Our Picks For Charlotte’s Tastiest Grub When Calories Don’t Count
Head to these spots for yummy hand-held eats that will let you forgo the utensils
Burgers, pizza, hot dogs, tacos. They’re all hand-held feasts. In addition to practicality, they’ve got flavor and creativity. Here are some favorites from throughout the city.
VICIOUS BISCUIT
8200 Providence Road, Ste. 100
This fast-casual eatery serves over-the-top biscuit creations, like its namesake, The Vicious—a fried chicken breast in a jalapeño-and-cheddar biscuit, smothered in maple-sausage gravy, and topped with candied jalapeños, aka “cowboy candy.” Pair it with a Southern Sunrise (bourbon, fresh orange juice, basil, and honey), and you’ll be primed for a solid nap that will hug that hangover away.
BENNY PENNELLO’S
2909 N. Davidson St., Ste. 100
A full Benny P’s pie is 28 inches, almost double the standard—but if you divide it into eight slices, one is the ideal-sized meal for one person.
HARRIET’S HAMBURGERS
Multiple locations
This burger joint has a simple menu of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and fries, but they get everything right.
CABO FISH TACO
NoDa and Ballantyne
This “Baja seagrill” serves up the title dish as well as quesadillas, burritos, and salads in a fun, surf-themed atmosphere.
Cabo Fish Taco Soy Ginger Shrimp Tacos
TACOS RICK-O
1402 Winnifred St.
Find this taco truck six days a week at Hoppin’ Charlotte’s taproom and feast on some of the best Birria Tacos in the city.
PIZZA BABY
Multiple locations
Co-owners Trey Wilson and Steven De Falco took bread-making courses with pizzaiolos in Long Island and tested 29 dough recipes before they opened this local pizza joint.
PINKY’S WESTSIDE GRILL
1600 W. Morehead St.
Housed in an old auto shop, this funky spot serves massive burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches alongside waffle fries and fried pickles.
HAWTHORNE’S NEW YORK PIZZA AND BAR
Multiple locations
Hawthorne’s made national headlines when nearly 70 visitors reported that the restaurant’s buffalo chicken pizza—since nicknamed “The Inducer”—sent pregnant Charlotteans into labor.
BROOKS’ SANDWICH HOUSE
2710 N. Brevard St.
Head to Brooks’ humble red hut for rough-hewn burgers with homemade chili. Grab ’em to go or eat ’em atop the unvarnished wood tables in the gravel parking lot.
SALUD CERVECERIA
3306 N. Davidson St., Ste. C
Salud’s 12-inch, wood-fired pies match the quality of its stellar beer.
GENO D’s PIZZA
224 E. 7th St.
The “Jersey Shore-style” pizza joint comes from father-and-daughter team Geno and Gena DiPaolo, and options include a rectangle, sauce-on-top, Grandma-style ’za.
ACE NO. 3
Multiple locations
This counter-service joint offers a straightforward menu of burgers and fries. Pair it with a Juicy Jay or OMB Copper—or treat yourself to a boozy milkshake.
SCHREIBER’S ON RYE
1115 N. Brevard St., Stall 14
Chef Larry Schreiber, who also owns Optimist Hall food stall Bao + Broth, specializes in “sliced, stacked, and stuffed” sandwiches at this New York-inspired deli counter.
MOO & BREW
Multiple locations
Burgers have playful names like Peter Piper, Farmer’s Daughter, and Moo Melt, and friendly servers make this spot an easy choice for a casual dinner out.
CHEAT’S CHEESESTEAKS
Multiple locations
The euphoric combination of Cheez Whiz and ribeye steak make these sandwiches worth standing in line for.
THE ATOMIC DOG
Mobile
This hot dog cart serves New York-style dogs and brats, any way you like them.
PAPI QUESO
1115 N. Brevard St., Stall 2
Expect all the staples from the popular food truck along with an expanded menu of grilled cheeses, mac and cheese, and melts.
