Budget
Simmons Soul Food
Simmons Soul Food, 516 N Graham St, +1 704 334-6640, (http://www.simmonssoulfoo...). MâSa 11AMâ9PM, Su 11AMâ6PM. A more down-home alternative to Mert's, located not far away in the middle of the historic Fourth Ward neighborhood. The walls are covered with pictures of famous patrons, including star players from the Panthers, Hornets and Bobcats. Located in a shopping center that is full of African-American owned businesses.
Open Kitchen
1318 w morehead st, +1 704 375-7449, (http://www.theopenkitchen.net). m-th 11am-10pm, f 11am-11pm, sa 4pm-11pm, su 4pm-10pm. once the only restaurant in charlotte to serve pizza back when it was considered an exotic delicacy, this restaurant continues to thrive on the outskirts of uptown. it's not difficult to find three generations of patrons at a single table.
| This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink: | |
| Budget | Under $10 |
| Mid-range | $10-$30 |
| Splurge | $31+ |
Green's Lunch
309 w 4th st, +1 704 332-1786, (http://www.greenslunch.com/). m-f 7:30am-4pm, sa 9am-2pm. one of charlotte's oldest establishments, and uptown's oldest restaurant at over 80 years. a relatively simple diner atmosphere, with city memorabilia covering the walls. order your hot-dog or hamburger "carolina style", and don't forget that it's cash-only!
Fuel
214 n tryon st and 500 s college st, (http://www.fuelpizza.com). m-th 11am-10pm, f sa 11am-11pm. a fast-growing, homegrown chain that started in a converted gas station if you're curious, visit the original location on central ave. to see it for yourself. fuel sells pizza by the slice, making it convenient and cheap to stop for a quick bite. there are two uptown locations, both convenient to major attractions.
Tic Toc Coffee Shop
512 n tryon st, +1 704 375-5750. m-f 7am-3pm. easy to miss among the skyscrapers and bistros of n tryon st. if you're uptown for the day, this is a good place to step away from the crowd and have a cup o' joe.
Showmars
101 n tryon st, +1 704 333-7469 alternate locations at 214 n tryon st, 130 w 3rd st, 201 s college st, 600 e 4th st, (http://www.showmars.com/). m-f 6am-4pm. these are the most central locations of the home-grown chain that has made a name for its excellent greek "fast" food. don't be put off by the odd concept or gaudy neon signs; this chain is successful for a reason. mouth-watering greek fare and excellent sweet tea.
Midrange
Brixx Pizza
Brixx Pizza, 225 E 6th St also has locations in SouthPark, Dilworth and Huntersville, +1 704 347-2749, (http://www.brixxpizza.com...). M-Sa 11AM-1AM, Su 11AM-11PM. Critically acclaimed and very family-friendly, Brixx goes far beyond the norm with its pizza selection. Lots of variety on the menu, including pasta dishes and full-size salad options. Very conveniently located at the bottom of the massive 7th St. Station parking deck, and only a couple of blocks from Bobcats arena. Very busy on game days, but the service is quick.
Mert's Heart and Soul
Mert's Heart and Soul, 214 N College St, +1 704 342-4222, (http://www.mertsuptown.com). 11AM-3PM daily; Tu-Su 3PM dinner start, Sa Su 9AM brunch. Upscale soul food located very near the city's entertainment center. Charlotte's most prominent African-American owned restaurant, Mert's is a favorite among people of all walks of life. The hip decor matches its proximity to clubs and Bobcats Arena. Don't count calories.
SoHo Bistro
214 n tryon st, +1 704 333-5189, (http://www.sohobistro2go.com/). m-th 11am-10pm; f sa 11:30am-11pm; su 11:30am-10pm. big-city visitors might smirk at the lack of chinese options uptown, but soho bistro does its best to help fill the void. not the kind of place to stop for a cheap box of noodles, but excellent if you're looking for a quality lunch or dinner.
French Quarter Restaurant
321 s church st, +1 704 377-7415. one of the best restaurant locations in all of charlotte, as part of historic latta arcade. give some thought to passing by this restaurant, even if only to grab a drink. the ambience and service are both excellent, and the food quality is very high.
Rock Bottom Brewery
401 n tryon st, +1 704 334-2739, (http://www.rockbottomsout...). m-th 11am-11pm; f sa 11am-midnight; su 11am-9pm. aside from its beer menu, this place has developed a reputation as one of uptown's better places to grab a bite to eat. the burgers have an especially high reputation. note that the kitchen closes a couple of hours before the bar.
Cosmos
300 n college st, +1 704 372-3553, (http://www.cosmoscafe.com/). m-f 11am-2am, sa 5pm-2am. a survivor of the days when uptown rolled up the sidewalks after sundown, cosmos has thrived as a hip spot to grab dinner before the clubs open. artsy decor and creative entrees have kept the doors open, and now cosmos reaps the benefit of its location near the heart of the entertainment scene. prices are slightly higher than average, but there are lower-priced options available.
Ri Ra
Ri Ra, 208 N Tryon St, +1 704 333-5554, (http://www.rira.com/locat...). M-Sa 11:30AM-2AM, Su 11:30AM-midnight. As authentic as Irish pubs get without requiring plane tickets; Ri Ra has come up with the clever idea of physically relocating Irish pubs to the United States. A highly authentic menu and beer selection complement the warm surroundings and reasonable prices. Very convenient to nightclubs and the arena. Be ready to fight for a seat on St. Patty's Day.
Top end
Bentley's on 27
Bentley's on 27, 201 S College St, +1 704 343-9201 (http://www.bentleyson27.com). M-Th 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30PM-9:30PM, F 11:30AM-2PM, 5:30PM-10:30PM, Sa 5:30PM-10:30PM. If you're looking for a "wow" factor with your meal, this is it. Bentley's offers upscale dining from the 27th floor of the Grant Thornton building uptown. Panoramic views of south Charlotte accompany your meal. Has a reputation for being a bit overpriced, though for obvious reasons.
Alexander Michael's
401 w 9th st, +1 704 332-6789. m-th 11:30am-10pm, f sa 11:30am-11pm. if you're touring fourth ward, a stop at "al mike's" is a must. the building is nearly a century old, and has probably never looked better. the menu is somewhat expensive but the food is good, and the beer selection is one of the best in the city. a slightly dim, pubbish atmosphere creates ambience. kids are welcome but this is probably a better place for a date.
LaVecchia's
225 e 6th st, +1 704 370-6776, (http://www.lavecchias.com/). m-th 5:30pm-10pm, f sa 5:30pm-11pm. this upscale seafood restaurant deserves its reputation as one of uptown's best. very convenient to the arena and the 10-story 7th st. station parking deck. the prices are a bit high, but you enjoy first-rate seafood, live jazz music and excellent decor.
The McNinch House Restaurant
511 n church st, +1 704 332-6159, (http://www.mcninchhousere...). tu-sa 6:30pm-midnight. an award winning restaurant in charlotte's historic fourth ward neighborhood. the restaurant has operated since 1988 and serves a highly choreographed seven-course continental and southern dinner in a turn of the century queen anne victorian home. well known for pairing wines with the courses. more than a dinner, it is truly an event. reservations required, valet parking available.