Taking my lunch break was always the highlight of my day when I worked in Uptown back in 2019. I also really enjoyed walking the streets of the city and admiring the trees, tall buildings and simple interactions between people on the corner. The sounds of the chaotic traffic echoing through my ears and the smells of the halal food truck filling my nose. Whether it be a quick grab and go sandwich or more luxurious sit down meal, this list has a lunch spot for everyone!
Geno D's
IG: @genodspizza
Location: 224 E 7th St.
Concept & Vibe: Located inside the Market at 7th Street, Geno D’s is a pizza joint opened by a family with a passion for bringing their Italian and New Jersey roots to Charlotte. Yes, you will find Geno himself making the pies in the back!
Food & Drink: Serving a few salad options, small and large pies, focaccia sandwiches and my favorite.. Grandma’s pizza which is thin Sicilian pizza, fresh mozz, strips of sauce, and special pesto. You can’t leave without an order of pizza knots and cannolis!
Rooster’s Wood-fired Kitchen
IG: @roostersuptown
Location: 150 N College St.
Concept & Vibe: Rooster’s is all about simple, quality, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients. The restaurant is warm and inviting. Rooster’s allows the ingredients to shine by simply enhancing their flavors with a little love and the wood-fired grill.
Food & Drink: You will find crispy brussels sprouts, fresh salads and soups, pasture raised burger, natural or bbq rotisserie chicken which is an absolute must, scallops, fried oysters and delicious side dishes like decadent mac & cheese, roasted beets and pan fried corn!
Haymaker
IG: @haymaker_clt
Location: 225 S Poplar Street
Concept & Vibe: Recently taken over by Chef Chris Coleman, this restaurant is a must dine lunch and dinner destination in Charlotte. The kitchen is fueled by the brick hearth, artisanal products, and daily deliveries of the freshest ingredients available to chef. The restaurant takes a contemporary approach while honoring the farmers and the “haymakers”
Food & Drink: You will find poached shrimp, okra hushpuppies, Joyce Farms smoked half chicken, slow roasted prime rib, and the most delicious classic coconut cake.
800 Degree’s Carolina’s
IG: @800degreescarolinas
Location: 320 S Tryon St
Concept & Vibe: Located inside of the Alley at Latta Arcade, 800 Degrees just recently opened its fast casual concept! Perfect for wood-fired pizza, apps, sandwiches and salads on the go!
Food & Drink: The honey badger pizza is a must order. Along with the grass fed meatballs, tartufo pizza, bbq chicken pizza and prosciutto & burrata pizza!
Angeline's
IG: @angelinescharlotte
Location: 303 S. Church Street
Concept & Vibe: This gorgeous restaurant highlights traditional Italian cuisine with a southern twist. Angeline’s mission is to be a gathering place for friends, family and co-workers to unwind and enjoy a simple meal.
Food & Drink: Seasonal southern ingredients prepared with Italian techniques. You will find cacio e pepe, margherita pizza, whipped ricotta with lavender honey, and delicious sandwiches like the Italian!
Johnny Burrito
IG:@real_johnny_burrito
Location: 320 S. College St
Concept & Vibe: Johnny Burrito opened June 1st. 1998 and has been serving killer burritos, salads and tamales in Uptown ever since! A true local hidden gem tucked away under the Two Wells Fargo Atrium Building.
Food & Drink: You won’t find a better burrito and a better deal in Charlotte. Good food, Great people and a lunch that can’t be missed!
Coquette
IG: @coquetteclt
Location: 400 S Tryon St #101
Concept & Vibe: I've been in love with Coquette since they opened. Owner Jill Marcus comments, “It will be like being invited into a quaint French home with real food–no foam or small portions, but plenty of butter. Julia Child would feel at home here.” The decor is intricate, detailed and fabulous!
Food & Drink: Serving French-inspired cuisine with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and innovative twists. Snack on charcuterie and fromage, order a tartine for the table, of course olives and oysters then finish with a Croque Monsieur or my favorite.. duck fat fried chicken sandwich! Yum!
Sea Level
IG: @sealevelnc
Location: 129 E 5th St
Concept & Vibe: Owner Paul Manley had a mission to create a seafood restaurant that utilizes a safe and consistent procurement of oysters. Through 2 years of networking, he partnered with local NC oyster and clam farmers in the town of Sea Level, North Carolina to grow his own line of product, designed and harvested specifically to his restaurant standards.
Food & Drink: They offer an oyster happy hour during the week that can’t be missed! Handhelds like the East Coast Shrimp Po’ Boy, House Favorites like the fried NC Flounder, tacos and of course oysters!
Horace's Fried Chicken
IG:@horaceshotfried
Location: 327 S Tryon St
Concept & Vibe: Horace’s is spicy, sassy and hot. One of Charlotte’s top Nashville Fried Chicken Sandwiches. Simple and absolutely delicious.
Food & Drink: Serving crispy, golden-brown fried chicken in a top secret spice blend topped with coleslaw, spicy mayo and pickle. The chicken and wings are also gluten free!
Mariposa
IG: @mariposaatthemint
Location: 500 S Tryon St
Concept & Vibe: Spanish for butterfly, Mariposa is a space for renewed connection with friends with a shared enjoyment for food and drink!
Food & Drink: The centerpiece of the menu is mezze, a North African and Mediterranean concept of small dishes meant to be shared, and experienced by everyone at the table. You will find tuna poke tacos, pulled duck arepas, smoked pork belly bao, Peruvian chicken bowl and more!
