My cousin (14) is visiting United States for the first time, we want to take him to an American restaurant when we pick him up from the airport. Not looking for anything too high end, I suggested some BBQ like Midwood, Macs, or Noble Smoke, or a burger like Bang Bang, but if anyone has any other suggestions that would be great. I wish Harper’s was still open, they had some more variety, perhaps a place like that? Varied menu but moderate in price?
Pinky’s would be my suggestion.
Good call
Third vote for pinky’s! Quirky Americana and good food options
We quit going to Pinkies due to the fact that when they get busy, it's so noisy, you can't hold a conversation.
Optimist Hall so he can take his pic... but, as someone mentioned, Pinky's would be a good choice.
Pinky's is an ideal "straight from the airport" food spot
Yeah, I might push for that a little more, I think my dad wants to treat all of us so that might be hard with people going to different spots.
Optimist is definitely not American. Its corporate trendy ethnic
Man im shocked nobody mentioned Bobby O's BBQ and soul food.
Best BBQ ribs in charlotte. And if the owner is there that day youre in for a treat. That man is a national treasure. Hes so kind and easy to talk to. Tell him where youre from he'll love it.
Also theres a world map people visiting for the fiest time stick needle pins into to represent where they are from.
bobby O's
I think optimist hall is greatly overrated
Optimist hall is by and for transplants
Cool story man
That’s the dumbest thing I’ve heard. A food hall may not be your thing, but there are so many good local spots in Optimist.
ESO, Harriet’s, Dumpling Lady, Undercurrent, Suarez, etc. It’s a great place to try local Charlotte spots.
But the person asked for an American restaurant not a food hall.
I second this!
The new chicken place, Poppycox, is hands down the BEST hot chicken in the area.
Botiwalla is a solid banger every single time.
131 Main since you liked Harper's.
I’ve heard it’s good, might suggest that
9 out of 10 times we go out, it is 131 Main's Cornelius restaurant. It is consistently good. Menu isn't huge, service is better at the bar 4-tops, and food is consistently well prepared.
This
Alexander Michael’s
I don’t know why I completely forgot about that one, that might be a good choice.
Between the neighborhood, the house, and the food I think it’s an all American place
Al Mikes still has ghosts inside from war times long ago.
Take him to Mert’s.. done!
Hell yea
Bojangles...a True American Staple
Mate, I love Bojangles as much as the next, but that's not an American staple. Most of the US has never heard of Bojangles as a brand.
Ok? So how do we know a out Whataburger, in-n-out, Buckee's, Jubilee's, and Skyline?
Just so you know, there has been a What-A-Burger in Kannapolis for years, just not a Whataburger. Lol
If it was a staple, it would be everywhere. You're talking McDonald's, Burger King, Hardee's/Carl's Jr, places like that.
Buckees? Everyone knows about it because of its rabid fan base. Whataburger has twice as many restaurants as Bojangles. Skyline isn't even well known in parts of Ohio, and what is Jubilee?
Jollibee? 81 locations across the US? There are more Chick-fil-A locations in the Charlotte-Columbia corridor than those guys have nationwide.
Be hating..exclusive chicken
I'm simply saying that if you're going to bring an international guest to the US and introduce them to good "American food," Bojangles is way the hell down on the list. It's not even the top spicy chicken chain in the US (that being Popeye's,) and calling a regional chain an "American staple" is just dumb.
I agree because when we were stationed in El Paso TX and at Ft Lewis in WA they didn't have one.
Lupies.
Haberdish should be a good experience.
100% agree
Agree. This would be fun and different.
Habberdish is good, but maybe not the first choice for a 14 y/o
Cook Out
Burger with a side of corn dog
BBQ for sure.
Trio is all around good food and service. Better than Harper’s was.
Moosehead.
Bonus points for being in an old Pizza Hut.
Fenwicks. Great burgers and other American farm. Longtime neighborhood favorite
Is that still open? I ask because I just passed it- it looked closed but maybe just today.
Yes, it re-opened a few weeks ago
It’s open, did some interior work there recently
Reopened under new ownership but much of the same staff still works there and they're trying to keep the menu the same.
Midwood smoke house Texas Roadhouse
Both would be “very American” kinda places / cuisine
My parents wanted to take him to Texas roadhouse, but I told them that first, Texas roadhouse sucks, at least the ones in Charlotte, and second, we’re not in Texas.
Absolutely not Texas Roadhouse 🤮
Tf?
Midwood Smokehouse is an excellent option and the one I would go with.
Agreed. Midwood Smokehouse is a great option.
Texas Roadhouse doesn’t suck
You sure about that?
Yes it’s fine for what it is. It’s a place you can go get a good ribeye, salad and baked potato for less than $30 in any city across the country. It’s safe.
Yeah, Texas Roadhouse from an experience perspective certainly
Where he's from might help to know what he's used to.
BBQ is a great choice. When I worked in the touristy service industry we got a lot of visa workers from various countries overseas and we had a great local BBQ place and it was by far the biggest thing they would talk about.
Midwood is a great choice. I've never had Noble Smoke. But would definitely insist on Midwood over Mac's. Smoke Pit is my personal preference though.
And for other "American" food, he could probably go to Duckworths for lunch and dinner every day and enjoy something different every time. Nothing fancy but have never had a bad meal there.
There's a Smoke Pit at the Arboretum now. It's so good.
Waffle house
If you like Midwood, I'd say go to Smoke Pit. The new one at the Arboretum is solid.
Agreed! My fiancé and I tried The Smoke Pit for the first time last week & were completely blown away! Def a new favorite.. even above Midwood
Sweet Lew's for BBQ. We like it better than Midwood Smokehouse
Cookout
Is it their first time in North America in general? Some Mexican places would be a good stop also
No, he’s from Mexico, but he was raised by my Belgian uncle, so his spice tolerance is not super high ironically.
Haha fair enough
Thinking from a typical American food stereotype:
I'd say Pinky's Westside Grill if thinking burgers, and I was going to suggest any of the BBQ places. When I went to stay with my English BiL's dad when touristing London he thought he was going to have to make pancakes for my wife and me everyday, so that may be a general American stereotype to play to. Original Pancake House, Stacks, or your local breakfast place might be a good option.
If Uptown is an option Mert's Heart and Soul.
For the "I've heard stories about this place" option maybe a Waffle House, but only very late or very early to get the correct feel as well.
If they're from somewhere with a particular cultural food find one of those in Charlotte because the Americanized version is probably different from what they're used to which could be fun.
I also wish Harper’s was still open 😢 I like Southern Pecan in southpark for something yummy in the same area.
The Diamond
If you are leaving the airport & it's breakfast or lunch, try Carolina Family restaurant on Wilkinson Blvd, between the airport & downtown Charlotte. It's a great American hole-in-the-wall restaurant that's been there since the 70's. Not much to look at from the outside, but it's pretty popular, and the food is good
Bring him to something like Mac’s speed shop, basic American guy fieri style shithole
Waffle House
My sisters boyfriend came to visit from England and she took him EVERYWHERE. He said his favorite was…. cookout… take that for what it worth I guess.
Dish is my pick for southern American homestyle food in the city
For BBQ I would say Sweet Lew’s, at least if you’re trying to stay in Charlotte
Lupie's
South 21, Showmars, House of Pizza
Comet Grill is awesome
Bbq- cant beat Ray Nathan's in gastonia.
Omg it’s so good
This. It’s the best in the Charlotte metro
Good choices! Where are they visiting from?
Bojangles
Mac’s speed shop is decent
McCoy's is good heading in from the airport. Midwood Smokehouse at Park Rd shopping ctr good too
Not really concerned about direction, he’s going to stay with my parents who live in Lenoir, they want to take him into the city though to see some of the Christmas lights and things, but I’ll put McKoy’s on the list.
Happy Valley Filling Station is a fun Brewery/Pizza spot just a few miles north of Lenoir. Pizzas are phenomenal. Also make sure they take him to Dairi-O.
You should take McKoy's off the list unless you're trying to support fascists.
They're extremely political in the worst ways. Don't go unless you're a MAGA thin blue line lunatic.
Thanks I am more of a Rowan Atkinson, Thin Blue Line guy.
NC is famous for BBQ inland. Check out places where you are visiting. On the coast, ditto for the seafood. I hope you enjoy your visit!
Cheesecake Factory
Cracker Barrel is pretty American… and is right by the Airport
300 East
Chili’s is very American
waffle house
The Smoke Pit or pizza at Gravity
If you want them to experience Southern Americana, try Stockyard. It's close to the airport and has great breakfast and lunch options.
I would check their holiday hours because it's normally only open Monday-Friday for breakfast and lunch.
Firebirds is very solid!
I agree either pinky’s or brooks sandwich house. Just need to keep it classic American.
Or most people visiting the U.S. want chipotle or chick fil a
Hey, hope you get this notification...
if you are picking them up from the airport and it's a Mon -> Friday between 6am and noon then you should head on over to The Stockyard.
It's just a good, traditional, local diner? type of place.
Eddie’s Place on Sharon Amity is good, reasonable, and particularly American, but if you hit them during breakfast or lunch be prepared for a wait because they do get slammed.
Comet Grill on Park Road is a solid little slice of Americana for a not unreasonable amount of money and the interior is really cool.
Give Dish in Plaza Midwood a shot, too. Definitely on the Southern end but still an acutely American experience.
I feel like Burtons is an option
Where is he from?
Since you mentioned BBQ in your post.. my fiancé and I just tried this new BBQ restaurant called The Smoke Pit at the Arboretum (formerly Chili’s) and it was AMAZING. Better than Midwood & Mac’s imo. I haven’t had Noble Smoke, but I’ve heard good things about them too! I believe there’s also a Concord location for The Smoke Pit as well. Other recommendations would be: Dish, South 21 Drive In (the one close to Bojangles Coliseum,) Pinky’s, McKoy’s Smokehouse, Stacks Kitchen for breakfast/lunch, Lupie’s, Landmark Diner, Charbar No. 7, Trio, Cowfish (everyone I’ve taken to Cowfish loves the burger/sushi mashup!)
I’d do bad daddy’s! Burgers are what my over seas family craves!
14 year old kid visiting the US for the first time? You gotta take him to Waffe House. The one by the airport is the perfect spot to give him a taste of true Americana.
You didn't say how long he'll be in town, but I'm sure there will be enough time to get BBQ or soul food, not to mention the various ethnic varieties scattered throughout the city. But if he's like any other teenager I know, he'll have looked up some stuff on YouTube prior to coming, will probably already know about Waffle House and it's "reputation", and will want to be able to say he went there when he gets back home.
Dunwellz in Mint Hill
All of my friends and family that visit from Brazil love going to Cracker Barrel.
I don't know how long he's staying, but once you get the "Traditional American" dinner out of the way, consider getting some Cajun food!! Very uniquely American.
Smoke pit
Bad Daddy’s burgers
Dillworths bar and grill
https://www.lupiescafe.net/
Pinky's, hands down. Great food, great vibe, great staff.
Nana Morrisons by the airport is great soul food!
Dish in Plaza Midwood and Cabo Fish Taco in Noda
nooo cabo fish taco might be the most mid mexican i’ve eaten. location is great but im still shook they managed to make even their salsa flavorless.
THANK YOU!!! I've been to Cabo Fish Taco twice and left thoroughly disappointed both times. The salsa tasted like it came out of a can and the guac has zero flavor to it. The fish tacos were even worse - soggy, flavorless slabs of grey meat that made me feel like my soul died a little when I took a bite. It's one of the few places in my life where I didn't finish my meal and refused to take home the leftovers.
People are shocked when I tell them I think Cabo is highly overrated and that their food, at it's best, barely rises to "mid" level. The only reason I can think of for its popularity is because their location and because the food is bland enough for an Americanized palate to enjoy, but there are SO MANY better options in the city for Mexican food (including the Sabor next door). Unfortunately, some of the best Mexican spots are in areas of the city that probably aren't gentrified enough for some of the people who enjoy Cabo to feel comfortable visiting, so they miss out.
I’ve only been to Cabo fish taco once but I lovedddd it
If going to noda it would be more fun to go to haberdish or ever andalo
I've had Dish several times, including a couple of weeks ago. It's always mediocre
Used to be better when it first opened years ago. I haven't been in years after a lot of disappointing visits over time.
Same here. We gave up years ago, but recently ate there because one in our group suggested it. After dinner, we agreed there was no need to come back.
I used to be obsessed with the tomato soup. It became tasteless.
They went downhill after Penny (original owner) retired and sold it.
7th street market as an alternative to optimist hall. Great location for wandering & orrman’s cheese shop is amazing as is the waffle place
Pinky's
Take him to Harriets Hamburgers. Habberdish also is very much american
Pinky’s west side grill!
Noble Smoke
Midnight Diner, Pinkys
Jack Beagles.
Wash it down with a PBR.
Edit: Downvoters don’t know ball.
He’s a child
Cheesecake Factory 😂
Same reason, I said no to Texas roadhouse, we’re not trying to do a “stereotype.” Maybe later in his trip.
Cheesecake Factory is good if you want to experience the stereotype of American restaurants having huge portions and a large menu
Cheesecake factory is an absurd exaggeration of American restaurants, yet it is real, and the food is actually good. Strong suggestion. Not sure if you want to give the visitor the impression that America is a tacky capitalist fever dream, but it kind of is, although it is much more than that.
No lol
Okay this would be hilarious
BBQ and Mexican food
Fuckin shame JJs closed…
But sometimes they have their food truck out near their former location. Might be worth checking their insta and see if they’re cooking
Watched a certain political figure get shot in the ear there, good times.
Clark’s Snack Bar on Central Ave!
131 Main St in Cornelius
Noble Smoke
Just food
Noble Smoke’s bigotry is pretty American
Chili’s, Bojangles, or cookout.
I have some Irish coworkers and I explained a triple dipper to them aka they said we must go next time!
Taco Bell.
Urdan district market in noda, Alley 51 in Pineville are some good Asian focused food courts. Definitely recommend sheng ramen in Ballantyne for some good ramen. For a true American experience maybe Waffle House.
Noble Smoke and Optimist Hall for selection
Bbq, the only problem is everyone seems to have a strong opinion on what is good and what is not so I'm hesitant to suggest but there are good ones around.
Haberdish, bang bang or pinky’s and sweet lews
Milkbread or el malo
Pf changs
5 Guys Burgers and Fries
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Is this comment really necessary? I’ve had people literally from all corners of the globe visit here and they’ve enjoyed food here, unfortunately being a Sunday the options are more limited.