New Dining Destination Coming to Uptown’s Former Bar One Space

Uptown Charlotte is welcoming a new dining destination next year as celebrated restaurateur Paul Manley prepares to open Packard Tavern at 222 S. Church Street — in the former Bar One Lounge space at Packard Place.

Manley, best known for Sea Level and Ace No. 3, is bringing a refined yet relaxed tavern concept to the street-level, 4,800-square-foot location. The space, which briefly housed Bar One earlier this year, offers a nearly turnkey kitchen and strong bones thanks to its historic architecture.

Honoring the History of Packard Place

Packard Tavern will occupy a building with nearly a century of character. Built in 1928 as a Packard automobile showroom, Packard Place still features rich walnut woodwork, brass accents, and curved booth-style layouts that add warmth and charm.

A Thoughtful Menu & Classic Cocktail Program

High Tide Hospitality is leaning into a menu that’s intentionally small, seasonal, and modern American.

• Executive Chef D.J. Ivey will lead the kitchen with a focus on familiar American style dishes 
• Beverage Director Azure Cassidy is curating a bar menu rooted in timeless cocktails — old fashioneds, martini’s, negronis, and other classics with a refined touch.

The vibe: elevated comfort without pretense.

A $500,000 Investment in the Space

The former Bar One Lounge provides a solid foundation, but Manley’s team is investing $500,000 to transform it into an inviting tavern experience. Updates by Southwick Architecture + Interior will include:

• New lighting and color palette
• A refreshed bar design
• Restored architectural details
• Two private dining rooms
• Comfortable seating throughout

MC Moore Construction is overseeing the buildout.

Why Uptown Makes Sense

Located between two hotels and steps from major attractions — including the future Beckworth Hotel, Spectrum Center, and the Carolina Theater — Packard Tavern is positioned to serve:

• Business travelers
• Hotel guests
• Charlotte locals 
• Uptown professionals
• Pre-event and happy-hour crowds

And with several cocktail-forward bars already surrounding it, Packard Tavern’s more laid-back, come-as-you-are concept — paired with its large, open space — fills a much-needed gap in the neighborhood’s dining lineup.

A Growing Portfolio for High Tide Hospitality

Packard Tavern is High Tide Hospitality’s first new concept since 2019, joining successful brands like:

• Sea Level (Uptown)
• Ace No. 3 (Belmont, Myers Park, Concord Mills, Uptown)
• The Waterman Fish Bar (South End)
  
  

With uptown seeing renewed investment and energy, Packard Tavern is poised to become a standout addition to the area’s dining scene. It shows continued confidence in the heart of Charlotte at a time when local restaurants are reshaping what Uptown can be.

As the center city welcomes new hotels, reimagined entertainment venues, and a surge of visitors, Packard Tavern adds a warm, welcoming hub where locals and travelers can gather. 

The blend of history, modern comfort, and Manley’s proven track record makes this one of the most anticipated openings of 2026 — and a sign that Uptown’s dining culture is entering an exciting new chapter.