Grey's Diner revives iconic Charlotte spot on The Plaza
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Grey's Diner on The Plaza. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
Grey's Diner and Community Kitchen, the reimagined version of Mattie's Diner, will open on The Plaza on Monday, April 27.
Why it matters: The highly anticipated restaurant from chef Sam Diminich (of Restaurant Constance and Your Farm Your Table) brings new life to one of Charlotte's most iconic diner spaces, with a menu that blends comfort food and locally sourced ingredients.
What they're saying: "Diners have always been about more than just food; they're where people connect," Diminich said. "Grey's is our way of bringing that feeling back."
Dig in: Think classic diner staples with a fine-dining touch. Menu highlights include:
- Short rib and eggs with "shorty gravy" ($24)
- Fried chicken and biscuit with eggs, bacon and cheddar ($15)
- Overnight yeast waffles with apple butter ($12)
- Fried flounder with hush puppies ($24)
- "Big Sam's" lasagna ($22)
Yes, and: There's a full lineup of vegan options, including black bean chilaquiles, vegan marshmallow French toast and a plant-based Sloppy Joe.
- Desserts lean nostalgic, too — expect layer cakes, pies and milkshakes.
Sip on this: The beverage program spans morning to night, with Enderly Coffee, fresh juices, cocktails and nonalcoholic options.
The vibe: Grey's leans into diner nostalgia with a few upgrades. Their goal is to offer high-level hospitality in a space where you can grab a booth without a reservation.
- Expect indoor and outdoor seating, garage doors for an open-air feel, antique jukeboxes and a playlist designed to carry the energy from morning coffee to late-night meals.
Zoom in: Grey's is named after Diminich's son, Allan Grey.
- His other restaurant, Restaurant Constance — named after his daughter — is Michelin-recognized and widely considered one of Charlotte's best.
Stop by: Find Grey's at 3100 The Plaza, anchored by the same restored 1940s diner car that made Mattie's a local favorite.
- Open daily from 7am to 10pm, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Breakfast runs until 11am on weekdays and 2pm on weekends.
- From 2–3pm, expect a lighter menu of drinks and snacks before dinner service kicks in.
My thought bubble: Everything I tried, from the chicken sandwich to the short rib and eggs, and the chocolate milkshake, were out of this world. If you can, try to snag a seat inside the diner shell.