Whether you feel safe dining out or are still seeking takeout options, we’ve chosen a handful of the spots doing business as COVID-friendly as they can. When dining in, we prefer a window/outdoor option — but sometimes it is hard to stomach things in this HEAT.

Goodyear House
*still offering curbside!

Walking up, we were greeted with all parties masked up. Their absolutely beautiful space allows social distancing with ease. I am a huge fan of establishments with the cozy ‘backyard’ feel! Outback was at capacity, so we sat inside with a mini, individual garage door nearby. Once the rain let up, we were slowly one with nature again!

When the bread arrived, I knew the rest of the meal would continue to be delicious. We split the Crab Fried Rice, Loaded Potatoes, and Cashew Macaroni. All stellar choices! The rumor about their French fries = facts, some of the best around. Goodyear House can be ideal for really any type of outing.

Lincoln Street Kitchen and Cocktails

We frequent Lincoln’s QUITE a bit, but they rolled out yet another reason to check them out. You can wine and dine yourself over wagyu, salmon, fancy cocktails, rooftop dining — but you can also join them every Tuesday and Wednesday for their dine-in $9 burger options!

The House BLT Burger & the District Burger (which I LOVED) are available. Caramelized onions, fontina cheese, arugula, romesco sauce, and Verdant Bread sourdough brioche bun. Both served with their fantastically crisped herbed potatoes. Tuesdays they have 1/2 priced wine bottles and Wednesdays are $8 classic cocktails. Connected to them, Craft, also has select $3 taps on Tuesdays and $6 cheese / $6 meat boards on Wednesdays.

Indaco

Forever impressed with Indaco’s rotation of ingredients/menus — so how they are handling the pandemic is great. We had our temperature taken before heading to our table. Did you know their patio is dog friendly?! Sipping awesome drinks with a burrata starter with my doggos at my feet is IDEAL.

Their Wood Roasted Half Chicken was insanely tender and full of flavor. The agnolotti with corn and tomatoes was a dish I may not have traditionally ordered, yet SO glad I did! The desserts were equally as enjoyable as everything else, especially the service. I luck up with Christian every time.

Bardo

Sanitizer and more sit outside the doors of bardo waiting for you to arrive! If you are lucky enough, the very corner table opposite side of the bar yet closest to the kitchen is prime real estate here! The atmosphere is beautiful and it is so intriguing watching these folks at work. The crustacean dish is clearly art in the making, and the cocktails by Amanda be Mixing are consistently amazing.

We started with beef tartare, shared the Sous Vide Short Rib, and ended with the Summer Corn dessert. While bardo is a unique dining experience menu wise, it is easy to feel at home. The bartenders are open to more than just the options presented. The open kitchen/bar invites you to admire folks in their craft before indulging.

Chef’s Kitchen CLT

We discovered Chef sharing a corner with Hoppin’ and have been ordering ever since! I love a simple ordering system, literally just click the link in his Instagram bio and pick what time we want to pick it up. You cannot go wrong here! We’ve had seafood macaroni (even added chicken), lobster ravioli, chicken Alfredo, and added crab cakes + scallops every order I believe.

Highly recommend following his moves on Instagram. We have yet to check out the meal prep options, but he also does catering! The menu is truly endless and I look forward to placing another order ASAP.

Livy’s Neapolitan

An exciting day for all, Heist Brewery and Barrel Arts location now houses Livy’s Neapolitan Pizzeria! There are about 12 different styles including one special, with size options of 12” or 18”. The Carnivoro was super delicious! With San Marzano pomodoro, prosciutto di Parma, calabrese, sweet Italian sausage, mozzarella, provolone, shaved Parmesan, and Calabrian chilis. YUM.

The special this week is the Americano – which tastes precisely like cheeseburger pizza, LOVED. Seasoned ground pork, sharp aged cheddar, tangy pickles, sriracha mustard, red onions, San Marzano pomodoro. Loved how quirky this ‘za was and how they nailed the flavor! There are a handful of Heist Classics available as well, so you know we got the Beer Cheese.

Fox and The Hound

Does reading that alone bring back memories for you? I spent a lot of time at the Birkdale location growing up and we always had a BLAST! We were invited back and we pigged out a lil bit. I forgot how much I LOVE food like potato skins and chili platter nachos. The most beautiful nacho presentation as of late for sure with great taste to match!

Another awesome pizza to add to your lists is Fox and The Hound’s Chicken Bacon Ranch pizza. Hefty slices with chunks of tomato, chicken, and bacon. Beautiful cheese pull, delicious taste. The Dilemma is their fried chicken, bacon, cheese, and egg sandwich – also great! Got a bit too cozy in that booth with our beers. Gary took great care of us!

Roy’s Kitchen & Patio

A wonderful addition to the neighborhood of NoDa! Rotisserie chicken, island inspired drinks, and more await you at Roy’s. Eyes on the prize — there is jerk shrimp with house made seasoning and sauce with peppers. Phenomenal!

The collards are cooked in savory chicken bone broth and stood out with a lil heat kick. The empanadas are as good as they are beautiful. The rotisserie chicken can be ordered 1/2 or a whole bird, with the only correct choice being whole. Juicy, tender, savory flavor. Some of the best in the city for sure! Enjoy their back patio as well, extremely chill vibes.

We will keep updating this as we dine out. Feel free to drop restaurant suggestions you feel deserve a visit amongst Covid-19!