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.
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
4310 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28211
(704) 365-1922
You kind of want a burger, but you also kind of want sushi. What if you could have both? It might sound impossible, but look no further than The Cowfish to get what they call a burgushi-a fusion of the two. The All-American bacon double cheeseburger, for example, comes wrapped in soy paper and rice. For the less adventurous eaters in your party, there are regular burgers and regular sushi as well. In addition to the wide selection of food, there are specialty martinis, boozy milkshakes and other creative cocktails. This is a busy, popular restaurant, not a place you’d steal away to for a romantic dinner but definitely a fun and memorable night out.
Day & Night Exotic Cereal Bar
127 Brevard Court, Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 298-6006
How’s your inner child doing lately? If you ate a lot of ridiculously sweet cereal as a kid or just wish you’d been allowed to, you can relive those glory days at Day & Night Exotic Cereal Bar. Every grown-up kid’s cereal dream can come true here with a choice of bowls or shakes made up of such childhood delights as Fruit Loops, Cocoa Puffs and Captain Crunch. The place itself is small, so consider a to-go order or stick around to get a seat outdoors. And if you insist on being an adult about it and having a sensible dinner anyway, you can still visit Day & Night for one of the more unusual desserts you’ve ever had.
Deluxe Fun Dining
305 W 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 237-8042
The people behind Deluxe Fun Dining want your night out to be much more than even a great meal on its own can provide. Deluxe Fun Dining is dedicated to bringing a sense of art and design to the dining experience so that all of your senses are stimulated. Just how unique is it? Well, when was the last place you saw red velvet waffles with lobster tail adorned with edible gold leaf on a menu? It’s not all about show, however, and those who prefer something a little more conventional, whether that’s eggs at brunch or a chicken kebab at dinner will find plenty on the menu to please. The dishes are Mediterranean-influenced, and the cocktails are as creative as the food. You’ll never have another dining experience quite like this one.
RH Rooftop Restaurant
6903 Phillips Place Ct, Charlotte, NC 28210
(704) 790-4970
A restaurant in a hardware store might not be the first thing you’d think of when you wanted to go out to eat, although it certainly is unique. But when the store is Restoration Hardware and the restaurant is as beautiful as RH Rooftop Restaurant with a menu as enticing as theirs is, that puts a different spin on things. You’ll dine in this year-round greenhouse-style space under grand chandeliers amid olive trees and other greenery alongside bubbling fountains. As for the food, there are brunch, lunch and dinner options with a theme of classic simplicity. Come here for a steak, a burger, a lobster roll and similar dishes.
The Fig Tree Restaurant
1601 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 332-3322
The Fig Tree is another option if you’re looking for incredible food in a memorable setting. This 1912 Craftsman bungalow-turned-restaurant has five different gorgeously decorated dining rooms, including the home’s original woodwork, plus outdoor seating when weather permits. Perfect for date night or other special occasion dining, the Fig Tree’s menu offers creative updates on classic Italian and French preparations of fish, steak, escargot and more.
The King’s Kitchen
129 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 375-1990
There’s nothing quite like The King’s Kitchen, a bright, airy restaurant serving Southern food made from fresh local ingredients and donating 100% of profits to community nonprofits focused on hunger, addiction and other issues. The menu can vary based on what’s available, but among the beloved Southern dishes that regularly appear are grilled catfish, country friend steak and boiled peanuts.
Mac’s Speed Shop
2511 S Blvd Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 522-6227
North Carolina barbecue might not sound all that unique, but this is run by two guys who love their bikes as much as barbecue. A friendly, low-key biker-bar vibe permeates the place, but you’ll be just as welcome if you wouldn’t dream of sitting on a motorcycle. It’s also pet-friendly and offers large portions of made-from-scratch pulled pork, brisket, ribs, wings and a variety of sauces along with an extensive beer list.