Charlotte, North Carolina, is a vibrant and rapidly growing city that boasts a rich cultural and culinary heritage. Known as the Queen City, Charlotte offers food lovers a mix of traditional Southern cuisine, contemporary twists on classic dishes, and hidden gems that only locals know about. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best places to enjoy authentic Southern fare in Charlotte, covering everything from barbecue to soul food and seafood. If you’re wondering where to eat in Charlotte NC to get the best Southern cuisine, look no further!
1. What Defines Southern Cuisine?
Southern cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition and is known for its hearty, comforting dishes that reflect the agricultural abundance of the region. Staples of Southern food include BBQ, fried chicken, biscuits, grits, collard greens, cornbread, and, of course, sweet tea. In Charlotte, you’ll find these classics prepared in traditional ways but also with modern spins that celebrate local ingredients and culinary innovation. Whether you’re craving smoky barbecue or classic shrimp and grits, Charlotte offers something for every Southern food lover.
2. Top BBQ Spots in Charlotte
BBQ is arguably the crown jewel of Southern cuisine, and Charlotte is home to some of the best BBQ joints in the South. Here are a couple of must-visit BBQ spots:
Mac’s Speed Shop
Located on South Boulevard, Mac’s Speed Shop is a Charlotte institution when it comes to barbecue. Known for its laid-back biker bar vibe, Mac’s serves up smoky, tender meats paired with Southern sides like mac and cheese and hush puppies. Their brisket, pulled pork, and smoked chicken are fan favorites, all cooked low and slow to perfection. Don’t forget to try their award-winning wings, which come with a range of sauces that highlight regional flavors.
Midwood Smokehouse
Another top contender in the Charlotte BBQ scene is Midwood Smokehouse, with several locations across the city. Using a wood-fired pit and hickory wood, Midwood Smokehouse delivers barbecue with a Carolina twist, featuring both Eastern and Lexington-style sauces. Their smoked pork, ribs, and brisket are legendary but don’t miss the burnt ends—a delicacy that draws BBQ lovers from near and far.
3. Must-Try Soul Food Restaurants
Soul food is a staple in Southern cuisine, and Charlotte is home to some of the best soul food spots in the region. These restaurants serve comforting, home-cooked meals that celebrate African American culinary traditions.
Mert’s Heart and Soul
Located in Uptown Charlotte, Mert’s Heart and Soul is beloved for its authentic soul food and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Popular dishes include fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and mac and cheese—all prepared with rich, flavorful seasonings. Mert’s is also known for its famous “Soul Roll,” a Southern-inspired egg roll stuffed with seasoned collard greens and chicken, a must-try for any first-time visitor.
La’Wan’s Soul Food
For a more casual but equally satisfying experience, head to La’Wan’s Soul Food. A Charlotte favorite, La’Wan’s offers a rotating menu of Southern classics such as fried pork chops, smothered chicken, and oxtail, all served with sides like sweet potatoes and cabbage. Their generous portions and homestyle cooking make La’Wan’s a go-to spot for anyone craving a soulful meal.
4. Best Places for Southern-Style Seafood
Seafood is an integral part of Southern cuisine, especially in coastal regions, and Charlotte is no exception when it comes to serving up Southern-style seafood.
The King’s Kitchen
This Uptown Charlotte restaurant offers Southern cuisine with a mission—The King’s Kitchen operates as a non-profit, with proceeds going to feed the hungry. Their menu features Southern-style seafood favorites like shrimp and grits, fried catfish, and crab cakes. What sets The King’s Kitchen apart is its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, which elevates its classic Southern dishes to new heights.
Sea Level NC
For fresh, sustainable seafood with a Southern twist, head to Sea Level NC. Located in Uptown, this restaurant focuses on delivering locally sourced oysters, clams, and fish from the Carolina coast. One of their standout dishes is the Carolina Shrimp and Grits, made with stone-ground grits, a rich tomato-bacon gravy, and fresh shrimp. It’s a modern take on a Southern classic that keeps diners coming back for more.
5. Southern Comfort Food in Charlotte’s Upscale Dining Scene
While traditional Southern food is often associated with home-style, casual dining, Charlotte also boasts upscale restaurants that elevate these classic flavors.
The Asbury
Located in the historic Dunhill Hotel, The Asbury offers a refined dining experience with a focus on modern Southern cuisine. The Asbury’s menu features dishes like fried chicken and biscuits, but with a twist—using locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients and elegant presentation. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has made it a favorite among foodies in the city.
The Stanley
In the Plaza Midwood neighborhood, The Stanley delivers a high-end, Southern-inspired menu crafted by award-winning chef Paul Verica. Dishes like crispy pork belly with pickled okra and smoked trout toast exemplify how Southern flavors can be elevated with fine dining techniques. The Stanley’s dedication to using seasonal, locally grown produce also makes it a standout in Charlotte’s upscale dining scene.
6. Hidden Southern Cuisine Gems Only Locals Know About
While Charlotte has plenty of well-known restaurants, some of the best Southern cuisine can be found in hidden gems that only locals frequent.
Price’s Chicken Coop
Price’s Chicken Coop is a Charlotte institution. This no-frills, take-out-only spot in the South End neighborhood is famous for its fried chicken, served with sides like slaw and hush puppies. Locals swear by Price’s for its perfectly crispy chicken, and despite its small footprint, the place is always buzzing with activity. It’s a must-visit for fried chicken lovers.
Lupie’s Cafe
For hearty Southern comfort food in a casual, retro atmosphere, Lupie’s Cafe is a beloved Charlotte spot that’s been around for decades. Known for its meatloaf, chili, and chicken-fried steak, Lupie’s offers homestyle cooking with generous portions and affordable prices. It’s the kind of place where you feel right at home with a plate of stick-to-your-ribs food.
7. Local Ingredients and Farm-to-Table Southern Cuisine
In recent years, the farm-to-table movement has become increasingly popular in Charlotte, with restaurants focusing on sourcing ingredients from local farmers to create fresh, sustainable dishes.
The Harvest Moon Grille
The Harvest Moon Grille, located in Uptown Charlotte, is one such restaurant that prides itself on using only locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients. Their Southern-inspired menu includes items like grass-fed beef, organic vegetables, and free-range chicken, offering a fresh take on classic Southern fare.
Heirloom
Heirloom, located in the Coulwood neighborhood, is another restaurant committed to using ingredients from local farms. Their menu changes seasonally to reflect the best produce and meats available, and their Southern-inspired dishes offer a contemporary, farm-fresh twist on tradition. Dishes like buttermilk biscuits with house-made butter and fresh jam are perfect examples of how simple Southern food can shine when made with high-quality ingredients.
Conclusion
Charlotte’s food scene is a delightful blend of traditional Southern cuisine and modern culinary innovation. Whether you’re craving classic BBQ, soul food, or an upscale dining experience, the Queen City has it all. From beloved local institutions to high-end restaurants, the Southern cuisine in Charlotte is as diverse as it is delicious. So, if you’re wondering where to eat in Charlotte NC, this guide should point you in the right direction for a satisfying Southern meal.
Call to Action
Have you visited any of these Southern cuisine spots in Charlotte? Share your favorite dishes or recommend other must-try restaurants in the comments below! Also, check out our other guides to explore more food adventures in Charlotte.
FAQ’s
Q. What are the best BBQ restaurants in Charlotte for authentic Southern barbecue?
A. Some of the top BBQ spots in Charlotte include Mac’s Speed Shop and Midwood Smokehouse, known for their smoky, tender meats and classic Southern sides. Mac’s offers a laid-back vibe with award-winning wings, while Midwood is famous for its hickory-smoked pork and brisket, served with Carolina-style sauces.
Q. Where can I find the best soul food in Charlotte?
A. Mert’s Heart and Soul in Uptown Charlotte is a top destination for soul food lovers, offering dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread. Another popular spot is La’Wan’s Soul Food, which serves comforting classics like fried pork chops, oxtail, and smothered chicken.
Q. What restaurants in Charlotte serve Southern-style seafood?
A. For Southern-style seafood, The King’s Kitchen is a must-visit, offering dishes like shrimp and grits and fried catfish, while Sea Level NC focuses on fresh, sustainable seafood like oysters and shrimp with a Southern twist.
