Stop driving past The Mad Greek on South Boulevard

Originally opened as Hugo’s Diner in 1991, this family-run restaurant is a Charlotte staple. You’ve probably been zipping right past it on South Boulevard for years, but for people in the know, it’s a destination not a drive-by.

The Mad Greek is a casual, unfussy spot located just off the light rail.

In 2008, Hugo’s changed its name to The Mad Greek but kept its location. Its established, rough-around-the-edges authenticity counters the slick newness of the rapidly developing South End and Sedgefield neighborhoods to the north.

In my opinion, a well-rounded Charlotte needs both ends of that spectrum and The Mad Greek maintains important balance in our growing city.

Their menu features homemade Greek specialties and classic diner favorites.

You’ll find traditional dishes like hummus, stuffed grape leaves, pastichio and moussaka. The spanakopita—layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with spinach and cheese—is a requirement.

I went with the xopoatikh, a salad of fresh chunks of tomato, cucumber, and feta cheese topped with olives, red onions and homemade Greek dressing. The menu says it’s “the salad most Greeks prefer.”

On the drink menu you’ll find Greek beers, like Mythos and Aris, as well as Greek wines.

But the frosty iced Greek coffee is tough to pass up.

Don’t forget to stop at the pastry case on your way out.