A Culinary Journey Through Charlotte: Savoring Southern Delights

Charlotte, North Carolina, is a city renowned for its vibrant culture, rich history, and, most importantly, its delicious Southern cuisine. As a melting pot of traditional and contemporary flavors, Charlotte offers food lovers an array of dining experiences that are sure to tantalize the taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of classic Southern comfort food or you’re seeking innovative dishes that blend regional ingredients with modern culinary techniques, Charlotte has something to offer. In this blog post, we’ll embark on a culinary journey through Charlotte, exploring some of the city’s best restaurants, food markets, and must-try dishes. Get ready to savor the flavors of the South in the Queen City.

1. The Soul of Southern Cuisine: Traditional Delights

The King’s Kitchen

Location: 129 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Overview:
The King’s Kitchen stands out not only for its delicious Southern cuisine but also for its dedication to giving back to the community. By dining here, patrons contribute to the restaurant’s mission of providing job training, employment opportunities, and support to individuals in need.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Fried Chicken: Crispy and flavorful, served alongside traditional sides like collard greens and macaroni and cheese.
• Shrimp and Grits: A creamy Southern favorite featuring fresh shrimp sautéed with garlic, served over stone-ground grits.
• Pimento Cheese: A classic Southern appetizer or sandwich spread made with sharp cheddar cheese and pimentos.

Booking Platform:
The King’s Kitchen accepts reservations through their official website or by calling directly. Given its popularity and the desire to support the community, it’s recommended to book a table in advance, especially during peak dining hours and weekends.

Tips:

• Reserve Early: Ensure you secure your table by making reservations well in advance, particularly for dinner or weekend visits.
• Supporting the Community: Every meal enjoyed at The King’s Kitchen contributes to their charitable initiatives, providing a meaningful dining experience beyond just great food.

Price’s Chicken Coop

Location: 1614 Camden Rd, Charlotte, NC 28203

Price’s Chicken Coop is an iconic Charlotte institution known for its no-frills, take-out-only approach to serving some of the best fried chicken in the South.

Highlights:

• Fried Chicken: Perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection.
• Hush Puppies: These deep-fried cornmeal balls are a must-try side.
• Southern Slaw: A tangy, crunchy slaw that pairs perfectly with the rich fried chicken.

Tips:

• Cash Only: Bring cash, as this establishment does not accept cards.
• Timing: Visit early to avoid the long lines, especially during lunch hours.

Mert’s Heart and Soul

Location: 214 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Mert’s Heart and Soul is a beloved restaurant that offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and hearty soul food dishes.

Highlights:

• Cornbread: Served warm and buttery, this cornbread is a customer favorite.
• Lowcountry Boil: A flavorful dish with shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes.
• Fried Catfish: Lightly breaded and fried to perfection, served with a side of tartar sauce.

Tips:

• Weekends: Be prepared for a wait during peak times, but it’s worth it.
• Portions: The portions are generous, so come hungry or plan to share.

2. Modern Southern Cuisine: Innovation Meets Tradition

The Asbury

Location: 235 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Located in the historic Dunhill Hotel, The Asbury offers a contemporary take on traditional Southern cuisine, using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

Highlights:

• Sweet Potato Dumplings: A creative appetizer that blends sweet and savory flavors.
• Buttermilk Fried Chicken: A modern twist on a classic dish, served with seasonal sides.
• Carolina Bison Burger: A juicy burger made with locally sourced bison meat, topped with pimento cheese.

Tips:

• Brunch: Don’t miss the weekend brunch, which features unique dishes like the crab cake benedict.
• Cocktails: Try one of their craft cocktails, which often feature local spirits and fresh ingredients.

Haberdish

Location: 3106 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205

Haberdish is a Southern-inspired restaurant in the NoDa neighborhood, known for its innovative dishes and craft cocktails.

Highlights:

• Chicken and Waffles: A modern take on a Southern classic, featuring crispy fried chicken served over fluffy waffles.
• Smoked Deviled Eggs: A smoky, flavorful twist on a traditional Southern appetizer.
• Cast Iron Mac and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet.

Tips:

• Reservations: It’s a popular spot, so book a table in advance, especially on weekends.
• Happy Hour: Visit during happy hour for great deals on appetizers and cocktails.

Stoke Charlotte

Location: 100 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Stoke Charlotte, located in the Marriott City Center, offers a menu focused on wood-fired dishes and Southern-inspired flavors.

Highlights:

• Wood-Fired Chicken: Juicy, flavorful chicken cooked in a wood-fired oven.
• Homemade Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery biscuits served with house-made jams and spreads.
• Carolina Heritage Pork: A tender pork dish featuring local, sustainably sourced meat.

Tips:

• Chef’s Counter: For a unique experience, book a seat at the chef’s counter to watch the kitchen in action.
• Dessert: Save room for dessert, particularly the house-made pies and cobblers.

3. Exploring Charlotte’s Food Markets and Food Halls

7th Street Public Market

Location: 224 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

7th Street Public Market is a bustling food hall that showcases local vendors offering a wide variety of culinary delights.

Highlights:

• Local Provisions: Find fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and locally made goods.
• Not Just Coffee: Start your day with a handcrafted coffee from this beloved local coffee shop.
• Pure Pizza: Enjoy a slice of farm-to-table pizza made with fresh, local ingredients.

Tips:

• Live Music: Visit on weekends for live music and a lively atmosphere.
• Sampling: Take advantage of the many samples offered by vendors to try a little bit of everything.

Optimist Hall

Location: 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206

Optimist Hall is a former textile mill turned food hall, offering a diverse range of food and drink options from local vendors.

Highlights:

• El Thrifty: A Mexican-inspired spot known for its delicious tacos and margaritas.
• The Dumpling Lady: Savor authentic Sichuan-style dumplings and noodles.
• Honeysuckle Gelato: Indulge in creamy, handcrafted gelato made with high-quality ingredients.

Tips:

• Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds and find a good spot to sit.
• Outdoor Seating: Enjoy your meal on the spacious outdoor patio, which often features live entertainment.

Atherton Mill and Market

Location: 2104 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

Atherton Mill and Market is a historic site in South End that features a variety of food vendors, shops, and a farmer’s market.

Highlights:

• Local Farmers: Purchase fresh produce, meats, and dairy products directly from local farmers.
• Zia Pia Imports + Italian Kitchen: Enjoy authentic Italian dishes made with imported ingredients.
• Living Kitchen: A plant-based eatery offering delicious, healthy options.

Tips:

• Weekends: The market is busiest on weekends, so plan to arrive early for the best selection.
• Workshops: Check the market’s schedule for cooking classes and workshops hosted by local chefs and artisans.

4. Must-Try Dishes and Where to Find Them

Barbecue

Midwood Smokehouse

Location: 1401 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

Midwood Smokehouse is a go-to spot for authentic North Carolina barbecue. Their meats are smoked low and slow over hickory wood for hours, resulting in tender, flavorful dishes.

Must-Try Dish: Pulled pork with Eastern North Carolina vinegar-based sauce.

Tips:

• Combo Plates: Try a combo plate to sample multiple types of barbecue.
• House-Made Sauces: Experiment with the different house-made sauces available at your table.

Biscuits

Sunflour Baking Company

Location: 2001 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204

Sunflour Baking Company is a local favorite for its fresh, handmade pastries and biscuits. Each biscuit is made from scratch using high-quality ingredients.

Must-Try Dish: Cheddar and chive biscuit sandwich with sausage and egg.

Tips:

• Take Home: Buy a few extra biscuits to take home – they make a great snack or breakfast.
• Pairing: Pair your biscuit with one of their expertly crafted coffees.

Grits

The Flying Biscuit Café

Location: 4241 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209

The Flying Biscuit Café is known for its Southern breakfast and brunch dishes, with their creamy grits being a standout favorite.

Must-Try Dish: Shrimp and grits – a Southern classic done right.

Tips:

• Weekend Brunch: Expect a wait during weekend brunch hours, but it’s worth it.
• Grits Upgrade: Add cheese or bacon to your grits for an extra indulgent treat.

5. Sweet Treats: Southern Desserts

Amélie’s French Bakery & Café

Location: 2424 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205

Amélie’s French Bakery & Café is a charming bakery known for its delightful pastries and desserts with a French twist.

Highlights:

• Salted Caramel Brownie: A rich, fudgy brownie topped with a layer of salted caramel.
• Macarons: These delicate French cookies come in a variety of flavors.
• Tarts and Pastries: Try the seasonal fruit tarts or classic éclairs.

Tips:

• Late-Night Sweets: Amélie’s is open 24 hours, making it a perfect spot for late-night dessert cravings.
• Takeaway: Grab a box of assorted pastries to enjoy later or to give as a gift.

Suarez Bakery

Location: 4245 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209

Suarez Bakery is a family-owned bakery that has been serving Charlotte since 1992. They are known for their traditional Southern baked goods.

Highlights:

• Coconut Cake: A light, fluffy cake covered in creamy frosting and shredded coconut.
• Donuts: Freshly made donuts with a variety of toppings and fillings.
• Custom Cakes: Perfect for special occasions, made to order with your choice of flavors and decorations.

Tips:

• Special Orders: Place special orders in advance, especially for custom cakes and large quantities.
• Seasonal Treats: Look out for seasonal specialties like pumpkin pies and holiday cookies.

Southern Cakes and Pies

Nana’s Soul Food Kitchen

Location: 2908 Oak Lake Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28208

Nana’s Soul Food Kitchen offers a range of traditional Southern desserts that are the perfect end to a hearty meal.

Highlights:

• Sweet Potato Pie: A classic Southern dessert with a creamy, spiced filling.
• Pecan Pie: Rich and gooey with a buttery crust and crunchy pecan topping.
• Banana Pudding: Layers of creamy pudding, bananas, and vanilla wafers.

Tips:

• Dessert to Go: Order a slice of pie or a serving of pudding to take home – they make great snacks or breakfast the next day.
• Daily Specials: Check out the daily dessert specials for seasonal offerings and new creations.

Charlotte’s culinary scene offers a delightful blend of traditional Southern flavors and modern, innovative dishes. From the classic comfort foods at The King’s Kitchen and Price’s Chicken Coop to the contemporary twists on Southern cuisine at The Asbury and Haberdish, there is something for every palate. The city’s food markets and food halls, such as 7th Street Public Market and Optimist Hall, provide opportunities to sample a variety of local flavors in a vibrant atmosphere.

Don’t miss out on must-try dishes like North Carolina barbecue, buttery biscuits, and creamy grits, and be sure to save room for Southern desserts like coconut cake and sweet potato pie. Whether you’re a Charlotte resident or a visitor, embarking on a culinary journey through the Queen City will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the rich and diverse food culture of the South. So, loosen your belt, bring your appetite, and get ready to savor the delicious flavors of Charlotte.