38 iconic restaurants that have been serving Charlotte for 30+ years

This list is meant to highlight the spots that have been around before the developers rolled in and built shiny new restaurants and shops. There's no shame in trying new places, but keep the old ones in your rotation, too.

• Restaurants are listed from newest to oldest.

1998: Mert's Heart & Soul

Low Country and Gullah-inspired soul food in Uptown. It's also a popular tourist spot, as evidenced by Joe Biden's visit in 2020.

1997: Eddie’s Place

Casual neighborhood Cotswold diner famous for its She Crab soup. It also serves all-day breakfast.

1996: Sir Edmond Halley’s

Quirky basement-level pub in the backlot at Park Road Shopping Center. If you're up to it, try their beer tower.

1995: Mimosa Grill

Banker-approved, Southern-inspired restaurant in the Wells Fargo Atrium. It's known for its Sunday brunch.

1992: Mama Ricotta's

The classic Midtown Italian restaurant also has a sister venture called Little Mama's. Both are great for a big family dinner or takeout. The penne alla vodka is a must-try.

Go deeper: Mama Ricotta's celebrates 30 years. This is what owner Frank Scibelli would order there

1992: Sub One Hoagie

The family-owned sandwich shop has been serving up subs for more than 30 years. If it's your first time stopping in, order the New Jersey Steak Hoagie.

Go deeper: 85 Black-owned businesses in Charlotte you can support right now

1992: Red Rocks Cafe

Upscale American cuisine in a casual, family-friendly setting in Birkdale Village and SouthPark.

1991: Luisa’s Pizza

Family-friendly pizzeria in Montford with some of the best pizzas in town.

1990: Selwyn Pub

Quintessential Myers Park hangout in a repurposed old house with a great front patio. The bar made a name for itself for its cheap Transfusion drinks.

1990: Lang Van

This popular family-run Vietnamese restaurant on the east side is one of the best restaurants in Charlotte.

1990: Landmark Diner

This east Charlotte restaurant was featured on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2010. Its giant menu features Greek and Italian cuisine and has options for everyone for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

1989: McNinch House

Located in the Victorian home of Charlotte Mayor Sam McNinch, the upscale restaurant has a small menu with dishes like lobster bisque and filet mignon.

1988: Thai Taste

Charlotte's first Thai restaurant has rotating daily specials and large, flavorful dishes.

1987: Niko's Grill

Located minutes from the airport, you'll find burgers and other sandwiches at this local restaurant. Earlier this year, the owners announced a family member is fighting cancer, and they reduced their restaurant hours to only serve lunch from 10am-3pm Monday-Friday.

1987: Lupie’s Cafe

No-frills diner known for its four types of chili — Texas, Cincinnati, Vegetarian and Southern. Diners have the option to add toppings like beans, onions and cheese. You can also mix the different chilis.

1986: French Quarter

An Uptown favorite in historic Brevard Court serving comfort food with a touch of Cajun.

1986: Floyd’s Soul Food

Homestyle Southern favorites passed down through generations. Founder Otis Floyd Jr.'s mother, Mrs. Cattie-Bell Floyd, is honored with a mosaic monument on Freedom Drive.

1986: 300 East

Eclectic American dining in a historic 1900-era Victorian home in Dilworth. A popular spot for brunch.

Go deeper: The 30 best brunch spots in Charlotte

1985: Cajun Queen

Charlotte's spot for New Orleans-inspired food, like étouféé and cajun pasta, and live jazz in a 100-year-old house.

1983: Alexander Michael’s

Cozy neighborhood tavern in Fourth Ward "where everybody knows your name."

1978: House of Pizza

The Central Avenue classic has some of the best pizza in the city, plus cheesesteaks and wings.

1977: Bojangles

Charlotte’s beloved fried chicken chain with super sweet tea and buttery biscuits.

Go deeper: One of Charlotte's unofficial historic landmarks, the first Bojangles is undergoing extensive renovations

1976: Carolina Family Restaurant

Family-run diner on the west side near the airport.

1976: Nakato Japanese Steakhouse

The Nakato originally opened the restaurant across from where the Bojangles Coliseum is on Independence Boulevard. In 1990, the family moved the restaurant to its current location on Pineville-Matthews Road.

• In 2004, they expanded to the University area and in 2023, the owner's son opened Menya in Elizabeth.

Go deeper: Menya Daruma specializes in Japanese comfort food and will open a hidden omakase-style dining room soon

1973: Brooks' Sandwich House

Humble family-run burger shack in NoDa — get the cheeseburger "all the way" and remember to bring cash.

Go deeper: Brooks' Sandwich House property listed for sale after five decades in NoDa

1972: Arthur's

In 1972, the Balsey brothers (Robert, John and Steve) bought Arthur's, a 1,500-square-foot wine shop in Uptown, for $6,000. They knew they'd need a second line of revenue to make rent so they started preparing sandwiches to lure in employees from Ivey's department store during their lunch breaks. It worked and within a year they had moved their new restaurant and wine shop inside Ivey's and expanded to open seven additional locations throughout the Southeast. When Ivey's sold to Dillards in 1990, Arthurs relocated to its current location on the lower level of Belk.

1962: Riccio's

Family-run Italian restaurant. Often referred to as one of Charlotte's best pizza spots.

1961: Pressley Park Restaurant

Classic small-town diner in the big city. Sit in here for a few minutes and just watch how many customers the staff knows by name. Go for the country ham.

1959: South 21

Old school burger drive-in on Independence Boulevard.

1959: Bar B Q King

Retro curb service barbecue drive-in on the west side. American restaurateur Guy Fieri has told Axios that the restaurant is one of his favorites in Charlotte.

1958: Beef N Bottle

Special occasion steakhouse in an unassuming little building on South Boulevard. Get half-priced wine on Monday nights.

1954: Hinson's Drive-In

Find this family-run drive-in off I-74 in Matthews. The local bar and grill has daily food specials and live music on Fridays.

1952: The Open Kitchen

Eye-catching Italian restaurant in Wesley Heights. Their menu has all the classics, from ziti to pizza.

1952: Original Chicken 'n Ribs

Simple to-go counter featuring made-to-order burgers, fried chicken and seafood.

• Chicken 'n Ribs is part of Carolina history. It's the only Mecklenburg County business still open that was listed in The Negro Motorist Green Book, a guide listing businesses like restaurants, hotels and gas stations that did not discriminate against Black travelers.

Go deeper: Most of Charlotte's Green Book sites were destroyed

1947: Greystone Pub

Longstanding family-run pub passed down through generations that prides itself on having a "Cheers" atmosphere. The Andy's Heavyweight sandwich is one of the restaurant's most popular hoagies.

1945: The Diamond

Charming retro diner in Plaza Midwood. Most menu items are under $10.

1933: Providence Road Sundries

Landmark family-friendly Myers Park restaurant and bar. Popular dishes include the fried chicken sandwich topped with sweet chili, slaw, bacon, "Picabu" sauce and pickle chips.

1928: Reid’s Fine Foods

The gourmet grocer has evolved over time — passing through different buildings and ownership throughout the years. The original location opened on Morehead in 1928.

Editor's note: This list was last updated Jan. 7, 2025.

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