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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). If you like your fried chicken paired with waffles — a Southern tradition — try another one of the city's cheap eat favorites, the Midnight Diner. For a taste of Carolina-style barbecue, head to Midwood Smokehouse, Queen City Q or Mac's Speed Shop.
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
- #1
The Fig Tree Restaurant#1 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte
$$ | Italian, French, American1601 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204-2411Read More » - #2
Lang Van#2 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte - #3
Midwood Smokehouse#3 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte
$ - $$ | American, Barbecue540 Brandywine Rd Ste C, Charlotte, NC 28209-2267Read More » - #4
The Capital Grille#4 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte - #5
The Melting Pot#5 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte - #6
Midwood Smokehouse#6 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte - #7
Carpe Diem Restaurant & Caterers#7 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte - #8
Zen Fusion#8 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte - #9
Viva Chicken#9 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte - #10
Amelie's French Bakery#10 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte - #11
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar#11 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte - #12
Dresslers Restaurant#12 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte - #13
Mama Ricotta's#13 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte - #14
Alexander Michael's#14 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte - #15
Pinky's Westside Grill#15 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte - #16
Luce Restaurant & Bar#16 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte - #17
Rooster's Wood Fired Kitchen II#17 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte - #18
Amelie's#18 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte - #19
Midwood Smokehouse#19 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte - #20
Paco's Tacos & Tequila#20 of 2,817 Places to Eat in Charlotte
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