Classic Burgers & Hot Dogs

Super Boy $5.25  

South 21, 3101 E. Independence Blvd., 704-377-4509

A family-owned drive-in since 1955, South 21 still serves up the same classic American fare—including a fine signature burger. The Super Boy tops two beef patties with mustard, onions, lettuce, and tomato and comes with an order of crispy, salty fries.

Burger With Cheese, $3.50  

Brooks’ Sandwich House, 2710 N. Brevard St., 704-375-7808

This cash-only classic takeout spot run by twin brothers has been serving great hot-from-the-griddle burgers in NoDa for 40 years. Order your cheeseburger “all the way” and it will arrive topped with mustard, onions, and the classic house-made chili.

The Char Heel, $3.79    

JJ’s Red Hots, 1514 East Blvd., 980-225-8880

This Carolina-inspired treat tops the restaurant’s signature juicy, grilled Sahlen’s Smokehouse dog with house-made chili, a heaping portion of slaw, and a ribbon of deli mustard in a soft potato roll.

The Zack’s Special, $4.89

Zack’s Hamburgers, 4009 South Blvd., 704-525-1720

This monster is served with two ground-beef patties, melted American cheese, shredded lettuce, a slice of tomato, pickles, chopped onions, and special sauce on a soft, toasted sesame-seed bun. Sound familiar? It’s Zack’s nod to the Big Mac, plus a dollop of mayo and minus the middle bun. Served with shoestring fries, this dish can be enjoyed in a setting reminiscent of the days when The Chiffons dominated radio waves.

Winky Dinky Dog, $3.50

The Diamond, 1901 Commonwealth Ave., 704-375-8959

A spin on the classic dog, the Winky Dinky is topped with The Diamond’s creamy house-made pimento cheese and a liberal helping of chili.

Viking Corn Dog, $2.95  

Pinky’s WestSide Grill, 1600 W. Morehead St., 704-332-0402

A no-frills dish, the Viking Corn Dog at Pinky’s is hand-dipped in batter and then deep-fried on a stick. There’s no shame in ordering two.