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.
The Very Best Breweries in Charlotte 🍺
Charlotte is home to a lot of breweries, and it is fast becoming one of the best places in the country for beer lovers. There are plenty of places to find great beer in Charlotte, and new breweries are popping up all the time. If you’re looking for a good place to start, here’s a list of the best breweries in Charlotte.
Fancy Restaurants Worth the Splurge In Charlotte, North Carolina
There is certainly no lack of fancy restaurants to explore in Charlotte when you’re in search of an elegant night out. If you have a date and are looking for the perfect spot, you have come to the right place. These are also nice places you can eat and drink with friends if you want something a little more elevated than the typical bar scene. We have put together a list of ten great restaurants that are worth spending a little extra moola in Charlotte.
The Tastiest Bakeries in Charlotte
Sweet sugary deserts make for the best parts of a meal. Charlotte has taken it a notch higher and conveniently has the best bakeries around. With the food spots ready to offer treats to satisfy that stubborn craving at any time, it’s crucial to satisfy it with the very best places and just any type of dessert food from any store. Without a doubt, there are numerous types of delicacies to indulge in, from cookies, doughnuts, cakes, or even cupcakes on the way home or even during lunch hour or, better yet brunch with friends. Instead of getting caught up in reviews, here is a list of the best bakeries in Charlotte to try!
Black Owned Restaurants in Charlotte, NC
Here are some of the best Black owned restaurants in Charlotte to make your vacation complete.
The 11 Absolute Best NoDa Restaurants in Charlotte, NC
NoDa, which is short for North Davidson Street, is a neighborhood in Charlotte known for its art, entertainment, and eclectic style. Here, you’ll find tons of fun dive bars, like NoDa 101, one of the best karaoke bars around, coffee shops, cute stores, and of course, delicious food. All of the restaurants around here follow the artsy, eclectic style of the neighborhood from the decorations inside to the menu items they serve. NoDa is nothing but fun and we’ve put together a list of some of the best places to eat while you’re here. Cheers!
Charlotte’s Most Incredible Brunch Spots
Charlotte is one of the most beautiful cities in the South, with lots of entertaining things to see and do. Whether you’re looking to take a nature hike, visit a museum, or visit a restaurant with a stunning view of the city, you’ll find what you’re looking for here! If you want to indulge in a decadent brunch meal while you’re in the city, there are plenty of quality restaurants to choose from. Here are a few of the brunch spots in Charlotte that will make your brunch even more exciting.
8 Cheap (But Fun!) Date Night Spots in Charlotte, NC
Date nights can get repetitive when you end up at the same old spots every time. So we have rounded up our favorite cheap (but fun) date night – or day – spots for you to try when you and your sweetie are looking for something different to do that won’t break the bank.
Absurdly Delicious Late Night Eats in Charlotte, NC When The Munchies Hit
You have got to love the ever growing variety of restaurants the Charlotte, NC dining scene offers. But when we are craving a meal after hours, there’s only a few that have both the hours and the menu to satisfy. Hit up one of these fantastic late-night spots for some tasty food at a place that will definitely hit the spot. Check out this blog for some of the best late night spots to eat in Charlotte.
The Best Chef’s Tasting Menu Restaurants in Charlotte, NC
Shedding its notoriety as a quiet banker’s town, the Queen City’s population is not only growing, but also becoming younger and more diverse—hence its recent uptick in culinary offerings. And, making sure everyone’s tastes are met, many local restaurants are coming to the table with tasting menus and shareables, giving all an opportunity to take part in Charlotte’s growing flavors. Here are a few spots you won’t want to miss when you’re looking for tasting menus and small plates in Charlotte.
The Best Restaurants Near Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, NC
Whether you’re flying in or flying out, eating before you get to an airport–and have to deal with choosing between a Quizno’s and a Quizno’s–is always a good idea. Charlotte, NC has the perfect mix of any kind of cuisine you might be craving. Restaurants near Charlotte Douglas International Airport can expose you to some of its culinary charms, even if you’re on your way out of the city. Here’s a list of some of our favorite restaurants around Charlotte Douglas International Airport you should check out!
Best Places to Eat Near the Charlotte Convention Center
If you’re in town in Charlotte near the Convention Center, you may be looking for a delicious bite to eat and lucky for you Downtown Charlotte doesn’t disappoint. The Charlotte restaurant scene proves why the Queen City wears the crown for courting fans of eclectic Southern cuisine. Each restaurant outdoes the next when it comes to sourcing quality meats and oysters from nearby farms and shores. However, there’s an approachable quality that even the fanciest of restaurants here just can’t shake. Take a look at the eight best places to eat near the Charlotte Convention Center.
The Absolute Best Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in Charlotte
Charlotte has so many fabulous restaurants with prime outdoor seating. Whether you want a romantic date night under the stars or a quiet place to enjoy local cuisines, there are endless places to go. A promising patio is all you need to make an ordinary day or night exceptional, but not all restaurants have outdoor seating. Fortunately, we have made it easier for you by assembling a few restaurants with outdoor seating 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.