charlotte’s best bites | susannah’s picks

After a brief holiday hiatus, let’s kick off this week exploring some of Susannah’s favorite spots in Charlotte with her picks . Susannah is an elusive unicorn, also known as a Charlotte native, and highlights some classic Charlotte spots with her Charlotte’s best bites picks. 

I’m one of those rare Charlotte natives. I didn’t even know we were a rare bunch until I moved back here after living in the Triangle area for six years.

The best part of moving back to Charlotte is sometimes also the saddest part — witnessing all the change. Whole blocks destroyed and replaced with beige condos with new shops and restaurants popping up all the while. Thankfully, many of my favorites are still here. For my contribution to Charlotte’s Best Bites, I’m sharing an exploration of some of my old Charlotte stand-bys. These are the places I come back to again and again, and remind me of times past.

Best time machine
Green’s Lunch

Want to feel like you’ve stepped back in time? Look no further than Green’s Lunch for an old-fashioned dining experience that dates back to 1926. My elderly neighbor brought me here for lunch as a child, and she told me stories of coming to Green’s with the boyfriends of her youth. It’s that kind of place. I can’t say for sure, but it feels like it’s barely aged at all. Next time you’re downtown, stop by Green’s for a few dogs, a burger or some crinkle fries. (And if you’re you’re off to see the Knights, Green’s is just a short walk from the stadium so opt for one of their dogs instead of grabbing grub at the game.)
Uptown, 309 W 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Best fancy milkshakes
Pike’s Old-Fashioned Soda Shop

I must really love diners with an old-timey feel, but Pike’s is a level up. This spot in South End is decked out in old drugstore signs and paraphernalia, right down to the milkshake machine. This is the place to go if you want an old fashioned milkshake or a root beer float, or perhaps something more adventurous, like a black cow or malt. Pike’s also has my favorite fried chicken ever. Sure, Price’s Chicken Coop is right down the street. But Price’s doesn’t come slathered in honey and pecans. (It should though.) Bonus points if you remember that scene from Shallow Hal that was filmed at the counter.
South End, 1930 Camden Rd, Charlotte, NC 28203

Best bakery breakfast
Nova’s Bakery

My farmers market summer Saturdays always start at the Nova’s Bakery booth. I love to get a croissant, danish or — my favorite — a spinach scone to munch on while I shop for produce. Off season, or whenever I get a spinach scone craving, I hit up the brick and mortar on Central Avenue. I also recommend you grab one or two of their gorgeous loaves of fresh-baked bread to take home.
Plaza Midwood, 1511 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
South End, 1515 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Matthews/Mint Hill, 3565 Matthews-Mint Hill Rd, Mint Hill, NC 28105
Rock Hill, 1108 Cherry Rd, Rock HIll, SC 29732
Farmers Market (Saturdays only), 1801 Yorkmont Road, Charlotte, NC 28217

Best foodie gifts
Paper Skyscraper

Paper Skyscraper is an institution on East Boulevard. I’ve been coming here for gift shopping since I was in high school. Here you can find everything from cookbooks to candles to cards. You can also find a ton of cool and weird kitchen gadgets. I have also found myself some pretty sweet barware, drink mixers and party games. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday or a holiday, there’s something here for everyone on your list.
Historic Dilworth, 330 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

Best birthday dinner
Copper

For the last few years, I have talked my family (including my picky grandmother) into taking me to Copper for my birthday. This upscale Indian restaurant is in charming old bungalow in Dilworth — the same house where Carson McCullers wrote The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. (Blink and you’ll miss the plaque on the wall at the entrance.) I suppose Indian food might be a weird choice for a birthday dinner (my picky grandmother certainly thinks so) but this place, which offers upscale, gourmet Indian food, couldn’t be more perfect. I always learn something new about the Indian culture and cuisine when I eat here, plus the bright and vibrant decor is always worth admiring.
Dilworth, 311 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

Susannah is an Instagram-obsessed graphic designer and cat lady based in Charlotte, N.C. When she’s not designing or taking a zillion photos, she writes about food, design and travel at  her blog, Feast + West. She likes to think of her blog as a road trip — a casual drive down the back roads with lots of on-a-whim stops to take photos, peruse lovely shops and eat excellent food. Traveling inspires Susannah the most in her design work and in the kitchen, and she loves to recreate recipes at home. Follow her on Instagram here and here, Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook and Bloglovin.