I tried food for picky eaters at a new Charlotte eatery. Here’s what I got for $25

Sixteen dollars for chicken tenders? That was my first thought before Harper’s Cafe reminded me that not all chicken tenders are created equal.

After serving SouthPark for 32 years before shutting its doors last summer, the longtime Charlotte favorite resurfaced in Pineville — but with a new twist.

The reinvented space now functions as a quick-service breakfast and lunch stop, while also doubling as a commissary kitchen, catering center and venue for pop-ups.

But the menu still features many beloved staples — including Harper’s iconic chicken supremes.

I’d eaten at Harper’s before, but never once ordered them. Like many online, I’ve been a firm believer that chicken tenders are generally reserved for picky eaters or children under the age of 10.

But earlier this month, while reporting on Resident Culture’s decision to shut down its South End location, it was noted that the brewery once served Harper’s chicken supremes, which earned high praise from my colleague, CharlotteFive Editor Melissa Oyler.

“The supremes were so good! I used to eat them before I was vegetarian. The honey mustard is what made it!”

So, I finally tried them, not realizing just how memorable that first bite would be.

Here’s what you need to know about Harper’s Cafe.

What’s on the menu at Harper’s Cafe?

The Harper’s Cafe menu includes appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts for lunch, as well as brunch selections and bar bites.

Menu prices range from $7 for sides to $15-$24 for entrees.

Here’s everything I got for roughly $23 (before tax and tip):

• Harper’s Signature Chicken Supremes, served with house-made barbecue and honey mustard sauces, mac and cheese on the side and a fountain drink ($16)
• Bread pudding ($7)

I’ll admit, I scoffed at the price of the chicken supremes before reluctantly handing over my card to pay for them.

“Sixteen dollars for some chicken tenders?” I asked myself, calculating in my head how many Cook Out trays I could buy with that money.

But I paid, sat down, and it wasn’t long before the supremes arrived at my table, steaming hot and golden.

Each tender had a crisp exterior that gave way to juicy, perfectly seasoned meat — but the real magic came in the dipping sauces. The house-made honey mustard offered a sweet, tangy balance, while the barbecue sauce added a smoky edge that paired well with the seasoned crust.

And the mac and cheese wasn’t heavy. It was rich, thanks to its luxuriously creamy texture, but the topping of golden bread crumbs added just the right crunch, cutting through the creaminess and giving the dish a satisfying contrast.

After I ate what I could of the chicken supremes and mac and cheese, I approached the counter, eyes set on the bread pudding waiting for me.

I didn’t try bread pudding until I was an adult, partly because the name had always thrown me. “Pudding” promised sweetness and comfort — but then there was “bread,” and I couldn’t imagine how an ingredient meant for sandwiches could belong in a dessert. And the bread pudding at another local eatery left me underwhelmed.

But then it came, steaming hot and fragrant with a perfectly soft, custardy center. A scoop of vanilla ice cream slowly melted on top of it, cascading over every nook, turning each bite into a warm, indulgent delight.

I didn’t regret a single cent.

When is Harper’s Cafe open?

• Location: 9101 Pineville-Matthews Rd I, Pineville, NC 28134
• Menu: https://www.harpers.cafe/menus-cafe
• Hours: 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday-Friday
• Cuisine: American
• Instagram: @harperscafenc

This story was originally published August 19, 2025 at 8:30 AM.

Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.