With bright blue skies, green spaces and sparkling lakes, Charlotte, North Carolina, is a stunning place to go. And it’s hard to run out of things to do when fascinating spots like Freedom Park, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and the Charlotte Museum of History fill up your itinerary. But while you’re planning activities, don’t forget to plan where you’ll stop to eat!
At first glance, Charlotte may look like any other modern city, but after some exploring, you’ll quickly find the Queen City has deep Southern roots. And what better way to experience the city’s charm than by enjoying its delicious Southern cuisine? When it comes to the best soul food restaurants in Charlotte, here are our recommendations.
Mert’s Heart & Soul
If you’re staying at or near the Holiday Inn Center City, be sure to stop by Mert’s Heart & Soul for some delectable Southern cuisine. This AAA Diamond Approved restaurant is known for its exceptional Southern hospitality and family-friendly atmosphere.
Mert’s offers a twist on traditional soul food by adding Lowcountry and Gullah dishes. You may have a hard time choosing an entrée with mouth-watering choices like BBQ or fried sandwiches, grilled salmon with Creole sauce and fried catfish. Or if you’re craving something lighter, browse their list of veggie plates. Just make sure to leave room for their hit side dish — warm, sweet cornbread — and their award-winning macaroni and cheese.
While you’re waiting for your food, sit back and enjoy the colorful yet quaint ambience. You may also notice a family vibe. That’s no surprise considering the owners are a husband-wife team who enjoy being active in their community.
You can expect to spend around $20-$30 per person when dining at Mert’s Heart & Soul. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday but closed on Sundays, and if you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting outside of traditional lunch hours.
The King’s Kitchen
Craving some tasty collards, fried oysters or grilled watermelon? Head to the King’s Kitchen on West Trade Street. (You may need to make a reservation if your party is eight people or more.)
This AAA Diamond Approved, faith-based nonprofit restaurant doesn’t just serve classic Southern dishes. It also uses 100% of its profits to feed the hungry and give back to the community — the restaurant partners with local ministries to offer job-seeking and financial management training. Chef Jim Noble, an ordained minister and owner of the King’s Kitchen, puts the same passion into helping his neighbors as he does into cooking delicious food.
Their menu may change slightly depending on the season. If they’re available when you visit, try ordering boiled peanuts, pimento cheese on toasted rye or butter bean hummus on toast as your starter. For an entrée, consider getting the shrimp and grits, Aunt Beaut’s famous fried chicken or the country fried steak. Don’t forget your side dishes — seasoned collard greens, Carolina gold rice, braised field peas or macaroni and cheese.
Lunch hours are 11 to 2:30 while dinner is available from 5 to 10. You can visit Saturday anytime from noon to 10, but the restaurant is closed every Sunday.
Freshwaters
Craving a combination of Southern and Cajun cuisine? Freshwaters offers Southern-style seafood in a casual atmosphere. The intimate setting lets you comfortably enjoy tasty dishes like sweet potatoes, shrimp étouffée, BBQ ribs, grilled salmon, candied yams and more.
Freshwaters has been a staple in Charlotte since 2015, but the owners — Clifton and Sharon Freshwater — have been in the restaurant business since 1986. Clifton tells The Charlotte Observer that he and his wife try to make the restaurant’s food as healthy as possible. But if you’re planning on indulging in desserts like strawberry cake or coconut pineapple cake, you may want to avoid counting the calories.
Planning your meal at Freshwaters? Bear in mind that the restaurant tends to draw a crowd around 5. And since their operating hours are somewhat irregular, be sure to call ahead or check online to see if they’re open.
Londa’s Place
For classic soul food without the frills, stop by Londa’s Place, which takes pride in serving Southern dishes with only the best ingredients. Located in the Callabridge commons on Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Londa’s offers friendly service and a laid-back cafeteria setting to enjoy your meal.
If you love the classics, you can’t go wrong with Londa’s homemade country-style steak, pig’s feet, smothered pork chops, oxtails or beef ribs. Sides include collard greens, cabbage, coleslaw, pinto beans, rice and gravy, candied yams and more. If you have room, end the night with a scrumptious cobbler or banana pudding.
Midwood Smokehouse
Midwood Smokehouse is more focused on barbecue than soul food, but they have a distinctly Southern flair. If you can’t get barbecue off your mind, check out one of their multiple locations in Charlotte for a flavorful meal.
From St. Louis-style ribs to Texas-style beef brisket, Midwood Smokehouse knows how to serve meals that draw a crowd. Their friendly staff and daily drink specials also make them a local favorite.
You may have a hard time choosing from delicious sides like pimento cheese fries, collard greens, hush puppies and bacon-wrapped jalapeños. For dessert, they offer a few options, including nutty pecan cobbler, banana pudding and campfire blondies topped with graham crumble, marshmallow drizzle and vanilla ice cream.
All of Midwood Smokehouse’s locations in Charlotte close at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.