Best Under the Radar Restaurants in Matthews & Charlotte
…As selected by the Carolina Beer Temple staff
Tired of overpriced chain restaurants slopping up the same bland, boring food? The staff at Carolina Beer Temple are sharing some of our favorite locally owned food joints to let you in on some of the best kept secrets in town and help you eat like a local! Check ‘em out and let us know what you think!
And remember, outside food is ALWAYS WELCOME at Carolina Beer Temple - so feel free to grab a to-go order and enjoy it with a fine craft beer at our place!
The Loyalist
435 N Trade St #102, Matthews 28105
Located in downtown Matthews, right on Trade Street, owner Chris Sottile and his crew take their mission to craft the best charcuterie and cheese boards, sandwiches and gourmet dishes in town very seriously, sourcing the highest quality meats, cheeses, breads, veggies, and other ingredients locally. Their market also features craft beer and wine, along with special gourmet goods, meats and cheeses from around the world that you’ll be hard pressed to find elsewhere in the area. Sam calls their homemade pastrami Reuben the best in the Charlotte area. My wife Lauren and I love the Devils on Horseback – decadent bacon-wrapped dates filled with Chorizo and Manchego cheese dipped in maple syrup – on special for just $1/per on Thursdays.
Queen City Craft & Gourmet
5349 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy STE 100, Charlotte, NC 28277
Husband and wife team Charles and Cat Read (Beer Temple regulars) serve up incredible, from-scratch cuisine featuring expertly curated charcuterie and cheese boards, shrimp and polenta and a French dip sandwich that can’t be beaten! Brunch, served both Saturdays and Sundays from 11 to 3pm, is also not to be missed, with a killer Crab Benedict and a mouthwatering smash burger. Carolina Beer Temple owner, Rob, is a huge fan of their daily specials as they are always offering something new and delicious to try.
220° C Bahn Mi & Coffee
10020 Monroe Rd Ste 180, Charlotte, NC 28270
Sitting right at the edge of Matthews on Monroe Road, owners CeeCee and Alex are young, extremely friendly and talented bakers crafting some of the best Bahn Mi sandwiches on their fresh daily-baked French baguette. They also brew authentic Vietnamese-style coffee and make delicious pastries, both sweet and savory. A favorite lunch spot of the Beer Temple staff. Matt and I love the grilled pork Bahn Mi.
New Zealand Cafe
1717 Sardis Rd N #6-A, Charlotte, NC 28270
Also on the edge of Matthews on the corner of Monroe and Sardis Road North, this is place makes the consensus best sushi in Matthews (some say the entire Charlotte area). Ken raves about their Spider Roll and the Sweet Dragon Roll. The hibachi and bento boxes are also quite tasty.
Eddie’s Place
617 S Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
Serving breakfast all day, everyday, as well as lunch and dinner, Eddies is a Charlotte locals’ favorite. Zach touts their Charlotte-renowned “She Crab” soup, made with a dash of Sherry - it’s incredible! Other highlights include their chicken & waffles, the Muffuletta sandwich and their house-made chicken salad sandwich.
Ben Thanh Vietnamese Cuisine
1806 Windsor Square Dr., Matthews, NC 28105
Paul’s favorite Vietnamese restaurant around – he can’t get enough of their Pho soup. The vermicelli noodle bowls are a personal favorite of mine. Huge menu with so many delicious options ranging from Summer and Spring rolls to curry rice dishes. Friendly staff and consistent quality. A Matthews must!
Chop Chop Red Pot
Food Truck
The Beer Temple staff’s consensus favorite food truck - we book them often! Erik and his crew absolutely knock it out of the park with their incredibly creative, unbelievably delicious southern-inspired dishes. Erik is constantly cooking up new and tasty specials, but the truffle fried mac ‘n cheese bites are outrageously decadent and the short rib grilled cheese is outstanding. You’ve got to check these guys out!
Calle Sol Latin Café & Cevicheria
1205 Thomas Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
Hailing from Florida, it took me a few years living in Charlotte to find an authentic Cuban restaurant that could truly measure up to the fantastic Cuban and Latin American cuisine you can find in my hometown of Orlando. And wow, does Calle Sol deliver! Located in the heart of the Plaza Midwood neighborhood, Calle Sol’s Vaca Frita, pan-seared shredded beef served with black beans, rice and sweet plantains, is one of my favorite dishes in Charlotte. Ask for it “extra crispy.” Their Cuban sandwiches and Asian-fusion mojo pork fried rice are both ridiculously good. Being right across from the new Burial Beer taproom doesn’t hurt either.
Lam’s Kitchen
3016 Weddington Rd, Matthews 28105
This authentic Szechwan-style Chinese restaurant is a hidden gem hiding in a shopping plaza down Weddington Road in Matthews. Benton loves the Mala Beef Brisket and Daikon Claypot dish. I can’t get enough of the curry beef brisket. Sam says you’ve got to try the spicy boiled beef, which I can confirm is VERY spicy, rich and delicious.
Royal Cafe & Creperie
131-E Matthews Station St., Matthews 28105
Our old neighbors at our original location are still going strong! Back in the day we didn’t have food trucks - we had crepes, all day, everyday! They offer sweet & savory crepes. An all-time favorite is the Philly Cheese Steak Crepe or for something a little lighter, try the Gyro Crepe! And if you’re not familiar with crepes - check them out, they will blow your mind!
Thai Taste
131-F Matthews Station St., Matthews 28105
Thai Taste was also one of our neighbors at the original location. Their entire menu is fantastic and authentic, but I can never get past the Pad Thai with Beef! They offer a 1 thru 5 star system for heat - or if you are a bit more daring and want something off the scale, you can ask for “Thai Hot!” (WARNING: Not for the timid)
Grace O’Malley’s Irish Public House
157 N. Trade St., Matthews 28105
Just a short walk from the Carolina Beer Temple, downtown Matthews’ very own Irish Pub offers up Irish pub classics like Fish n Chips, Cottage Pie and Banger’s & Mash! Difficult to pick a favorite here, but the fish n chips are a sure bet!
Santé
165 N. Trade St., Matthews 28105
Our neighbors just to the left of Temple’s Edge offer the best date night options in town. Owners Adam and Veronica Reed offer a French-influenced fine dining experience with a menu that changes seasonally utilizing ingredients from the Matthews Farmer’s Market right across the street. Delicious entree’s frequently include Filet Mignon, Maple Bourbon Glazed Salmon and Roasted Duck Breast. They are located in a historic downtown building and offer the prefect ambiance for a romantic dinner.
Bon Appetit!
Author: Trevor Wigle
Contributors: Sam Hopkins, Matt Ferrie, Ken Startin, Zach Brack, Benton Cook, Paul Taylor, Rob Jacik