As a girl born in Texas, a really good chicken fried steak is practically part of my DNA. It's one…read moreof those comfort foods I don't eat often because it's so rich--but when I see it on a menu, it absolutely catches my attention. That's exactly what drew me to The Southern Pecan in SouthPark. Here in the South, they call it country fried steak, and I'm happy to report this one did not disappoint. I met a colleague there for lunch, and everything about the experience felt easy from the start. The restaurant is located in Phillips Place, a lovely little shopping area that feels a bit polished and upscale--with shops like Orvis, Tory Burch, and even a Restoration Hardware restaurant nearby. They do offer valet parking, which is a nice touch, though honestly parking is easy enough on your own. We had reservations through OpenTable and were seated on the patio, which was absolutely delightful for this time of year in Charlotte. The weather was perfect, the setting was relaxed, and the service started off warm and welcoming right away. Now, the food. The country fried steak was beautifully cooked--crispy on the outside, tender inside, and served with creamy mashed potatoes and gravy that hit all the nostalgic notes from my Texas upbringing. I paired it with a vegetable side (I believe it was broccoli or corn), and it was a classic Southern plate done right. We also enjoyed a couple of cocktails, and to finish, we split a praline bread pudding, which felt like the perfect Southern ending to the meal--sweet, comforting, and indulgent without being overwhelming. The staff was friendly and attentive, and one of the things I continue to appreciate about Charlotte is how easy it is to connect with people. We even chatted with diners at nearby tables, which added to that welcoming, community feel that makes dining out here so enjoyable--especially for someone coming from the Bay Area. Prices felt fair for the quality, the setting, and the portion sizes, and overall the experience left a great impression. Bottom line: If you're craving a solid Southern classic like country fried steak--or just want a relaxed patio lunch in a charming part of SouthPark--The Southern Pecan is definitely worth a visit. And as someone happily eating my way through Charlotte and the Southeast, this stop was another reminder that the journey has been a delicious one.

I've heard rave reviews about this place so Michelle & I went for Sunday Brunch…read more They recommended a reservation so we had one @ 12n. It was already quite busy when we arrived and it's not clear where your parking options are. People are pulling up to the entrance and dropping people off so it gets jammed up and chaotic, of course people are running late so those BIG Yukons and Suburbans are making it a challenge to navigate a small entrance area. You would THINK they would at least have a Valet option of Sat/Sun during Brunch. To park, go BEHIND the restaurant on the street to the left and you'll see some free parking options that are close and walkable. We asked for a table on the patio and were immediately seated. The bar was already buzzing with solo diners enjoying their Mimosas. The patio is NOT that big, a little over crowded and table are very close with not much space in between. There was a LARGE group of 'FUN' ladies right beside us enjoying their MIMOSAS, dropping the 'F' bomb from time to time and making a LOT of noise. What can you do? Nothing but try to make the best of it and just start talking LOUDER like everyone else. The OVERHEAD heaters were way too intense so the Staff was very responsive at our request to turn down the heat. We shared the BBQ Shrimp Starter which was SO good, I highly recommend. I had the Gumbo and Michelle had the beet and goat cheese salad. We both had the Red Fish which comes with smashed potatoes and broccoli. The potatoes were so BLAND, the broccoli had NO seasoning. The Red Fish wasn't that great of a flavor and not very tender, not easy to cut, had to use my knife at times to get a bite. Kinda disappointed, I lived in N Orleans for a couple of years and it was always so good there. The biggest disappointment was the Gumbo. It had all the right ingredients but the ROUX was to strong, dark and heavy. It actually gave me indigestion afterwards. The service was OUTSTANDING. Our Server was Daylean, she was so nice and helpful with the menu and kept our refills coming.

Had brunch at Haberdish in NoDa and absolutely loved it. The restaurant isn't very big, but that's…read morepart of its charm. It has a cozy indoor dining area and a cute side patio, right in the heart of NoDa. We made a reservation online for four people, which was easy and definitely recommended since reservations can be limited. They do accept walk-ins when space is available. Haberdish is known for its fried chicken, and our table tried several different options. I ordered the dark meat chicken, one friend got the two-piece white meat, another got the Nashville hot chicken, and another ordered the Haberdish Stack. Everything was delicious. For starters and sides, we shared the deviled eggs, mac and cheese with crispy chicken skin, Brussels sprouts, hush puppies, and a cinnamon roll. The Brussels sprouts were fantastic, and the hush puppies were the standout for me. They came with a sweet butter that was absolutely incredible. We also enjoyed mimosas with brunch. Our server was friendly and attentive, and the entire experience was wonderful from start to finish. The food was excellent, the atmosphere was warm and inviting, and it's definitely a place I'll be returning to. Next time I want to check out the dinner menu because brunch was so good. Highly recommend if you're looking for great Southern food and a fun brunch spot in NoDa.

Haberdish is one of those restaurants you leave and continue thinking about for the rest of the…read morenight. We started with the deviled eggs, so good. The tater tots and sweet potato gnocchi were absolutely incredible, and honestly, every dish we tried was memorable. The Brussels sprouts and mac and cheese are also standouts. If you're going with a group, sharing plates is definitely the move so you can try a little bit of everything. And if it's your first time visiting, the fried chicken is a must. To finish, get the banana pudding. Trust me. Our server, Sebastian (we've had him twice now), was amazing both times.. attentive, personable, and always on top of anything we needed. The atmosphere ties it all together: dim lighting, cozy vibes, and the perfect spot to settle in for elevated comfort food. A charlotte staple

Went to Supperland for dinner and honestly had a great experience from start to finish. The space…read moreis beautiful -- classy but still comfortable -- and the bar area alone is worth checking out. It has that warm, lively feel that makes you want to hang out and enjoy your time instead of rushing through the meal. We did a wine flight to start, which was a fun way to try a few different pours, and everything paired really well with dinner. The highlight for me was the whole roasted fish. Crispy on the outside, super tender inside, and really clean, fresh flavor. Simple but done really well. Service was on point too -- friendly, attentive, and helpful without hovering. Definitely a spot I'd come back to and one I'd recommend if you're in Charlotte and want a solid dinner with great drinks and atmosphere.

O M G…read moreThis is the best brunch I've EVER had. The setting is an old church and they very much tried to preserve that vibe. It's a beautiful place. They even still have the 120 year old pews! If you ask your server, you are likely to hear the entire story of the place. It's pretty amazing. They recently received a Michelin recommendation and it's totally deserved. It's a buffet, but most of the hot food is actually served by a person which is something that I particularly appreciate. (I really don't like touching the handles of spoons that hundreds of people have touched.) Some of the stuff is self serve but not any of the hot dishes. Absolutely everything I tried was outstanding. Like everything. There are a few things that they consider "pass around" which means that they are brought over to you by a server at random intervals. For everything else, you just help yourself. I went with a friend of mine who has a deep appreciation for a southern food. He was absolutely amazed. Honestly, I can't think of a better place to have chosen to eat in a short time I had in Charlotte. I've attached a picture of the menu. I tried just about everything. I wasn't disappointed in a single thing, and I was completely wowed by many of them. The servers were wonderful. Very friendly and very willing to talk to us about the history and the food items that were there. Highest recommendation!

Tupelo Honey is a reliable Uptown option when you're dining with friends and looking for Southern…read morecomfort food in a lively atmosphere. It had been quite a while since my last visit, but with guests staying Uptown, it seemed like the perfect excuse for an evening stroll and dinner together. The location is convenient, the space is inviting, and the service was excellent from start to finish. There were five of us, so we shared several dishes, which is the best way to experience the menu. We started with the famous biscuits, which support a good cause, and an order of fried okra. While I'm personally partial to ultra-thin, crispy okra chips, Tupelo Honey's version was enjoyable and a crowd-pleaser at the table. For entrées, we shared the shrimp and grits, fried chicken sandwich, and chicken and waffles. Portions were generous enough for everyone to sample a little bit of everything. Nothing was particularly groundbreaking, but everything was prepared well and satisfied the craving for classic Southern comfort food. The drinks were equally enjoyable, with sweet tea, Arnold Palmers, cocktails, and plenty of conversation to go around. We finished with banana pudding, which was easily one of the highlights of the meal. The staff was knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. If you're driving, valet parking is available, which makes visiting Uptown a little easier. Is it the best meal you'll have in Charlotte? Probably not. But it's consistent, comfortable, and a solid choice for groups, visitors, or anyone looking for familiar Southern favorites in a fun setting. Life is too short not to eat well, Charlotte. Get out there and enjoy the city one meal at a time.

I've been to Tupelo Honey in Milwaukee before, but let me tell you... Charlotte? They didn't come…read moreto play. As our host Lawrence said, "they ain't got nothing on us," and he meant that. Between Lawrence and our server Ruby... maaaaan, my friends and I were DELIGHTED. We had a group of 7 and even with a change in our reservation, everything was handled with so much grace and care. From the moment we sat down, it was a whole vibe. The service was prompt, the food was hitting, and Ruby made sure every single one of us were absolutely satisfied. They were patient, super attentive, and we even had some real, relatable conversation that made the experience feel personal--not just like we were another table. 10/10 experience. I will absolutely be back to this location again.

Impeccable meal. I absolutely loved this place…read more You have a slight view of the kitchen depending on where you sit. I always love to see people making the food so that's a plus for me. The service was just as great as the food. Our server constantly ensured we were enjoying our meal. The calamari and Brussel sprouts were a great start. The calamari had the perfect crunch and flavor. The Brussel sprouts made me wish I could have them as an appetizer weekly. The short rib was so tender and delicious. Truly I endured every single bite and was sad once I finished it all. Please don't pass up on this place if you're in the area.

I ate here twice and they did not disappoint. Both times were surrounding an event and I appreciate…read morethe ambiance which is a western theme with southern charm. The service was great! Darren was fabulous and he was supported by a team but a young man name Jay went above and beyond. My friends raved about the salmon and I am delighted by their trout. In my family I'm responsible for collard greens so I'm very picky. It's very different from mine but incredibly tasty. I couldn't stop dipping into the potato au gratin as well as the mac and cheese. Sides are served piping hot in a cast iron pan. Very few photos today, but I'll be back. Pro-Tip: Book reservations in advance and bring your parking ticket so it can be validated. Parking is in the same building.

If you know me, you know I typically don't eat at chains. However, when in Rome …read more.. My friend found this spot and I have to say, I'm not going to say the "S" word - because it didn't apply. It was all Hospitality. The first interaction was like we had stepped into someone's home and were told to make ourselves at home. And the rest was the same. The gentleman walked us through the menu. Pretty much the entire line up of options. Not a condescending or impatient tone - warm and welcoming. Same with the next person. Even convinced my friend to get a dessert. Not that I need my arm twisted. The dining area was well kept. Clean. The condiments were well stocked and organized. I saw two different team members taking care of business there even asking if I needed anything. Bathrooms were immaculate. Don't see that very often - at least I don't in public places. The food was what we were looking for. Comfort food. With taste, not muted - just good flavor and consistency. A far cry from the bland, dry foods we had experienced the days prior. It was one of the first meals I really enjoyed on this trip to NC. Not saying that others were bad - they just didn't align with my taste preferences/expectations. Something about how Fried Chicken and Pork Chops are prepared in the South (or NOT California). Tender. Juicy. Mac & Cheese - not watery or overcooked. And I don't think I've ever had bad collared greens in my life. It's one of the handful of green vegetables I love having. Almost forgot parking. It's in kinda a plaza/strip mall setting. Free space and lots when we went (lunch). Not having to look for or pay for parking is always a plus for me. So, it's a chain. But I'd definitely go back. I almost ordered more but was saving the stomach space for dinner.

Food was good, fried chicken, Mac n cheese and green beans with cornbread. Very well made classic…read moresouthern comfort food. Service was fine. The restaurant was clean and more modern looking.

We had the pick any four platter and shared. Added a third small side and cornbread…read more Ribs, burnt ends, sausage, and brisket Collard greens, Mac cheese, and sweet potato fries. Cornbread with honey and butter. OMG! You have to come here if in Charlotte! Service was outstanding, Anika was fabulous and food was outstanding.

I'm a Midwood regular and it's even a good delivery option since the food typically arrives quickly…read moreand still warm. However, I'm super bummed the standard patty burgers are now gone in favor of only smash style burgers. The traditional thick, mixed meat patty was one of the best burger options in all of Charlotte! Please bring it back for those of us who want a thick, juicy burger! Thanks.

First time trying this place out. The restaurant was pretty small but we were seated immediately…read more It did end up filling up pretty quick though. It was a little loud but nothing too crazy that you're not able to enjoy our meal. The service was good and our waitress was nice and helpful. The food came out quick. After ordering, we were given cornbread. We ordered the soul rolls, which were so great! Great flavor and so delicious. Fried catfish dinner with macaroni and cheese, collards, and red beans. This was enough food to share between two people.

Hesitant to leave a review as I only tried their vegetarian offerings, but wanted to highlight the…read moregood and bad for any fellow veggies! They give cornbread loaves to start which is warm and moist, and hard to beat when smothered with butter. The okra is amazing. Very different from the traditional fried okra you expect to see, as this one is stewed and served with savory tomato's and spices. Delicious and none of that weird mucus texture okra can have. The red beans and collard greens were well seasoned, but nothing super special The Mac and cheese was flavorful, though overcooked and the mashed potatoes were flavorless and grainy. All in all some big wins and some misses. I'll be back again to try more.

We've picked up food several times and it's always delicious! This time around it was Tupelo honey…read moreand thyme friend chicken (perfect blend of savory and sweet) along with eastern N.C. style BBQ that was tender and delicious, plus sides of beans and mac n' cheese, and peach cobbler for dessert. All of it was so tasty and you can tell a lot of thought and care is put into the dishes. Can't recommend highly enough!

HIDDEN GEM ALERT!…read more And that's not an exaggeration: this is a pop-up inside the Forest Hill Church kitchen! Don't let the random location fool you; HA Pigsmith's is busting out some mean eats, with hefty portions and affordable prices. How it works: Follow @so_science on Instagram, and they'll post the week's menu over the weekend. The themes vary every week, so keep an eye on it! You have until midnight on Tuesday to email them with your order. On Wednesday morning, you get an email with payment and pick-up details, and then you swing by the back of the church between 4 and 7 PM on Wednesday to pick up your goods! Pretty easy process, especially if you live close by. So far we've gotten dishes from their BBQ menu (brisket, bbq beans, cheese and mac) and their Greek menu (moussaka with side Greek salad, gyro with fries). Everything is restaurant quality. Let me rephrase: everything is excellent restaurant quality! Like what I would expect if I went to a BBQ joint or Greek spot that specialize in that type of cuisine. Pretty incredible. We originally found out about HA's from a neighbor, and I added this business page to Yelp to be able to share my photos and experiences to help spread the word about this awesome local spot!

Crunkleton was great! Met a friend for brunch and we had a great time…read more Out waitress Nia was excellent and so was Trey. They provided excellent service. This how service at a restaurant should be. I ordered the Charlotte hot brown - which their version of a hot brown --- it was amazing! I nice blend of flavors. My bourbon bramble was also very good. My friend had the shrimp and grits and she loved it. The ambiance gives rustic and a little casual.

The Crunkleton has been on my list of restaurants to visit for quite some time and finally got my…read morefriends together to go. It's beautifully decorated (I fell in love with the bathroom decor) and the bar area is lovely and we stocked. Our server Natasha O was exceptional. She explained items on the menu and even made a drink recommendation that was not listed. For appetizers we had the fig salad and the large portion was more than enough for 3 people with leftovers. We shared the charred oysters and I really with we had gotten a dozen because they were perfection! I had the Wagyu burger which was 1/2 pound and I brought half of it home. It was complimented with truffle shoestring fries. Great portion sizes, amazing service and beautiful decor. I will surely come back. Hope I get sat in Natasha's section again she was amazing! Parking as always is tight in that area so plan accordingly.