The 13 Best Places to Eat in Charlotte

The 13 Best Places to Eat in Charlotte — All Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Charlotte has quietly become one of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives‘ favorite stops. We pulled every Charlotte restaurant Guy Fieri has featured on the show, kept the 13 that are still open and still highly rated (4.4 stars and up, hundreds to thousands of real Google reviews), and ranked them by popularity. Here’s where to eat on your next trip.

1. Pinky’s Westside Grill

Pinky’s Westside Grill — featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

American, Burger, Chicken, Sandwich, Vegan/Vegetarian · $ · 4.5★ (7,385 Google reviews)

Pinky’s Westside Grill earned its spot on the show for American classics that regulars rave about, and the 4.5-star average from 7,385 reviewers backs it up.

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Featured on Triple D (2 times):
• Season 22, Episode 10 — “Racing Through Charlotte” (May 1, 2015)
• Season 32, Episode 6 — “Takeout: Funky Finds in 'da House” (May 22, 2020)
Address: 1600 W Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28208
Phone: +1 704-332-0402
Website: www.eatatpinkys.com
See the full Pinky’s Westside Grill listing →

2. Landmark Restaurant

Landmark Restaurant — featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Breakfast · $ · 4.4★ (4,311 Google reviews)

Known for a knockout breakfast, Landmark Restaurant still draws a crowd — a 4.4-star rating from 4,311 diners says the hype is real.

Featured on Triple D: Season 8, Episode 10 — “Fresh And Funky” (March 29, 2010)
Address: 4429 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: +1 704-532-1153
Website: www.orderlandmarkdinercharlottenc.com
See the full Landmark Restaurant listing →

3. Cabo Fish Taco

Cabo Fish Taco — featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Mexican, Seafood · $$ · 4.5★ (4,090 Google reviews)

The Mexican plates at Cabo Fish Taco clearly stuck around: it holds a 4.5-star rating across 4,090 Google reviews.

Featured on Triple D: Season 9, Episode 4 — “Bringin' It Home” (May 17, 2010)
Address: 3201 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: +1 704-332-8868
Website: www.cabofishtaco.com
See the full Cabo Fish Taco listing →

4. Bang Bang Burgers

Bang Bang Burgers — featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Burger · $$ · 4.6★ (2,168 Google reviews)

Bang Bang Burgers is one of the area’s go-to spots for burgers, with a strong 4.6 stars from 2,168 reviews.

Featured on Triple D: Season 26, Episode 5 — “Beef, Lamb and Pig” (February 17, 2017)
Address: 2001 E 7th St D, Charlotte, NC 28204
Phone: +1 704-375-4505
Website: bangbangburgersclt.com
See the full Bang Bang Burgers listing →

5. 300 East

300 East — featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

American · $$ · 4.5★ (1,918 Google reviews)

A longtime local favorite for American classics, 300 East keeps a 4.5-star rating across 1,918 Google reviews — proof the love didn’t fade after the cameras left.

Featured on Triple D: Season 22, Episode 11 — “Indulgent Dishes” (May 22, 2015)
Address: 300 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: +1 704-332-6507
Website: 300east.net
See the full 300 East listing →

6. Dish

Dish — featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

American, Southern · $ · 4.4★ (1,880 Google reviews)

Dish earned its spot on the show for American classics that regulars rave about, and the 4.4-star average from 1,880 reviewers backs it up.

Featured on Triple D: Season 8, Episode 8 — “Comfort Food Classics” (February 22, 2010)
Address: 1220 Thomas Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: +1 704-344-0343
Website: eatatdish.com
See the full Dish listing →

7. South 21 Drive-In

South 21 Drive-In — featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

American, Burger · $ · 4.6★ (1,647 Google reviews)

Known for American classics, South 21 Drive-In still draws a crowd — a 4.6-star rating from 1,647 diners says the hype is real.

Featured on Triple D: Season 8, Episode 6 — “By Request” (February 8, 2010)
Address: 3101 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: +1 704-377-4509
Website: south21drivein.net
See the full South 21 Drive-In listing →

8. The Penguin

The Penguin — featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

American, Burger, Sandwich · $$ · 4.5★ (1,106 Google reviews)

The American classics at The Penguin clearly stuck around: it holds a 4.5-star rating across 1,106 Google reviews.

Featured on Triple D: Season 1, Episode 3 — “Blue Plate Special” (May 7, 2007)
Address: 1531 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: +1 704-444-0603
Website: thepenguindrivein.com/utm_sourcegbmutm_mediumlinkutm_campaigngbm
See the full The Penguin listing →

9. Intermezzo Pizzeria and Cafe

Intermezzo Pizzeria and Cafe — featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Italian, Pizza · $$ · 4.5★ (1,045 Google reviews)

Intermezzo Pizzeria and Cafe is one of the area’s go-to spots for Italian comfort food, with a strong 4.5 stars from 1,045 reviews.

Featured on Triple D: Season 22, Episode 13 — “Intercontinental Flavorfest” (June 5, 2015)
Address: 1427 E 10th St, Charlotte, NC 28204
Phone: +1 704-347-2626
Website: www.intermezzopizzeria.com
See the full Intermezzo Pizzeria and Cafe listing →

10. Fud at Salud

Fud at Salud — featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Pizza · $$ · 4.8★ (737 Google reviews)

A longtime local favorite for pizza, Fud at Salud keeps a 4.8-star rating across 737 Google reviews — proof the love didn’t fade after the cameras left.

Featured on Triple D: Season 26, Episode 7 — “Not Your Typical Joints” (March 24, 2017)
Address: 3306 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: +1 980-495-6612
Website: www.saludbeershop.com
See the full Fud at Salud listing →

11. The Improper Pig

The Improper Pig — featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

BBQ · $$ · 4.4★ (708 Google reviews)

The Improper Pig earned its spot on the show for low-and-slow barbecue that regulars rave about, and the 4.4-star average from 708 reviewers backs it up.

Featured on Triple D: Season 26, Episode 5 — “Beef, Lamb and Pig” (February 17, 2017)
Address: 9855 Sandy Rock Pl A, Charlotte, NC 28277
Phone: +1 704-714-7878
Website: theimproperpig.com
See the full The Improper Pig listing →

12. Papi Queso Food Truck

Papi Queso Food Truck — featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Sandwich · $$ · 4.5★ (382 Google reviews)

Known for over-stuffed sandwiches, Papi Queso Food Truck still draws a crowd — a 4.5-star rating from 382 diners says the hype is real.

Featured on Triple D: Season 26, Episode 4 — “Swiss, Sandwiches and Sausage” (February 10, 2017)
Address: 1115 N Brevard St Suite #2, Charlotte, NC 28206
Phone: +1 704-999-1764
Website: www.papiquesoclt.com
See the full Papi Queso Food Truck listing →

13. Heist Brewery

Heist Brewery — featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Other · 4.6★ (285 Google reviews)

The a one-of-a-kind menu at Heist Brewery clearly stuck around: it holds a 4.6-star rating across 285 Google reviews.

Featured on Triple D: Season 26, Episode 8 — “From North to South America” (March 31, 2017)
Address: 1030 Woodward Ave, Charlotte, NC 28206
Phone: +1 704-595-3111
Website: www.heistbrewery.com/barrel-arts
See the full Heist Brewery listing →

Planning a whole trip? Browse every DDD restaurant in Charlotte.