Kream Tapas Bar and Grill

Had family in town to celebrate a birthday and we specifically chose this restaurant to try as it was a newly opened black-owned restaurant.The atmosphere inside is clean and great for a special occasion. There looks to be a private room in the back for an even more upscale dining environment. We were here on a Saturday afternoon and it did seem rather dark in some areas so we chose a table closer to a little light.The service was definitely the best part of our experience. Our server was Nikita and she definitely made sure to take care of us and was friendly the entire time. It was also clear that the owner wanted to ensure we had a good experience, and was appreciative of our business, which does go a long way!Our meal started off strong with a great deal on margaritas for only $6! The Fry's deviled eggs were also interesting but very good. The menu has a decent variety to choose from for everyone in our party although it didn't really seem like tapas-style dining - just regular classic dining.There were a few things with opportunity for improvement and I would be happy to share those with the establishment as well, because we'd to have an even better experience once some of the kinks may be worked out. Every business takes some time to get up and going, so we hope to come back again, especially during a time when they have music playing - live or DJ

I try HARD NOT to give 1-star reviews and definitely not to a black-owned business, but I just walked out PISSED!I called the restaurant ahead of time to inquire about the menu and if reservations were needed. The item I really wanted was on the lunch menu and not able to be made special for me for dinner but the warm demeanor of the gentleman who spoke to me convinced me to say to my husband that we should try the spot he found on IG.We arrived and I was super excited that a Black-owned restaurant was in such a prime location in Carolina Place Mall. It went downhill from this point. Our server, Brie (like the cheese), was super sweet. She disappeared for a moment and someone else came over to tell us all the menu items that were NOT available, one of which I was excited to try. The menu seemed extensive but once explained, there were only a few items available. We placed our drink, appetizer and entree orders. We waited. We waited. And, we waited. Finally, Brie, our server who was also the mixologist, made our drinks. My husband is a connoisseur of old fashioneds (disclaimer) and this one did not measure up. My lemon drop was decent.We waited so long that we asked for our check. So, I cannot give a review of any food. We didn't get to eat and are now on the hunt to find dinner. One and done! And that pains me to say as a fellow Black business owner.

Got to check out Kream last Friday night while visiting Charlotte. Kream is nestled outside Carolina Mall, but the bright white sign of "Kream" will guide you in. I didn't see the host at first as I grabbed a menu, but she saw me and tried to get my attention. I must have missed it as she roughly took me over to a table and then to another one. Thankfully, the rough start to service quickly changed as my server Brie, yes, like the cheese, greeted me and took my order. I wasn't drinking that evening, so I stuck to water. I decided to order some lemon pepper wings and collard greens as I wasn't super hungry.As I waited for my food, I took in the wrap around bar, tv screens, and the overall chill vibe. I was actually surprised that there were not more people as it was only 10 pm and not too cold, but with it being a newer restaurant, perhaps people are still discovering it. I am so glad that I discovered it, though, as my food was delicious! The wings were large and not overly salty but seasoned well with nice hints of sweet and saltiness. They paired well with the collards that were clearly fresh and house maid and just needed a little hot sauce. I filled up quickly and took my wings to go. Brie continued to check on me throughout my meal, and we chatted about books.I got to chat with the owner before I left, which was very nice, and I told him I could not wait to come back again, which is so true. Minus one star for the service at the beginning and the greens that needed a little more seasoning for me, but otherwise, everything was great, and I will be back.

We came here on a Sunday and were really surprised there aren't more people in the restaurant. The hostess greeted us and we were seated instantly. For the appetizer we started with the southwest eggrolls which were really good andI has the brunch lamb chops and grits. The drinks were great as well. The vibe or the restaurant definitely gives Jazz club and there was kind of a DJ there. There was a setup that was playing music, but I never actually saw anyone at the booth. Overall I would recommend.

First, the location is gorgeous. DJ for the night was dope. The private room is stunning, but the food is horrendous. I hope there is a change soon or else it won't be open long.Absolutely, the most horrible food experience that I've had in a while. Everything was flavorless or undercooked. I was very, very, very disappointed. I hate that I could barely give 1 star. I love supporting a B.O.B, but the food was expensive and sub-par. The lamb (5) doesn't come with any sides; really? The broccolini was hard and couldn't be cut without force. The fried deviled eggs were hard and not moist as if they were pre-made and frozen. The spinach wonton wasn't bad, but the balsamic glaze doesn't pair well. The crabcake grilled cheese had absolutely no flavor, which is shocking cause it had a copious amount of grilled onions, ramulade, and crab bake. It had a beautiful toasty grill, and you could see the oil that was used to grill it in a brioche style Texas Toast. I tried each component separately. The Crabcake was piled high and had some crispy edges, but it was missing seasoning. The grilled onions were a dark amber hue. I was expecting a ton of flavor and sweetness, but they were pland. The ramulade should have easily enhanced the flavor profile, but it didn't. I saw the cheese, but again, no flavor. I was baffled. Others got the salmon, asparagus, greens, brussel sprouts, and salad, which were all lacking. Either too salty or no flavor at all. I really hope that some changes are made soon.

Please do not be fooled by the hype on IG. While the food is good, you are going to wait at least 1.5 hr to begin seeing any site of food coming to the table. At least that was our experience at 1pm on Saturday. It was practically empty in there but they only had two wait staff working and one doubled as the bartender and waitress and the other as hostess and waitressBefore I go in further on what all didn't go good, I want to commend Brie and Nakita for their composure and ability to not crack under pressure. They were overly apologetic for the wait and were very friendly and transparent about the staffing issues. They honestly did the best they could do and served us throughout with respect and a smile. I was upset however to see the GM was there but she was sitting with a group of ladies laughing and talking while her staff was drowning with tables.Now back to the experience - so we were a group of 6 adults, 1 toddler. We were seated right away. Restaurant was empty but they cramped us into a booth with two additional chairs. After about 20 mins of waiting, the waitress who was also the host comes backs over very apologetic but is ready to get our drinks. Of course we ask her what's good on the menu and what she'd recommend. I kid you not...everything she recommended or we already had in mind for ordering was unavailable - short rib, crab mac n cheese, Thai wings, sweet chilli wings, I could go on. How a restaurant can be out of top sellers at the beginning of lunch and the restaurant is empty baffles me. That really should have been our queue to leave but we had already setup up shop and all parked far away. So another 30 mins go by and still haven't received our drinks....which were EXPENSIVE. Another 30 mins go by and we still didn't receive any food - apps or mains. Finally after about 1.5hrs we start to get some food and drinks and it came out as it was available and I mean that. Two ppl ordered the spinach wontons as apps and only one person received theres...wouldn't you fry them together???Anyways...the food we did have was really good outside of the hot honey chicken sandwich. Two ppl in our ordered that and was not impressed with the chicken to bread ratio and the chicken was under cooked. Spinach wontons very tasty, deep fried devil eggs-good, salmon & grits- good, fries good, wings fried well however lacking true lemon pepper seasoning, onion ring tower...not much of a tower, well seasoned but came out cold and just on a plate. Drinks - old fashion- $20, margarita - taste like juice and $18, green tea shots - $15!!!!! Those usually are $6 at most. So 20% gratuity is automatically added to the bill. We asked our waitress to remove it and we'd tip accordingly. Of course she didn't want to b/c that's how she gets paid but she offered to make adjustments to the bill considering the wait and service that was out of her control. Honestly she was hustling the entire time so we understood and appreciated the offer. Long story long....we wanted to love this place but did not and would not return. Hopefully Nakita and Brie can find another restaurant to work at b/c they individually were great.

My wife & I really enjoyed the food and the service was polite and on point .. this is a place I will definitely recommend to so many. So if you are reading this. Go

First time...Last time*Service....A (Very nice server and attentive to drink refills)*Atmosphere.....A*Wait time for meal....F (only 8-10 people in entire restaurant and had to wait 25 minutes for lunch). *Food Quality....D- (Ordered chicken sandwich with honey/hot sauce). The best part was the brioche bread! Chicken was no thicker than 1/4 inch thick and probably 10 minutes overcooked. French fries were very good!Bottom Line: One thing that I didn't like from initially reading the menu is that a 20% gratuity is "AUTOMATICALLY" added to every check (regardless of party size). Then once it's time to pay, you don't receive a paper receipt. They show your bill to you on their mobile credit card machine/computer. AND...you are asked if you want to put a tip ON TOP of the automatic gratuity. Now I'm sure if someone put up a stink about the tip, the 20% could be revised. I didn't do this because the server was A+!Carolina Place Mall was busy! This place...was dead. Always let that be a warning!! But thought we would give it a chance since it took over the precious establishment "Harpers".

I wish I didn't even have to put the one star. I was supposed to go here for my birthday dinner. The night before we were checking out the menu and my bestie noticed that on google it said temporarily closed. I called several times no one answered. I made these reservations two months ago. It was really unprofessional that no one reached out to cancel the reservation or say they were closed. It was really disappointing to say the least.

Food service and ambiance was great. Great music, great vibe first time there. They accommodated my fiance for his birthday on his entree. Would come again.Dani Nicole