Where can you find the best brunch in Charlotte? Here’s what our readers recommend.
As we head toward the weekend, we’ve got brunch on the mind. There’s no better way to spend a Saturday or Sunday than to sleep in a little, then roll out of bed and head to one of the best restaurants in Charlotte for a bite to eat.
We’re picturing plates stacked with chicken and waffles, luscious French toast and creative eggs Benedict — oh, and throw in a mimosa. You’ll probably want to stop for some coffee first, too. (Here are some of the city’s best coffee shops.)
To find the best brunch spots in Charlotte, we looked back into our archives and asked CharlotteFive readers to help us narrow down the best restaurants and dishes to order at those places. Here’s what we found.
Alchemy
Location: 2517 Distribution St., Charlotte, NC 28203
Neighborhood: South End
What to try: CharlotteFive reader Meredith Smith recommends the vegan Lions Mane and Waffle, featuring a fried lion’s mane mushroom, a crispy waffle and spicy syrup ($14).
What to know: C3 Lab is closing in February, but the restaurant is staying. Brunch hours at the vegetarian-focused restaurant are Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. You can make reservations, or order takeout or delivery online, or call 704-659-0799.
The Artisan’s Palate
Location: 1218-A E. 36th St. Charlotte, NC 28205
Neighborhood: NoDa
What to try: CharlotteFive reader Nikki Wolfe said, “I switch it up a lot. Shrimp n grits, avocado toast are two of my favs.” The Shrimp & Grits features Geechie Boy white cheddar grits, a lowcountry roux and andouille ($19.50), while Artisan’s Avocado Toast includes a fresh avocado and tomato salad on a toasted butter croissant ($10).
What to know: Brunch is served Sunday from 10:30 a.m-3 p.m. Dine in or call 980-209-9168.
Bulla Gastrobar
Location: 4310 Sharon Road, Suite W01, Charlotte, NC 28211
Neighborhood: SouthPark
What to try: Food blogger Enrique Berry has previously recommended the chicken and waffles ($14) to CharlotteFive. You can also get them on the $28 prixe fixe menu, which includes three courses — and you can add on mimosas or sangrias for $6.
What to know: You can make a reservation online, or order for pickup or delivery via DoorDash or call 980-699-6220.
Cafe Monte
Location: 6700 Fairview Road, Charlotte, NC 28210
Neighborhood: SouthPark
What to try: CharlotteFive reader Alex Jenkins recommended this spot for “the best benedicts — bar none. That’s my favorite meal and vibe.” Among the luxurious options are the Benedict Monte — featuring a croissant, smoked ham, two eggs, tomato, asparagus and hollandaise ($15) — and the Smoked Salmon Benedict — topped with spinach, smoked salmon, eggs and hollandaise ($17.) The folks at Charlotte Itinerary also recommended the Chicken & Wild Mushroom Crepes ($15).
What to know: You can make reservations online at this French bakery and bistro, or place an order for pickup. You can also call 704-552-1116. It’s closed on Monday.
Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen
Location: 4001 Yancey Road, Charlotte, NC 28217
Neighborhood: South End/LoSo
What to order: Chef Alyssa’s is well known for its brunch pop-ups. CharlotteFive reader Emily Finamore Hadziahmetovic said, “We love brunch @chefalyssaclt! ”
What to know: Brunch is temporarily on hold at Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen, but we hope it will be back at some point. Watch the restaurant’s social media for updates.
Community Matters Cafe
Location: 821 W. 1st St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Neighborhood: Third Ward/Uptown
What to order: CharlotteFive reader Rachel gave props to the Sugar Crusted French Toast, with whipped ricotta, fresh fruit and maple syrup ($7/$12).
What to know: This is your weekday brunch spot — the restaurant is an extension of Charlotte Rescue Mission’s addiction recovery program, and it’s closed on Saturday and Sunday. Dine in, order online or call 980-237-2147.
Eight + Sand Kitchen
Location: 135 New Bern Street Retail A, Charlotte, NC 28209
Neighborhood: Sedgefield/South End area
What to order: Pair a mimosa ($8) with a Brunch Burger on a warm brioche roll ($12) or the French toast, topped with sweet whipped lemon ricotta, blueberry compote, powdered sugar and pure Vermont maple syrup ($12).
What to know: This restaurant — which was among CharlotteFive reader Lauren Gibson’s picks — offers brunch every day, so you don’t have to wait for the weekend. You can order takeout online or call 704-370-9696.
Flipside Cafe
Location: 3150 US-21, Fort Mill, SC 29715
Neighborhood: Regent Park/Fort Mill
What to order: CharlotteFive reader Ellen Levine said, “Everything is so good including their blueberry pancakes ($10), BLTs, ($10) potatoes, ($5) grits ($4) and a smoked salmon dish that’s amazing!” The Smoked Salmon Bagel comes with pickled onions. deviled egg aioli and arugula on an everything bagel ($12).
What to know: Brunch is served Monday-Friday, 7-11:00 a.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; and Sunday 9 a.m.-2p.m. Dine in or call 803-802-1711.
Golden Owl Tavern
Location: 9041 Robert D Snyder Road, Charlotte, NC 28262
Neighborhood: University City South
What to order: Try the Fried Chicken & Waffles (pictured above, $16), featuring a peach chili chutney, or House Smoked Bacon Benedict ($14).
What to know: Writer Théoden Janes said a meal at Golden Owl was the best he’d had all year. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. You can make reservations online or call 704-417-0400.
The Hangar
Location: Inside Devil’s Logic Brewing at 933 Louise Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204
Neighborhood: Belmont
What to order: The Breakfast BLT ($10) is three fried egg sliders you can pair with a side of tots ($5) or a fruit cup ($5).
What to know: Brunch is offered only on Sunday. Visit in person, order online or call 980-318-7280.
Hot Box Next Level Kitchen
Location: 165 Brumley Ave. NE, Concord, NC 28025
Neighborhood: Concord
What to order: CharlotteFive reader Ali Gavin said the shrimp and grits ($14) are “the best in town.”
What to know: Order for takeout or delivery online from chef Michael Bowling’s restaurant inside Southern Strain Brewing, or call 704-218-9823. You can also order online from Hot Box’s food truck. Watch the website for details on locations and times.
La Belle Helene
Location: 300 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28202
Neighborhood: Uptown
What to order: “La Belle Helene is going to have the brunch menu that I would want to eat,” Top Chef alum Jamie Lynch said in a statement about the French spot’s weekend brunch. (He’s the chef-partner and created the menu with 5th Street Group Regional Culinary Director Sherief Shawky.) Look for decadent options such as the Salade Royale Helene, with bib lettuce, lobster, avocado, asparagus and tomato topped with truffle vinaigrette (market price).
What to know: Brunch is offered Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. You can make a reservation online for in-person dining.
Legion Brewing
Location: 1906 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
Neighborhood: Commonwealth/near Plaza Midwood
Location: 5610 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28209
Neighborhood: Barclay Downs/SouthPark
Menu: Legion Brewing Plaza Midwood/Legion Brewing SouthPark
What to order: CharlotteFive writer DeAnna Taylor has previously recommended the Hot Chicken Biscuit ($10). You’ll also find a selection of breakfast bowls to dig into (price varies).
What to know: You can dine in for Sunday Brunch or order online for carryout from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Legion Brewing Plaza Midwood location, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Legion Brewing SouthPark location. Also keep a watch on its new Trolley Barn Fermentory and Food Hall at Atherton Mill.
LittleSpoon
Location: 2820 Selwyn Ave., Charlotte, NC 28209
Neighborhood: Myers Park
What to order: This spot recommended by CharlotteFive reader Ezra Leak has a rotating menu, so you’ll find something new on each visit.
What to know: Call 704-496-9908 or pop over for dine-in service.
Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails
Location: 1320 S. Church St., Suite 400, Charlotte, NC 28203
Neighborhood: Gold District/South End
What to order: The Biscuit and Gravy ($6) offers a choice of sausage gravy, chocolate gravy or bacon jam. Pair that with two eggs ($3) and fruit salad ($6) for a balanced meal that feels like a treat.
What to know: CharlotteFive reader Haley Haberman recommended the restaurant, which offers online ordering for pickup and delivery.
Local Loaf
Location: 800 E. 35th St., Charlotte, NC 28205
Neighborhood: NoDa
What to order: The Shakshuka is two poached eggs on top of a paprika, red chili and garlic tomato sauce, topped with feta, red onions and cilantro microgreens, and served with charred bread ($12). CharlotteFive reader Megan Sload Whiting also recommended the Chicken & the Egg, with chicken tenders, aged white cheddar, a poached Egg, microgreens and chipotle Cheerwine sauce, served on a Southern buttermilk biscuit ($10).
What to know: This restaurant also recommended by CharlotteFive reader Caroline Miller and Randall Kale is currently only open for online ordering and carryout on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (Bonus: You can have a weekend brunch in your pajamas.)
Mimosa Grill
Location: 327 S. Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Neighborhood: Uptown
What to order: The hickory grilled American Wagyu flank steak with smashed fingerling potatoes and scrambled eggs ($28) is a decadent brunch. And you can add a sweet corn, bacon and Maine lobster hash ($9).
What to know: This spot recommended by CharlotteFive reader and local musician Harvey Cummings offers brunch on Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and Sunday from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Napa on Providence
Location: 110 Perrin Place, Charlotte, NC 28207
Neighborhood: Eastover
What to try: The vegetable frittata, with roasted summer squash, zucchini, peperonata, heirloom grape tomatoes and pickled red onion ($16) is vegetarian and gluten free.
What to know: CharlotteFive reader Cassie said, “I’ve never gotten the same thing twice, but everything I’ve gotten has been very good.” Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday until 3 p.m., and you can order online or call 704-900-8535 for takeout.
Queen City Craft & Gourmet
Location: 5349 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28277
Neighborhood: Raintree/Ballantyne
What to order: Try out the “Pop Tart” of the week ($6) at this spot recommended by CharlotteFive reader Blaze Davis, who noted that mimosa flights are available, too.
What to know: Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. You can also order online or call 980-339-5610 for curbside pickup.
Stable Hand
Location: 125 Remount Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
Neighborhood: South End
What to order: The menu changes frequently at this cozy spot featuring natural wines. CharlotteFive writer Clayton Sealey has recommended the tartines (flavors and prices vary).
What to know: There’s no online reservations or ordering, and no listed phone number. But watch their Instagram for special events and menu tweaks from chef Kentrell French.
Zada Jane’s Corner Cafe
Location: 1601 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
What to try: CharlotteFive reader Rodney James recommends the Bunny Rancheros, with two eggs, black beans, home fries and your choice of chorizo, pork sausage, soysage or chipotle chicken topped with a pepper jack queso, guacamole, salsa verde and sour cream ($9.95) or the weekends-only Billy Jack Grits, with bacon, sausage and shrimp with green peppers and cheddar cheese ($16.95).
What to know: It’s closed Monday and Tuesday, but you can brunch the rest of the week. Dine in or call 704-332-3663 for takeout.
This story was originally published August 6, 2021 at 6:45 AM.
