This North Carolina Fried Chicken Restaurant Was Just Named The Best In The Entire State

I was already interested when I heard Saturday dinner could come with a live band.

Then I found out this North Carolina fried chicken spot also brings old-school DJ energy to some weekend brunches.

That changes the whole mood for me.

Instead of eating quickly and heading home, dinner starts feeling like the beginning of the night.

The food still gives people plenty of reason to stay focused on the table, especially with fried chicken sharing space with seafood and some seriously playful waffles.

What I like most is that the restaurant did not appear out of nowhere.

It grew from a family business with roots in the Charlotte area, then expanded into a livelier version of the same idea.

For me, that mix of familiar comfort and weekend energy is exactly what makes it stand out.

A Family Recipe Got A Fancy New Address

Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish didn’t start out downtown. The family-run business began on Statesville Avenue in Charlotte, serving fried chicken and fish to its neighborhood.

That original spot built the reputation. The Uptown location came later, opening in the fall of 2023 as a newer chapter for the brand.

Today, the family runs three Charlotte locations. You’ll find them on Statesville Avenue, at Cambridge Commons, and here in Uptown.

I believe that history matters more than any fancy sign. A recipe that survives generations has already passed the toughest taste test around.

The Uptown spot is often described as an elevated take on the original. Think of it as the same family cooking, just wearing its Sunday best.

On October 30, 2026, Tasting Table named Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish the best fried chicken restaurant in North Carolina in its nationwide state-by-state roundup. That’s a major distinction in a state that takes its frying seriously.

So when you sit down here, you’re not trying a trendy experiment. You’re tasting something a Charlotte family has been perfecting for years.

That’s a pretty good reason to grab a seat.

That Golden Crunch Is The Reason Everyone Shows Up

Crispy outside, juicy inside, and seasoned all the way through. That’s the fried chicken formula here, and it’s simple for a reason.

You can pick dark meat or white meat pieces. Wings and tenders round out the lineup for folks who like things easy to grab.

Good fried chicken doesn’t need gimmicks. It needs a solid crust and seasoning that shows up in every bite.

Ordering a combo is a smart move. You get to pair your chicken with sides, which the menu calls fixins.

Craving a sandwich instead? Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish offers a chicken filet sandwich and a buffalo chicken version too.

Here’s a tip for first-timers. Try one dark piece and one white piece, then decide which team you’re on.

This is the dish that helped land the restaurant on a best fried chicken list for North Carolina. It’s the backbone of the whole menu.

Everything else here is great company. Still, the chicken is the star, and it plays the part with total confidence.

Fish Fans Get Way More Than A Side Act

Whiting, flounder, croaker, catfish, and salmon. That’s a lineup that would make most seafood shacks a little jealous.

The name says chicken and fish, and the fish side holds its own. Each one gets the fried treatment, so you can pick your favorite style of flaky.

Fried shrimp is here too. So are lobster bites, which sound like a party snack with big ambitions.

Can’t decide between land and sea? A chicken and fish combo lets you skip the tough choice completely.

Salmon bites and catfish bites also appear in the appetizer section. They’re great for sharing while you wait for the main event.

Hush puppies make a natural partner for any fish plate. They’re a classic Southern pairing for good reason.

If someone in your group isn’t a chicken person, don’t worry. They won’t feel left out at Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish.

Honestly, this menu feels built for indecisive eaters. You’ll probably start planning your next order before finishing this one.

Fruity Pebbles On A Waffle, Yes, Really

Breakfast cereal just crashed the chicken and waffles party. The Fruity Pebble Waffle is a real menu option, and it’s as bright as it sounds.

Not feeling that playful? The classic waffle is there for traditionalists who like things straightforward.

Then come the fancier choices. A Pecan Waffle brings a nutty twist, and the Red Velvet Waffle leans hard into dessert territory.

Chicken and waffles is already a sweet-and-savory power couple. Changing up the waffle lets you control just how sweet things get.

Red velvet shows up twice at Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish. Besides the waffle, there’s red velvet cake for anyone saving room.

My advice? Bring a friend and split two different waffles.

Comparing them is half the fun.

Kids and grown-ups alike tend to get excited about cereal on a waffle. It’s the kind of order that makes the whole table lean over for a look.

Sweet tooth satisfied, chicken craving handled. That’s a pretty efficient way to eat a meal.

Save Room For The Fixins, Gizzards, And Everything In Between

Mac and cheese, candied yams, and collard greens. Any soul food plate feels lonely without at least two of them.

Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish calls its sides fixins, which honestly sounds more fun. Hush puppies, French fries, and fried okra round out the list.

The appetizer menu digs into old-school territory. Chicken gizzards and chicken livers are here, plus a liver and gizzard mix.

Those are classic Southern bites that some menus quietly skip. Seeing them here feels like a nod to tradition.

Fried pickles and wingettes are friendly starters for anyone easing in. They’re easy to pass around the table.

The menu stretches past soul food too. You’ll find a smashburger, turkey and veggie burgers, a Philly cheesesteak, and a pork chop sandwich.

That variety helps when your group can’t agree on anything. Everybody gets something, and nobody goes home grumpy.

A good plan? Pick two fixins you know and one you’ve never tried.

Your plate might end up teaching you a new favorite.

Live R&B On Saturday Night Changes The Whole Dinner

Most chicken spots offer a soda fountain. This one offers a live band.

Live R&B Saturday Nights bring musicians right into the dining room. Dinner suddenly feels more like a night out than a quick bite.

Weekend brunch has also featured an old-school DJ, bringing another lively soundtrack to the dining room. Check the latest entertainment schedule before planning a visit around the music.

The restaurant describes its mood as lively and welcoming with an old school vibe. The music lineup fits that feeling nicely.

This makes Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish a strong pick for celebrations. Birthdays, date nights, and friend reunions all fit right in.

Planning tip: if the music is the main draw, aim for the weekend. Weekday visits will feel calmer and better for focusing on your plate.

The entertainment also explains why the Uptown spot feels different from a typical fried chicken counter. It’s built for staying a while.

Good food plus good music is a combo that rarely misses. Here, the crispy chicken comes with a soundtrack, and that’s hard to beat in North Carolina.

The Room Looks Way Classier Than Your Usual Chicken Joint

Clean, modern, and spacious. That’s how this Uptown dining room is often described, and it’s a big step up from paper-plate territory.

Some folks even call it beautiful or classy. For a place famous for fried chicken, that’s a fun surprise.

Seating comes in different styles, so you can grab a table or settle at the bar. Bar seating is a handy option when tables fill up.

Large screen TVs hang around the room. That makes it a solid stop when there’s a big game you can’t miss.

The space aims for a polished feel without losing its friendly side. It still feels like a family restaurant, just a well-dressed one.

Outdoor seating also gives you an option on warm evenings. Charlotte summers make that a nice perk.

The atmosphere is casual but polished, making it suitable for anything from a relaxed lunch to a weekend dinner with friends.

Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish proves comfort food can come with a sharp setting. Your crispy wings deserve a nice room, after all.

Got A Big Group, Read These Rules Before You Go

Party of five or more? Show up early, because the restaurant asks larger groups to check in 10 minutes before their reservation.

Your entire party also needs to be there before anyone gets seated. So that one friend who’s always late might need a gentle reminder.

There’s a 10-minute grace period for late arrivals. After that, the reservation may count as a no-show.

During busy times, tables may have a two-hour dining limit. That’s plenty of time to eat, chat, and enjoy the music.

Groups of six or more should expect an automatic gratuity added to the bill. Knowing that ahead of time keeps the check from surprising anyone.

Weekends can get busy, so booking ahead is a smart move. It saves you from standing around while your stomach growls.

These rules might sound strict at first. Really, they help a popular restaurant keep things fair for everyone.

Follow them, and Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish makes a great home base for birthdays and big gatherings. Just bring the whole crew on time.

Perfect Fuel Before A Night At Spectrum Center

Concert at Spectrum Center tonight? Your pregame meal just found a home.

Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish sits at 413 Dalton Ave, Charlotte, NC 28206. The restaurant sits in Charlotte’s Lockwood neighborhood, just north of Uptown, making it an option for dining before an event at one of the city’s major venues.

Hours are simple to remember. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m.

Tuesday through Saturday and stays open until 10 p.m.

Sunday hours run from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays are closed, so don’t plan a Monday chicken mission.

A late lunch here could be a nice break while exploring Uptown. A dinner visit gives you the full lively mood.

Visitors from around North Carolina can easily make this part of a Charlotte day trip. Pair it with a game, a show, or a stroll through the city.

Carryout is another option if you’re short on time. Crispy chicken travels well to a hotel room or a picnic spot.

However you plan it, this Uptown stop makes a strong case for itself. Few places pack family history, music, and fried chicken into one address.