Charlotte-based alternatives to your favorite fast food indulgences
When you’re on-the-go and need a quick meal, fast food chains will often stick out as your best option. They’re convenient, comfortably familiar and that “value menu” is easy on your wallet.
With so many local options for a quick meal, I encourage you to swap your fast-food indulgence with one of these twelve Charlotte-based alternatives.
CRAVING: Bojangles’ Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit.
CHARLOTTE OPTION: Swing by Earl’s Grocery Store, 1609 Elizabeth Ave., to snag a Breakfast Biscuit ($5.99). This house-made scratch biscuit has your choice of filling:
- Ham, brie and apricot jam
- Bacon, cheddar cheese and scrambled egg.
- House pimento cheese and bacon.
- House-crafted sausage and scrambled egg.
Fresh biscuits y’all! Come enjoy some brunch with us! We open at 8:30!!
A post shared by @ earlsgrocery on Nov 18, 2017 at 4:49am PST
CRAVING: Burger King’s Onion Rings.
CHARLOTTE OPTION: Grab a few of those almighty fried circles ($2.75) at Zack’s Hamburgers, 4009 South Blvd. Make sure to wash them down with your favorite soft drink or a milkshake.
CRAVING: Chick-Fil-A’s Waffle Fries.
CHARLOTTE OPTION: Nosh on a few of the Waffle Fries ($3) at Rosemont Bar, 1714 South Blvd. If you’re in the mood to try all three types of tater fries, order their FRIES FRIES FRIES ($9) basket that comes with waffle, seasoned, potato fries and your choice of dipping sauces.
CRAVING: Chipotle’s Steak Soft Tacos.
CHARLOTTE OPTION: Grab a couple Americanos Tacos ($2.95 each + $1 for their grilled steak option) from Sabor Latin Street Grill, multiple locations. The flour tortilla has your choice of protein that’s topped with lettuce, tomato and shredded cheese. They also have killer fish tacos ($3.75) and healthy-ish alternatives (like their Quinoa Bowl) for those seeking something a little different.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkG2edpgPvQ/?taken-by=sliceofjess
CRAVING: Cookout’s Milkshakes.
CHARLOTTE OPTION: Make the short trek up to Cornelius to try the hand-spun milkshakes from Tenders Fresh Food, 18341 Statesville Road. Pictured below is their Snack Machine Shake ($4.99), which is available for a limited time only. If you visit after this special ends, don’t worry, they will offer another one that’s just as tasty. The Snack Machine Shake comes with Oreos, potato chips, Heath Bar, Mini M&Ms, chocolate chip cookies, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Sour Patch Kids, mixed in with a vanilla ice cream base that’s topped with whipped cream. Make sure to save room for their totchos too.
CRAVING: KFC’s Fried Chicken.
CHARLOTTE OPTION: There are lots of debates about who has the best fried chicken in town. I personally have several favorites, but the fried chicken from the Shell gas station, 200 East Blvd., is a must try.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeYPMZXHD16/?taken-at=1278780285577217
CRAVING: McDonald’s Signature Big Mac.
CHARLOTTE OPTION: Order the Waffle MC ($12) from Kre8 Gastropub inside Wooden Robot, 1440 S. Tryon Street. An all-beef patty, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickle and onion is piled on a sesame-seed-studded waffle.
CRAVING: Panera’s Napa Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich.
CHARLOTTE OPTION: Go for the El Wapo Gallo Blanco ($9.75) from Lincoln’s Haberdashery, 1300 South Blvd, Suite S. Your choice of bread comes with poached chicken salad, sriracha, pickled jalapeno, bacon, cucumber, and cilantro.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgOW-SJF6pj/?taken-by=sliceofjess
CRAVING: Subway’s Veggie Delight.
CHARLOTTE OPTION: Get your dose of daily veggies by ordering the Raw Rhino from Rhino Market, multiple locations. This massive sammie comes with carrots, sprouts, cukes, tomato, pickles, bibb lettuce, and hummus on your choice of bread.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BaJ81XSjTas/?taken-by=sliceofjess
CRAVING: Taco Bell’s Burrito Supreme.
CHARLOTTE OPTION: Build your own Chicken, Steak or Picadillo Burrito ($8.08 for regular size) from Johnny Burrito, 301 S. Tryon Street. There’s usually a line, but don’t let it fool you because it goes quick. If you’re a first-time customer, make sure to tell the cashier and they’ll give you a special treat (and ring the bell to inform everyone)!
CRAVING: Wendy’s Chili.
CHARLOTTE OPTION: Try a Bowl of Chili ($6.49) from The Roasting Company, multiple locations. It’s topped with cheese, onions, tortilla chips and served with cornbread.
CRAVING: Zoe’s Kitchen Hummus Trio.
CHARLOTTE OPTION: Elevate your palate with a build-your-own Hummus Bowl ($8.99) from Yafo Kitchen, 720 Gov Morrison Street. Watch Chef Shai and I make one of these spectacular bowls by viewing this video on my blog.
Woke up this morning with hummus on my mind…
A post shared by Jess Bentley | Food & Travel (@sliceofjess) on Mar 31, 2017 at 5:10am PDT
Where are some of your favorite fast food swaps? Let us know in the comments below!
This story was originally published July 2, 2018 at 1:48 AM with the headline "Charlotte-based alternatives to your favorite fast food indulgences."