15 spots wasn’t enough — newcomers need to try these Charlotte restaurants, too
CharlotteFive writer Timothy DePeugh laid it all out: “Once you’ve eaten at these 15 places, you can safely (and proudly!) call yourself a Charlottean.”
But, as we all know, with so many classic Charlotte restaurants, neighborhood haunts and new finds to explore, it would be nearly impossible to make a truly comprehensive list of must-eat spots. (In fact, he quickly listed off several more excellent spots to dine soon afterward in reference to golf podcaster’s “Diet Atlanta” insults to our city’s dining scene.)
“Truly, there are so many wonderful places in Charlotte that this would be a small book, rather than an article,” one reader commented. “Still, I commend the writer for this undertaking.”
Several others challenged our thoughts, too — and we welcomed the input.
One reader said, “For that matter, The Roasting Company, Red Rocks Cafe, Thai Orchid, Baoding, Good Food on Montford [and] Pinky’s are all better choices than the majority of yours if the story is where Charlotteans have eaten for decades and that make you a true local. Are you sure that you have ever been to Charlotte?”
So, let’s take a second look. When we asked you what you’d include on a list for newcomers to try, here are the restaurants in the Charlotte area that you shared:
Angry Ale’s
Location: 1518 Montford Dr, Charlotte, NC 28209
Angry Ale’s, nominated by Kasen Agha via Instagram, just so happens to be the winner of the recent CharlotteFive Readers’ Choice Poll for best fries. Its Dirty South Fries loaded with pulled pork and barbecue sauce or Luigi’s Pizza Fries topped with pepperoni and pizza sauce are worth a shot — especially if you’re looking to hang out in Montford and eat something shareable.
If fries aren’t your thing, the rest of the menu is so big that you’re sure to find something that is. Tacos, quesadillas, handhelds, wings and salads are among the offerings at this relaxed spot, where you can bring your dog to hang out on the deck.
Arthur’s
Location: SouthPark Mall, 4400 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
Arthur’s has been tucked away in the basement of SouthPark Mall’s Belk store since 1990, but the Charlotte’s Classic Eats restaurant’s roots in Charlotte go way back to 1972, when it was Arthur’s Gourmet Shop at the corner of Church and Fifth Streets in the former Clayton Hotel. The restaurant was nominated by Beth Livingston.
These days, you can soak up the vibes of simpler times when you stop in on a shopping trip and chat with longtime employees while you order a reuben or a cheesesteak.
Baoding
Location: 4722 Sharon Rd F, Charlotte, NC 28210
Baoding, a SouthPark fixture, has kept a steady stream of customers seeking its traditional Chinese favorites with a modern twist since 1993. Its bustling takeout business at lunch and dinner time is likely due to a few things that set the restaurant apart from other Chinese spots in the Queen City — namely, its house specialties.
Spicy customer favorites include its Three Glass Chicken (dark meat chicken, garlic, ginger, basil, chili, wine and soy sauce), Baoding Scallops (scallops fried then sauteed in a sweet and spicy sauce with red bell peppers, snow peas, mushroom and broccoli) and Tangerine Beef. Hard-to-find Beijing duck is also an option.
Brazwell’s Pub
Location: 1627 Montford Dr, Charlotte, NC 28209
Brazwell’s Pub, formerly home to the Press Box for decades, is a Montford neighborhood hangout named after Billy Braswell, a well-known figure in Charlotte from his days as a high school basketball player to later days when his singing and other antics entertained many.
Daily drink specials are available to pair with bar food staples such as wings, burgers and wraps. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, the staff can take care of that, too — with a lineup that includes chocolate cake, cheesecake and even a brownie sundae.
Brooks’ Sandwich House
Location: 2710 N. Brevard St., Charlotte, NC 28205
Brooks’ Sandwich House, a NoDa neighborhood institution, was among the restaurants nominated by Patrick Jonathan on Instagram and another reader. A visit to this family-run spot that’s fed Charlotteans for decades is a right of passage.
Come as you are. The catch: You can’t eat inside, and — in fact — there’s no seating at all. What you’ll do is order up an enormous, sloppy burger or hot dog loaded with its signature chili and find a space to hunch over the standing-room only tables outside. Sure, it’s decadent. But we’re here to live!
Cafe Monte
Location: 6700 Fairview Rd #108, Charlotte, NC 28210
Remember that reference above to the best fries in Charlotte? Cafe Monte is another can’t-miss spot, as its pomme frites were the Readers’ Choice poll french fry finalist. (We hear they’re great paired with the mussels.)
The French-influenced neighborhood cafe is also well known for putting out banging brunch options including quiche, pastries and other baked goods. Savory crepes are on the menu, too — all good things.
Cajun Queen
Location: 1800 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204
Cajun Queen, another restaurant nominated by Jonathan, has brought the tastes of New Orleans to the Queen City for us since 1985. You can groove with the 7th Street Gator Band (and give a silent nod to former piano player Jim Stack, who passed away this March). But if you’re lucky, you can catch Mr. Roy sipping a glass of scotch and milk at the bar and blend in with the regulars.
Bring along a big appetite, as the Cajun cuisine the restaurant’s named after is sure to come piled high. There are plenty of entrees to order and not go wrong, but I’m partial to shrimp & grits and the variety of etouffee selections on the menu, which include options for chicken, shrimp, crawfish — or all of the above, plus sausage.
Circle G Restaurant
Location: 4818 Rozzelles Ferry Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216
Circle G Restaurant has been going strong for decades, opening in 1954. It’s a place where you can get a sense of “old Charlotte” in a setting where the customers and staff know each other well — and will welcome you to join them.
Put this spot on your short list when you’re hungry for Southern staples cooked in traditional ways. Meals like beef tips over rice, hamburger steak with onions and gravy, and fried chicken and fish will fill your belly and bring you back to another time.
The Diamond
Location: 1901 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
The Diamond dates back to 1945, and 80 years later it’s still a hub for comfort food and making connections the old fashioned way.
Take a seat in one of the classic blue booths and order up a plate of fried chicken, pork chops or even a burger. Another menu item that’s very Charlotte: the gyros platter.
Dish
Location: 1220 Thomas Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Dish, a haven for Southern comfort food tucked in a cozy yellow building in Plaza Midwood, is where you’ll want to head when a down-home meal is calling. It’s another recommendation by Jonathan.
Think: fried green tomatoes, meatloaf and deviled eggs. If you’re lucky, there will be a slice of peanut butter pie waiting in the dessert case for you to add on.
Eddie’s Place
Location: 617 S Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
There are a couple of important things to know about Livington’s pick Eddie’s Place, which is New Orleans-inspired and has been serving fans since the late ‘90s.
One: There’s all-day breakfast, because sometimes you just need a mid-day waffle. And, two: You should make it a point to order the she crab soup — if you’re not set on breakfast, of course. (In fact, it even notes that it’s “a must” on the menu.)
Good Food on Montford
Location: 1701 Montford Dr, Charlotte, NC 28209
Good Food on Montford got plenty of national acclaim as a James Beard Award semifinalist for best new restaurant in 2010. But 15 years later, it’s still got a steady fan base.
Expect chef/owner Bruce Moffett’s menu to change seasonally while keeping a few things like NC trout and fresh pasta as regular features.
Laurel Market
Location: 114 Cherokee Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
Recommended by Livingston, Laurel Market reliably serves Myers Park and Eastover with hefty breakfast and lunch sandwiches, salads and more. Stop in when you’re looking for something casual that’s really going to perk up your day.
The shelves are also stacked with beer and wine options, pantry items and other needs that will trigger your impulse purchase triggers.
Lupie’s Cafe
Location: 2718 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205
When I think of Lupie’s, its comforting Cincinnati-style chili served over spaghetti with a piece of cornbread is what first comes to mind — if you know, you know.
But you’ll also find BLTs, barbecue, hot dogs, wings and nachos. Another bright spot is the $11.95 daily specials — like meatloaf on Mondays and quiche on Saturdays.
Mac’s Speed Shop
Location: Multiple locations in Lake Norman, Matthews, Steele Creek, South End
We heartily recognize that area restaurants don’t generally make it to celebrate 20 years and expand to several locations without bringing the goods, so let’s add Mac’s Speed Shop to this list. Kristen Moore, public relations director for NiceDay, pitched Mac’s Speed Shop for consideration.
Yes, it’s a barbecue joint — with a fun beer and biker theme. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that Mac’s also has really good wings and burgers. Plus, the mac and cheese is on point.
The Mad Greek of Charlotte
Location: 5011 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217
While you will find many Greek (and Greek-owned) restaurants around Charlotte, one you must try is The Mad Greek. Serving Charlotte since 1991, it’s got everything you could want in a casual setting.
Don’t miss out on favorites including the Greek salad, gyro and souvlaki dinners. And save room for a sweet treat of baklava, too!
Mama Ricotta’s
Location: 601 S Kings Dr AA, Charlotte, NC 28204
Mama Ricotta’s has been one of Charlotte’s go-to spots for Italian food since it opened in 1991, with many fans swearing by its lasagna and penne alla vodka. The restaurant nominated by Kelly Fuller and others even has a spinoff, Little Mama’s, with two locations.
If you’re new around here, you might not already know that Mama’s also offers a truly phenomenal (and giant) slice of chocolate cake for dessert. Bring someone to share it with.
Mert’s Heart and Soul
Location: 214 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Mert’s Heart and Soul is a colorful spot that Food Network’s Guy Fieri couldn’t help but highlight on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”
It’s a great spot to stop in before a show uptown or if you’re just craving low country comfort classics like shrimp & grits or red beans & rice. Try out the Soul Roll that Fieri helped make famous, too — with black-eyed peas, collards and diced chicken.
Phil’s Deli II
Location: 4223 Providence Rd # 6, Charlotte, NC 28211
Phil’s Deli in Strawberry Hill — another Livingston nomination — has a heavy following of regulars coming back time after time for the restaurant’s sandwiches and salad platters.
Know that the kosher-style deli isn’t strictly kosher — it does sell a fair amount of bologna, hot dogs, knockwurst and salami.
Pinky’s Westside Grill
Location: 1600 W. Morehead St., Charlotte NC 28208
Location: 9818 Gilead Road Suite 101B, Huntersville, NC 28078
Pinky’s Westside Grill, another Charlotte highlight on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” has a ton of personality. Its food hits, too, with menu items including my personal favorite, the White Trash Burger, the Frito Bandito (Fritos and house-made pimiento cheese that you can top with chili or bacon) and The Velvet Elvis (crunchy peanut butter, spicy honey, cream cheese, banana and bacon on Texas toast).
This is where it’s at for fun food you just want to chow down. The Huntersville location recently got a bit of a tropical makeover to boot.
Red Rocks Cafe
Location: 4223 Providence Rd #8, Charlotte, NC 28211
Location: Birkdale Village, 8712 Lindholm Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078
Red Rocks Cafe may have the look and feel of a big chain-type of American restaurant — especially since there are two locations — but it is all homegrown right here in Charlotte.
Expect a sizeable menu stacked with options offering enough variety to keep everyone you’re with happy. There are steaks, seafood and pasta, plus eight dessert options to choose from when you’re looking to indulge. As brunch is one of Charlotte’s favorite past times, you’ll want to also consider the Sunday brunch offerings, including the steak and eggs or vegetarian Benedict.
The Roasting Company
Location: 1521 Montford Dr, Charlotte, NC 28209
Location: 122 S Oakland Ave, Rock Hill, SC 29730
In Charlotte, we fondly call The Roasting Company “RoCo,” so now you’re in on the scoop, too. It’s been with us since 1991, putting out Costa Rican-inspired rotisserie chicken and a whole lot more.
Flavorful sauces, weekly specials and hefty salads and entrees give you plenty of options to fill up and leave feeling happy. You can also get party packs and larger quantities to go if you’re feeding a crowd.
Skyland Family Restaurant
Location: 4544 South Blvd A, Charlotte, NC 28209
Skyland Family Restaurant is where you want to head when you’re looking for a homestyle breakfast on the cheap at any time of the day (or night).
I’d think real hard about ordering a Skyland Special and saving half for the next day. It’s a two eggs, bacon or sausage, and grits or hashbrowns, plus two pancakes and coffee. There’s also a huge Taste of Greece section on the menu, featuring moussaka, pastitsio, souvlaki and more.
South 21 Drive-In
Hop in the car and turn right back in time at South 21 Drive-In, which opened in 1954. It’s not much of a stretch to use your imagination there, as it’s still serving pretty much the same menu today.
Don’t leave without getting a taste of South 21’s onion rings — which they cut and bread fresh every day — and maybe a Super Boy double hamburger, jumbo shrimp or some fried chicken.
Thai Orchid
Location: 4223 Providence Rd Unit 7, Charlotte, NC 28211
Thai Orchid may not get a lot of attention, but it’s a hidden gem for those in the know. The stalwart Asian restaurant has been going strong in Strawberry Hill since 1994.
Of course, you can get an excellent classic pad Thai or pad see ew here, but there are so many other tastes of Thailand you can explore. Check out the Panang curry or Kreung Keang Seafood, a stir-fry with shrimp, scallops, squid and mussels, vegetables and basil in a red curry sauce.
Tryon House
Location: 215 E Exmore St. Charlotte, NC 28217
Old school favorite Tryon House is another family-style spot to pull up to when breakfast calls or you’re really craving a just-like-home cooked meal of country fried steak, fried chicken or a vegetable plate.
We may take issue with a few of things they categorize as vegetables (macaroni and cheese, boiled egg and cottage cheese, for example). But when you’ve been in business since 1999, you’re doing plenty of things right.
Zio Casual Italian
Location: 116 Middleton Dr, Charlotte, NC 28207
Homey and comforting Zio Casual Italian is another recommendation by Livingston, who’s clearly got a handle on good food in Charlotte.
It’s hard to go wrong when you can choose from toasted ravioli or fried calamari to start off your meal before digging into a big bowl of arriabiata, Bolognese or shrimp Florentine. Thin, NY-style “hot pies” are also on the menu. (Although we’ll note here that pizza reviewer Dave Portnoy recently deemed Zio’s “hot pie” a “bar pie” instead — we’ll just skip the semantics and say it’s worth a try.)
Uniquely Charlotte: Uniquely Charlotte is an Observer subscriber collection of moments, landmarks and personalities that define the uniqueness (and pride) of why we live in the Charlotte region.
This story was originally published June 4, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
