Charlotte, NC Restaurant Guide
When British settlers named North Carolina’s most populous City in honor of Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the queen consort of King George III, they had little idea “The Queen City” would be such an apt nickname. Now, the City has world class dining and accommodations, a striking skyline and is the home of major brands like Bank of America, Lowe’s, Honeywell and Truist.
When folks think North Carolina, they think of incredible BBQ, of course! Charlotte is right in the thick of North Carolina BBQ culture, with dozens of mouthwatering options, including Bill Spoon’s BBQ, which has been serving incredible pulled pork sandwiches and whole hog since 1963.
Or maybe when folks think of Carolina, they think of Southern Staples, like Chicken Fried Steak, Deviled Eggs and Fried Green Tomatoes. Places like Nana Morrison’s Soul Food, the Metro Diner and more have these essential dishes of the South, ready for your next visit to Charlotte. Or maybe you’re in the mood for Midwood smokehouse, which is considered by many to be the best in the area? As our writer says, every bit of BBQ on the menu “is a crispy, smoky, well-cooked tasty dish that leaves you wanting more.”
You can learn about all of that and more in some of our lists focused on the Queen City. On our “Most Marvelous Steakhouses in Charlotte” post, we cover dishes like the Wagyu bone-in strip at Sullivan’s Steakhouse, the Center cut at Carolina Prime Steakhouse and the Prime Rib at The Porter’s House.
With a thriving microbrewery scene, including Wooden Robot, Devil’s Logic and more, we focus on the best brewers in the city and some of the in brewery dining options you can pair with your pint. On every page we provide a map of our list, which can be helpful when it’s better to walk between locations than drive. Plan out your Charlotte brewery crawl using our picks!
Then of course, there’s the racing scene – if NASCAR were the movie business, Charlotte would be Hollywood. Between being the home of the NASCAR hall of fame and where some of the sport’s best athletes call home, there’s plenty around racing culture in Charlotte. In fact, some of these very drivers are also involved in the restaurant business. NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr has opened two Whiskey River restaurants in Charlotte, Jimmie Johnson once owned a taco shop in Charlotte, and The Speedway Club has hosted numerous drivers over the years.
5 Incredible Speakeasies in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, and one of the best ways to experience it is by visiting a speakeasy. These hidden bars, often located in the back of restaurants or disguised as other businesses, are a nod to the prohibition era of the 1920s. Here are the best speakeasies in Charlotte, each with its own unique vibe that makes it more than just another place to grab a drink.
Where to Eat Near PNC Arena in North Carolina
Whether you’re local to Raleigh, NC or you’re going to the PNC Arena for an event, you want to know where the best restaurants are. You’re likely craving the same things we are – flavor, quality ingredients, and atmosphere. We’ve got recommendations for you for breakfast, lunch, and even a late-night snack after an event at the PNC Arena in North Carolina.
7 Outstanding AAPI Owned Restaurants in Charlotte, NC
Charlotte, NC is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, and with that growth comes great food. In this young, fun city in North Carolina, you’ll find a wealth of amazing Asian-owned restaurants with fresh ingredients, amazing service and fun atmospheres. We’ve curated a list of 7 AAPI Owned Restaurants in Charlotte, NC you’ll want to try.
Can’t Miss Girls Night Out Spots in Charlotte, NC
Is it time to plan a sparkling night out in Charlotte with the girls? Charlotte is full of charming restaurants with amazing food, drinks, and ambiance. In fact, it’s easy to go from classy to kitschy in the span of just a few doors when hopping around Charlotte during a night out. Take a look at the eight best spots for a girls’ night out in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Totally Unique Restaurants in Charlotte, NC
Eating out is fun, but sometimes you want to go out and do something especially memorable-not necessarily fancier, but unique. Charlotte, NC is a great place to find unique restaurants that will offer you an experience that isn’t quite like any you’ve ever had before.
Top Trivia Spots in Charlotte, NC
What’s better than finding a place with amazing food and drinks? A friendly, comfortable place with all those things where you can also play trivia! It’s a chance to sharpen your mind and show your friends how much meaningless information is hiding in your brain. Trivia nights are some of our favorite ways to stay entertained through the week, so we’re going to share some of our top places to go in Charlotte, NC.
Epic Places to Celebrate Your Birthday in Charlotte, NC
Celebrating a birthday is always fun, and we’ve been to some incredible places in Charlotte, NC with crows that sure know how to party. From festive foods to hip and cool atmospheres, we think you’re going to love these places. And some have more than just food so that you can make sure that you have a memorable birthday with a fun activity that your whole group would love to bond with your friends and family.
Absolutely Delicious Calabash-Style Seafood Restaurants in Charlotte, NC
North Carolina is famous for a litany of amazing attractions, from gorgeous mountain peaks (especially in the fall time!) to mouthwatering BBQ to its totally craveable Calabash-style seafood. This uniquely NC take on seafood, originating from the town of Calabash, usually involves delicious seafood in a cornmeal batter, lightly fried to perfection and served up hot. When we are in Charlotte, these are some of our favorite seafood spots to visit that we know will always serve up the memorable experience that is Calabash-style seafood.
Best Pizza Spots in Charlotte, NC
As someone who lives a quick hour from Charlotte and spends a lot of time enjoying the nightlife, listening to music, walking the streets, and hanging out with my Queen City friends, I often run back to their food. It’s varied, tasty, and with such a vibrant culture, Charlotte has some of the best pizza […]
The Best Coffee Shops in Charlotte
There’s nothing more relaxing than a good coffee shop. Whether you’re knocking out some work, meeting up with an old friend, going on a first date, or just getting a caffeine or sugar boost, there are so many reasons to spend time in a coffee shop. Here are some of our favorites in Charlotte…
What to Eat in Charlotte in a Weekend
Charlotte, or the Queen City, has plenty to offer, from strong Southern fare to breweries as far as the eye can see. American Eats writer Joey spent a weekend exploring all that Charlotte has to offer.
The 10 Absolute Best Burger Spots in Charlotte
America has always been home to a variety of mouthwatering cuisines. Today, we focus on one of the nation’s most beloved foods, burgers! Charlotte boasts of some of the best burger spots you can try out on your next visit to the city. Here is a list of some of the Best Burger Spots in Charlotte.
So now you know…if you’re racing through the Southeast, you have to stop in Charlotte – the home of incredible BBQ, mouthwatering burgers, and the NASCAR hall of fame. With world-class eateries and some delicious hidden gems throughout the metro area, there’s always a way to get some version of the royal treatment in The Queen City. So crack open a Cheerwine and toast to the best restaurants Charlotte, NC has to offer.