End your search for a home-cooked meal at Tryon House

While Charlotte’s food scene is dominated by trendy tapas and craft cocktails, tried and true “meat and three” establishments just keep on truckin’. With old-school values and a mouthwatering menu, the Tryon House is open seven days a week and has relied on good food, great service and reasonable prices to stand the test of time.

The search for a good home-cooked meal ends on the corner of East Exmore Street and Old Pineville Road.

Owner and operator Jimmy Apostolou and his wife Dora are the lifeblood of this family style dining experience. His Greek heritage has served him well for a life spent inside a restaurant. It’s his passion, and has been since childhood.

With a love for serving the community and a knack for making you feel at home, the Tryon House is a throwback to old-school restaurants. Food like Grandma used to make, service with a smile.

Family owned and established in 1999, here’s five reasons to venture towards the outskirts of South End and enjoy this southern café.

(1) Breakfast 

Good coffee, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon… If the standard “Sunrise Breakfast” doesn’t jump start your day, try the pancakes. Fluffy and light, just add syrup.

(2) Fresh veggies

From green beans to sliced tomatoes, and everything in between, a long list of vegetables are served fresh daily. Nothing comes from a can, so take a break from French fries and pair your next 12 oz Hamburger Steak with a side of okra.

(3) Dessert 

The “can’t miss” commercial refrigerator sits front and center in the dining room, filled with all the bakery-style desserts your taste buds crave. Satisfy your sweet tooth, indulge in a signature slice of carrot cake.

(4) Free soup

With every meal, enjoy a complimentary cup of homemade soup. Just another way Jimmy and his staff say “thank you” to each and every customer. 

(5) Friendly staff

“Loyal” is the best way to describe the hard working staff. Most are familiar faces that have been employed here for more than a decade. The regulars call them by name. You’re greeted like family the minute you walk in the door. Welcome home, let’s eat.

Tryon House: 215 E. Exmore St.

Photos: Bradley Utz

This story was originally published August 24, 2016 at 10:00 PM with the headline "End your search for a home-cooked meal at Tryon House."