
Here’s a quick look at some classic Charlotte restaurants that have been operating for two decades or more — in some cases a lot more. The oldest is a seasoned 92-year-old hot dog counter in the heart of Uptown.
And you thought Charlotte lacked history.
This isn’t an exhaustive list. Know one that should be on here? Email me: katie@charlotteagenda.com.
1998: Mert’s Heart & Soul
Low Country and Gullah-inspired soul food in Uptown

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1997: Eddie’s Place
Casual Cotswold diner famous for its She Crab soup
1996: Sir Edmond Halley’s
Quirky basement-level pub in the backlot at Park Road Shopping Center
1995: Mimosa Grill
Banker-approved, Southern-inspired restaurant in the Wells Fargo Atrium

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1992: Mama Ricotta’s
Homestyle Italian food
1992: Red Rocks
Upscale American cuisine in a casual, family-friend setting

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1991: Luisa’s Pizza
Family-friendly pizzeria in Montford with an $8 all-you-can-eat weekday buffet
1990: Selwyn Pub
Quintessential Myers Park hangout in repurposed old house with a great front patio

Selwyn Pub was established in 1990 in a what was an old house on the eastern edge of Myers Park.
1990: Lang Van
Popular family-run Vietnamese restaurant on the east side
1988: Thai Taste
Charlotte’s first Thai restaurant
1987: Lupie’s Cafe
No-frills diner known for its four types of chili — Texas, Cincinnati, Vegetarian and Southern
1986: French Quarter
Uptown favorite in historic Brevard Court with a crazy popular baked chicken lunch special that draws a crowd on Thursdays
1986: Floyd’s Soul Food
Homestyle Southern favorites passed down through generations. Founder Otis Floyd Jr.’s mother, Mrs. Cattie-Bell Floyd, is honored with a mosaic monument on Freedom Drive.

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1986: 300 East
Eclectic American dining in a historic 1900-era Victorian home in Dilworth
1984: Cajun Queen
Charlotte’s spot for New Orleans-inspired food and live jazz in a 100-year-old house

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1984: Fenwick’s
Quaint Myers Park staple serving lunch, dinner and weekend brunch
1983: Alexander Michael’s
Cozy neighborhood tavern in Fourth Ward “where everybody knows your name”
1978: House of Pizza
The Central Avenue classic has been closed for renovations for nearly a year but is expected to reopen soon

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1977: Bojangles’
Charlotte’s beloved spot for Seasoned Fried Chicken and Legendary Iced Tea. The restaurant even has its own Bojangles’ Day in Charlotte on June 13. Start with the Cajun Filet Biscuit.

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1976: Art’s BBQ
Casual diner and barbecue restaurant open for breakfast and lunch in Dilworth. Everything on the menu is under $8.

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1976: Carolina Family Restaurant
Family-run diner on the west side near the airport

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1975: Zack’s Hamburgers
Retro cool burger joint on South Boulevard
1973: Brooks’ Sandwich House
Humble burger shack in NoDa — get the cheeseburger “all the way”
1969: Gus’ Sir Beef
Endearing Oakhurst restaurant with a forever perplexing “Fresh My Farm Vegetables” tagline proudly displayed on the sign and painted on the building

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1967: Mr. K’s
Classic South Boulevard ice cream shop and grill
1963: Bill Spoon’s
Eastern NC-style BBQ made from family recipes

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1962: Price’s Chicken Coop
Legendary South End fried chicken shack frequented by celebs and politicians when they’re in town
1962: Riccio’s
Family-run Italian restaurant
1959: South 21
Old school burger drive-in on Independence Boulevard
1959: Bar B Q King
Retro curb service barbecue drive in on the west side

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1958: Beef N Bottle
Special occasion steakhouse in an unassuming little building on South Boulevard
1952: The Open Kitchen
Eye-catching Italian restaurant in Wesley Heights
1952: Original Chicken ‘n Ribs
Simple to-go counter featuring made-to-order burgers, fried chicken, seafood and more
1947: Greystone Pub
Longstanding family-run pub passed down through generations

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1945: The Diamond
Charming retro diner in Plaza Midwood
1933: Providence Road Sundries
Landmark family-friendly Myers Park restaurant and bar
1928: Reid’s Fine Foods
The gourmet grocer has evolved over time — passing through different buildings and ownership throughout the years — but the original location opened on Morehead in 1928
1926: Green’s Lunch
Iconic Uptown hot dog counter