We asked where to find Charlotte’s best cheap eats. Here’s what you said
I wanted to find Charlotte’s best cheap eats, so I didn’t overthink it. I just asked TikTok.
To solicit ideas for CharlotteFive’s On-A-Budget series, where we go to local eateries to see how much food we can get for $25, I posted a video last week asking Charlotte residents where to grab a solid meal in the Queen City without spending a fortune.
I expected a handful of responses – but as of March 2, the video has drawn more than 300 comments. Of them, Maria’s Mexican Restaurant in LoSo was easily one of the most talked-about spots. CharlotteFive’s Sunny Hubler even wrote about Maria’s recently, too.
As a LoSo resident, I’m almost ashamed to admit I’ve never been, despite passing it on South Boulevard hundreds of times.
“You should go to Maria’s Mexican restaurant for their lunch specials,” one commenter wrote. “They range from $8.99 to $11.99.”
Another added, “Maria’s is AWESOME! Hidden gem.” And someone else chimed in, “Ohmygosh, it’s one of my favorites.”
Charlotte also showed up strong for Park Road Soda Shoppe.
“Park Road Soda Shoppe! You’ll get a ton,” one person wrote, hyping up the generous portions. If you’ve ever left there with a to-go box, you know that’s not an exaggeration. It’s comfort food, diner style, at prices that still feel reasonable.
Then there was the poetry award winner: Lang Van — a restaurant that was recently recognized by Michelin as one of the best restaurants in the region, CharlotteFive reported.
“Lang Van is pure bliss. It’s love on a plate. And the owner? An angel on Earth.”
You can’t script a better endorsement than that. Charlotte has long embraced Lang Van as a go-to for Vietnamese comfort food, and the comment section proved that reputation hasn’t faded.
For sushi fans, Yummy Sushi on South Boulevard earned an all-caps plug: “AYCE SUSHI FOR $15.99.” All-you-can-eat sushi at that price point will always turn heads.
Others shouted out neighborhood staples like Sabor Latin Street Grill in NoDa and Clark’s Snack Bar in Plaza Midwood, which I recently visited for a chopped cheese – the New York City classic made with seasoned ground beef, melted American cheese and sautéed onions, all chopped together on a griddle and piled onto a roll.
In a moment of regional bravery (or recklessness), I suggested Clark’s might make one better than the Big Apple. That take, I’m told, ruffled a few feathers – particularly in the direction of my colleague and proud New York native, Desiree Mathurin.
To be clear, I’m not trying to start a North Carolina–New York sandwich war. I’m just saying: if loving a Charlotte chopped cheese is wrong, I don’t want to be right.
Others kept it classic with Metro Diner, a reliable pick for big breakfasts and comfort plates that won’t break the bank.
Another Plaza Midwood favorite, Calle Sol Latin Café, was mentioned multiple times, with one user calling it “shockingly cheap for how delicious it is.” Two CharlotteFive team members even counted its Cuban sandwich among the best in the city last year.
Here are some of the other Charlotte-area restaurants mentioned in the comments:
- 200 North Family Restaurant
- Anita’s Mexican Grill
- Bella Fusion
- Classy Scoops Ice Cream Lounge
- Common Market
- Copperhead Social Club
- Crispy Bahn Mi
- Del Sur Fresh Mex Express and Taqueria
- Dino’s Family Restaurant
- Eddie’s Place Restaurant
- El Buen Gusto
- El Malo Tacos
- Ely Taqueria
- Fresh Chef
- Graham Street Grill
- Hinson’s Drive-In
- Ho Ho Cherry House
- La Shish Kabob
- Laurel Market
- Le’s Banh Mi
- Lempira Restaurant
- Little Village Grill
- Lupie’s Cafe
- Matador
- Menya Daruma
- Miguelo’s Empanadas
- Moosehead Grill
- Mooresville Family House
- Mr. Tokyo
- Park Place Diner
- Pho Hoa
- Pisces Sushi
- Pub 49
- South 21
- Sun’s Kitchen
- Thai Taste
- The Soda Shop
- Tora
- Tokyo One Express
And because it’s TikTok, not every comment was about food. A couple of people complimented my voice, which I sincerely appreciated. My friends have long told me I have a “radio voice” — though they usually follow it up with, “and the face for it, too.”
Have a favorite spot for cheap eats in the Queen City? I want to hear about it! Email me at emoore@charlotteobserver.com.
