The holiday decorations are down, the Panthers season is (mercifully) over, and we are all collectively looking for an excuse to get out of the house without blowing the newly set 2026 budget.
Right on cue, Queen's Feast: Charlotte Restaurant Week returns from Friday, January 23 through Sunday, February 1, 2026.
You know the drill: dozens of Charlotte's best restaurants offer special 3-course prix fixe menus for a great price ($30â$55). It's the best time of year to try that spot you've been eyeing in South End or revisit an old favorite in Dilworth.
But Scoopers, you know we aren't just here to tell you that Restaurant Week is happening. We're here to tell you how to win it.
We found a way to stack discountsâa "double-dip," if you willâthat turns a good deal into financial wizardry. đ
The Secret Sauce: The Amex x Resy Connection
If you carry an American Express Platinum or Gold card, you are currently sitting on free dining credits that just reset for the new year. It's called the Global Dining Access by Resy benefit.
A lot of people forget they have this, and that is a tragedy. Here is the breakdown:
- đł Amex Platinum Holders: You get a $100 statement credit every quarter to spend at eligible Resy restaurants. Since it's January, you have a fresh $100 waiting for you right now.
- đł Amex Gold Holders: You get a $50 statement credit semi-annually. You also have $50 ready to burn right now (JanâJune bucket).
Here is the play: You need to find the specific restaurants that are participating in Queen's Feast AND are part of the Amex Global Dining Access program.
When you dine at these unicorns, you get the discounted 3-course menu, pay with your eligible Amex, and boomâthat $50 or $100 credit hits your statement a few days later.
The "Double-Dip" Short List: 2026 Menu Highlights
We did the tedious part and cross-referenced the official Queen's Feast list with the Global Dining Access roster. Then, we stalked their menus to tell you exactly what to order.
Here are the best spots to execute this hack:
1. The Crunkleton (Elizabeth)
- The Deal: $55 Prix Fixe ($100 Platinum / $50 Gold Credit eligible)
- The Vibe: Dark wood, leather booths, and the best antique spirit collection in the city. A true Charlotte classic.
- What We're Eyeing: Start with the Duck Flauta with turnip and radish salpiconâit's rich, crispy, and bright. For the main, skip the safe choice and go for the Crispy Pork Belly over grits with Brussels sprout salad. If you just need a burger, their legendary Wagyu Burger (with truffle aioli) is on the menu.
- Dessert: The Warm Beignets dusted in powdered sugar are non-negotiable.
2. Puerta (Elizabeth)
- The Deal: $55 Prix Fixe ($100 Platinum / $50 Gold Credit eligible)
- The Vibe: Just down the street from Crunkleton, this is elevated Mexican cuisine in a stunning, vibrant setting. One of the hottest reservations in town.
- What We're Eyeing: This menu is stacked. The Blue Corn Masa Gnocchi (vegetarian) with roasted poblano cream is a unique standout for an appetizer. For the main, the Chicken al Pastor Ballotine with pineapple guajillo glaze and Oaxacan mole is a showstopper.
- Dessert: Do not leave without trying the Cuatro Leches Cake with macerated strawberries.
3. Dilworth Tasting Room (The Trio!)
- The Deal: $45 Prix Fixe ($100 Platinum / $50 Gold Credit eligible)
- The Vibe: The patio kings of Charlotte. You can use this hack at all three of their locations: Dilworth (the OG garden), SouthPark (sleek & modern), and Plaza Midwood (immaculate vibes).
- What We're Eyeing (Plaza Midwood Menu): Their famous Whipped Ricotta with hazelnut dukkah and honey is available as a starterâabsolute perfection. For a hearty winter main, grab the Short Rib Orecchiette with parmesan.
- Dessert: The Pistachio Cheesecake with kataifi pastry is texture heaven.
View Queen's Feast Menus:
Plaza Midwood Location âSouthPark Location â
4. Rosemont Market and Wine Bar (Elizabeth)
- The Deal: $55 Prix Fixe ($100 Platinum / $50 Gold Credit eligible)
- The Vibe: The ultimate neighborhood hangout. Refined comfort food that pairs perfectly with wine.
- What We're Eyeing: Kick things off with the Braised Short Rib & Mahon Arancini served with romesco sauce. The Pan-Roasted Salmon with lentil & quinoa tabbouleh is a lighter, fresh main option.
- Dessert: If you have a sweet tooth, the S'mores (chocolate cake with toasted marshmallow and fresh Mandarin orange) is the move.
5. Yassou Greek Kitchen (SouthPark)
- The Deal: $50 Prix Fixe ($100 Platinum / $50 Gold Credit eligible)
- The Vibe: Transport yourself to the Mediterranean without leaving SouthPark. Bright, airy, and incredibly authentic.
- What We're Eyeing: You can't go wrong with the classic Avgolemono Soup (chicken, egg, lemon) to start. For the main event, the Pastitio (oven-baked pasta with beef sauce and bechamel) is essentially Greek lasagna and pure comfort food.
- Dessert: Finish with Portokalopittaâa traditional Greek orange cake soaked in citrus syrup.
Your Game Plan
- Check Your Card: Log into your Amex app and go to the "Benefits" tab. Ensure you are enrolled in the Global Dining Access by Resy benefit (you often have to click "Enroll" once to activate it).
- Book Fast: These tables will vanish now that the secret is out.
Book your table at one of the spots above for dates between Jan 23 â Feb 1.
- The Payment: When the bill comes, pay with that specific Platinum or Gold card. The statement credit usually appears within a week.
Go forth and dine well, Charlotte! đ´â¨