South - Charlotte Eateries...from/for a local

I relocated here about 6 years ago but haven't been out much. Here is my take on the good eats:

Mexican - La Paz on South Blvd. The food has gone down a bit recently as the prices have gone up, but it is still one of the best Mexican food joints I've eaten in. Try the queso.

Italian - Must be Frankie's on Morehead. The atmosphere is excellent, the bar is nice and the food is awesome. Make sure to get the garlic mash potatos...if you don't have a date that night.

Please add yours!

Here's my adds:

Mexican - Azteca (on Woodlawn Rd., near I-77); while it's attached to a Days Inn, it has the best Mexican food in Charlotte. La Paz is good, but this is a lot better (my personal opinion)

Italian - Mama Ricotta's; Frankie's has a great atmosphere - but I'm a big fan of the food at mama Ricotta's - it'll be great when they move to the bigger location.

Thai - Thai Orchid (Fairview and Providence). Get the Meekrab - tasty.

Steak - McIntosh's - local, good, worth the coin, better than Morton's.

Chinese - Baoding; local, food seems very fresh.

While not a local, I come to Charlotte frequently for weekend getaways and the following are my favorites:

Cuban: LaGran Havana on Albemarle Rd, in the last year they have moved to this much bigger and nice facility. The marinated roast pork is to die for and they just keep that lightly toasted hot bread coming. Black beans and rice are excellent as well. Casual atmosphere and waiters that try extra hard.

Cajun: Cajun Queen, 2 locations, one downtown and one in Pineville. Both equally good, though I prefer the atmosphere in the downtown location. They offer, both creol and cajun style dishes, with a wide variety.
You can choose etoufe with chicken, fish, shrimp etc, or a different style altogether.
I could make a meal off the garlic mashed potatoes and red beans alone.

Had a bad experience at Cajun Queen around Christmas. Poor food, chipped beer bottlel, poor service. The place looked quaint and a good hang out for locals, but I'll not be heading back.

I'm looking for good eats in downtown Charlotte for a business dinner. I'm considering Mama Ricotta's but would like to hear a recent review. Also would like info on local steak houses (86 Mortons, Ruth's Chris, ect). Mexian and Asian is out also since my client is not a fan. So suggestions on Italian or American would be very helpful.

Well, I'll answer my own question here in hopes of helping others who may head to the Charlotte area. We chose Mac's Speed Shop. Mac's is a yuppie type biker bar with good bbq (I had ribs) and a great atmosphere. Its located in the 2500 block of South Blvd in Uptown Charlotte - just south of the downtown district. Outside dinning is great for the summer and spring months. Really good bbq and a great selection of beer.

And for those staying around the airport, I believe Macs just opened a new location off S. Tryon south of 485.

By the by, Mac's great slection of beer includes Magic Hat #9....oooooh.

If you like ranch dressing I recommend Tavern on the Tracks. Typical pub food but they make their own ranch and it's super thick and to die for. I always get a plate of fries and a bowl of ranch and have at..... yum!

My body allows me to do this once per year and then it revolts at the fat grams, but god it's good!

A few more to add to the list:

Burgers, etc: The Penguin - located on Thomas Ave. and Commonwealth (in Plaza-Midwood). Great burgers, the best fried pickles in the City, and really inexpensive.

For steak - Manzetti's is worth a mention - located on Morrison (?) across from Southpark Mall. Easier to get in - and the croissants with the salads are great.

McIntosh's closed down this year - so we've lost a good one.

For those that like Brazilian - Chima is now in the Center City.

Indian: Copper - great Indian food on East Blvd. They have a modern gourmand section of the menu and a traditional side. Also, Bombay Grille on Highway 51 (Pineville-Matthews Road) is great and much more reasonably priced.

Five Guys aficianados will like that fact that there's one in the Center City (at Epicentre) and in SouthEnd (as well as other places in the City).

Other downtown/Center City suggestions for dinners, or even business dinners (non-chain restaurants): Luce (very nice Italian - higher end); Coco Osteria (good Italian - same folks as Luce, but lower price point); Zink American Kitchen; Mimosa Grill; and Sonoma.

http://www.mertsuptown.com/