Best Charlotte Restaurants

[Happy Panther]

I'm starting this thread because one of the best restaurants in the area and perhaps in the country is opening a second restaurant at the former location of one of the worst restaurants in the area.

The owners of Kindred are opening at the spot of the old Rusty Rudder in LKN. 

http://www.eater.com/2016/11/15/13627576/kindred-expansions-north-carolina-hello-sailor

Quote

 

Chef Joe Kindred and his wife Katy made a splash when they opened their eponymous Davidson, N.C. restaurant in February 2015. After garnering national accolades, including a semifinalist nod for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: Southeast award, the Kindreds are ready for another small-town venture: Hello, Sailor.

The couple's second restaurant will take up residence at The Holiday Marina on Lake Norman in Cornelius, N.C., about four miles southwest of downtown Davidson and 20 miles north of Charlotte. The waterfront space, previously home to a restaurant called The Rusty Rudder, covers 4,000 square feat with an additional 3,000-square-foot patio and tiki bar. Katy Kindred is in charge of the design (she also designed the couple’s Davidson restaurant), and while plans aren't quite finalized, she tells Eater "it’s definitely going to be a fun spot."

Considering there are nearly 20 slips in the marina that allow diners to arrive via boat, the team has a casual, family-friendly atmosphere in mind. The kitchen will focus on seafood, but ribs and similar barbecue fare will come from a smoker that’s being installed on the premises. That’s a step in a different direction from Kindred, which is more upscale and serves a modern cross of Southern American and Italian cuisines.

 

 

[Donald LaFell]

I was kind of disappointed in Kindred the other night, the pasta was salty and now all that complex. Had some friends who had been there for the first time and I was embarrassed I had hyped it up so much. The burger/oysters for lunch can't be beat though. 

As far as that area Pickled Peach and Millstone Bakehouse on Main Street are great too. 

Charlotte has too many to list at the moment. 

[DirtyMagic97]

Yea, I've been to Kindred twice and it is immensely overrated in my opinion. Good food, but nothing close to what people hype it to be.

[rhyslloyd]

I didn't think Rusty Rudder was that bad.  I never expected award-winning food, but for the atmosphere and location, it was more than good enough for me. 

I'm pretty partial to 300 East because I love the setting in the old house and its location right on the street in a cool neighborhood.  Food has always been top notch. 

For a straight up steak with no frills, Beef N Bottle is tough to beat. 

My favorite brunch spot is Mimosa Grill.  It isn't cheap, but the spread is impressive.

The Workman's Friend doesn't get as much attention as it should, either.  I'm a big fan.

[Ja Rhule]

Never heard of them.  If you want to make a splash, move to uptown.

[Donald LaFell]

On 11/17/2016 at 2:19 PM, DirtyMagic97 said:

Yea, I've been to Kindred twice and it is immensely overrated in my opinion. Good food, but nothing close to what people hype it to be.

I wouldn't say it's overrated by much, I lived/worked near there so I went a lot. I think everything dips with a crowd though which is unacceptable. 

[The Lobo]

While I was in town I ate at a place called Cowbell. I don't know if it's a chain or whatever but I thought it was bad ass. PS I'm from a small town, I don't eat at that many restaurants.

[Jeremy Igo]

Ate at FORK in Cornelius last night. Best lamb shank I have ever had and the lobster Mac and cheese was divine. Cool place.

[Happy Panther]

On 11/17/2016 at 2:08 PM, Donald LaFell said:

I was kind of disappointed in Kindred the other night, the pasta was salty and now all that complex. Had some friends who had been there for the first time and I was embarrassed I had hyped it up so much. The burger/oysters for lunch can't be beat though. 

As far as that area Pickled Peach and Millstone Bakehouse on Main Street are great too. 

Charlotte has too many to list at the moment. 

Interesting. Never had a bad meal or bad experience. Yes their burgers are amazing. Not sure what they do.

I assume you have eaten at Upper Crust when you say Millstone?

[Donald LaFell]

38 minutes ago, Happy Panther said:

Interesting. Never had a bad meal or bad experience. Yes their burgers are amazing. Not sure what they do.

I assume you have eaten at Upper Crust when you say Millstone?

I think so, I've only been there twice. Got this vegetarian dish that was great. 

Also im totally still a Kindred fan, just really disappointed in that one instance. 

[Happy Panther]

I should be keeping this a secret.

Yeah Main St. Davidson is becoming a restaurant cult scene. You can do a 7 course progressive dinner within 1/2 mile.

Start at Flatiron and get the gator if it is on the menu. Also a legit tap house.

http://flatirononmain.com/

Next walk 20 feet and hit upper crust for fresh oysters.

Now walk 90 seconds and you hit

http://www.mestizocontemporarymexican.com/

Not sure how long they will last but they make a mean guac and Margarita. One of those places you root for. 

Then literally 5 feet and you hit Kindred. Don't listen to the haters this is world class stuff. Get dinner:

Most unique cocktails and always get the milk bread and steak tartar.

Finally hit (30 second walk):

http://www.ilboscoristorante.com/menu.html

For canoli and a grappa. Italian spot run by...Italians.

Then once you sleep off your hangover hit:

http://www.famoustoastery.com/good-morning/

for the country benedict...

You are welcome.

 

 

 

[Ja Rhule]

17 hours ago, The Lobo said:

While I was in town I ate at a place called Cowbell. I don't know if it's a chain or whatever but I thought it was bad ass. PS I'm from a small town, I don't eat at that many restaurants.

In uptown?  That's Luke Kueckly favorite place

[The Lobo]

15 minutes ago, ARSEN said:

In uptown?  That's Luke Kueckly favorite place

Yup uptwon. Cowbell burger and whiskey bar. It's awesome. It's also awesome that Keek likes it.

[cookinwithgas]

I'm not a big burger person but Cowbell is really good. Down the street on Church is a Thai place called Basil, great curry that I cannot stop eating.

Best place I've eaten at the past few months is Blue Taj, in Ballantyne

http://www.thebluetaj.com/

mmmmm so good