“Eat” listings
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Old Hickory House
There are different schools of ’cue in the Carolinas , but whichever you subscribe to, you’ll love the uniquely blended sauce of tomato as well as vinegar on the chopped or pulled pork here. The beans have a fine smoky taste, and the Brunswick stew, a coastal Carolina specialty, is sublime. $ (09/2011)
6538 N. Tryon St
704-596-8014 -
The String Bean Fresh Market and Deli
This popular place in a western exurb has a wide menu—and an incredible beer list—but its most ordered dish is the black bean burger with a side of sweet potato fries. Flatbread pizzas, sandwiches and steaks are available, too. $$ (09/2011)
106 N Main St, Belmont
704- 825- 3636
stringbeanmarket.com -
Ben Thanh
This unassuming Vietnamese restaurant serves up top-shelf food in a modest setting (and at modest prices). The beef pho is a full meal all by itself. Try the banh xeo chay (a large, meat-and-sprout filled rice pancake) dipped in sweet and sour sauce. $ (07/2011)
4900 Central Ave
704-566-1088
benthanhcharlotte.com -
Cajun Queen
Business is brisk at the city’s top Cajun restaurant, which offers classic fare—gumbo, étouffée—in a tastefully renovated historic home. The blackened pork tenderloin with chorizo-black bean sauce, chipotle chili cream and fried plantains won't disappoint. $$ (07/2011)
1800 E Seventh St
704-377-9017
cajunqueen.net -
Choplin’s Restaurant
This sleek, friendly bistro is a popular draw in the suburban Lake Norman area. Go at dinnertime and try the baby back ribs with Parmesan-layered potatoes. $$$ (06/2011)
19700 One Norman Blvd, Cornelius
704- 892-4800
choplinsrestaurant.com -
Fran’s Filling Station
For lunch, choose from a variety of creative sandwiches (or design your own), and for dinner, fill up on hearty classics like eggplant parm and meatloaf while elbow-to-elbow with a large and loyal clientele. Don't miss the Fries Your Way—winner of the Charlotte Observer's 2010 Tournament of Fries. $$ (03/2011)
2410 Park Rd
704-372-2009 -
Harvest Moon Grille
The Grateful Growers Farm truck proved so popular that it opened a brick-and-mortar restaurant at a historic hotel. Ingredients come from farms that are no more than 100 miles away from Charlotte (minus seafood). Don’t miss the Grateful Growers Farm bone-in pork chop. $$$ (03/2011)
At the Dunhill Hotel 235 N Tryon St
704-342-1193
harvestmoon...arlotte.com -
ARIA TUSCAN GRILL
This eatery serves upscale Tuscan fare in swank Founders Hall, but at reasonable prices. Grilled quail and lobster risotto entrées are just $15. You’ll fi nd hidden gems in the long lineup of pizza and pasta, too. $$ (01/2011)
100 N Tryon St
704- 376-8880
ariacharlotte.com -
THE BLUE TAJ
Instead of the expected Indian fare, Blue Taj tones down traditional spicing and uses some unexpected items (like trout). Get your taste bearings with a meat or vegetarian sampler. $$ (01/2011)
14815 Ballantyne Village Way
704-369-5777
thebluetaj.com -
BONTERRA DINING & WINE ROOM
This South End restaurant, located in a former church, is noteworthy for it steaks, lamb and lobster as well as an amazing wine list. Be sure to order the Magnolia salad (greens, herbed goat cheese and almonds). $$$ (01/2011)
1829 Cleveland Ave
704-333-9463
bonterradining.com -
VIETNAM GRILLE
Head here to try the affordable, relatively sweet Mekong Delta cuisine, for which the owner picks fresh herbs and vegetables daily from local markets. This is some of the best Viatnamese food Charlotte has to offer. Try the seafood-packed cu lao thap cam soup, with shrimp, scallops, squid, chicken and veggies. $ (11/2010)
5615 South Blvd
704-525-2408 -
THE KING’S KITCHEN
Uptown business types stream here for lunch, where they order Aunt Beaut’s pan-fried allnatural chicken. This Southern classic comes with three veggie sides—all for just $9. What’s more, the restaurant is run by a chef/preacher who hires hard-to-employ people looking for another chance at life and donates 100% of the profits to feed the poor. $ (11/2010)
129 W Trade St
704-375-1990
kingskitchen.org
