easy with the relaxed coastal interiors and warm mood lighting. Whether you’re sipping your drink in the Main Lounge, Sun Parlor, or Rooftop Patio, be sure to order some of the delicious snacks available like black truffle popcorn, Mediterranean chips with Iberico salchicha and aioli, and more.

Marbled & Fin | Charleston

A seafood tower at Marbled & Fin, one of our hot 10 restaurants — Marbled & Fin

Located in downtown Charleston, Marbled & Fin pushes the boundaries of traditional fine dining with their intentional menu. Featuring premium cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and a globally sourced drink menu, there is something to satisfy every palate. Relax in the sleek modern interiors adorned in bronze accents and flush greenery that offers an elegant, cozy dining experience. Eye catching entrées include the bone-in Duroc pork chop with pork jus and crispy-skinned okra king salmon with a velvety beurre blanc and smoked roe.

Copper Vine Wine Pub & Inn | New Orleans

Copper Vine is a wine pub shaking up tradition one wine flight at a time and their 11-room inn is set to open later this month. Approachable for novice wine tasters, Copper Vine’s wine menu contains 30+ wines to sip in house, and an even more extensive cellar wine list with over 70 bottles.

Chef Amy Mehrtens pairs these bottles with a delicious menu inspired by flavors from the Caribbean, Europe, and the South. Try notable dishes like the cajun caviar deviled eggs with chicken skin cracklin’ or smoked duck and andouille gumbo.

Current Charcoal Grill | Birmingham, Alabama

Current Charcoal Grill is an Asian fusion experience that is thoughtfully constructed and sustainably produced. Equipped with a constantly evolving menu, must-try dishes include soft and savory steamed bao with pompano katsu and a bold Cantonese-style roasted duck with scallion salad.

Inspired by the depths of the Pacific Ocean, the interior of the restaurant features tall, airy ceilings and dark, earthy tones. True to the restaurant’s name, the kitchen uses a grill stocked with Binchotan charcoal to honor traditional Asian grilling styles. For all the sushi lovers out there, Current has a mindfully curated raw bar, with selections like bar jack nigiri, snapper tamaki, and Hunan-style beef tartare.

Pullman Market | San Antonio

Pullman Market, one of our hot 10 restaurants — Pullman Market

Earning the title of the largest culinary market in the Southwest, Pullman Market is hard to beat with four full service restaurants, a whole animal butcher, sourdough bakery, specialty grocer, and five quick service eateries.

Located in the charming historical landmark Pearl, Pullman Market offers a close knit dining experience centered around community. Supporting local businesses is easy with over 150 Texas vendors and locally sourced retail goods available in the specialty market. From delicious ice cream shops and dessert bars to wood-fired pizza and upscale dining establishments, you’ll find a new corner to explore every time you visit.

The Matador | Charlotte

Inspired by Mexican haciendas, the Charlotte location of The Matador is bursting with rustic charm and delicious cultural cuisine. Grab brunch and savor the horchata French toast or chorizo benedict with chipotle hollandaise. Or, share a date over poblano carnitas or a vegetarian beyond burrito.

Stop in for Top Shelf Tuesdays to try something (half-off!) from their massive tequila selection or indulge in specialty cocktails like the Strawberry Tequila Lemonada or the Chipotle Margarita.