During a short weekend trip to Charlotte, my family and I dined at Cafe South. We're Northerners and were really excited to try some traditional southern food our first day in Charlotte. When we arrived the hostess told us they have over 30 sides. We instantly thought "wow, can't wait to try as many as we can!" Boy were we disappointed with the ones we had. Everything was absolutely gross. The macaroni and cheese was slimy and tasteless, the mixed vegetables lacked flavor. We all ordered sweet tea and the batch we were given was unsweetened. The only dish that was remotely edible was the banana pudding. Not sure why they have such an expansive menu with terrible food. Perfecting 10 or so sides seems more logical than having 30 bad ones. All and all though, Cafe South was a huge strike out for my family and I. Complete waste of money and time. read more

The service is OK. Nothing fancy. The service is poorly orchestrated The food is mediocre. The chicken is dry and bland. The burgers are way over cooked. The pasta is over cooked, mush. No way to twirl the pasta on my fork. No seasoning on the food. I went for breakfast, 12:30 pm. I was told I could not sit at the counter. There were many people ahead of me. I was told I have to wait. I wanted breakfast, I was assured my wait would only be ten minutes. It was over 30 minutes. I was told lunch menu was only being served. By the person who told me I could not sit at the counter. I would avoid this place. They have had many safety inspection violations. Eat here, you could get sick. read more

Still my go to place... I love the food, the staff is always in a good mood, and they are pretty quick to seat you. I'm here ever Saturday for breakfast, and every now and then for lunch or dinner! read more

The food here was absolutely amazing, I haven't had a greater experience here. The portions are great, and we didn't have to wait long for the food, and when it came out the food was correct, and warm. Our waitress was polite, and constantly made sure our drinks were full. Overall and amazing experience!!! read more

I went there today for lunch with two friends. The place was busy but no packed. We had to wait a little to be seated. Our waitress came and asked about our drinks and came back after a while to get the order. I had grilled beef tips with green beans, being very honest I wasn't expecting much but I was surprised how the meat was perfectly cooked. I have been to known steakhouses that couldn't get their steak together and Cafe South really impressed me. One of my friends got a Pita burger and the other one steak with fried veggies. We all enjoyed our food that took a little to get done but the waitress kept us informed all the way and was very nice. I wish they had more servers for lunch time, I had to rush back to work because took a while for my food to get done. I also asked for rolls and she brought me corn bread. Overall it was a good experience but they need to improve the prep time. Unfortunately I didn't not take pictures this time because I was really hungry !!!! read more

I very much enjoyed my dinner at Cafe South. I was staying at a nearby hotel without transportation. I did not feel like cabbing or Ubering (is that word in the dictionary yet?) so I decided to give it a try. I found the food to be very good and the service prompt and friendly. I had a gyro pita platter which included a serving of moist, tender gyro meat with tzadziki sauce. I am watching my carbs so I substituted grilled veggies for fries. They weren't anything really special but they weren't bad at all. The side salad that came with it was served on the same plate as the gyro meat. I would have rather had it on a separate plate but that's just me. Very minor. The salad was fresh and tasty. Nothing exceptional, but good (the tomato could have been prettier). The service was great. Very nice server and, again, very prompt. I was in and out in a jiffy. All-in-all, a very enjoyable meal. So much so that I am planning to return in the morning for breakfast. read more

Went there today the extra gravy I ordered was gross not even warm. The hash browns were over cooked and hard as aa rock the lady at the check out did not ask me how the food was or I would have told her it was bad will never go there again stay away from this place food not good read more

Meh. I don't know how they have their 4 star rating here on Yelp. It is a bit of a sad place. A bit run down (like the outside appearance), and a bit icky. My main tip is they don't serve breakfast all day. Total bummer. The menu is rather large but the food isn't that good. I got the fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and grilled vegetables. The chicken was ok. Fried well, but dry and not special by any means. The mashed potatoes were under seasoned and cold with very little gravy. The veggies were gross. First off, they were frozen. Come on, frozen veggies?? And "grilled" is a stretch. You can't fix frozen veggies. We also got the chicken parmesan, kids spaghetti, side of Mac and cheese, side of fruit, and banana pudding. The pasta dishes were acceptable. The Mac and cheese was good-although dry, and the fruit was oranges and cantaloupe. Bottom line, for $55 plus tip, it wasn't worth it. We have fond several really great places to eat here while on vacation and this was our first flop. We wouldn't go back. read more

Love this place! A must visit while in Charlotte. Chicken and Pecan Waffles are excellent. Service is great and I've never had to wait. Great breakfast spot. read more

Cafe South - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Located in a former Bob Evans building, this family restaurant has great made to order options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their daily specials are on a chalk board near the register, as you enter. The staff all friendly, but Kim my server, was especially attentive and kept my iced tea filled. I ordered catfish, hash browns, scrambled egg whites and toast. Everything was hot and fresh. Was fighting a cold this morning and wanted comfort food. It hit the spot. If in this area would definitely eat here again, as I saw some specials and menu items I'd like to sample. read more

Very good southern fair. Had the meatloaf, mashed potatoes and fried squash and it was solid!! Prices are fantastic especially for a big family. Definitely be back. read more

Just left and will be the last time. So I'll say good bye now. They have raised prices to the point they will price themselves out of business. A meal for 2 w/meat 2 sides 1 tea and water. 46.00 plus tip. I understand since the COVID places are raising up prices. And they should. Food is good but not worth the money. Went to another family style in SC on Monday ordered same except add another tea tax and tip 26.00. And they also raised their prices. Will be their for our dinner tomorrow. Senior Citizens on budget. read more

The baked goods seem to be home made and are really good (I loved the cookies I got). The food portions are really big. The staff is super friendly. That's the good, the not so good is that the food is just ok. Nothing I had was bad nor was it that great. I had a burger one trip and I had some sort of pasta the next trip and I wasn't impressed by the taste but for the money and the amount I got I felt like I was ok with the whole situation. I recommend you try this spot out for yourself. Loads of people are always coming and going so maybe my tastes are off on this one. You be the judge. read more

Cafe South - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Ok food, but very pricey for the entrees. Vegetable plate was priced right, but they commit several Southern sins Everything was unseasoned (I usually say under seasoned, but seriously, it tastes like they used no salt at all) Sweet tea was barely sweet. Sweet tea is supposed to compel you to brush you teeth right after to stave off the Cavity Creeps Greens were either canned or somebody doesn't know that no self respecting Southerner would leave the stems in and chop them up. Stems are fed to the pigs Worse of all to me...they put sugar in their corn meal mix and called it cornbread, not corn cake I would call it Cafe (this is what a northerner thinks we eat in the) South read more

A Great Find As part of building our new Carolina home we had an appointment in this neighborhood after lunch, so we chose to try this well rated restaurant. We were very pleased with everything, especially the diverse menu and the friendly service. Everything was delicious. We plan on many returns with and without the grandkids. read more

The staff was awesome! We were seated at a table with plenty of room and our drinks stayed filled. However, after reading reviews we were really excited to try this restaurant but were disappointed. Maybe they were having a bad Saturday afternoon but we will not be back. The majority of the food was very bland and chicken was very dry. The banana pudding was bad but maybe I've just been spoiled all my life and this is what city banana pudding taste like. Sweet corn bread, fried pickles, pita gyro, and grilled shrimp were okay. read more

The food was pretty good. We had the veggie omelette with turkey sausage and pancakes. It came with biscuits but they weren't that good. I would come back again. The service is what brought it from a three star to a four. read more

Cafe South - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

This place is shabby but the food is decent and the servers are very nice and attentive. The owner, however is arrogant and ungrateful! My partner had been a customer for 8 years before last night. I had my diabetic service dog with me last night and he barked at someone as we were leaving. He process to say he's never seen a service dog bark at anyone and he doesn't believe my dog is a service dog and thinks he's a pet. This man didn't want to my my dogs credentials and basically insisted I'm a liar. We will never go back. That type of judgment and rudeness is unacceptable. No customer should ever be treated this way. read more

On 12/11/2021 I witnessed the owner tell an older black lady not to return to this restaurant.. The owner was arguing with the lady over salsa and he was yelling at her. But to tell her not to come back was un called for and rude read more

Solid, but not memorable. We stopped in for breakfast with some family members and had a variety of items....eggs, sausage, pancakes. They kept the coffee coming and the server was on top of things. I guess this use to be a Bob Evans and I would say that it has not strayed too far from that. I wouldn't hesitate to stop in here again. read more

Southern charm at its finest when it comes to dining. From the outside, it looks like a boring old restaurant, but once you get inside the staff is very friendly and the comfort food is cooked well. In a 5 day span, I went here 3 times and I did not have one complaint, other than the portions are very generous for the price. Their menu is large, so even the picky eaters can find something they like. The service is decently quick for the size of the place. Will definitely be back. read more

What a great experience! The breakfast was really good. It came out really fast too, but it was hot and fresh! That's always a plus. They had hard boiled eggs so I didn't have to wait on them. My waitress was perfect! She anticipated what was needed but still checked to see if I needed anything in such an unobtrusive manner I barely noticed her presence. She was friendly though and seemed so at ease at her profession. It's so rare to get service like this anywhere much less in a small cafe. I had tea with lemon and honey. She brought everything out and an extra glass of water. I didn't ask for it, but when you're eating you sometimes need something cold to wash it down. So good food, excellent friendly and efficient restaurant. read more

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Been coming here for years, the food is close to hotels, the staff is very friendly and the food is very good. Cooked to order, foods always hot and they have a diverse menu. I am a Charlotte native and even though there are endless places to eat, Cafe South is always a favorite of mine. read more

Cafe South - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Best breakfast spot in South Charlotte. Wait staff is nice and the food is delicious.

Excellent service with traditional southern food offerings. The servers are always polite and they make sure to take care of you. The portions are huge so either come hungry or mentally prepared to take some home read more

This is my second time coming to Cafe South. I have been for breakfast and dinner and was not disappointed either time. You get service with a smile and the food is very good. My tea glass never went empty and I did not have to wait forever (like at Cracker Barrel nearby) for anything. The desserts are wonderful in case you like something sweet. They do have serve beer and wine if you want a drink. If you are in this area, stop by! read more

Cafe South - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

I'm giving them a one star because they r not Covid compliant. In the few minutes I was there to pick up my order, the lady that handed me my order was wearing a transparent decorative bandanna like mouth cover, see image of something similar I found online. That's not a mask that a restaurant worker can wear when handling food handout during a pandemic!! I also noticed another worker who had a mask sitting right below his nose the whole time I was there. That's just at the entrance, what do u think the rest of their operation is like if they can't handle a simple mask requirement as mandated in the state!! read more

Me and my wife went twice this week. Wednesday night our server was Paul. He made sure we were comfortable and didn't TV need for anything. All servers are very friendly. I had the fried chicken and mac n cheese and yams. The only thing I complain about was that the yams were not cook all the way. But no biggie for me. The next day I went for breakfast. It has to be one of the best breakfasts in Charlotte. read more

I'm very disappointed in my meal that I purchased this evening at Cafe South. I frequent this restaurant often so I couldn't believe that they sold old or stale yams and the macaroni and cheese was just plain nasty. It's really sad because a young lady asked me of the food was good as she pulled in and I told her that it was great! I'll come back however I just wanted to make someone aware that the ball was dropped terribly this evening. read more

Ordered postmates from here this evening, food exceeded expectations!! Was fast and hot!! Thank you for your exceptional service!

Excellent, all the way around! Beautiful, clean in an awesome location. Staff are like family and the food is awesome. If in the area do drop in, you will be so happy you did. read more

Great food, friendly service. It was packed on Saturday morning and service was quick. The only reason I'm not giving it a 5 star is because the coffee was the worst, watered down. It's a good thing there's a Starbucks right across. read more

I came in from out of town tired of the same chain places. I stopped by Cafe south and was highly impressed. The food was fresh and home cooked. This is a local family owned place and I feel amazing about being able to support a local place. I would tell anyone in the area to come eat here and support a local establishment. The food was amazing and the service was as well. read more

Cafe South - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Was seated quickly and waitress was great, but that is about it. The food was very bland. no taste eggs, the bacon was supposed to be 2 pieces but looked like 1/2 pieces and had a bad taste, sausage patty was tiny and tasteless and hashbrowns the same. I got one piece of french toast which also had no taste until I asked for cinnamon. Coffee very light, tasted more like water. Definitely will not go back. Worst food. Will go back to Metro Diner which is fantastic. read more

Perfect service and great home cooking. May be the best fried chicken I have had this year. Not fancy at all, but clean and fast. My salad came with my tea and the server checked with the kitchen to see if they had white or dark meat chicken hot and ready so I would know which to order if I did not want to wait the 20 minutes for a fresh batch. I am in town on business and could not stomach another bag meal. Give it a chance. You will not be disappointed. read more

My family and I like this place. When we leave church,my son is always checking the time to see if we can make it before 1p,bec breakfast ends at 1p on Sundays. Staff members who've been there more than 10+yrs,always greet our son. Good conversations,when time permits. read more

Very disappointed for the second time this week. We love this place, the food is usually good but not recently. Chicken fried steak gravy was cold, cold mashed potatoes, cold yams. My aunt had a cold baked potatoe, mom had cold sweet potatoe fries. We may have to consider cracker barrel next time. read more

The price was good and that was nice. The staff were good and made sure we were happy. The food is average and I can tell you why I say this. Breakfast is not hard but and what I had was good, but the lack of "FRESH" kind of set me off. The Biscuits are from a can and you can tell. They taste like it. It's not hard to make biscuits. Probably one of the simplest things to make but I can make canned pillsbury biscuits at home. I go out to have things I can't make at home with ease. There are other canned items on the menu like the mushrooms and other veggies. When I asked the owner about the biscuits he said it was for "constancy" purposes. The grits were good but they had been sitting for a while and had the "Grit Skin" on them. Still pretty tasty. Rule one of a restaurant is if you can get it local and fresh you do. Stop ordering everything from the back of a SISCO truck. Overall not bad but I don't see me going back there anytime soon. Nothing really awesome to write home about. I think there is tons of room for improvement. The place is clean and in good shape now the food needs to match the offering. You can't have "HOME COOKED MEALS" on the sign and get biscuits from an can and using canned veggies...that is not "HOME COOKED" read more

We saw all of the great Yelp reviews for Cafe South, so we headed...South..to try the breakfast food out. The eggs, bacon, and hash browns were fine, but nothing amazing. The biscuits were cold and kind of hard, so the butter did not even melt, which is an unfortunate thing. We also fired the belgian waffle which was average, and fell right in line with the theme of this place. Unrelated rant: This isn't a complaint about Cafe South in particular, but why are belgian waffles so damn expensive??? $4-6 for some batter that costs the place somewhere in the neighborhood of about $0.05 - $0.10 to make. And God forbid you put some whipped cream on top, with strawberry syrup, or potentially a sprinkling of chocolate chips.....BACK UP THE F'n BRINK'S TRUCK at that point, bc this mixture of flour and water is going to run you about $12! Stop laughing, Pancakes....bc this applies to you, too, you consistently overpriced syrup delivery system! It's time we knocked waffles/pancakes down a peg. Far more creativity goes into making a cinnamon raisin bagel, then throwing some batter on a hot surface and spraying it with whipped cream, but we don't bow down to it and pay $5 for the chance to eat it. ...but anyway, Cafe South wasn't that great, so I probably won't be going there again. read more

Numerous positive Yelp reviews led us to walk over here from our nearby hotel for dinner. We were seated promptly in a booth and immediately could tell the building previously housed a Bob Evans, with the exact same lay out of tables, booths and counter I've seen many times before. Hungry from driving all day, we looked over their lengthy southern comfort food menu. Indecisive over so many mouth-watering options, I finally decided on one of my faves, hot open-face turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy. When our waitress came back and looked at my quickly disappearing meal she said, "I'm not even going to ask you how your meal is...you should slow down and taste it." Yeah, it was pretty darn good, just like her sense of humor. With a convenient location (right off I-77), wonderful food, affordable pricing and great service, I completely concur with all the other positive reviews. If you find yourself in the area and hungry for some tasty southern dining, find Cafe South and enjoy. read more