Charlotte, North Carolina boasts some great local restaurants, with more to come with the addition of Johnson and Wales College. From cheap and tasty to high-end and exquisite, you're sure to find what you're looking for.
Charlotte, North Carolina is a very fast-growing city; it is said that 100 new people move to Charlotte everyday. Downtown is going through a serious rehabilitation, with new condos for those who want the "city-living" experience. The outer city is beautiful, with lush plantlife and more blooming dogwood trees than you can imagine. Charlotte boasts great weather, the only times to not travel to Charlotte are during hurricane season an ice-storm! The best weather is from March to August, although is gets pretty hot, even up into the 100s. September starts hurricane weather, and if you think you're safe because you're so far inland, just ask anyone who was in Charlotte in September of 1989 for Hurricane Hugo. It's definitely best to skip hurricane season, although you're safer in Charlotte than in Raleigh or on the coast. Charlotte has a lot to offer families and couples, and here are some of the best places to eat. Undoubtedly, especially with the new Johnson and Wales school opening, there will be even better places to eat out in the future. In the meantime, try these, and don't be afraid to branch out!
High-end
Barrington's Restaurant
7822 Fairview Rd.
704/ 364-5755
Cuisine: American
Price: $30-40 per entree
Barrington's, while a little far from the city's center, is a cozy and romantic restaurant that caters to a casual yet elite crowd. The food is exquisite and varies seasonally; the specials are always a safe bet. The pastas are undeniable, as is the dinner salad. Chef Bruce Moffett is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, and it shows in his precise accompaniments of flavors. Well worth the price.
La Bibliotheque
1901 Roxborough Rd.
704/ 365-5000
Cuisine: American, French
Price: $40-80 per entree
La Bibliotheque, French for "the library" is as quiet and restrained as you would expect, and the food is exceptional. Located across from South Park Mall and practically hidden away, it is one of Charlotte's longest-lasting gems and is certainly here to stay. The cuisine is exceptional and will give diners a true European experience, with sorbet between courses and the best creme brulee that Charlotte offers. La Bibliotheque is a great place to go for a special occasion and will be sure not to disappoint.
The Capital Grille
201 N. Tryon St.
704/ 348-1400
Cuisine: American/Steakhouse
Price: About $30-40 per entree
The Capital Grille is in the heart of downtown Charlotte and is hailed by many as the best steakhouse in the Queen City. The steaks are dry-aged at the restaurant itself and are mouth-watering. Drinks are great here too, and there are over 300 wines to choose from! This is a nice place to go if you can walk back to your hotel. The view from the restaurant is incredible and you will definitely spot the hard-working Charlotte bankers here, letting off some steam after work.
Upstream
6902 Phillips Place Court
704/ 556-7730
Cuisine: Seafood
Price Range: $30-40 per entree
Upstream is one of the hottest restaurants in Charlotte right now, in the very up-and-coming shopping village of Phillips Place. Across from Dean and Deluca and surrounded by upscale clothing stores, as well as the Phillips Place movie theater (where you can catch a show after dinner), Upstream has clearly made a place for itself among the upper-crust of Charlotte diners. Most Charlotteans are seafood connieussuers, having made trips to the coast during summer holidays, and Upstream delivers the best of North Carolina seafood elegantly mixed with high cuisine. There are also steaks for the non-seafood loving. Upstream is a little more casual than the other high-end Charlotte restaurants, and therefore more accessible to the burgeoning 20 to 30-something work crowd. Mingle in the oyster bar area or have a quiet, romantic dinner in the main dining area. Upstream is not to be missed.
Moderately Priced
300 East
300 East Blvd.
704/ 332-6507
Cuisine: American
Price Range: $15-25 per person
300 East is truly a Charlotte gem. In the fall, spring, and summer, you can dine outside on the patio and watch the passersby. It also conveniently close to downtown, as well as the up-and-coming South Blvd. shops. The menu is not terribly varied, but its contents are tried and true. The "Usual," an open-faced chicken salad sandwich on french bread with cheese and asparagus is amazing, something that is equally as good to go as it is in the restaurant. The atmosphere is warm and casual, and although the service is sometimes slow the food and experience are worth it. 300 East is one of the more liberal places in town, a nice change from the more conservative Charlotte demeanor. A great place for lunch or dinner.
Frank Manzetti's Bar and Grill
6401 Morrison Blvd.
704/ 364-9334
Cuisine: American
Price Range: $20-30 per person
Located among the Specialty Shops on the Park, (across from South Park Mall), "Manzetti's" as it is popularly known is a great restaurant that is fun, casual, and nice at the same time. The bar and bartenders are some of Charlotte's best, and Manzetti's boasts a large after-work crowd, mingling included. Burgers are great here, but the favorite dish is, oddly enough, the broiled chicken salad with the house dressing, an appetizing combination of honey mustard and hot bacon that is sure to light up your taste buds. At around $9 it is a deal too! Other great choices are Mama Manzetti's Chicken and the steaks, too. Service is impeccable here and the wait is rarely as long as the hostesses claim. Try the broiled chicken salad for lunch while shopping at the newly refurbished South Park Mall.
Pewter Rose
1820 South Blvd.
704/ 332-8149
Cuisine: American/French
Price Range: $18-20 per entree
A quick shot from downtown, the Pewter Rose is away from the congestion of downtown and has a nice relaxed atmosphere that is reflected in their cuisine. The Sunday brunch is what has made this restaurant a favorite with Charlotteans. The baked brie appetizer is exceptional, as are the desserts. Sit on the back patio to escape even the in-restaurant crowd, call ahead for group accommodations. Parking can be tricky but is worth the effort. Live music on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; be sure to call for more details.
Inexpensive (but great)
Athen's
101 E. Independence Blvd.
704/ 375-3597
Cuisine: American/Greek
Price Range: $8-12 per person
Serving the UNC-Charlotte college crowd as well as diners looking for a quick and tasty but inexpensive bite, Athen's has it all. They serve breakfast all day, have classic American fare, and spice up the menu with great Greek items, such as spanikopita, moussaka, and the ubiquitous gyro. The decor is as for a fifties diner, and the ambience is typical of a college crowd. Open 24 hours Wednesday-Sunday, to serve the hungriest of late-nighters in Charlotte.
Lupie's
2718 Monroe Rd.
704/ 374-1232
Cuisine: American
Price Range: About $10-15 per person
The best nachos in Charlotte, bar-none. DO NOT show up without your entire party though, Lupie's will only seat whole parties, and if you try to pull a fast one they will put you in the back of the (usually very long) line. If this is a family outing be sure to go during the daytime or on a weeknight; the weekends can get hairy here when a biker-esque crowd shows up. These nachos are worth the danger! Great burgers and soups, too, as well as beer deals.
Press Box
1627 Montford Dr.
704/ 523-4981
Cuisine: American
Price Range: $10-15 per person
Press Box, across from Park Lanes bowling, is a classic dark and smoky restaurant serving big, juicy burgers and great beer and drinks. Try the Methini burger, topped with mushrooms and cheese, and be sure to get their medallion fries, which are crispy and flaky. Avoid creepy regulars at the bar if you are dining alone. If smoke bothers you, this is probably not the place for you. If you are having a tryst and need a dark corner and a hot burger, it definitely is.
Price's Chicken Coop
1614 Camden Rd.
704/ 333-9866
Cuisine: Soul Food
Price Range: $8-10 per person
Price's Chicken Coop is the place in Charlotte for the best fried chicken you've ever tasted. Served to-go in white boxes that will eventually turn clear from the grease, Price's is not for the feint of heart nor the cholesterol-watching. Steaming, crispy on the outside and tender inside, dark meat and white meat alike will make your mouth water. The fixins' are just as amazing, including great mayonnaise-based slaw, fries, and true-to-the-South sweet iced tea. You will love it, but it probably best for your health not to make yourself a regular. By the way, the chicken is just as good cold, and makes a great late-night snack.
