Tess Allen
Tess Allen is the associate editor of Charlotte magazine, where she writes and edits stories about anything and everything Charlotte-related. She was previously the associate editor of Twin Cities Business in Minneapolis, Minnesota—a city she adores despite freezing her butt off in it for five years. She’s also written and edited for Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, The Washington Post, FAIRE magazine, Delta Sky Magazine, and The World in a Pocket. Tess currently splits her time between Charlotte and Durham, North Carolina. She’s a big fan of eating, petting every dog she sees, and becoming human soup in a bath at the end of a long day.
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The Best Restaurants In Charlotte
Yucatán-style pork butt, Miami-style Cubans, and California-style vegan menus in our city of transplants.
Mert's Heart & Soul
Mert's in Uptown has been serving excellent Lowcountry and Gullah-inspired dishes since 1998.
Sea Level NC
Sea Level NC is an Uptown Charlotte seafood restaurant with an excellent oyster Happy Hour.
Taqueria Mal Pan
Taqueria Mal Pan is a great Mexican spot in SouthPark for a quick, casual lunch on one of their outdoor picnic tables.
Lang Van
Lang Van is a neighborhood Vietnamese spot in East Charlotte with friendly folks and seriously good bánh xèo.
Milkbread
Milkbread is a tiny order-at-the-window breakfast spot in Plaza Midwood that has unreal pastries.
Supperland
Try upscale Southern food in a restored mid-century church at Supperland in Plaza Midwood.
Customshop
Customshop is a farm-to-table spot in Elizabeth that celebrates North Carolina’s extremely good and varied produce.
The Good Wurst Company
The Good Wurst Company in East Charlotte is a meat-eater's perfect lunch spot.
Pinky's Westside Grill
Pinky's Westside Grill is a classic Wesley Heights spot for creative takes on decadent Southern food.
El Puro Cuban Restaurant
El Puro Cuban Restaurant is a fun LoSo locale with tiki-style cocktails and live music to pair.
Little Mama's
Little Mama's is an upscale Italian joint in SouthPark with a made-to-order mozzarella bar.
Calle Sol Latin Café and Cevicheria
Calle Sol Latin Café and Cevicheria should be your new go-to for ceviche, Cubanos, and cocktails in Plaza Midwood.