Black Owned Restaurants in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte is one of the best cities to visit when you’re looking for Southern charm with a modern twist. Whether you’re looking to visit a museum, check out the great shopping the city has to offer, relax on the beach, or visit a few restaurants, Charlotte has what you’re looking for. There are also several Black owned restaurants in Charlotte you can visit if you want to experience soul food and ethnic dishes that reflect the culture of the city. Here are some of the best Black owned restaurants in Charlotte to make your vacation complete.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Cajun Queen
1800 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 377-9017
Cajun Queen is a popular restaurant in the Charlotte that offers flavorful dishes that feature delicious seafood and meats that are popular in the New Orleans area. One of the most requested dishes is the New Orleans BBQ shrimp prepared with butter, garlic, and beer and served over a bed of rice. If you’re looking for a delicious snack you can share at the table, try the Cajun popcorn served with sherry remoulade. You can’t go wrong with a hearty bowl of shrimp and grits and the fried green tomatoes with tomato remoulade are perfect for sharing with friends and family as well. Cajun Queen also offers lives jazz music every night so you’ll feel like you’re in the Big Easy while you enjoy your meal.
Photo Credit: Facebook
The King’s Kitchen
129 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 375-1990
The King’s Kitchen is one of Charlotte’s culinary gems when it comes to comfort food and soul food entrees. Start your meal off with a platter of deviled eggs or fried oysters with remoulade. The fried chicken platter with a buttermilk biscuit and a side of creamy Mac and cheese is sure to keep you full for hours as well. The King’s Kitchen also offers a delicious rendition of shrimp and grits that you can enjoy with a sweet cornbread muffin. If you’re craving a seafood dinner, try the catfish platter with collard greens and sautéed cabbage. Be sure to save room for dessert — the banana pudding will make this dining experience one to remember.
300 East
300 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 332-6507
300 East has been in the historic Dilworth neighborhood since 1986. While brunch may largely be a modern and trendy meal, 300 East has been serving this food for decades so you can count on it being frill-free as well as fantastic. The Breakfast Tacos, with chorizo, crispy potatoes, eggs, and queso fresco, are a classic; as is the Grit Bowl with your choice of four additions, such as avocado, Nueske’s Bacon, and Pickled Jalapeño. But for a truly unique dish, the Breakfast Pizza is made with a delicious house crust and topped with red sauce, chorizo, cheddar-jack cheese, scallions, queso fresco, and fried eggs. You can also pair it with cocktails such as their own concoctions or classics like Irish Coffee or a Bloody Mary.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Dandelion Market
118 W 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 333-7989
This trendy Charlotte restaurant offers a chic atmosphere that makes this eatery ideal for a date night during your Charlotte vacation. Try the spinach and artichoke dip with roasted peppers and a baguette or the kale salad with sweet potatoes and dried cranberries to start your meal off right. Main courses include the zucchini pasta with pickled beets and lemon vinaigrette and the market Mac and cheese served with a topping of sourdough bread crumbs. Dandelion Market also has an array of soup, salad and sandwiches that you can combine for a customized meal. The roast beef sandwich with quality cheddar, the grilled cheese and tomato soup combo, and the Monte Cristo with gruyere cheese are all delicious choices.
Photo Credit: Website
Soul Gastrolounge
1500 B Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
(704) 348-1848
Check out this tapas bar when you’re in Charlotte and want to experience a delectable combination of soul food small bites. The restaurant is known for its Dirty South nachos which are topped with jalapeño-pickled okra and pimiento cheese sauce. The “chips” for the nachos are actually deep-fried chicken skins. If you’re a sushi fan, you’ll love the sashimi tuna tacos with marinated cucumbers and sriracha mayo. The anchovy fries offer an explosion of flavors as well; the fish are fried whole and served with a tomato lemon tartar sauce. Soul Gastrolounge also offers a delicious ramen bowl and an assortment of cocktails as the perfect complement to the restaurant’s creative small plates.
Leah & Louise
301 Camp Rd, Charlotte, NC 28206
(980) 309-0690
Leah and Louise interprets classics southern dishes in a refined and phenomenal way, thanks to James Beard-nominated Chef Greg Collier and business partner and wife Subrina. The menu changes frequently, based on seasonality and inspiration, but there are a few fixtures on the menu. The River Chips are chicken skins, somehow both crispy and melt-in-your-mouth tender, topped with a flavorful “granch” dressing. The On My Way Home dish is mussels with a truly unique sauce, made of lemon, butter, smoked wine, and Worcestershire sauce, and of course, served with their cornmeal brioche. The rest of the menu varies frequently, so go in with an open mind and be prepared to be blown away.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink around Charlotte, check out our city page.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on September 5, 2021 and last updated on January 4, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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