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Charlotte Late-Night Food Round-Up After-hours eateries in the Queen City that are worth staying up for. by Jamie Killian After a night out in Charlotte, don’t settle for chips and small snacks after midnight. Check out what the Queen City has to offer late night, from giant slices of to-go pizza to sit-down meals. Amelie’s French Bakery – Photo by Cody Hughes Amelie’s French Bakery & Cafe Neighborhood: NoDa Charlotte’s whimsical French bakery keeps its flagship NoDa location open until midnight on Friday and Saturday, making it the perfect spot to satisfy a late-night sweet tooth. The salted caramel brownies and pecan sticky buns are among the crowd-pleasers made fresh daily. Bar One Lounge Neighborhood: SouthPark Indulge in pizzas or small plates like the Bar One Tartare, featuring Wagyu tenderloin, quail egg, capers, cornichons, Calabrian chilies, shallots and extra virgin olive oil on freshly baked flatbread. Bar One Lounge serves these dishes and more from the late-night menu until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Benny’s Neighborhood: NoDa, South End Benny Pennello’s in NoDa and Benny Ferrovia’s in South End are open until midnight Sunday through Wednesday, 2 a.m. on Thursday, and 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Order one of Benny’s famous 14-inch slices in classic cheese or pepperoni, or grab a whole 28-inch pie to share. Church & Union – Photo by Kate Magee Church & Union Neighborhood: Uptown Open until midnight on Friday and 2 a.m. on Saturday, Church & Union is a great spot for grabbing something a little more sophisticated after regular dinner hours. The late-night menu features hand cut fries, charcuterie and chicken karaage, a Japanese fried chicken. Cru Neighborhood: NoDa Cocktails, hookah and small plates make this a trifecta of fun at midnight and later. Open until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, Cru has garlic shrimp skewers, street corn, lamb lollipops, lobster mac and cheese, and more to satisfy your late-night cravings. The Degenerate Neighborhood: NoDa Nothing bonds friends like a table full of good food. Take your crowd to The Degenerate for a late-night snack like perogies served with apple gastrique or fried banana peppers dipped in ranch. Wash it all down with one of the specialty cocktails, like The Fishbone made with house-made aquavit, cucumber syrup, lime, lavender bitters and soda. Dish Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood Open until 1:30 a.m. nightly, Dish is the place for all things comfort food. The late-night snack menu features Southern treasures like pimento cheese two ways, a fried chicken biscuit, Szechuan chicken and dumplings, and crispy fries with a side of house dipping sauce. Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse Neighborhood: Ballantyne, SouthPark, Uptown, Huntersville, Mooresville No matter where your night takes you, you can find late-night food at Duckworth’s. With locations throughout the Queen City, and a menu available until midnight, you can pop in for classic bar bites like nachos, mozzarella sticks and wings. Photo courtesy of El Thrifty El Thrifty Neighborhood: Optimist Park Satisfy your late-night craving with Mexican-inspired flavors, including Birria Tacos with Oaxaca cheese, onions, cilantro and spicy consommé or Chile Rellenos. El Thrifty is open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights and offers a full menu all day, every day. Fahrenheit Neighborhood: Uptown Open until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, Fahrenheit is the perfect place to take in the city skyline at night. Located on the 21st floor, enjoy elevated eats, including shareable sides like Tokyo Street Corn or signature entrees like the Sunflower Basil Pesto Rigatoni. Growler’s Pourhouse Neighborhood: NoDa Have another beer until midnight, or 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, at this NoDa staple. Growler’s serves a full menu, including braised carnitas nachos and short rib potato skins, until 11 p.m. and offers late-night chips and queso until closing time. JackBeagles Neighborhood: NoDa Nothing tastes better at midnight than mac and cheese, and no one does it quite like JackBeagles. Open until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday at the NoDa location, this neighborhood bar offers eight varieties of mac and cheese, including options topped with smoked hot dogs, creamy Thai curry or chili. Lucky Lou’s Tavern Neighborhood: Madison Park This local watering hole, open until 2 a.m. daily, has lots of sandwiches and 15 varieties of wings to fuel you up just in time to perform late-night karaoke. Try The Godfather, a sub with roast beef, turkey, pepperoni, provolone cheese and Italian dressing. Midnight Diner Neighborhood: Uptown This classic ‘50s diner is the perfect place to grab a bite late at night. Midnight Diner is open 24 hours a day and serves up staples like pancakes, hash browns and eggs. Need something extra indulgent? Try The Bubba, an open-faced biscuit sandwich with eggs, sausage gravy and your choice of breakfast meat. Seoul Food Meat Company – Photo by Kate Magee Moosehead Grill Neighborhood: Montford Every night until 2 a.m., Moosehead Grill is serving up the perfect late-night combo: wings and beer. Choose from 13 wing sauces, like Jamaican Jerk and Wasabi Honey Mustard, and wash it all down with beer from a rotating draft list, including several varieties from local breweries. The Public House Neighborhood: Uptown The Public House’s central location makes it a great place to wander over to after hitting the bars Uptown. Open until 2 a.m., order everything from cheese boards and wonton nachos to burgers, chicken parmesan and a warm brownie sundae for dessert. RedEye Diner Neighborhood: Uptown Throw some money in the jukebox and end your night at this 24-hour spot. RedEye Diner has everything you could want from a diner experience: milkshakes and root beer floats served alongside classic fare like chicken and waffles, French toast, and biscuits and gravy. Seoul Food Meat Company Neighborhood: South End, Optimist Park After an adventurous night, try a late-night bite with a twist. Seoul Food has an eclectic menu featuring fusion tacos with fillings from kimchi pork to brisket bulgogi. The South End location stays open until midnight each night, and both locations are open until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Tavern on the Tracks Neighborhood: South End This local staple features a late-night menu with buffalo wings, cheese curds and the Tavern Trash Bowl

Where to Find Charlotte’s Best Barbecue Barbecue is more than a noun — it’s a way of life in North Carolina. by Charlie Leonard Whether you prefer whole hog or pork shoulder, burnt ends or brisket or maybe some smoked wings with a few racks of ribs in between, this list of Charlotte-area barbecue joints is sure to fire up your craving for stellar local ‘cue. Bar-B-Q King Area: West Charlotte A West Charlotte treasure since 1959, Bar-B-Q King still serves barbecue sandwiches curbside. Want that authentic park-and-eat experience? Don’t leave until you’ve demolished an order of their famous Bar-B-Q fried chicken, which comes dunked in barbecue sauce. This drool-worthy dish was even featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” https://www.instagram.com/p/CsV_O5UuXgH/embed/?cr=1&v=8&wp=520&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.charlottesgotalot.com&rp=%2Farticles%2Feat-drink%2Fcharlotte-barbecue#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A2203.199999999255%7D Big Tiny’s BBQ Area: Mooresville After 25 years in racing, Texas-native John Maddox decided to hang up his helmet and become a pitmaster, specializing in mesquite-style smoked meats showcased in dishes like the chopped brisket sandwich. John and his wife, Elizabeth, opened Big Tiny’s, named after their late dog, Tiny, and serve up what’s been dubbed “dog gone good BBQ.” Blue Bar & Smokehouse Area: Fort Mill, S.C. This local, fast-casual barbecue joint is all about the smoke: smoked wings with eight sauces to choose from, smoked brisket, smoked pork, smoked chicken and more. Joining the region’s barbecue lineup in late 2020, Blue Bar & Smokehouse serves up fresh barbecue, a full bar, live music and Southern hospitality. Bobbee O’s BBQ Area: North Charlotte Bob Roberts has spent years perfecting his barbecue and homemade sauce techniques. While you can’t go wrong with any of the choices at Bobbee O’s BBQ, the pulled pork is the most popular because it truly puts the spotlight on the sauce. The restaurant’s slogan is even, “It’s all in the sauce!” Bubba’s Barbecue Area: North Charlotte Bubba’s Barbecue has been a longtime favorite since its original concept, Jackson and Spoon’s Barbeque, opened in 1963. Ralph “Bubba” Miller serves eastern Carolina-style barbecue, using a 33-hour process to slow cook meat to lean, tender perfection. Wet your whistle with endless beverages from the all-you-can-drink soda station. The Improper Pig Area: Ballantyne, Fort Mill, S.C. Leave your regional barbecue debates at the door and become a barbecue explorer at The Improper Pig. The menu features Asian-inspired barbecue dishes, like Southern-style egg rolls; Chow Bao Sliders with barbecue meat, Asian slaw and hoisin sauce; and even the vegetarian No Pig Sandwich, made with a hickory wood-grilled portobello mushroom. https://www.instagram.com/p/C2UkG5RObZL/embed/?cr=1&v=8&wp=520&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.charlottesgotalot.com&rp=%2Farticles%2Feat-drink%2Fcharlotte-barbecue#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A2205.9000000003725%7D Jon G’s Barbecue Area: Regional Plan for a Saturday barbecue excursion to Jon G’s Barbecue, located about an hour outside of Charlotte in Peachland. Jon G’s is best known for its Texas-inspired ‘que, such as slow-smoked brisket served with all the fixins. Skip the drive and track down Jon G’s food truck at breweries around Charlotte. Kyle Fletcher’s BBQ & Catering Area: Gastonia Nestled in Gastonia, Kyle Fletcher’s BBQ & Catering serves juicy, western North Carolina-style pork and other favorites like fried bologna sandwiches and crispy onion rings. Kyle Fletcher’s regularly wins Best of Gaston awards and, if you’re a North Carolina Tar Heels basketball fan, you’ll love their interior decked out in memorabilia. Mac’s Speed Shop Neighborhood: South End, Steele Creek, Matthews, Cornelius and Concord Mac’s Speed Shop serves smoky pulled pork, dry-rubbed beef brisket and a menu full of distinctive Southern fare. Pair your pulled pork with a cold craft beer. This homegrown chain boasts more than 60 beers on tap and even sponsors a beer club. McKoy’s Smokehouse & Saloon Neighborhood: LoSo McKoy’s Smokehouse & Saloon is a true family operation. The moniker pays homage to McKoy Register, father of co-owner Namon and grandfather of co-owners Ryan and Jim. The spot serves up award-winning St. Louis-style ribs, smokehouse wings and other barbecue mainstays with a side of service that makes you feel like family. Midwood Smokehouse Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood, Montford, Huntersville and Ballantyne Restaurateur Frank Scibelli and pitmaster Matt Barry toured and worked alongside barbecue joints throughout Texas, Kansas City and the Carolinas before debuting the popular concept, Midwood Smokehouse, in Charlotte. The culinary team attended a professional brisket school to perfect the restaurant’s Texas-style brisket and burnt ends. Noble Smoke Neighborhood: Wesley Heights, Optimist Park Noble Smoke is a dream come to life, for more than 25 years, for longtime restaurateur Jim Noble. Noble Smoke pays tribute to the pitmaster legends that inspired him and his love of smoked meat. Try the chopped Cheshire pork with either western- or eastern-style slaw. The Q Shack Area: South Charlotte If you’re on a mission for pork in a pinch, look no further than The Q Shack, a fast-casual go-to in the Promenade on Providence shopping center. This barbecue joint will satisfy your ‘cue cravings with its popular hickory-smoked pulled pork sandwich or chile-rubbed beef brisket. R&R Bar-B-Que Area: Concord Robert “Bob” Critz and Rob Emore share a love for true eastern North Carolina-style, vinegar-based barbecue. With the same initial, and a restaurant located next to railroad tracks, R&R Bar-B-Que opened in 1998 and has been serving up Eastern-style ‘cue with all the fixins ever since. Ray’s Country Smokehouse-Grill Area: Gastonia Barbecue is king at Ray’s Country Smokehouse-Grill, a Gastonia mainstay for smoked meats. Serving old-school smoked barbecue and traditional sides, the restaurant boasts plenty of pig to pair with its homemade vinegar-based sauce. You can also order one of Ray’s most praised dishes: a hearty plate of beef brisket and zesty potato salad. RayNathan’s Area: Gastonia Owned by friends Stephen Carroll and Thomas Blanding, RayNathan’s is their dream of more than 20 years come to life. With a focus on hardwood-smoked meats in dishes like Stephen’s Brisket Sandwich, scratch-made sides and an old-school, Delta blues vibe, this must-try barbecue destination is all about people, pork and the popular banana pudding. R.O.’s Bar-B-Cue Area: Gastonia A Gastonia institution for more than 75 years, R.O.’s Bar-B-Cue became famous for its sandwiches, sauce and slaw. Co-founder Pearl Black came up with the secret slaw recipe that’s featured on the Slaw Sandwich. Find R.O.’s mobile units around the area serving all the favorites, including pork sandwiches, pimento cheese sandwiches, burgers and more. The Smoke Pit Area: Concord, Monroe, Gastonia and Salisbury Serving Texas-style barbecue

Charlotte’s Best Brunch Spots Kick off your weekend plans at these Queen City brunch spots. Whether you’re looking for Southern brunch specialties, the perfect patio for mimosa sipping or health-conscious breakfast options, eateries in the Queen City are sure to satisfy. Check out these Charlotte restaurants to get your fill of brunch favorites. 300 East 300 East Neighborhood: Dilworth 300 East is a Charlotte institution serving its take on traditional breakfast entrees, such as chicken and biscuits, breakfast tacos, breakfast pizza and eggs benedict, during the restaurant’s weekend brunch. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the fan-favorite vanilla custard-filled French toast or a seasonal cast-iron sweet roll. The Artisan’s Palate Neighborhood: NoDa The Artisan’s Palate is part restaurant, bar, art gallery and community gathering space with a rustic yet refined menu. Enjoy small plates that are great for sharing, such as a frittata made with fresh eggs. Keep an eye out for the monthly drag brunches for a meal and a show. The Asbury Neighborhood: Uptown Located inside The Dunhill Hotel, The Asbury serves up classic Southern flavors with a modern flair. Local, seasonal ingredients influence the uniquely Carolinian dishes on the menu, like banana pudding pancakes, warm banana walnut bread, fried chicken biscuits, deviled eggs and the fan-favorite buttermilk sticky biscuits. Boudreaux’s Louisiana Kitchen Neighborhood: NoDa Boudreaux’s Louisiana Kitchen brings the tastes of the bayou to the Queen City with dishes like the shrimp Creole waffle, featuring sauteed gulf shrimp and spicy tomato Creole sauce, and the Foghorn Benny with bourbon fried chicken. Wash down your brunch with a Cajun Mary, made with Boudreaux’s house bloody mary mix. Bulla Gastrobar Neighborhood: SouthPark Inspired by authentic tapas restaurants in Spain, Bulla Gastrobar is a casual and energetic eatery created to stir your senses through quality, Spanish-influenced gastronomic creations. Order from the brunch menu, complete with tapas and full plates like the Brunch Paella, or try the three-course, prix fixe menu. Café Monte Neighborhood: SouthPark Get a taste of France at this casual bakery and bistro. Begin your brunch with an order of beignets or escargot in puff pastry. Egg-based menu items include the Parisian Omelet with ham, bacon, onion and cheese, along with the Benedict Monte with smoked ham, tomato, asparagus and hollandaise served on a buttery croissant. Church + Union Church + Union Neighborhood: Uptown From Top Chef-alum and chef/partner Jamie Lynch, Church and Union is a swanky atmosphere with a casual yet refined menu to match. The brunch menu includes a selection of small plates; main dishes, like shrimp and grits and crab cakes and eggs; and all of your favorite brunch cocktails. The Crunkleton Neighborhood: Elizabeth While cocktails are the star of the show at The Crunkleton, the team’s culinary prowess is also evident in the brunch menu. From classics like biscuits and gravy to more unique options, like the Charlotte Hot Brown with fried chicken, crispy bacon and a sunny egg between French toast, brunch is sure to impress, too. The Degenerate Neighborhood: NoDa Industrial, airy aesthetics and sophisticated sports bar create the vibe when you walk into The Degenerate. With both American and globally inspired cuisine, you can choose between mouthwatering menu options like breakfast tacos, Turkish eggs, a Monte Cristo sandwich and blintzes stuffed with whipped cream cheese and blueberries. Easy Like Sunday Neighborhood: Montford Easy Like Sunday is a brunch-inspired restaurant that is a dream come to life for husband-wife team, Anna and Sean MacCuish. The Cajun shrimp and grits with Portuguese sausage, along with the cornmeal pancakes topped with crispy fried chicken tenders and served with peach habanero jam, are must-try dishes. Eddie’s Place Neighborhood: Cotswold Since 1997, Eddie’s Place has been a beloved neighborhood restaurant and bar offering a warm and welcoming environment with approachable, reasonably priced comfort food. Breakfast is always on the menu at Eddie’s Place so you can get your fill of favorites like the Country Fried Breakfast, day or night. El Puro Cuban Restaurant Neighborhood: Madison Park Inspired by 1950s Cuba, El Puro dishes out upscale Cuban cuisine and cocktails to the soundtrack of live music. The weekend brunch menu features dishes like tres leches pancakes, Ropa Vieja Benedict served in a toasted Cuban bread cup, and brunch empanadas stuffed with guava marmalade and cream cheese. Fahrenheit – Photography by Jamey Price Fahrenheit Neighborhood: Uptown Enjoy a view of the Charlotte skyline from the stellar rooftop patio of Fahrenheit during Sunday brunch. Start your day with a childhood favorite by ordering the jumbo Cap’N Crunch pancakes, inspired by the classic cereal, with a vanilla milk reduction. Famous Toastery Neighborhood: Uptown, Dilworth, South Charlotte, University City, Belmont, Concord, Davidson, Huntersville, Mooresville, Lake Wylie, S.C. Childhood best friends Brian Burchill and Robert Maynard opened the first Famous Toastery in Huntersville in 2005 and were able to turn their breakfast-all-day idea into a successful franchise along the East Coast. Try the stuffed French toast with raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, or peanut butter and banana. Fern Neighborhood: Dilworth Vegetarians and vegans will delight in the offerings at Fern, which mixes up creative cocktails alongside plant-based fare. Weekend brunch options include chicken and waffles, made with oyster mushrooms, and cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing. You won’t even miss the bacon. Haberdish – Photography by Jamey Price Haberdish Neighborhood: NoDa Homemade cinnamon rolls and chicken and waffles are among the fan-favorite dishes served at this mill town Southern kitchen. Biscuits are also a hit on the brunch menu, served with your choice of jam or honey butter syrup. Haberdish’s indulgent floral cocktails and spirit-free concoctions are undoubtedly the best reward for getting out of bed. Heist Brewery Neighborhood: NoDa Indulge in an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet on Sundays at Heist Brewery’s NoDa location. Offerings include an omelet station, shrimp and grits, fried chicken and waffles, French toast and more. Complete your meal with beer buckets, mimosa carafes and bloody marys. La Belle Helene Neighborhood: Uptown This refined French brasserie is cooking up classics with a modern twist in Uptown. The beautiful, European-inspired design beckons you to come for a taste of French cuisine with dishes like bananas foster French toast, Croque Madame sandwich and a variety of crepes. Legion Brewing SouthPark Neighborhood: SouthPark