Don’t get lost in a sea of hipsters! Let Scallionpancake be your approachable spirit guide to the fabulous eats of what’s arguably Charlotte’s favorite neighborhood, Plaza Midwood.
This article first appeared at Localeur. If you haven’t checked out Localeur yet, you totally should. It’s an awesome resource for travel recommendations.
Dish
If you’re looking for some stick-to-your-ribs southern food, then you’re looking for Dish. Every entree comes with a deviled egg and a fluffy biscuit, and they offer southern staples like country-fried steak, biscuits & gravy, fried green tomatoes, and pimento cheese.
My personal favorite is the meatloaf! The prices are very reasonable, and the vibe is casual. Dish has been a Plaza Midwood staple since 2002, and you’re sure to feel at home here on your visit to Charlotte.
Soul GastrolOunge
My favorite date-night option in Charlotte, Soul Gastrolounge has great energy and awesome food. The menu is huge, which I usually dislike, but here they manage to do it all right. Their watermelon pork belly tacos are famous in Charlotte, so don’t skip them!
I also highly recommend the sushi, all of the skewers, and literally everything on their daily special menu. Make sure you get one or two of their craft cocktails to wash it all down – the drinks are among the most creative and best executed in town!
Cilantro Noodle
Vietnamese joint Cilantro Noodle is a newcomer to the Plaza Midwood dining scene, but the quality of their ingredients quickly made this spot a stand-out for carryout or a quick dine-in option.
Their build-your-own bowl with lemongrass beef is my favorite, but the pho is not to be missed, either! For the make-your-own, you can choose from a base of white, brown, or fried rice, vermicelli noodles, a Banh-Mi sandwich, or a fresh spring roll.
The Diamond
Sometimes you just need a classic diner, and this is Charlotte’s best since 1945. Of course, you can get breakfast anytime, but no matter the hour, you need to start with an order of their famous fried pickles. From there, I love the Grecian mezze platter, but I know a lot of people swear by their hamburgers and the meatless loaf.
I love sitting outside on the patio when the weather is nice, as Plaza Midwood offers best-in-class people watching.
YAFO Kitchen
YAFO isn’t your typical fast-casual joint. Chef Shai Fargian makes everything here from scratch, from the pillowy laffah bread to the creamy mac and cheese.
I recommend an Israeli hot chicken sandwich to put an end to the chicken sandwich wars once and for all, or a chicken salad-stuffed avocado if you’re looking for something a bit lighter. YAFO offers something for everyone, so if you need to please a crowd in a hurry, this is your best bet in Midwood.