The Most Delicious Diners in Charlotte

Cagney's Kitchen

★★★★☆ 3.7 (135) • $

"We came here about 10:30am on a Sunday. We were looking for someplace different to check out and my wife found this place. Cagney's Kitchen is a small chain in the Winston-Salem area consisting of about 10 locations. Some are just Cagney's Kitchens, some are Cagney's Kitchen and Pizzeria and some are Cagney's Kitchen, Pizzeria and BBQ. This location is simply a Cagney's Kitchen.This restaurant is in what I believe is normally a pretty busy area near the hospital. On a Sunday morning, not so much. However, when we arrived it was apparent Cagney's was busy. The parking lot is small, tight and was very close to full but we found a spot. The entry is covered and opens to the dining area and host counter. The inside appears very cramped and dated but everything appears to be clean. We were seated promptly in a small two person booth, provided menus and offered drinks. We checked out the menu which was pretty basic but included about everything you might normally want for breakfast. My wife decided to get the farmers omelet with no cheese, a side of gravy for me and a biscuit. I chose the chicken fried steak and eggs with wheat toast. Our food arrived promptly and looked good and hit the spot. My wife really enjoyed her meal and thought the flavor of the omelet and the flakey biscuit was delicious. The chicken fried steak hit the spot for me as well.If you are looking for a diner type experience this fits the bill, nothing fancy but the food is solid and the prices are right."

Mocksville Family Restaurant

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (49)

"While visiting a friend that lives in the area, we headed here for dinner. The restaurant is very modern with a farmhouse feel. The restaurant seems very popular as it was fully seated with a long line to pay when we arrived.We were sat fairly quickly. I knew if they had a Greek platter I was in! My friend ended up getting the Large Crab Cake Platter. It came with 3 crab cakes and two sides. She got a baked potato and hush puppies. We thought it might come with 2 so she shared the 3rd with me.I got the Greek Souvlaki Platter with chicken. It comes with pita, a Greek salad, French fries, and tzatziki sauce. I was very happy with everything. The French fries were super crunchy and taste delicious. I loved the platter, but the salad could've used some dressing. Overall, satisfying and I had some leftovers for another snack shortly after.Our service was good. Our waitress mentioned being new. She checked on us a few times. The girl who cashed us out was also very lovely."

The Skinny Cook

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (15) • $

"Nice friendly people with great food and service. The shrimp and grits are to die for deliciously. Buttermilk pancakes are so scrumptious as well. Biscuits with gravy leaves you wanting more of that buttery biscuit and sausage gravy. Yes been awhile but I'm back with my Momma. She enjoyed everything."

Sunflower Family Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.4 (180) • $$

"Haven't been here in years after being disappointed with the salmon cakes. On this visit I had flounder with eggs, hash browns and toast, which was so much food and so filling I didn't eat anything the rest of the day. Definitely will be returning soon."

Carolina Diner

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (23)

"This a cute little diner that we just happened to be passing by Sunday after church. It was busy but the service was fast and the food was great! Will definitely be back!"

Wayside Family Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.7 (18) • $

"Still my favorite go to spot in Concord for cafe blue plate style breakfast. Nothing fancy here just breakfast like my grandmother would make. Their biscuits and gravy are top notch. Scratch made biscuits with gravy is perfect. Fresh eggs and excellent grits with sweet tea is a perfect breakfast for me. They also have a good liver mush (Scrapple to those up north). I didn't get it this time Anthony it certainly is good."

Stack's Kitchen

★★★★☆ 4.1 (276) • $$

"We recently went to Stacks Kitchen for breakfast just to try it out and because we've heard great things about this restaurant. Stacks Kitchen is what you'd expect from a small time restaurant because it does have s small town feel and the people are very nice. The decor and atmosphere is simple, laid back and inviting.The customer service was wonderful and our waitress was very good from beginning to end. To be honest, she was the highlight of our experience. Now to the food, I ordered the Stacks LumberJack plate but substituted the pancakes for waffles which was a great choice. The reason for the three stars is because the egg whites were under cooked, no flavor, the bacon was overcooked and crispy and the biscuit was bland.The waffle was delicious, well made and the star of the breakfast. The portion size is good for the price you pay so you are getting your money's worth. Overall, I was disappointed with the food but to each their own and maybe today was just a bad day for the cook. Hopefully your experience will be better than mine."

Mario's Family Restaurant

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (17)

"Places like these make me miss my hometown. This place is legit awesome! How many Italian/southern restaurants exist?!! I came here around 5 pm on a Sunday. It wasn't crowded at all. We had the option of getting the buffet at $9.99 or the menu. Since I wasn't familiar with the restaurant and I didn't feel like getting up, I opted for the menu. They had a lot of great selections on the menu. Alfredo, pasta, lasagna, fried chicken, etc. I love the variety of the menu. I got the shrimp Alfredo. It was about 15-20 mins prior to the food coming out. The Alfredo smelled amazeballs!!!! It was some of the best Alfredo I ever tasted. Definitely no complaints about this place. Every time I'm visiting family, this will be a go-to spot for sure."

Carolina Crossing Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.8 (39) • $

"Genuine home style Southern cooking at a small town crossroads. Hospitality you could expect from family that love you with food. Skip the fast food off the exit and drive a couple miles further for a good meal with good folks."

City Lunch

★★★★☆ 4.2 (42) • $

"The food hear is very tasty and the prices are incredible. They have been here at this location for eternity and are the nicest people with great service."

Dixie Diner

★★★★☆ 4 (82) • $

"What a great local option in Laurel Park when you've got a hankering for breakfast or brunch. The prices are reasonable and the staff is very attentive. I had a bacon egg and cheese biscuit and it really hit the spot. Great portion sizes too. My boys had pancakes and French toast which were both excellent. No complaints all around. Dixie Diner is right across the street from the Laurel Park Ingles shopping center. A great option if you're looking for something in the area."

Barrister’s

★★★★☆ 3.8 (66)

"A new place for us to try. It's a quaint place inside the hotel. They did well with the space. The menu has plenty of great choices. We started with the Barrata, superb. I had the Bone-In Pork Chop served on grits with a roasted Succotash. Excellent, the chop was perfectly done, nice char. Grits, amazing. Highly recommend."

HWY 378 Diner

★★★★★ 4.6 (5)

"6/2/24 NOW Angel's Diner!Very busy Sunday at lunch time. Go to my review forthcoming at Angel's Diner.Never sent it this busy when it was HYWY 378 Diner!"

Angie's Diner

★★★★☆ 3.7 (35) • $

"Babyyy Angie has my business whenever! I pulled up thinking I was going in to order, but was quickly handed a menu at the door and asked to return to my car - COVID guidelines that I am not mad at! He explained that items marked with a start were out for the day so while cabbage was my preference, I went with greens instead. The food came out quick and smelled amazing, I was so anxious to get home and dig in! The price was bomb, only $10 for all of this food!! And the man who took my order made sure to provide me with a loyalty card - after 10 punches you get a free meal! My only critique is the greens. They were cut super fine which made them a bit mushy. The flavor was amazing, but didn't love the texture. I described my experience to a friend as a black family fish fry with all the right people in the kitchen! Will definitely be back when I'm craving some good home cooking!"

Ray's Diner

★★★★☆ 4.3 (132) • $

"I recently discovered Rays, a charming little spot that I now consider a hidden gem, especially for breakfast. After expressing my craving for a hearty morning meal, my partner surprised me by taking me there, and I was pleasantly surprised by what this cozy eatery had to offer.Upon arrival, I noticed that Rays boasted a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of someone's home cooking--like being welcomed into Grandma's kitchen. Despite being a busy little place, the staff efficiently handled the crowd, ensuring that every customer felt attended to without a long wait for food. I truly appreciated the quick service; it was refreshing to find a breakfast spot where I didn't have to idle for ages before indulging in a delicious meal.As for the food, it was a delightful experience overall, with the dishes capturing that comforting, homemade quality. Each bite reminded me of classic comfort food that warms the soul. Although everything was generally delicious, I felt it lacked a bit of flair or innovation to elevate it beyond ordinary breakfast fare, hence my rating of 7/10.The highlight of my visit was definitely the friendly waitress. Her attentive service and kind demeanor made the experience even more enjoyable. The busy atmosphere of the restaurant did not phase her at all, and she was a shining example of how to provide great customer service even during peak times.I will say if you're looking for a cozy breakfast place with fast, friendly service and a taste of Grandma's cooking, Rays is worth checking out. It may not be the most upscale dining option, but it fulfills that nostalgic craving for heartfelt, home-cooked meals. I left feeling satisfied and would recommend it to anyone in search of a casual yet comforting breakfast experience."

JP Charlotte at Westin

★★★★☆ 3.6 (48) • $$

"If it's raining out or you got back to the hotel after dinner time, JP's is open by the lobby till 10PM.Every dish fell short but wasn't terrible.*Tuna Poke Nachos $16 - 6 chips with hoisin marinated tuna topped with cabbage and avocado crema. SO WEIRD.*Calamari - peanuts, honey glaze, and clumpy. The pieces of calamari had melted all into one big ball.*Heirloom tomato, avocado, mozzerella, bread, under gazpacho - awful dish that came with 3 hunks of tomato, 6 halves of mini mozzerella balls, and 6 small chunks of avocado served with a stale piece of bread*Roasted duck ($24) - served with cherry jus and vegetable spatzle left me craving Thanksgiving instead*Key lime creme brulee - roasted strawberry marshmallow, graham cracker crumbs, burnt sugar over key lime creme brulee.They didn't have panna cotta so I settled for the creme brulee and honestly, this was the most noteworthy dish for the interesting flavors. Friendly service. Glad the 1st game of the NBA finals was on to take away from the quality of the food. Service was great, water refills, and being told our food would be out shortly several times. The arm chairs smelled like baby powder though."

Gunter’s Family Kitchen

★★★★☆ 4.2 (17)

"Just what I was looking for... a home cooked meal. This place is outstanding. Can't wait to when I'm back in the area."

Country Kitchen

★★★★☆ 3.6 (37) • $

"I especially love breakfast at country kitchen. Haven't had a bad meal here. Oh and the banana pudding is great too!"

Bill & Fran's Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.5 (139) • $

"My wife and i stopped in here off the interstate and this place is a hidden gem...( now it's a country diner, so no cloth napkins) .... But the food is welcoming, delicious, and reasonably priced... we had a cheeseburger and fries ( with Gravy of course) , and an order of fried chicken livers..... Mercedes ( our waitress- I hope I got name correct? ) was engaging, and couldn't have been nicer... robert - the cook kept us entertained, and this guy can seriously, seriously cook.... Burger was fantastic... and chicken livers ( best I ever had ) were the .....Big thumbs up .... Rock on Robert and crew!!!!!We'll hit it up again... Kmac out..."

27 West Family Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.5 (6)

"1st time ever, ordered the chicken tenders plate, the tenders are so fresh, and tender, best around! So delicious... I actually crave their tenders! Anyway, the place is small with very limited seating, located on hwy 27 west, you would not see it unless you was looking for it. I live in Bessemer city, and I am willing to drive there for the food! The price for the quality, and quantity was great. Friendly service, and clean place!"

Rock Hill Diner

★★★★☆ 3.8 (173) • $

"I was in the mood for fried shrimp and because of my now new health issues....I have to be careful with what I eat.On their menu they have "grilled flounder". However, the server told me they couldn't grill the flounder. ? I was too tired to even debate her answer.The "jumbo" shrimp, flounder and fried squash was all was coated in a "batter".The flounder was way too salty. Not my liking.The Jumbo battered shrimp was great!!! The squash was tasty & cooked to perfection. Their unsweetened ice t with lemon (not shown) is always freshly brewed & tasty. It's the BEST I've tasted in Rock Hill.The service was great, forgot her name, but she was a newly hired server with blonde hair. Excellent service. I also ordered "vegetable" soup to go, not shown either. I highly recommend their soup!! I love RH Diner....it's just that the fish I ordered, I was disappointed."

The Retreat Lake Wateree Dining

★★★★☆ 3.9 (15)

"Awesome views of the lake! Great drinks and service. We were 6 in the group and everyone loved the food. The stars were the crab cakes and the pork. Lots of ooo's and Yums at the table. It's great that you drive up and tie off your boat, have a delicious dinner and motor back home. We will be back!"

Roger's Diner

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (9)

"We had occasion to eat here a couple of times while visiting the equestrian center. Breakfast was priced well, service was generally OK and the food was hot and as expected.The first day they forgot one order of bacon and the coffee was not very hot. The second day it was a better breakfast. You do have to ask for just about everything. The staff is not the best at anticipating table needs based on order. The lunch we had, crispy chicken wraps, was very tasty and the unsweet tea was cold!"

Frye Daddy's Diner

★★★★★ 4.6 (26) • $

"I've been on a diner kick lately- Looking for a good (decent) diner breakfast at a cheap price. I'm not looking for hipster/ fancy food- I want the real deal. I've been eating at every diner from Chapel Hill to Hickory- and Frye Daddy's is hand down the winner. The food tastes good and you can't beat the prices. This is the only diner that I've been to outside of New Orleans that actually serves you grits that are already seasoned, (butter, salt, and pepper- and the perfect consistency). We received more than three measly pieces of bacon with our order, and it was cooked perfectly. You can tell they've used their grill/griddle for sometime- because the flavors come out in your food. I mean this in the good, "homecooked meal" kind of way. You know the cast iron skillet with all that flavor in it- that's what their cook surface is like because everything that came to our table had a wonder flavor. The pancakes were fluffy and delicious. There was one server, and she was pleasant and took care of all the tables in the place. When we arrived, there was only one other person in the diner, but the joint quickly filled up. (And we were there on a week day.) You can tell that this place is well loved by locals. It's not close to use by any means, but we will go back as it's our new favorite diner. I'll be comparing all other diners to this place from now on. It might not look like much- but if you want to honest to goodness diner experience- THIS is the place that you need to visit."

Citrus the Diner

★★★★☆ 4 (107) • $$

"Great food. Kind staff. Fun space. My whole family including two little guys enjoyed everything we ordered."

Golden Run Restaurant

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (14) • $$

"I agree that it's the best Chinese food in the area. I typically get their orange chicken to-go which comes in a big enough portion for 3 days and also have had the buffet a few times when friends come to visit."

Rockwell Diner

★★★★☆ 3.8 (39) • $

"Great food, friendly staff, and good prices. This is our go to joint for dinner and breakfast."

Steve's Classic Burgers

★★★★☆ 4.4 (229) • $

"Burgers like my grandma used to make and the people here are as nice as pie. The prayer board was very much appreciated."

Park Place Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.5 (134) • $$

"Its been a while, so it was time to update my review. My best friend and I come here often for breakfast on the weekends. Friendly service, good food and fast. If theres a wait for a table during breakfast, dont be scared off. The wait goes fast and its truly worth it! They serve breakfast all day and I can guarantee a good, hearty breakfast or meal! Theres truly something on the menu for everyone!!"

Cagney's Kitchen

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (39) • $$

"Love their chicken salad on gumtree rd. It comes on a croissant and so good Their beef liver and onions dinner is good also"

Mattie's Diner

★★★★☆ 4.1 (127) • $$

"We went for a week day breakfast and walked right in. We sat out front on the patio and our server was so nice. We chatted with her as we ordered our water and coffee. My husband ordered the Taylor ham roll and I got the hunka hunka French toast which was delicious. I used more strawberry jamThan syrup which almost made it like a pbj sandwich. Can't wait to go back again for another casual, diner breakfast"

Country Diner

★★★★★ 4.7 (20) • $

"Great diner with friendly service. Definitely a local restaurant. Would certainly recommend"

Bantam Chef

★★★★☆ 3.7 (25)

"Well, Breakfast was a bust for us.The long line took 32 minutes to order and when we got home we weren't happy at all.My Biscuit and Gravy with Bacon wasn't so good.The Gravy tasted like it came fresh out of a can and the Biscuit was frozen type (no flavor).The Bacon was hard, thick and crispy but did have flavor.Husband ordered Eggs, Sausage and Grits. The eggs were cooked correctly, Sausage was like a brick (hard) and grits ( I think we got what was left in bottom of pot) hardly any at all.Definately sticking to Lunch there.Lunch is great :)"

Lane Street Grill

★★★★☆ 4.3 (7)

"Great fresh food! We went for breakfast. Nothing over $5-everything as reasonably prices. We ordered a pancake and sausage for our 4 year old since there was no kids menu. The biscuits and gravy were the best I've had in a long time. We all enjoyed our meals and the service was spot on. The staff was very welcoming-we will definitely be back!"

Kernersville's Route 66 Diner

★★★★☆ 3.9 (151)

"Absolutely had no expectations coming in and wow! What a gem!It was NYE Sunday morning so not too busy when we got there: we both got Mom's Breakfast which was two eggs, choice of potato and bread. I got over medium: perfection! Home fries: idk what they did to these but they were so fluffy inside and almost like there was a very thin chip on the outside. Incredible. And the biscuit! Tender, not flaky, but perfect for me! Buttery delicious.Coffee was excellent: service was just attentive enough that it wasn't obnoxious or wanting. There are a ton of meat options but we are vegetarians so passed. We also got a waffle: it wasn't great or anything special, but the eggs and home fries and biscuit were so good I can easily skip thinking about this (and it wasn't memorable.)Only issue, and next time I'm just going to wear a sweater: it was a little chilly inside. Good vibes through! Will definitely be back."