Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Cosmos opens in Ballantyne

Ballantyne got a much-needed addition to its nightlife scene last week with the opening of Cosmos Café – a sister location to the original uptown hot spot. Suburbanites who have been looking for an alternative to Ballantyne Village's Villa Antonio or the nearby On the Roxx, now have a new place to relax with a drink and enjoy a late-night meal.

The Scene: Cosmos owners Andy Kastanas and Gus Georgoulias are well known for raising the bar for uptown nightlife – and it seems they're aiming to do the same in Ballantyne. The new Cosmos' décor – the vision of Boris Tomic, who also designed the uptown location, Forum and Alley Cat – is striking. 


In keeping with the cosmos theme, a lighted panel along the ceiling is meant to represent a comet striking a planet. An elaborate centerpiece of jutting spikes and red drapery is the resulting explosion. Take a closer look at the large circular bar – the focal point of the restaurant – and you'll notice a resemblance to the rings of Saturn. 

Rich reds and coppers also add to the fiery atmosphere – an interesting juxtaposition to the restaurant's outside appearance: a farmhouse, thanks to its location in the new development The Village at Robinson Farm.

For now, managers say, the focus will be on the food rather than the bar. Entrees such as steak au poivres and lobster crab cakes range in price from $17.95-$27.95. But lovers of the uptown location's extensive martini list won't be disappointed either – it's all intact here ($8-$12) and managers are hoping to start drink promotions soon.

The Crowd: Because of its suburban location, expect a mostly over-35 clientele. GM Ahmad Mohammad hopes it will be a nightlife destination for nearby residents who come for dinner and stay for drinks at the bar or outside on the patio.

The Music: A mix of house and pop music, with a DJ spinning Friday and Saturday nights.

The Details: Open until 2 a.m. six days a week (1 a.m. on Sundays). 8420 Rea Road. 704-544-5268. www.cosmoscafe.com.

15 comments:

Ed Hardouchey said...

Me likey... need to find the new ex-wife.

Anonymous said...

You forgot one thing.....Parking! The complex has three restaurants and enough spaces for one restaurant. They do valet but it's a hassle. We went last week but left as soon as we saw the parking situation.

Anonymous said...

And you were nuts to leave just because of the parking - we live in charlotte - what do you except.

Been there twice already - EXCELLENT - FOOD IS AWESOME - The entire experience is worth parking at Stonecrest and walking!!!! HAHA

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!

Sara said...

I had no problem with the valet and there were plenty of spaces in the parking lot on Saturday night for those who did not want to use the valet service. Too bad you decided to leave. The dinner and service we rec'd was excellent and so were the drinks we had later. Great atmosphere and the decor was just beautiful You would never expect it to look like that on the inside with the farm house look on the outside.

Anonymous said...

It is in Blakeny, not Ballantyne.

Matt Philmon said...

I loved it. Tried it last night on my home. I've tried 2 of the 3 restaurants in there (not sure that Sweet T's is open yet) and have had no parking problems. The food was great and so was the atmosphere.

Vincent said...

The key notation here is that folks are opening new restaurants, and more folks are going to enjoy them...


That's a sign of the times economy reference people.

More power to ya Cosmos Cafe'....

Anonymous said...

all you old men better watch out i'm coming for your country women way out their in SC. Woohoo

Bryan Alexis said...

I'll give it a year and it will be a new location for Trader Joe's. Nothing like adding more police to the Blakeney/Ballantyne area to arrest all new new drunks on Rea and Ballantyne Commons Parkway.

Anonymous said...

Great place, my friends and I are closing the place down on the weekends!

Mary said...

A $34.95 "Kintaro Burger?" A 16oz patty of Kobe beef. Yikes.

Anonymous said...

I believe that Cosmos is located in Blakeney...Not Ballantyne. Give Blakeney some props

Anonymous said...

went saturday night the place was packed got a drink fast and a smile. great addition to BLT. will be back

Anonymous said...

Also went Saturday night, place was packed with a lot of good looking people! The guy in charge at the door{looks like Vin Diesel..lol) was real cool and let our friend in with what he was wearing but told us about their dress code, for the next time we come,which we WILL! Finally, a great place to go for our area! We had BLAST!!

Anonymous said...

Great place!!