The 4 Most Satisfying Restaurants in Charlotte, NC

As one of the hippest towns for young professionals, it’s no surprise that Charlotte bustles with an active nightlife. However, you may not know that the Queen City also has some of the best restaurants in the south, despite stiff competition from places like New Orleans and Atlanta. If you’re looking for some of the best culinary delights the city has to offer, don’t miss these satisfying restaurants.

1. Bill Spoon’s Barbecue

Since 1963, this family owned Charlotte institution has dished out some of the best barbecue in the region. Known for cooking the entire pig at once, Bill Spoon’s has a sizeable menu with barbecue favorites such as pulled pork, ribs, BBQ chicken, and even delicacies like fried flounder. Add in a side of baked beans, okra, mac & cheese, or fried pickles, and you have a gut-busting meal that outdoes many other barbecue joints in town.

2. Le’s Sandwiches and Cafe

If you’re like many food connoisseurs, you’re always in search of that great entrée that’s hidden behind a rather unassuming storefront. At Le’s, that’s exactly what you get. Beyond the horrendous, pothole-filled parking lot of the Asian Corner Mall, you stumble into Le’s, which serves what is widely regarded as the best sandwich in the city, the authentic Vietnamese bahn-mi. Served on a fresh baguette, you get a meat of your choice topped with daikon, carrots, cucumber, and cilantro. The best part is that every sandwich is a mere $4.25.

3. Zack’s Hamburgers

Serving Charlotte for over four decades, Zack’s Hamburgers is another hidden gem, although it’s not nearly as disguised as Le’s. What Zack’s does best is give you one of the tastiest burgers you’ll ever eat. Known as the “Zack’s Special”, this signature burger doesn’t contain anything out of the ordinary. It’s made with staple burger condiments and toppings such as lettuce, cheese, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, and special sauce. However, the flavors of the burger are so much more complex thanks to special seasonings. To add to the magic, the burger costs only $5.59. If you’re not in the burger mood, pig out on a rib eye steak sandwich, fried chicken, or a BLT.

4. Viva Chicken

Unless you are from a Peruvian family, you’ve probably never had fare like this. Specializing in authentic Peruvian rotisserie chicken, Viva Chicken combines flavors from South American that are largely absent from many American foods. Known as Pollo à la Brasa, this chicken marinades for 24 hours before finding its way to a rotating spit. From there, you have your choice of two or three sides, as well as three sauces. Opt for the super hot “Gringo Killer” and make sure to include quinoa, fired yuca, or organic canary beans for the real Peruvian experience.

The hardest part about finding the most satisfying restaurant in Charlotte is choosing where to start. However, if you have the time, dedication, and a hearty appetite, it’s easier than you might think. So loosen your belt and head out to these local favorites. Your belly will thank you.

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Image via Flickr by James Willamor

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