A Culinary Journey in the Queen City
Museums, parks, and historical landmarks tell part of the story, but the real heartbeat of a place often beats strongest at its tables — in the flavors crafted by its chefs, in the comfort foods locals swear by, and in the unique twists that make regional cuisine unforgettable.
Charlotte, North Carolina — the “Queen City” — welcomed me with open arms and an empty stomach. Famous for its banking skyline and Southern hospitality, Charlotte’s culinary scene is an evolving blend of classic Southern dishes, modern innovation, and international influences. My time here wasn’t just about eating — it was about connecting with stories, chefs, and communities.
I’ll walk you through five restaurants I personally visited in Charlotte, each offering iconic local dishes that defined my trip. Along the way, I’ll share details about signature dishes, exact locations, prices, booking tips, service experiences, and my honest personal impressions. If you’re planning a trip to Charlotte, this guide will serve as both a roadmap and an invitation to savor the city like I did.
- Price’s Chicken Coop: Fried Chicken Royalty
Location & First Impressions
• 📍 1614 Camden Road, Charlotte, NC 28203
Although Price’s Chicken Coop officially closed its doors in 2021 after 59 years, I still need to begin here because no conversation about Charlotte’s iconic dishes can leave out Price’s fried chicken. When I visited years ago, I joined a line that snaked out the door and wrapped around the block. It was the kind of line that reminded me of childhood fairs: everyone sweaty but happy, waiting for something they knew would be worth it.
The Dish: Fried Chicken
• 🍗 Price: Around $7.50 for a fried chicken plate with hush puppies, slaw, and fries.
• Golden, crispy, juicy — this chicken wasn’t just fried; it was baptized in decades of tradition. The skin shattered with every bite, while the meat inside stayed succulent. The hush puppies, slightly sweet, balanced the salty crunch of the chicken perfectly.
My Experience
I devoured my two-piece box in the backseat of my rental car because there were no tables — Price’s was strictly takeout. Grease on my fingers, crumbs on my lap, and the happiest grin on my face: this was Southern food in its purest, most unpretentious form.
Reflection
Though Price’s is gone, the legacy lives on in Charlotte’s many fried chicken joints. Locals still talk about it like royalty, and I feel lucky to have tasted it before it became a memory.
- Midwood Smokehouse: The Barbecue Temple
Location & First Impressions
• 📍 1401 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205 (multiple locations, but I visited this one).
Barbecue in North Carolina is serious business, and Charlotte has its fair share of contenders. Midwood Smokehouse stood out for its slow-smoked, wood-fired barbecue and laid-back, neighborhood vibe. When I walked in, the scent of oak and hickory hit me instantly — a smoky perfume I wish I could bottle.
The Dish: Carolina-Style Pulled Pork
• 🍖 Price: About $14.95 for a pulled pork plate with two sides.
• Tender, smoky, slightly tangy with that signature vinegar-based North Carolina sauce. I paired it with collard greens (savory, with just the right spice) and mac and cheese (creamy comfort in every bite).
My Experience
I ordered a half-rack of ribs too, because why not? Sticky, smoky, and falling off the bone, they made me lean back in my chair and sigh. The server, sensing my bliss, chuckled and brought me extra napkins without even asking.
Pros & Cons
• Pros: Generous portions, authentic flavors, friendly service.
• Cons: Gets packed during dinner hours; come early or expect a wait.
Booking Tips
Reservations aren’t always necessary, but for weekends, I recommend calling ahead or booking through OpenTable.
- Haberdish: Where Southern Comfort Meets Culinary Creativity
Location & Atmosphere
• 📍 3106 N Davidson Street, Charlotte, NC 28205 (NoDa neighborhood).
Haberdish felt like stepping into the past while tasting the future. Housed in a refurbished mill building in Charlotte’s artsy NoDa district, this restaurant celebrates both Southern comfort and inventive twists. The décor blended rustic wood with modern light fixtures, making it cozy yet stylish.
The Dish: Buttermilk Fried Chicken & Grits
• 🍳 Price: Around $19 for the chicken, $7 for a side of creamy grits.
• The fried chicken here wasn’t just crispy; it had layers of seasoning that went beyond salt and pepper. The grits were the star, though — buttery, cheesy, and silk-smooth, they melted on my tongue.
Other Highlights
• Deviled eggs with smoked trout roe: Fancy yet familiar.
• Craft cocktails: I tried the “Carolina Mule,” with bourbon and ginger beer — refreshing with a Southern twist.
My Experience
The staff encouraged me to share dishes “family-style,” which felt fitting for Southern dining. I chatted with a local couple at the bar who swore Haberdish was their go-to spot for out-of-town visitors, and I could see why.
Pros & Cons
• Pros: Innovative menu, stylish atmosphere, excellent cocktails.
• Cons: Prices a bit higher than average, portions smaller compared to traditional Southern diners.
- Mert’s Heart and Soul: A Taste of Southern Soul
Location & Vibe
• 📍 214 N College Street, Charlotte, NC 28202 (Uptown).
If I had to pick one place that made me feel truly at home in Charlotte, it would be Mert’s Heart and Soul. A bright, welcoming restaurant with colorful art on the walls, Mert’s serves authentic Southern soul food with recipes rooted in African American culinary traditions.
The Dish: Shrimp and Grits
• 🍤 Price: About $17.50 for a hearty portion.
• Creamy, buttery grits topped with perfectly sautéed shrimp, swimming in a smoky Cajun cream sauce. This dish felt like a hug on a plate.
Other Must-Trys
• Cornbread: Fluffy, slightly sweet, and served with a pat of butter that melted instantly.
• Fried Catfish: Crispy outside, tender inside — a Southern staple done right.
My Experience
I ate here twice because once wasn’t enough. On my second visit, the owner, James “Mert” Ratchford, was walking around greeting guests. He had the kind of warmth that made me understand why locals love this place as much as tourists do.
Pros & Cons
• Pros: True soul food, generous portions, central location.
• Cons: Can get noisy during peak hours, expect to wait on weekends.
- Leah & Louise: Modern Southern With a Story
Location & Feel
• 📍 301 Camp Road, Charlotte, NC 28206 (Camp North End).
This was perhaps my most memorable dining experience in Charlotte. Leah & Louise, led by Chef Greg Collier and his wife, Subrina, is inspired by the food of the Mississippi River Valley. Located in the trendy Camp North End district, the restaurant felt modern yet soulful, with jazz-inspired décor and an intimate vibe.
The Dish: Skillet Cornbread (“Dirty South”)
• 🌽 Price: About $9 for a shareable skillet.
• This wasn’t ordinary cornbread. Topped with whipped butter and a hint of molasses, it was smoky, sweet, and savory all at once.
Other Highlights
• “River Chips”: Crispy fried chicken skins with ranch spice. Addictive.
• Whole fried fish: Market price, but worth it — delicate and packed with flavor.
My Experience
I was blown away not just by the food, but by the storytelling. Each dish came with an explanation of its roots, honoring the history of Black Southern cuisine. It was like eating history, culture, and flavor all at once.
Pros & Cons
• Pros: Unique menu, meaningful storytelling, intimate atmosphere.
• Cons: Smaller space, reservations highly recommended.
Practical Notes for Foodies in Charlotte
Budgeting
• Casual Eats: $10–$20 per person.
• Mid-Range: $20–$40 per person.
• Upscale: $40–$70 per person.
Reservations
• Book ahead for Haberdish and Leah & Louise (both on Resy).
• Midwood Smokehouse accepts reservations via OpenTable, but walk-ins are common.
• Mert’s Heart and Soul is first-come, first-serve — arrive early.
Food Safety & Tips
• Street food isn’t as common in Charlotte as in larger cities, but always check that vendors display permits.
• For restaurants, check recent reviews to confirm consistency, especially after the pandemic changed many operations.
What to Pack for a Food Trip
• Loose clothing (you’ll thank yourself after a barbecue feast).
• A portable charger (because you’ll want to snap lots of food photos).
• An open mind and an empty stomach.
My Heart (and Stomach) in Charlotte
Charlotte fed me more than meals — it fed me stories, culture, and memories. From the legendary crunch of Price’s fried chicken to the soulful shrimp and grits at Mert’s, from inventive cocktails in NoDa to thoughtful storytelling at Leah & Louise, I tasted a city that’s proud of its roots yet eager to innovate.
It’s not just “Southern food” — it’s Southern food told through different voices, each with its own rhythm, spice, and soul.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Charlotte, don’t just pack your itinerary with museums and tours. Leave space for the meals — they may become the most unforgettable part of your journey. And who knows? Like me, you might just find yourself planning a return trip, guided not by your flight schedule, but by your appetite.
