Mert's Heart & Soul
Photo provided by Mert's Heart & Soul
Charlotte, NC 28202
704-342-4222
Whether you're visiting Mert's Heart & Soul for a workday lunch, a family dinner or a post-night-out meal, you will not be disappointed. Georgia-native James Bazzelle and his wife Renee opened this Uptown staple in 1998 and have been acquiring accolades ever since for their southern menu filled with low country favorites like shrimp and grits. And while Charlotte may be landlocked you can still get your fill of seafood at Mert's with the fried catfish or the house specialty, the grilled soft-shell crab sandwich.
The Penguin
1921 Commonwealth Ave.Charlotte, NC 28205
704-375-6959
No mention of Charlotte's southern style cuisine would be complete without a nod to the famous Penguin Drive-In in Plaza-Midwood. This staple to the Charlotte landscape opened its doors in 1954 as a soda shop. Since then owner Jim Ballentine expaned the menu and the location to include some of the city's best eats such as the famous fried pickles and the Tupelo Special -- a peanut butter and banana sandwich.
Lupie's Cafe
Photo courtesy of Bob Asbury
Charlotte, NC 28205
704-374-1232
If you drive down Monroe Blvd. toward Uptown and blink, you just might miss Lupie's Cafe. The unassuming whitewashed brick restaurant with a gravel parking lot and and interior that has seen better days is a stark contrast to some of Charlotte's new and fresh dining experiences, but don't be fooled. Lupie's s known for some of the best home-cooking food in the city. Since 1983, Lupie's Cafe has been famous for its award-winning chili served three different ways: Texas style, Cincinnati style and Vegetarian.
Dish
1220 Thomas Ave.Charlotte, NC 28205
704-344-0343
A Plaza-Midwood favorite since 2002, Dish is a friendly neighborhood joint with cooking that would make mom proud. Famous for its homemade chicken and dumplings, Dish's atmosphere is even reminiscent of someone's home with eclectic plates and clientele ranging from families, to business types to every point in between. And don't forget to finish the evening with Dish's famous strawberry shortcake or chocolate pecan pie.
Charlotte Cafe
4127 Park Rd.Charlotte, NC 28209
704-523-0431
8200 Providence Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28277
With two South Charlotte locations now, owner Jimmy Roupas offers up three nightly dinner specials and a sampling of 30 "vegetables" or sides at Charlotte Cafe, including fried zucchini, baked macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy and baked apples. Charlotte Cafe offers up some homestyle favorites like meatloaf, fried fish and salmon cakes. The meatloaf is savory and amply peppered and my kids love the homemade spaghetti. Bring a hearty appetite as there are no small portions.
Price's Chicken Coop
1614 Camden Rd.Charlotte, NC 28203
704-333-9866
The no-frills chicken counter in Charlotte's South End has built its reputation on the food alone. They don't take credit cards or checks, there is no "dine-in" option and your food comes in a paper bag. But, Price's serves some of the best fried chicken I've ever had short of my grandmother's recipe. French fries are too fancy for Price's, which just serves tater rounds, and just a quick lesson -- the chicken sandwich is bone-in.