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What to Eat in Charlotte
Charlotte's restaurant scene is a fair representation of its cultural identity: modern, with a bit of Southern tradition. Though it boasts its fair share of Southern comfort food, the city also shows off its flair for fine dining with a variety of sophisticated international and farm-to-fork menus.
Almost an attraction in itself, Price's Chicken Coop is a must-visit if you're hoping to experience some of the city's best Southern fried chicken. This hole-in-the-wall favorite is carry-out only (bring cash; your plastic is no good here). But what Price's lacks in ambiance it makes up for in crispy, delicious chicken. Beloved by both locals and travelers, Price's counter is consistently busy, so prepare to wait in line (especially at lunch). For more fried chicken and some of the best crab cakes in the city, stop by LuLu's Maryland Style Chicken & Seafood. And for a quick snack on the go, find the What the Fries food truck for some loaded french fries. If Carolina-style barbecue is what you're after, head to Midwood Smokehouse, Mac's Speed Shop or Noble Smoke. Though there are plenty of traditional Southern eateries in the Queen City, more and more restaurants are offering contemporary takes on classics like grits and blackened catfish. Leah & Louise, which opened in the city's new Camp North End development, is one example that's earned positive reviews for its tasty dishes inspired by the Lower Mississippi River Valley.
If you're in the mood for fine dining, Charlotte's got you covered there, too. Business travelers looking to treat clients to a classic steak dinner will find plenty of chain chophouses in the Uptown area, but for a splurge-worthy meal that celebrates the bounty of the Carolinas, consider Halcyon Flavors From the Earth. If you're willing to travel outside the Uptown area, you'll find a bevy of award-winning restaurants, including Fig Tree, an eatery that occupies a Registered Historic Landmark home, Stagioni, an intimate Italian restaurant, and Good Food on Montford, a tapas-style eatery.
You can't make reservations at Soul Gastrolounge, but you also can't leave the Queen City without trying this eclectic, perpetually busy eatery. Sushi, internationally inspired small plates and handcrafted cocktails are what keep locals and visitors coming back again and again.
And then there's the beer. Charlotte is often overlooked by craft beer aficionados in favor of Asheville's suds, but the Queen City can hold its own. New breweries are opening all of the time — in fact, North Carolina touts more craft breweries than any other state in the South. Luckily, many of them are grouped by neighborhood, making it easy to visit a few in one trip. Standouts include The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (home to one of the largest beer gardens in the city), Sycamore Brewing, Birdsong Brewing Company (don't leave without trying its Jalapeño Pale) and NoDa Brewing Company. If you don't want to venture too far outside the Uptown area, Wooden Robot Brewery and the Unknown Brewing Co. are some of the closest options.
Find the Best Restaurants in Charlotte
- #1Lang Van#1 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (382)$ - $$ | Asian, Vietnamese3019 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215Read More » - #2The Melting Pot#2 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (313)$$ | American, International901 S Kings Dr Ste 140B #140b, Charlotte, NC 28204-2916Read More » - #3Midwood Smokehouse#3 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (203)$ - $$ | American, Barbecue540 Brandywine Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209Read More » - #4The Fig Tree Restaurant#4 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (758)$$ | Italian, French, American1601 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204-2411Read More » - #5Midwood Smokehouse#5 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (2001)$ - $$ | American, Bar, Barbecue1401 Central Ave Ste 101, Charlotte, NC 28205-5143Read More » - #6Zen Fusion#6 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (337)$ - $$ | Japanese, Spanish, Asian, Fusion1716 Kenilworth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203-6085Read More » - #7The Capital Grille#7 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (1042)$$ | Steakhouse, American201 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202-2146Read More » - #8Dresslers Restaurant#8 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (376)$$ | American1100 Metropolitan Ave Ste 125E, Charlotte, NC 28204-3416Read More » - #9The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar#9 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (1594)$ - $$ | Seafood, Sushi4310 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211-3997Read More » - #10Viva Chicken - Ballantyne#10 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (584)$ | Peruvian, Latin, South American12206 Copper Way, Charlotte, NC 28277-3555Read More » - #11Amelie's French Bakery#11 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (2013)$ - $$ | French, Cafe2424 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205-2382Read More » - #12Luce Restaurant & Bar#12 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (292)$$ | Italian214 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202-1078Read More » - #13Alexander Michael's#13 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (242)$ - $$ | American, Bar, Pub401 W 9th St, Charlotte, NC 28202-1972Read More » - #14Amelie's#14 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (237)$ - $$ | French, Cafe380 S College St On Th Corner of S College St. And Mlk Jr Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28202-1976Read More » - #15Midwood Smokehouse#15 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (295)$ - $$ | Barbecue, American12410 Johnston Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277Read More » - #16Mama Ricotta's#16 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (677)$ - $$ | Italian, Pizza, Tuscan, Central-Italian601 S Kings Dr AA, Charlotte, NC 28204-2932Read More » - #17Pinky's Westside Grill#17 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (630)$ | American, Bar1600 W Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28208-5222Read More » - #18The King's Kitchen#18 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (502)$ - $$ | American129 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202-2143Read More » - #19Bad Daddy's Burger Bar#19 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (384)$ - $$ | Gastropub, American, Bar, Pub1626 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203-5822Read More » - #20Midnight Diner#20 of 2,618 Places to Eat in Charlotte
Tripadvisor (485)$ | American, Diner115 E Carson Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203-4030Read More »
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