listnorthcarolinabusinesses

Tasting menus and creative cocktails will always have a place in Charlotte, but let’s be honest. Even the most cultivated palates cave to a greasy spoon at some point. Who among us hasn’t been hit with a craving for blueberry pancakes, steak and eggs, or a plate of loaded fries? The next time it happens, you’ll know where to go. 

MATTIE’S DINER
3100 The Plaza
Red leather booths, tabletop jukeboxes, and Mattie’s Mom’s Meatloaf make this 1940s-era diner a neighborhood favorite. The breakfast menu has all the essentials: omelets, grits, and stacks of pancakes. Entrées include hefty dishes like Rigatoni and Meatballs and Chicken Fried Chicken. If you save room for dessert—bravo if you do—order a chocolate milkshake or a slice of that pie displayed on the counter.

FENWICK’S
511 Providence Road 
A Myers Park mainstay since the 1980s, Fenwick’s is a go-to for Steak & Eggs, Chicken Fenwick’s, and Pecan Pie. 

DIAMOND RESTAURANT
1901 Commonwealth Ave. 
This 1950s-style diner features retro teal booths, a jukebox, and classic dishes like Golden Fried Chicken and Fried Baloney sandwiches. 

LUPIE’S CAFÉ 
2718 Monroe Road
It’s an ideal spot for cold days, specializing in handmade burgers, four kinds of chili, and meatloaf.

ZADA JANE’S CORNER CAFÉ 
1601 Central Ave. 
This funky neighborhood restaurant serves breakfast and brunch all day. 

MIDNIGHT DINER
420 E. Trade St.
This 1950s-style diner churns out old favorites like Biscuits and Gravy and decadent dishes like Coconut Crunch French Toast.

THE FLIPSIDE CAFÉ 
3150 U.S. Highway 21, Fort Mill
Chefs Jon and Amy Fortes’ first restaurant makes you feel right at home with Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf and Buttermilk Fried Chicken.

EDDIE’S PLACE
617 S. Sharon Amity Road
A “go big” option for when you want to indulge in big, fluffy pancakes and breakfast sandwiches as big as your face.

KOPPER KETTLE
11000 Nations Ford Road, Pineville
Big portions and family traditions have held tight for more than 50 years at this Pineville gem.

Kopper Kettle’s Greek Salad is large enough for a meal … or three.

MERT’S HEART & SOUL
214 N. College St.
Music from Sam Cooke and Smokey Robinson blares while servers drop hearty plates of fried chicken and twice-cooked barbecue short ribs on tables. 

REDEYE DINER
210 E. Trade St., Ste. 149
This all-day joint serves pancakes, burgers, and steaks in a classic diner.

DISH
1220 Thomas Ave. 
Feast on deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, and meatloaf that taste like they came from your grandmother’s kitchen.

Dish’s Biscuits and Gravy

METRO DINER
Multiple locations
Order Fried Chicken & Waffles for dinner or Pot Roast for breakfast—nothing’s off limits here.

LANDMARK DINER
4429 Central Ave.
Whatever you order, you can be sure your coffee mug will never be empty, and there’s a good chance you’ll be called “honey” before you leave. 

THE DIVE N
109 N. Polk St., Pineville
The Junkyard Plate covers all your food groups: eggs, sausage, peppers, hash browns, onions, cheese, and toast.

BIG VIEW DINER
16637 Lancaster Highway
Enjoy all-day breakfast, housemade desserts, and craft cocktails in this retro setting.