CLT Debates: Ballantyne can hold its own against South End + Plaza Midwood

I really enjoyed your Plaza Midwood vs. South End post, until I got to the end where you both agreed at least neither neighborhood was Ballantyne. Ouch!

Now granted, I’m sure I’m much older than either of you, but how much do you know about Ballantyne? I work in the South End and have for about a gazillion years, so I am extremely aware of its attributes. But let’s take a closer look at Ballantyne, shall we?

It seems that you are ranking your neighborhood evaluations based on the following criteria. In my effort to keep the comparisons apples to apples, I submit the following Ballantyne restaurants for consideration:

• BBQ: Mac’s Speed Shop < Midwood Smokehouse< Elwoods
• Pizza: Fuel (is also in Plaza Midwood)< True (I’m celiac and their gluten free crust is amazing)
• Salad: Pike’s Soda Shop < Ahi Salad at 131 Main. I could eat this every day of my life. Ask anyone who is aware of said salad.
• Breakfast: Owen’s Bagel < Zada Janes< Famous Toastery
• Sushi: Nikko < 2 for 1 deal at Akahana< Jade

• Country: Tupelo Honey < Dish < Eh, whatever
• Fancy food: Sullivan’s < Soul< 131 Main (but this is Ballantyne’s specialty)
• Hamburgers: The Liberty < Kickstand< Burger 21
• Tacos: Tin Kitchen on Food Truck Friday < La Unica< fish tacos at Duckworth’s

But you two missed so many other important categories:

• Steak: Firebirds
• Peruvian: Viva Chicken
• Indian: Blue Taj
• Spanish: Miro’s
• Hotdogs: JJ Red Hots
• Waffles: Cast Iron
• Seafood: Pearlz Oyster Bar
• Ice cream: Moonberries

And the list goes on.

We have tons of walking/biking trails and parks. And nightlife. Have you ever been on the Brazwell’s upper deck any given night of the week?

Don’t knock Ballantyne until you live there.