Food: What We're Eating

The Y'all Weekly Team & friends of the publication share the spots they're thankful for this holiday season.

What are you eating? I've been asking everyone in my life this question, so I polled the Y’all Weekly Team and some friends of the publication to see which restaurants they’re thankful for, with an emphasis on places you might not have heard of. I’m building out my where to next list and here’s some of the places I’m excited to try. 

Archive

I’ve had a couple Y’all Weekly meetings at Archive because the coffee is on point and the atmosphere is unbeatable. Archive is “a physical celebration of Black culture that welcomes all” according to their website, and it lives up to that description. Don’t miss the non-coffee drinks either - the beverage offerings surprise with delightful flavor profiles. - Sam Spencer 

The Asbury

Tucked into the Dunhill Hotel uptown is The Asbury, a restaurant that doesn’t seem to get enough love in spite of its central location. The southern-inspired creations rarely go wrong, and in addition to having a brunch that is one of Charlotte’s best-kept secrets, dinner at The Asbury can take any direction you want, from drinks, to a quick bite to eat, to a splurge date. - Sam

Bulgogi Box

While you can dine in, Bulgogi Box is also an easy place to take out everything for dinner. They offer spicy pork bulgogi, Korean fried chicken, potstickers, and kimchi. There’s a comfort quality to the food when you’re eating. It’s the well-seasoned meal with east Asian flavors and decent pricing that makes me go back at least twice a month - Rebekah Whilden

Cafe 100 (Huntersville)

Some of the best breakfast around. Blueberry pancakes and breakfast burritos that will leave you full all day. A word of advice - get there early if you can. It’s very popular and gets busy early! - Sarah Sheldon

Curry Gate 

Curry Gate features great Indian and Nepalese cuisine. Highly recommend the big-as-a-baby's-head samosas especially since you get two per order. There are several types of naan, and I recommend the CG special biryani, palak with paneer, and Tikka masala.

Two tips: First, do not take their spice rating lightly. It’s on a 1-10 scale and “4” would be considered “extra spicy” at many other restaurants. You will regret it if you think you can handle higher than a 5 without being absolutely sure.

Second, it’s fantastic for takeout or Postmates but not primarily a sit-down place. The parking lot is not well lit for a late-night option. - Angelica Srivoraphan

Derita Dairy Bar & Grill

This takeout window on West Sugar Creek serves up one of the best burgers in Charlotte. Do bring a folding chair so you can enjoy your food at the source. Do not go if you are worried about your waistline or the cost of return visits. - Sam

Egg N’ Curry

When I reviewed it last month, I wrote, “while Charlotte has south Asian comfort food in the form of butter chicken, with great options like Curry Gate, finding flavors that are new to the southern palate isn't always easy. This is one of many reasons Egg N’ Curry was a delight.”

It was such a great experience that we’re mentioning them twice. Please check them out. - Sarah

Freshwaters

Sharon and Clifton Freshwater brought their New Orleans-inspired cooking to Fourth Ward via New Jersey in 2015. The restaurant is in an unassuming strip mall on Graham Street next to the Charlotte classic Sub One, but has become a hot spot for many of Charlotte’s power brokers. There are quite a few cajun classics on the menu, but the Creole Chicken Parmesan is my go-to order. - Sam

Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters

I recommend this Plaza Midwood coffee spot based on their breakfast burritos alone. Burritos are only offered on the weekend and almost guaranteed to keep you full until dinner time. They’re carefully crafted and handmade so it takes some patience to wait for these burritos, but they are delicious. Giddy Goat also serves empanadas and great coffee options. They have indoor and outdoor seating but tend to get fairly packed. The main floor and outdoor area is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers but to get to the lounge upstairs you do have to use the stairs. - Angelica

Gilde 

The traditional German beer hall is as authentic as any from my various travels throughout Germany, and I would expect nothing less from the Hannover based brewery. Don’t sleep on the food though! Try the charcuterie board mixed with some weisswurst that tastes just like Oma made. Finish it off with the braised pork and liter of Gilde Pilsener. Prost! - Matt Cramer

Gilde’s Weisswurst & Pork Shank (Matt Cramer)

Good Wurst

They may no longer be under the radar, but the curry ketchup is to die for. They also serve breakfast! - Sam

Londa’s Place

Londa's Place is one of those places where you know you’ve found a good thing. Named after owner Yolanda Crowder, Londa’s is co-owned by husband Rev. Anthony Crowder. They offer soul food, cafeteria style, in a friendly and spacious dining room.

If you are going there to try anything, go for the fried pork chops. They’re made to order, but worth the wait. For sides, I will always, at least, get the lima beans or black eyed peas. The desserts are delicious, too! There are normally four or five homemade cakes on the menu; if they have the strawberry crunch, get that and thank me later. Are you in the mood for some southern style oxtails? They have those, too and they're delicious. Yolanda's team will make you feel like home and ensure you leave with a full belly and joy-filled spirit. - Ray McKinnon

Ray gave Londa’s a thumbs-up even though they were closed.

New Zealand Cafe

My favorite Sushi Place in Charlotte, with reasonable prices to boot. - Jesse Boykin Kimmel

Pepero

Absolutely incredible Korean market with a sit-down restaurant inside. It’s in Matthews, but it’s worth the drive. - Adrian Singerman

Pepero’s small seafood pancake and bulgogi (Adrian Singerman)

Red Pot Food Truck

A delicious brisket grilled cheese, plus the crispiest patatas bravas-inspired potatoes I’ve ever had. - Jesse

Roppongi Ramen Bar

For a date night, I thoroughly enjoy going to Roppongi Ramen Bar. It's right off Monroe and Sardis Roads in the same shopping center as the Cinemark Movie Bistro. It's a very small restaurant with a small menu to match. The ramen is delicious but I also recommend sharing a platter of Korean fried chicken (soy garlic is my favorite) and a nice momokawa sake. Afterward, take a short walk across the lot to the theater for a movie and a beer ... my perfect night. - Angelica