I have been in Charlotte a little over 20 years. In my time here many iconic Charlotte restaurants seem to close unexpectedly. I am not talking about the fly by night, overhyped Southend joints. I am discussing solid spots; some have been here well before I moved to this city.
Mr. K’s, Zada Janes, Letty’s on Shamrock, Soul, the Village Tavern, and the Penguin (not that imposture on East Blvd, the old school one in Plaza Midwood). Too many times, I am left wondering are there any Iconic, old-school restaurants left?
One of my complaints about Charlotte is that it has no food history. I said that in this post here. I was not totally genuine when I made this claim. There are some pockets of food history, and I think anyone who wants to truly call Charlotte their home should try most of them. Below are the most iconic Charlotte restaurants. These are the ones I like, but of course it is not an all-inclusive list.
Lang Van
Founded 30 years ago at the corner of Eastway & Shamrock Drives in east Charlotte, Lang Van feels like it has always been in this city. This Vietnamese restaurant is one that I do not visit nearly enough. It survived some close calls, like Covid, and they are still one of the best stops today.
I get Pho in every Vietnamese restaurant I go to, except Lang Van. That is because the owner Dan Nguyen can somehow make me exactly what I want, after giving her a few criteria. What is even crazier is she will remember people’s orders months later. It is certainly time for me to return to this spot, maybe even try their Pho.
The Fig Tree
A Classy spot in Elizabeth, that serves incredible food. It is a perfects restaurant for a birthday or anniversary celebration. The meals and service are consistently good, and for a while it was my favorite place in Charlotte. You can read more about it in my review of the Fig Tree that is badly needing an overhaul. I am currently no Shakespeare now, but my old writings needs some work.
Cajun Queen
While I am in Elizabeth, I should mention Cajun Queen, another iconic Charlotte restaurant that has been here for as long as I can remember. It is 39 years old, way before my time started in Charlotte. This Cajun/New Orleans style Charlotte spot is the closest thing you will get to New Orleans in the city. Of course, not as good as it’s homeland, but I never leave here disappointed. The old house feel of the spot adds to the character and charm… it makes me forget so many restaurant groups have ruined Charlotte.
Beef And Bottle
I must include Beef and Bottle on the list of Iconic Charlotte restaurants. Another butcher job of writing for me, you can read my full review on this link here. At the time of writing, I thought it was the best steak house in Charlotte, and it is still in the conversation even with so many big names moving into town. It is weird that it is so successful yet looks like an 80’s strip club from the outside. The food and the inside decor have a better vibe, and it is certainly one of the better deals when having a nice dinner.
McNinch House Restaurant
I have only been to this spot twice and had a very good meal/eating experience when I went. The problem is you must sell your first born to experience it. The house itself is over 100 years old; the restaurant started in 1989. For a tasting menu the cheapest option is the $145/per person premiere option, that is without the $80/person wine menu. You could get the $260/person chef menu and wine is included…what a deal! Bring the whole family, who needs college or a home. The food is delicious though, if you get a chance try it.
300 East
I am starting to think all these iconic restaurants are in old houses. I used to love this place when I was living in Dilworth, I stopped going when they messed up my Eggs Benedict (I hold grudges). Still the food usually is good, with the best French Onion soup in Charlotte. This place lasted in Dilworth, while so many around them have failed, they must be doing something right.
It is always crowded so they aren’t missing me that much, you probably have a better chance of winning the Mega Millions than getting a seat at prime brunch time. If you go for dinner (or Lunch even) get a Callebaut Brownie and wash it down with a Matilda Wong drink. So strong that you won’t even remember your overcooked Eggs Benedict.
Alexander Michael’s
Located in… you guessed it, an old house on west 9th street, I have never been disappointed. Alexander Michael’s is one of those iconic Charlotte restaurants that is off the beaten path (a bit) in the fourth ward. It is a safe bet you will get a really good meal. Another spot that proves all good things started in the 80’s (or grew up then). A lot of their menu is standard; just done well, whether it is the burger or their salads. I always liked the Penne Athena at this place. Everyone who lives in Charlotte should go at least once.
Sir Edmond Halley’s
I didn’t think this spot was going to make it when I first got to Charlotte, but what the hell do I know! I have been here a million times, the food is solid at this Irish pub. I think it is safe to call it that. Their prices are good, and they have half-price wine on Sundays. Plus, they sport an Ostrich meatloaf, what else can you want? Getting in is kind of a pain in the arse, just go around back of the Park Rd Shopping Center. There are worse ways to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Moosehead Grill
Since we are in the Woodlawn area, I should probably throw Moosehead Grill into the mix. It is safe to say this place is a dive bar, especially if you go into the bathrooms. Still the food is great for a bar, the wings are top notch (the best in Charlotte). The Moosehead Grill has been here longer than me, not sure exactly how long, because Google let me down. I hope The Moosehead Grill never changes, but who knows, nothing seems to be immune to change in Charlotte. For the time being I will sit back and enjoy the wings and not enjoy the foul-smelling toilets.
Good Food on Montford
Maybe this is a controversial pick, since this Montford restaurant is newer than a lot of these places. Located within a stone’s throw of the Moosehead Grill, I think it opened up in my fourth or fifth year of being here (maybe it is 16 years old). Still, if someone asks for an Iconic Charlotte restaurant, this is what I think of. I spent many birthdays here; it is great for celebrations or just chilling at the bar.
Good Food on Montford has some of my favorite dishes in Charlotte, notably Larry’s Pork Bun. Your meal can be extremely inexpensive or very pricey depending on how you frame it. This is one of my favorites in Charlotte, so I needed to add it to the list.
Landmark Diner
The Landmark Diner seems to be trapped in a time warp. Someone needs to tell them that Charlotte’s food scene is supposed to be filled with reconstructed fusion garbage that only the most pretentious eater would want. Yet here Landmark diner is, just looking the same as it did twenty years ago when I first got here, and assuming they looked the same 15 years prior to that.
The good news is the food still has three things I like. A fair value, (not like it used to be), good size portions and great food. It has one of the better options for breakfast as well as an amazing Greek salad. One day I will try some of their diabetes inducing desserts from the case.
Thomas Street Tavern
I can’t leave this place out, given I lived in Plaza Midwood for so many years. This was my go-to spot for so many regrettable nights. I have a full review here. This might be the best dive bar in the city, yes, better than The Thirsty Beaver. The food is terrible, and you will probably be hating yourself for whatever transcribed the night before, but I couldn’t imagine Charlotte without it.
Conclusion:12 Iconic Charlotte Restaurants
There you have it, that is my list. Are there more, of course. BBQ King (had a terrible experience there). Maybe Baoding Restaurant in Southpark could have been added, a pretty good Chinese option. Also, Mert’s has been around a while, but they never grew on me. The above are what I think of when thinking of Iconic Charlotte restaurants. Leave your recommendations in the comments and I will be sure to check them out. I will use any excuse to eat.