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Where I Eat, Sip & Indulge around Charlotte
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items I’ve lived around Charlotte for years and am always trying new spots for food, coffee, and sweet treats. This list is my go-to guide for where I eat, sip, and hang out in the area. Hope you find a new favorite — let me know which one you try first!
Map
Sections
3
Restaurants
Coffee and Fun Drinks
Desserts
Restaurants
Fresh, never frozen pizzas with fun twists like the pickle pizza. You can build your own or pick from their signature pies. They’ve also got arcade games, pinball, and even ice cream for a treat.
The Exchange Pizza Depot
The best fried chicken around. I always get the tender plate with mac & cheese and mashed potatoes with gravy. The ranch is amazing, the sweet tea is a must, and the banana pudding is my go-to dessert.
Hathaway’s Chicken
Cozy, calming atmosphere with great service and music. I love the lasagna, my husband swears by the customizable steak, and their scallop dish is amazing.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
A fun first-time seafood boil experience with gloves and bibs. I love the Juicy Special with garlic and Cajun seasoning, loaded with shrimp, crab legs, and sometimes a lobster tail. Don’t miss the oyster appetizer!
Shake Shake Seafood
My go-to hibachi spot — the best around. I always get the shrimp and scallop combination plate with veggies, mushrooms, broccoli, and rice. Don’t skip the extra shrimp sauce — it’s worth every penny.
Koumi Express
Fun hibachi experience with chefs cooking right at your table. I always go for the sushi — they have special rolls and new options to try, though the hibachi is great too.
Takara Sushi & Steakhouse
An authentic ramen experience that changed my life. You can fully customize your bowl with different noodles, broth bases like pork belly or miso, and all your favorite toppings. 100 out of 10, absolutely delicious.
Poke n’ Ramen 360
Great spot for $3 pizza slices or build-your-own pies. They have authentic gelato, homemade cannoli, cold beer, wings, and a variety of subs including meatball — something for everyone.
JAMZ Pizza & Wings
Diverse wing flavors, including strawberry and raspberry, plus cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, and plenty of appetizers. Don’t miss their Tres Leche cake — always a favorite.
Chex Grill & Wings
My absolute favorite breakfast spot. Belgian waffles with strawberries and strawberry syrup are amazing, and eggs are cooked to perfection. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Palace Restaurant
Favorite breakfast spot with a diverse menu. The eggs Benedict is to die for, eggs are always perfectly cooked, and their specialty coffee is delicious. Don’t skip the donuts!
Eggs Up Grill
One of the best Italian spots around with pizza, pasta, steak, and seafood. I love the baked ziti and the tie-dye and Montana pizza. Don’t miss the crème brûlée for dessert.
Mario's Italian Restaurant
Wonderful breakfast spot that can get busy — for good reason! Their specialty coffee is amazing, and everything on the breakfast menu, from eggs to pancakes, is just delicious.
First Watch Cafe
Fun Mexican spot with flavorful tacos, enchiladas, and fajitas. Great for casual dinners or a night out with friends.
Ay Caramba Cava and Grill
Local favorite with amazing Philly cheesesteaks and delicious stuffed shells. Plenty of other tasty Italian options to try as well.
Napoli Italian Restaurant
Cozy spot with a varied menu, from hearty sandwiches to fresh salads. Great for a casual lunch or relaxed dinner with friends.
Franklin Court Grille
Casual spot with Southern-inspired dishes and a welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for a relaxed meal with friends or family.
Southern Roots Bar & Grille
Best barbecue around. I love the ribs, barbecue chicken, and pork, with mac & cheese, baked beans, and sweet potato casserole on the side. Don’t miss their unique barbecue sauces and banana pudding for dessert.
The Smoke Pit
Charming spot with a creative menu. I love the fresh, flavorful dishes and welcoming atmosphere — perfect for brunch or a relaxed dinner.
East Frank Superette & Kitchen
Lots of options to satisfy any craving — fried, broiled, or lightly prepared. Always fresh and flavorful, perfect for seafood lovers.
Mayfair Seafood
Diverse menu with lots of sushi options. I love trying a new sushi roll each time — always something delicious to discover.
Red Bowl Asian Bistro
Their signature Kaizoku Roll is my favorite. Don’t miss the mochi ice cream, and most other rolls are great too. You can also make your own poke bowl or enjoy hibachi here.
Kaizoku Japanese Cuisine
Burgers and sandwiches done right — pile on your favorite toppings. They have breakfast options, a wide variety of menu items, and a tempting dessert case.
Sileo's New York Deli
Juicy, tender chicken with customizable portions. I love it with cilantro lime rice, fries, and their signature dipping sauces. Don’t skip the Tres Leches cake for dessert — absolutely delicious.
Viva Chicken
I love the Pollo Fundido and Pollo con Queso. Don’t miss their Tres Leches cake — a perfect way to finish your meal.
EL PALENQUE MEXICAN
Everything on the menu is delicious. Their taco bar is amazing for events, and the Tres Leches cake is a must-try. I usually get the Pollo con Queso — always a winner.
El Vallarta
Family-owned gem with incredible burgers — get Patty’s Patty with pimento cheese. Don’t skip the pita with house-made dips and pickles. They even stock local desserts like Gingham Girl cake rolls!
Patty & The Dogs
Coffee and Fun Drinks
This place made me genuinely enjoy coffee — you can actually taste the flavors without it being overly sweet. I love the Turtle Mocha, White Berry Mocha, and Campfire Mocha. Their Nashville hot chicken biscuit is a must-try, and they have plenty of o...
Caribou Coffee
Not my go-to for coffee, but their energy drinks are amazing — the Cheer Wine Energy and Blue razz are my favorites. Plus, their rewards program is a great perk.
Clutch Coffee Bar
Fun drive-through experience — they always say “scoot around to the window!” My favorite is the limited-edition Green Leprechaun drink (no espresso) — tastes like a milkshake. Cake pops and seasonal drinks are also great.
Scooter's Coffee
Family-owned and delicious. My go-to is the Strawberry Milk Tea with strawberry boba, but they have so many flavors and popping pearls to choose from — always a treat.
Bursting BobaCafe
Fun local spot with cute aesthetics. I love trying their seasonal drinks — always something new and creative. Check their social media for the latest seasonal specials!
sorella coffee
Busy café with lots of flavor options. They also serve ice cream, making it a fun spot to try a variety of drinks and treats.
High Octane Coffee and Creamery
Cozy spot serving a variety of coffee drinks. A nice local option for grabbing your daily caffeine fix.
Alice Jules Coffeehouse
Small local spot with lots of flavor options. I recommend trying their lavender latte — it’s delicious.
KB’s Coffee
My favorite is the Strawberry Milk Tea with green tea and strawberry boba. You absolutely have to try their macarons — the strawberry flavor is to die for. Delicious treats in a cozy, inviting spot.
Komma Tea
Desserts
Small business with the best cake rolls I’ve ever had — the Banana Pudding Cake Roll is my absolute favorite. Their cake pops are also amazing. They have “Sips,” a fun dirty soda with coffee, creamers, and flavored syrups — try the Daisy!
Gingham Girl Cake Rolls & Creations
Best ice cream spot around. My favorite flavor is Cake Batter. Scoops are huge and worth it, plus they have banana splits, milkshakes, and even ice cream cakes — everything is delicious.
Bruster's Real Ice Cream
Adorable spot with amazing vibes. My favorite are the macarons — a must-try — and their drinks have unique, delicious flavors too.
Amélies French Bakery Cafe