Address: 1807 Montford Dr, Charlotte, NC 28209
On the same weekend I visited Bentleys on 27, I wandered into another Charlotte eatery (well, better characterized as a bar that serves food), which I enjoyed for a completely opposite set of reasons. Moosehead Grill is a complete paradox of eateries, where as one could be extremely high-end and extravagant, the other seems like a bar out of Game of Thrones. I have fond memories of Moosehead Grill, as it was one of the first bars I visited when moving to the Queen City 12 years ago. I stepped into Moosehead this weekend and was pleased to see that very little had changed from when I first visited. Moosehead is unapologetically a dive bar and hopefully will remain that way.
The Good: The number one reason to visit this establishment is the food, it is unexpected and delicious. The wings for me are the standout items on the menu, an argument could be made that the Blackened wings (ok, slightly burnt) are some of the best wings in Charlotte, NC. The wings (pictured above) have a perfect crispy skin and the taste is absolutely scintillating. The Bee Sting wings (also in the picture) have a perfect combination of sweet and spicy. I would recommend visiting this establishment for the wings alone, although there are many great options. I have had other items, especially in my more gluttonous days, and I have yet to be disappointed. I can tell you first hand that the nachos are excellent, with unique flavors such as Cajun with Andouille sausage. Other items include potato skins, wet burritos (which I haven’t tried) and a variety of things that will help you create that extra chin you always wanted. I am not usually a huge fan of basic bar food, but Moosehead gets it done.
The second thing I like about Moosehead is that it is true to itself, which gives it the character that is missing in many places of Charlotte. This is not a mega -chain conglomerate, it is a single establishment that does not try to be or deliver anything but good food. Hate or love the atmosphere, there is something to be said about a place where you can go throw a T-shirt on and grab a drink and wings. I like the easy going atmosphere at times, it is a nice break from many of the more pretentious places (that I also love) in the city.
The Bad: I have had mixed experience in terms of crowds, as this place can get packed; there are some tables, but not always enough to seat all the frat boys from Apex Tech that they seem to draw, and so sometimes you have to wait. The popularity of this bar, and others in the area make parking a nightmare. The result is a situation in which you may be circling around or even walking many blocks just to get into the restaurant.
Service, due to the customer to server ratio, combined with laid back atmosphere can be less than stellar at times. More than once I have found myself fighting to get to the front of the bar for a beer. Even when the place isn’t at its peak, there can be a problem getting the bartenders attention.
The Ugly: The last time I went to the bar I met my friend, who for some reason decided to wear a T-shirt that was near shredded, and may have been confused for a hobo (that spare change tossed into his coffee came in handy..). At that time, he was one of the nicest dressed people in the establishment. Maybe I am using a little hyperbole in my description, but not much… The entire experience screams dive bar, in fact it beats you over the head with it; the place looks as if it belongs in a college town, there is absolutely nothing fancy about this place. This is definitely not a place you want to take a first date, unless of course you found each other on Truckdriversmeet.com (I really have nothing against truck drivers). Whether you like it or hate it Moosehead Grill is a low key, no frills bar.
The Verdict 6.0 out of 10 *
If one takes into consideration what Moosehead is, an unwavering dive bar, it accomplishes its goal. It may lose points for service and variety of food, but for what it does offer – it does well. I can recommend Moosehead if you are looking for a down to earth place to drink and eat surprisingly good bar food.
*For further explanation see the review scale page.