Blacow Burger now open in South End — expect Cowfish-style menu with cheaper prices

Blacow first opened in Fort Mill four years ago, and owner Calvin Ma says Charlotte felt like the natural expansion destination, especially since they won Best Burger at the Moo & Brew fest in 2018.

The exact location is 1515 S. Tryon St. There’s also a location in the University area at 517 University Point Blvd.

Concept: Ma says it’s “high-end burgers with sushi, but the prices are lower than say, Cowfish.”

You can expect Asian-inspired burgers and cocktails along with more traditional American flavors. “Our burger is different,” he says. “We have more creative toppings. And with a young city, like Charlotte, people like to try new things, they’re looking for that experience.”

He’s also pumped about the sushi and burger pairing because, from a business standpoint, you’re targeting people with two totally different food preferences or cravings.

Why South End: Clavin says South End is the perfect spot for Blacow because “we’re targeting that young professional crowd.” He believes the price point (around $11 per burger) is right in line with what the younger crowd is comfortable paying for a good burger.

Most popular items: The Blacow with Wagyu (Japanese Black cow beef), lettuce, teriyaki glaze, nori furikake, mayo, tempura avocado ($13); Nutty Goat Burger with balsamic onion, garlic and herb goat cheese & pecan mix, Chipotle aioli, candied bacon, pickle, arugula ($12); Fireman Roll with spicy tuna, yellowtail, avocado, and jalapeño ($12.50); Charlotte Roll with salmon, tuna, avocado, scallop, and jalapeño salsa ($12.50); and the Truffle Salmon ($12) and Kimchi Fries ($9). 

Burgers (all 6-ounce patties on homemade brioche bun):

• Flaming cow – ghost pepper jack cheese, fried jalapeño chips, sriracha mayo, lettuce, tomato ($10)
• Gangnam – marinated in bulgogi sauce with kimchi, baby arugula, green onion and cilantro ($10)
• Caballero – lettuce, tomato, apple wood smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, guacamole, onion strings, chipotle mayo ($11)
• The Hangover – cheddar cheese, apple wood smoked bacon, mini classic poutine, over easy fried egg, caramelized onion, truffle oil ($13)
• F.R.O.G. Burger – homemade fresh basil goat cheese with F.R.O.G. (fig, raspberry, orange & ginger) jam reduction, arugula, candied applewood smoked bacon ($11)
• Carolina BBQ Cheese Burger – Carolina sweet barbecue sauce, lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, bacon, beer-battered onion rings ($11)

• The Swiss Fun-Ghi – sautéed mushrooms, baby arugula, apple wood smoked bacon, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, blue cheese crumble and dressing ($11)
• The Classic – cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, Blacow sauce, pickle ($9.50)
• Hawaiian Burger – lettuce, tomato, Swiss cheese, applewood smoked bacon, mayo, red onion, teriyaki sauce, grilled fresh pineapple ($10)
• Chili Cheese Burger – homemade chili, homemade southern slaw, pepper jack cheese, cheddar cheese sauce and onion straws ($12)
• Nutty Goat – balsamic onion, garlic and herb goat cheese & pecan mix, Chipotle aioli, candied bacon, pickle, arugula ($12)
• Korean pulled pork burger – marinated Korean pulled pork, pepper jack cheese, short-rib patty and homemade southern slaw ($11)

Sushi: There are 29 rolls priced $5-$12.50. You can also do a bento box with a slider, sushi, fries, Thai cucumber, and edamame for $12-$15. The Charlotte locations (South End and University) are the only locations with sushi on the menu; Fort Mill’s menu only has burgers.

Covid impact: Doors opened a little later than originally planned. But now that they’re open, you can dine in or do takeout or delivery by ordering online.

Hours: Blacow in South End is open 4:30-10 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Friday-Saturday, and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sunday.

Related Agenda guide: 23 best burgers in Charlotte, ranked