With RubyConf 2007 almost upon us, do any Charlotte natives care to
give some advice about good places to eat & drink?
Hi Francis –
On Thu, 1 Nov 2007, Francis H. wrote:
With RubyConf 2007 almost upon us, do any Charlotte natives care to
give some advice about good places to eat & drink?
Scott Nedderman put together a map on the Charlotte Ruby Group site:
It looks like we’re in restaurant alley.
David
Francis H. wrote:
With RubyConf 2007 almost upon us, do any Charlotte natives care to
give some advice about good places to eat & drink?
The following suggestions come from
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/Restaurants/
Disclaimer: I’ve never been there, so I have no basis to make any
personal recommendations. I also don’t know how current this information
is, so take it for what it’s worth. Hopefully, we’ll get some more
quality information from some local residents.
– Steve D.
The 10 Best Restaurants in Charlotte
1. Upstream »
<http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/Restaurants/Best_Restaurants/Upstream_Charlotte_NC_BID_53693/>
704-556-7730
6902 Phillips Place Ct, Phillips Court, Charlotte, NC 28210
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5793SOUTHPARK
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5793. You don’t
have to stick to Uptown if cutting edge cuisine is what you seek. No,
tremendous places like Upstream are proof positive that venturing out is
its own reward. Here, “dayboat seafood” reigns supreme, and the kitchen
rarely fails to impress with its impeccible preparations of
miso-marinated Hawaiian monchong and chestnut-crusted wild Scottish
salmon with sweet potato gnocchi. Sushi lovers will adore their
specialty rolls, and the jumbo shrimp and mango ceviche is a spicy
experience worth trying; meanwhile, those with more terrene palates find
solace in dishes like brick oven-roasted Carolina quail.
Average Main Course Price: $32.50
2. Nikko »
<http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/Restaurants/Best_Restaurants/Nikko_Charlotte_NC_BID_9582/>
704-370-0100
1330 South Blvd, Lofts at Factory South, Charlotte, NC 28203
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5792SOUTH END
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5792. Nikko
entered Charlotte’s restaurant scene with a bang and has continued to
make waves in the years since with its stylish yet personable approach
to the sushi experience. Choose from a dynamic selection of rolls, each
of them prepared before your very eyes. As you wait, fill up on tempura
and teriyaki … perhaps even a glass of beer or wine. As the crowds of
devotees who pack the dining room each weekend no doubt attest, few
places in the Queen City can deliver sushi quite like Nikko.
Average Main Course Price: $18.00
3. Barrington's
<http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/Restaurants/Best_Restaurants/Barrington%27s_Charlotte_NC_BID_80237/>704-364-5755
7822 Fairview Rd, FoxCroft Shopping Center, Charlotte, NC 28226
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5793SOUTHPARK
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5793. In a small
shopping center near South Park Mall you’ll find this dynamic American
bistro that’s tiny size (it seats under 50) and smartly appointed dining
room make for a cozy yet elegant night out. Owner-chef Bruce Moffett
privileges local and organic ingredients, and he has earned a sterling
reputation in Charlotte’s
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/Restaurants/Best_Restaurants/Barrington’s_Charlotte_NC_BID_80237/#
culinary circles thanks to well-conceived dishes like organic chicken
with creamy mashed potatoes, herb-rubbed veal with potato-bacon
dumpling, and pancetta-wrapped rabbit tenderloin. Seating on the patio
is available when the weather cooperates.
Average Main Course Price: $26.00
4. Noble's »
<http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/Restaurants/Best_Restaurants/Noble%27s_Charlotte_NC_BID_80247/>
704-367-9463
6801 Morrison Blvd, 3 Morrocroft Center, Charlotte, NC 28211
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5793SOUTHPARK
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5793. Terracotta
stained floors, granite counters, and an open kitchen mark this
restaurant’s
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/Restaurants/Best_Restaurants/Noble’s_Charlotte_NC_BID_80247/#
interior, and an additional dining area, accented with stone work,
topiaries and a trellis, is open to outdoors. Irresistible starters like
tomato basil bisque with goat lady chevre crostini whet your appetite
for amazing Northern Italian masterpieces such as grilled leg of lamb
with cannellini beans, butter bean and pea “cassoulet,” and rosemary
chevre mashed potatoes. Several unusual pizzas, baked on organic whole
wheat sour dough, are also a hit.
Average Main Course Price: $28.00
_5. Town Restaurant _»
<http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/Restaurants/Best_Restaurants/Town_Restaurant_Charlotte_NC_BID_80292/>
704-379-7555
710 W Trade St, Gateway Village, Charlotte, NC 28202
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5795UPTOWN
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5795. The type of
place where hip professionals gather at the close of the business day,
Town wins high marks for daring to borrow the unpretentious attitude of
sibling Sonoma and setting it against a backdrop of smart, sexy
minimalist elements. The kitchen revels in modern inspirations,
delivering fantastic Asian-inspired a la carte dishes of tempura,
stuffed quail, salmon sashimi, scallops and lamb shank – all of them
perfect for sharing. “Sides & Accessories” like cucumber slaw and sweet
potato ravioli are available in family-sized portions.
Average Main Course Price: $17.00
6. L
<http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/Restaurants/Best_Restaurants/Luce_Charlotte_NC_BID_80258/>uce
»
<http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/Restaurants/Best_Restaurants/Luce_Charlotte_NC_BID_80258/>
704-344-9222
214 N Tryon St, Hearst Tower, Charlotte, NC 28202 ·
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5795UPTOWN
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5795. Lovely
Moreno glass and original artwork enhance this restaurant
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/Restaurants/Best_Restaurants/Luce_Charlotte_NC_BID_80258/#,
located in the base of the Hearst tower, and an outdoor patio provides
additional dining. From luscious starters such as mozzarella layered
between fresh tomatoes, basil and olive oil to flavorful meats, fish,
and pastas, the kitchen boasts satisfying Tuscan cuisine. Try the
agnolotti alla piemontese (ravioli stuffed with roasted veal, braised
Swiss chard and parmesan). Wine list available.
Average Main Course Price: $25.00
7. McIntosh's Steaks & Seafood »
<http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/Restaurants/Best_Restaurants/McIntosh%27s_Steaks_&_Seafood_Charlotte_NC_BID_80239/>
704-342-1088
1812 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5792SOUTH END
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5792. Billed as
one of Charlotte’s
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/Restaurants/Best_Restaurants/McIntosh’s_Steaks_&_Seafood_Charlotte_NC_BID_80239/#
top places for surf-and-turf, McIntosh’s surely has won over its fair
share of devotees. Indeed, a first-class experience awaits at this
classy South Ender, where the main dining room is dressed in elegant
linens, yellow walls with stained wood elements, chandeliers and
arrangements of fresh flowers. The kitchen, meanwhile, dazzles patrons
with courses of Chilean sea bass, broiled Atlantic salmon, steak au
poivre, and the 3-lb. Prime porterhouse for two. Outstanding sides,
which can serve two or more, range from asparagus with hollandaise to
horseradish mashed potatoes.
Average Main Course Price: $30.00
8. Toscana »
<http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/Restaurants/Best_Restaurants/Toscana_Charlotte_NC_BID_80246/>
704-367-1808
6401 Morrison Blvd, Specialty Shops on the Park, Charlotte, NC 28211 ·
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5793SOUTHPARK
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5793. From the
Venetian glass and marble floors to the delectable bounty from the
kitchen, this European dining room offers luxury and old-world charm.
Complimentary Italian bread and white beans in olive oil are served at
the beginning of meal, as patrons select a bottle of wine and tackle the
menu’s tough choices. Among the selection of Northern Italian
delicacies, the spinach and ricotta pasta pillows with mascarpone cream
sauce comes highly recommended. If it’s a pleasant evening, make the
most of it on the outdoor patio.
Average Main Course Price: $17.00
9. Blue Restaurant & Bar »
<http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/Restaurants/Best_Restaurants/Blue_Restaurant_&_Bar_Charlotte_NC_BID_80288/>
704-927-2583
214 N Tryon St, Hearst Tower, Charlotte, NC 28202
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5795UPTOWN
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5795.
Sophisticated and stylish, this restaurant in Hearst Tower has caused a
stir with its provocative Mediterranean-inspired cookery. Indeed, the
distinctive flavors of France, Greece, Italy, Spain and even Morocco
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/Restaurants/Best_Restaurants/Blue_Restaurant_&_Bar_Charlotte_NC_BID_80288/#
are on showcase here each night, and patrons dive willingly into dishes
of lamb tagine, whole-roasted Mediterranean sea bass and duo of wild
boar. A favorite of the “expense account set,” Blue promises an
impeccible evening out, complete with fine wine, amazing food and even
live jazz (Wednesday-Saturday)
Average Main Course Price: $25.00
10. Zebra Restaurant & Wine Bar »
<http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/Restaurants/Best_Restaurants/Zebra_Restaurant_&_Wine_Bar_Charlotte_NC_BID_80262/>
704-442-9525
4521 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5793SOUTHPARK
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/neighborhood.html?ID=5793. Housed in
the Wall Street Capitol Building, few restaurants epitomize Charlotte’s
http://www.10best.com/Charlotte/Restaurants/Best_Restaurants/Zebra_Restaurant_&_Wine_Bar_Charlotte_NC_BID_80262/#
cosmopolitan flair like Zebra, a beacon of style and refinement where
French cuisine shakes off traditional constraints to reveal dishes that
are innovative and invigorating. Here, dining experience is taken to a
higher level, from the elegantly appointed dining room with its fine
silver and white linens to the outstanding wine list. As to the fare,
the chef’s seasonal tasting menu includes such temptations as potato
crisp salmon, Dover sole with noisette butter and macadamia-crusted
quail.
Average Main Course Price: $30.00
On Thu, 1 Nov 2007, Francis H. wrote:
With RubyConf 2007 almost upon us, do any Charlotte natives care to
give some advice about good places to eat & drink?
You expect to get out of the hotel? Wow. I’m expecting a few days of
intense learning and networking with some of the most brilliant people I
have ever met. Food and drink are far less interesting.
Now, if somebody wanted to talk to me about a job, I might be able to
make
time for it.
– Matt
It’s not what I know that counts.
It’s what I can remember in time to use.
David A. Black wrote:
(Quick snark: charcoal gray text on a black background? Poor design.)
The site says there’s a gathering at Ri-Ra’s, and links to a Facebook
page. The Facebook page has a blurb about Ri-Ra’s that links to:
http://charlotteruby.org.
Where is Ri-Ra’s, and what other pre-conf gatherings are planned?
Thanks,
–
James B.
“I suspect IDEs are like Bail Bondsmen. It may be a good sign if you
don’t know what they’re for.”
- Paul Graham
On 2007-10-31 11:34:02 -0500, Francis H. [email protected]
said:
With RubyConf 2007 almost upon us, do any Charlotte natives care to
give some advice about good places to eat & drink?
My Charlotte sources tell me that Fried Pickles at the The Penguin
Drive-In [1] is all you ‘less-brilliant’ people will be needing… 
They also speak very highly of Fuel Pizza (“best pizza”) [2] and
Chik-Fil-A (“best fast food ever”). All seems to be right around the
Omni.
cheers,
sebastian
[1] http://www.penguindrivein.com/
[2] http://www.fuelpizza.com/
Matt L. wrote:
On Thu, 1 Nov 2007, Francis H. wrote:
With RubyConf 2007 almost upon us, do any Charlotte natives care to
give some advice about good places to eat & drink?You expect to get out of the hotel? Wow. I’m expecting a few days of
intense learning and networking with some of the most brilliant people I
have ever met. Food and drink are far less interesting.Now, if somebody wanted to talk to me about a job, I might be able to
make
time for it.
Would you consider hawking “Learning Python” books to the uninitiated?
It won’t take much effort. If you read a few passages to the throng,
they will snap up all the copies you have.
On 10/31/07, Matt L. [email protected] wrote:
On Thu, 1 Nov 2007, Francis H. wrote:
With RubyConf 2007 almost upon us, do any Charlotte natives care to
give some advice about good places to eat & drink?You expect to get out of the hotel? Wow. I’m expecting a few days of
intense learning and networking with some of the most brilliant people I
have ever met. Food and drink are far less interesting.
The most brilliant people you have ever met also need to eat, and so
will be visiting various restaurants.
With RubyConf 2007 almost upon us, do any Charlotte natives care to
give some advice about good places to eat & drink?You expect to get out of the hotel? Wow. I’m expecting a few days of
intense learning and networking with some of the most brilliant people I
have ever met. Food and drink are far less interesting.Now, if somebody wanted to talk to me about a job, I might be able to make
time for it.
I think I know why some people are planning to leave the hotel –
so they can get away from the San Francisco Rails programmers and have
a sensible conversation without getting sprayed in the face with
irrelevant rudeness coming out of nowhere. You boys really need to
learn to keep those things in your pants.
I was so depressed about missing RubyConf until I read this. I’m still
bummed, but at least there’s a silver lining. I won’t have to deal
with the unprovoked, irrelevant, aggressive condescension that the
Rails community is famous for.
But what would I know? Why should anyone listen to me? I’m not even
going to be at RubyConf. I’m going to be somewhere eating food. God.
What a loser. Who eats food?
–
Giles B.
Blog: http://gilesbowkett.blogspot.com
Portfolio: http://www.gilesgoatboy.org
Tumblelog: http://giles.tumblr.com/
On Nov 1, 2007 12:51 PM, Giles B. [email protected] wrote:
I think I know why some people are planning to leave the hotel –
so they can get away from the San Francisco Rails programmers and have
a sensible conversation without getting sprayed in the face with
irrelevant rudeness coming out of nowhere. You boys really need to
learn to keep those things in your pants.
I see a bunch of dudes in the hotel bar right now…I’m going to head
out and find a cool place to play pool and talk to southern girls
(does NC count as southern? I dunno). Ideally I won’t be keeping it
in my pants.
Pat
James B. wrote:
David A. Black wrote:
(Quick snark: charcoal gray text on a black background? Poor design.)
The site says there’s a gathering at Ri-Ra’s, and links to a Facebook
page. The Facebook page has a blurb about Ri-Ra’s that links to:
http://charlotteruby.org.Where is Ri-Ra’s, and what other pre-conf gatherings are planned?
I can attest that Ri-Ra’s is a great time if you’re into the Irish pub
thing. We had a blast there on St. Paddy’s Day last year.
- Drew
Hi –
On Fri, 2 Nov 2007, Drew O. wrote:
I can attest that Ri-Ra’s is a great time if you’re into the Irish pub
thing. We had a blast there on St. Paddy’s Day last year.
Actually I didn’t write any of the above. Or is it just “>>>” that’s
being attributed to me? 
David
irrelevant rudeness coming out of nowhere. You boys really need to
learn to keep those things in your pants.I see a bunch of dudes in the hotel bar right now…I’m going to head
out and find a cool place to play pool and talk to southern girls
(does NC count as southern? I dunno). Ideally I won’t be keeping it
in my pants.
Take it out all you want, as long as I don’t have to see it or smell it.
(I am skeptical, but that’s a whole nother ball of wax.)
–
Giles B.
Blog: http://gilesbowkett.blogspot.com
Portfolio: http://www.gilesgoatboy.org
Tumblelog: http://giles.tumblr.com/
On 11/2/07, David A. Black [email protected] wrote:
Hi –
On Fri, 2 Nov 2007, Drew O. wrote:
James B. wrote:
David A. Black wrote:
…
Actually I didn’t write any of the above. Or is it just “>>>” that’s
being attributed to me?
I’d say only the \n after it and any whitespace in-between.
–
Rick DeNatale
My blog on Ruby
http://talklikeaduck.denhaven2.com/