Nestled in the heart of Charlotte, the South End neighborhood is a bustling hub of culture, art, and, most importantly, food. With its eclectic mix of restaurants, it is a food lover’s paradise with a diverse range of culinary experiences. You’ll find fine dining to Asian food and pizza spots to breweries. So, let’s embark on a gastronomic journey through the top South End restaurants.
Bossy Beulah’s South End
Let’s start off strong with our favorite chicken sammie in the city…which belongs to the Hot Thigh at Bossy Beulah’s South End. This is such a lovely, cozy, and stylish dining establishment offering all-natural chicken sammies and snacks. The no-nonsense chicken joint has a delicious menu ranging from their Bossy Bites (don’t you dare call them nuggets) to their fantastic wings (also our favorite in the city!) and, of course, their famous chicken sandwiches. At Bossy Beulah’s, you can enjoy chicken that is free of antibiotics, hormones, pesticides and preservatives. Whether dining solo or with friends, this highly-rated restaurant is a delightful spot to relax and enjoy a healthy chicken meal. We also love the sides at this wonderful eatery! The fries are near-perfect and seasoned to perfection and the slaw is sooooo good too. And if you like desserts, they can help you with that too! The hand pies are uhhhhmazing. It is at the top of list of top restaurants in South End Charlotte for so many reasons!
Emmy Squared
Emmy Squared is a Charlotte pizzeria specializing in Detroit-style pies, characterized by their square shapes. But pizza is not all they offer; the restaurant is known for its award-winning burger and has a full-service bar featuring local drafts and wine.
Wooden Robot Brewery
This is a delightful destination for beer enthusiasts. Wooden Robot Brewery has it all: Excellent brews and a variety of dishes. Don’t miss the ‘Beer-Battered Fish Tacos’ that pair perfectly with hoppy ales. Their savory “Wooden Robot Burger” with crispy hand-cut fries is another fan favorite. The flavorful ‘Sausage and Cheese Board’ showcases a selection of artisanal sausages and cheeses to share with friends.
Ilios Crafted Greek
Located on Church Street, Ilios takes diners on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean with its flavorful dishes in a laid-back setting. The food at the restaurant is prepared using traditional recipes, authentic Greek meat cooking process and simple Greek food seasonings.
The fast-casual Greek restaurant offers everything from rotisserie roasted meats to salads, pita sandwiches, and plenty of fresh and healthy sides. The menu includes many plant-based and vegan-friendly options, while local beer and hand-selected wines are also available to pair with your meal. Their Greek Rotisserie Chicken, Falafel, Lamb Gyro, Chickpea Hummus Spread and pita Sandwich with your choice of protein are some top-sellers. It is one of the top restaurants in the South End of Charlotte for Mediterranean food.
Salted Melon
When we aren’t eating lunch at Ilios you can find us at Salted Melon. The menu has a little bit for everyone from delicious salads to creative sandwiches, a delicious tuna dish, wraps, and amazing desserts too. The breakfast options — the Notorious BEC and the Bandito Burrito — are sooo good too! Highly recommend stopping into this cute and colorful restaurant/grocery in the heart of South End.
Crispy Banh Mi
For those craving the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine and street food, Crispy Banh Mi is a hidden gem in the heart of Charlotte. It’s known for its delectable Banh Mi sandwiches, noodle bowls, various teas and smoothies.
If you are a vegetarian, you will love their vegan Banh Mi. The best part is that the prices are highly affordable. It is one of the top restaurants in South End Charlotte for Vietnamese staples.
You must try their Bing Ang pizza and crispy chicken crunches when visiting. The place also offers vegan, gluten-free pizza and a kids’ menu. Sit indoors in a modern, relaxed environment or outdoors (limited seating). Emmy’s friendly service will take care of you.
Roots Cafe
One of the most-frequented restaurants in the South End, Roots Cafe is a farm-to-table eatery. Using only locally sourced ingredients, their menu blends comfort food with creativity in a beautiful, warm setting with a charming ambiance.
The community-focused eatery offers a simple menu of pastries, wraps, burgers, sandwiches and some salmon dishes. The restaurant also has a full bar, serving beer and wine along with full coffee and espresso services. Roots Cafe is ideal for a romantic lunch or a relaxing dining experience.
The Good Wurst Comapny
For those who like sausages, The Good Wurst Company is a must-visit. This casual, laid-back eatery offers an array of scratch-made sausages, smoked meats and deli sandwiches, each boasting mouthwatering flavors. The place is known for its Montreal-style bagels, but their sausages steal the show. Whether you are a fan of bratwurst or chorizo, you will find something to satisfy your cravings at The Good Wurst. Their breakfast sandwiches are a must-try. Don’t forget to pair your meal with sides like Belgian fries and coffee.
Charlotte Beer Garden
Charlotte Beer Garden is a sanctuary for beer enthusiasts. With the world’s largest selection of draft beers from around the world, it is a place where beer lovers can truly rejoice. The excellent beer list, an expansive terrace and the beautiful outdoor space make the spot a relaxing spot to enjoy drinks with friends.
The menu includes everything from local favorites to international brews and pub snacks. The three-story establishment has about 436 on tap, but you don’t have to worry about selection. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is always ready to help you navigate the diverse beer offerings, ensuring an enjoyable experience.
Ruby Sunshine
Want the best breakfast in Charlotte? Ruby Sunshine is the best spot for brunch in the South End, offering delicious food in a casual, friendly space. Known for its freshly baked, scratch-made biscuits, the place serves a variety of omelets, sandwiches and pancakes, along with a specialty menu. Apart from the famous Biscuits & Gravy, their Shrimp and Grits, Chicken St. Charles and the Trifecta are some fan-favorites you must not miss. The menu also includes an impressive coffee and cocktail selection. It is one of the top-recommended restaurants in South End Charlotte.
Early Girl Eatery
Early Girl Eatery is another jewel in Charlotte’s farm-to-table crown, specializing in Southern comfort food. Their dedication to using fresh, organic and locally sourced ingredients ensures that every dish is healthy and delicious. The eatery has been featured in magazines like Southern Living, Garden & Gun.
The menu is expansive, with many meat-based and vegan mains, salads, sides and desserts, along with a kids’ and beverage menu. Be sure not to miss out on trying their famous Chicken and Waffles and Mimosa. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the community-focused place is a must-visit spot for anyone craving healthy Southern comfort food in Charlotte.
Trolley Barn
One of the top South End restaurants, Trolley Barn is a charming and welcoming fermentory and food hall located in Atherton Mill. The place offers an extensive food menu with international influence, an innovative full cocktail program and an impressive beer and wine selection. Their Pretzel, Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese and Duck Fried Rice are some fan favorites you can try upon your visit. Many vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.
Besides indoor seating, the place also has a beautiful balcony on the second floor and a large front patio where you can settle and enjoy your meal or drinks.
Link and Pin
Link & Pin is a sophisticated restaurant and cocktail bar offering international dishes, hand-crafted cocktails, fine wine and hard-to-find beer. The steakhouse and brunch restaurant is exquisitely decorated with beautiful ceiling and wall art, rustic decor, comfortable seating and soft lighting. It is one of the fanciest South End Charlotte restaurants.
As for the menu, the restaurant offers a chef-inspired but approachable menu, including artisanal cheese and charcuterie, soups, salads, seafood, steaks and chops, large plates and shareable sides. The place also has a cozy bar with an extensive cocktail menu.
Remember, the restaurant has a dress code that requires you to fashion yourself in an elegant, upscale manner fitting its luxurious atmosphere.
We also love all of these as well! Enough to write entire reviews on them that we hope you check out!
Restaurants South End: Conclusion
South End in Charlotte is a food lover’s paradise with an abundance of dining options to satisfy every palate. From Southern comfort food to healthy fast food, delicious Asian staples and authentic Mediterranean cuisine, South End offers a diverse culinary landscape that will leave you craving more.
So, the next time you crave something delicious, check out these incredible restaurants and tantalize your taste buds with the best of South End food!
