A HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE
McNinch House Restaurant
The History
The property at 511 North Church Street was acquired by Vinton Liddell in 1891 for a sum of $3,000. It was on this very plot that Mr. Liddell erected the residence that now stands, becoming the home of the McNinch family for the majority of its existence.
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Samuel Sylvanus McNinch (1867-1929), the first of four successive Sam McNinches, held the esteemed position of Mayor of Charlotte from 1905 to 1907. Notably, President William Howard Taft visited during his trip to Charlotte for a celebration of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence on May 20, 1909.
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A legacy of political engagement was ingrained in the McNinch family, with Franklin Alonzo McNinch (1841-1893), a veteran of the Civil War and Sam McNinch's father, setting the precedent.
Serving 3 terms as Charlotte's chief of police and garnering respect as a trial justice for 15 years, he was a founding figure in the Pioneer Fire Company and later elected chief of the Volunteer Fire Department.
Following the passing of S.S. McNinch (Sam the First) in 1929, 1 of his 4 children, Miss Mattie McNinch, remained unmarried and resided in the home until 1978. McNinch House Restaurant founder Ellen Davis then purchased the home and worked tirelessly toward its restoration. She was a dynamic entrepreneur who operated several businesses. Ellen officially opened the McNinch House Restaurant in 1989.
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McNinch House
Embodying the authentic Queen Anne/Shingle architectural style, the Liddell-McNinch House garnered acclaim during Mecklenburg Country Landmarks Commission's Fourth Ward Preliminary Survey in March 1975. Deemed by participants as the quintessential representation of this style in North Carolina, it now proudly graces the National Historic Register. Adorned with shingles on the upper portion, clapboards below, and a meticulously patterned slate roof, its exterior features a harmonious fusion of towers, wings, gables, and inviting porches, topped with an elegant eyebrow window.​
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Inside, the craftsmanship is a testament to Victorian artistry, with intricate, richly molded woodwork adorning both levels of the residence. Under the guidance of the esteemed architect Mr. Karl Bitter, renowned for his work at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, many of these designs, including the exquisite, coffered ceiling in the Library, were replicated. The residence boasts 10 tiled fireplaces, with a distinctive 3-way fireplace serving as a focal point, connecting the foyer, library, and dining room, adding both warmth and architectural allure.
Awards
Triple A: Four Diamond Award 1998-2022
Wine Spectator: Best Restaurants for Wine 2011-2018, 2026
Wine Enthusiast: Award of Distinction 2008-2009
Charlotte Magazine
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Charlotte's Most Romantic Restaurant 2020, 2022
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14 Best Restaurants in Uptown Charlotte 2019
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10 Best Restaurants in Uptown Charlotte 2018
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14 Best Restaurants in Uptown Charlotte 2017
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50 Best Restaurants in Charlotte 2011, 2015-2019
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Charlotte's 25 Best Restaurants 2011, 2015-2019
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100 Best Dishes in Charlotte 2010
Zagat
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Best Restaurant Service in Charlotte 2016
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Best Restaurant Decor in Charlotte 2016
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Most Romantic Restaurants in Charlotte 2016
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Best Restaurants in Charlotte 2016
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Top "Extraordinary" Restaurants in Charlotte 2016-2017
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Charlotte's Most Romantic Restaurant 2016-2017
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America's Best Restaurants: 15 Top Rated Spots 2013
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Charlotte's Top 10 Restaurants 2011
Open Table
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Charlotte's Highest Rated Restaurants 2022
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Notable Wine List 2019-2020
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Special Occasion 2019-2020
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Best Ambience 2019
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Best Service 2019
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Top 100 Restaurants in the U.S. 2017
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100 Most Romantic Restaurants in the U.S. 2014-2015
Meet The Team
Brozdan Elliott
Executive Chef
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Sydney Clark
General Manager, Events Coordinator
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Michael Siler
Lead Server, Wine Steward
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Mitch Clark
Owner
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Dee Dee Clark
Owner
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Ellen Davis (1938-2023)
Founder
Ellen Davis was a trailblazer. The Charlotte, North Carolina native was a pioneering businesswoman and the driving force behind McNinch House Restaurant. After purchasing the historic Queen Anne-style home from the McNinch family in 1978, Davis spent a decade restoring the landmark. She opened the McNinch House Restaurant in January 1989, and – primarily as a self-taught cook – served as the restaurant’s first chef. She said at the time, “I’m living my dream.” The restaurant was her passion. Her legacy and impact within the Charlotte community will live on forever.
Anthony Wesley (1949-2024)
Sommelier
Anthony "Wes" Wesley's 22-year tenure at McNinch House leaves behind a legacy of excellence and dedication. His curated wine lists, recognized by esteemed publications like The Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator, elevated the dining experience. Beyond his contributions, Wesley's warmth and hospitality made him a beloved figure in the community. He leaves behind a lasting impact on the countless guests whose lives he touched.