Charlotte The South, USA Travel Guide
Historically, Charlotte's cuisine roots lie in Southern comfort food. Staples like barbecue (especially pork), fried chicken, collard greens, and grits characterize this heritage. The city sits in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, influencing its specific barbecue style, often leaning towards a red, tomato-based or vinegar-based sauce.
As Charlotte grew into a major banking and business center, its population became more diverse. This influx brought a demand for various international cuisines and fostered a modern American culinary movement. Chefs now focus on locally sourced produce, artisanal products, and creative interpretations of classic dishes.
Pork (especially pulled pork barbecue), cornmeal (grits, hushpuppies), collard greens, sweet potatoes, pecans, and peaches are common.
Craft beer is a huge component of the local food and drink scene, with a focus on locally sourced produce and artisanal products.
Breakfast (7-10 AM), Lunch (12-2 PM), Dinner (5-9 PM, later on weekends). Many restaurants have specific lunch menus.
Tender, smoky pulled pork with a red, tomato-and-vinegar-based sauce, or a more generalized approach to smoked meats.
Find at: Midwood Smokehouse, McKoy's Smokehouse and Saloon.
A creamy, savory Southern staple featuring grits topped with seasoned shrimp, often with bacon, cheese, or vegetables.
Find at: Haberdish, 300 East, Tupelo Honey.
The crispy, flavorful hallmark of Southern cooking.
Find at: Price's Chicken Coop (cash-only), Bojangles' (fast-food chain).
This ubiquitous Southern drink is iced black tea heavily sweetened. You will find it everywhere.
Charlotte features a booming craft brewery scene, a major destination for beer enthusiasts with a wide range of styles.
For upscale experiences, Charlotte offers refined establishments with diverse cuisines and elegant atmospheres.
Comfortable dining experiences with good value across various styles and atmospheres.
Affordable meal options including local fast-casual chains and food markets.
Charlotte boasts an extensive range of international cuisines, reflecting its multicultural population.
Mexican, Asian (Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Korean), Indian, Mediterranean, Italian, and various Latin American dishes are prominent.
Central Avenue has a notably diverse selection of international eateries, ideal for culinary exploration.
This area is a melting pot of global tastes and a local favorite.
Growing number of plant-based options, especially in NoDa and South End.
Limited dedicated restaurants, but some international grocery stores stock certified products.
Many restaurants accommodate, with dedicated menus becoming more common.
Utilize apps like HappyCow or filters on Yelp/Google Maps for specific needs.
Many breweries host food trucks, offering diverse culinary options to pair with local brews.
Excellent for casual dining and trying various foods in one location.
Optimist Hall and 7th Street Public Market provide wide selections of local and diverse food vendors.
Perfect for groups with different tastes seeking a casual, atmosphere.
The city hosts many food and drink festivals, offering chances to sample regional dishes and a wide array of local flavors.
Charlotte's dining scene honors its Southern roots while embracing modern culinary trends and global flavors.
The city has a growing number of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants and dishes.
Dedicated Halal or Kosher restaurants are limited, but some international grocery stores may stock certified products.
Many Charlotte restaurants accommodate gluten-free diets or other allergies. Dedicated gluten-free menus become more common.
Charlotte's farmers' markets offer fresh, seasonal produce like peaches, strawberries, corn, and various greens.
These seasonal ingredients influence local restaurant menus.
City events and festivals often feature special regional dishes, presenting opportunities to sample a wide array of local flavors.
A chance to experience Charlotte's unique culinary identity.
Food tours focus on specific neighborhoods or culinary themes, offering insights into the local food scene.
Direct access to local produce and artisanal goods, meeting local growers and makers.
Numerous food and drink festivals provide opportunities to sample a wide array of local flavors.
Charlotte's dining scene has a journey through Southern heritage and global influences. Embrace its diverse offerings.
