North Carolina Soul Food In Charlotte That’ll Make You Crave Seconds
Charlotte doesn’t just serve food, it serves heart, history, and downright happiness on a plate. From golden, crispy fried chicken to mac and cheese so creamy it melts in your mouth, the city’s soul food spots turn every meal into a celebration.
Slow-simmered collard greens, smothered pork chops, and candied yams arrive piled high, brimming with flavor and comfort. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, the Queen City has a lineup of spots that’ll have you coming back for seconds, thirds, and maybe even taking a doggy bag for the road.
Get ready, your taste buds are in for a joyride.
1. LuLu’s Express
Comfort hits different when you find a place that feels like family. LuLu’s Express, tucked away at 2400 Tuckaseegee Rd, Charlotte, brings the kind of warmth that turns strangers into regulars.
The moment you walk through the door, the aroma of slow-cooked greens and golden cornbread wraps around you like a hug.
Fried chicken arrives at your table with a crackle that promises juicy, tender meat underneath. Each piece is seasoned with a careful hand, never too salty, always just right.
The sides steal the show, too, especially the mac and cheese that bubbles with creamy goodness.
Collard greens simmer with smoky undertones, balanced perfectly without overwhelming vinegar. Sweet potatoes come candied to perfection, offering a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory mains.
The cornbread muffins crumble softly, slightly sweet, never dry.
Service moves at a pace that feels unhurried yet attentive. Staff members greet you with genuine smiles and helpful suggestions. The atmosphere stays casual, welcoming groups and solo diners alike.
Portions arrive generous enough to satisfy hearty appetites or provide tomorrow’s lunch. Prices remain reasonable, making it easy to return often.
Every visit feels like stepping into someone’s beloved kitchen where recipes have been perfected over time.
2. Mert’s Heart & Soul
Uptown Charlotte pulses with energy, and right in the middle sits a soul food gem. Mert’s Heart & Soul at 214 North College Street has been feeding locals and visitors alike for years.
The restaurant hums with conversation and the clatter of silverware against plates piled high with Southern goodness.
Their famous cornbread loaf arrives at your table as a complimentary starter, warm and slightly sweet. It’s dense enough to feel substantial but tender enough to melt in your mouth.
Butter soaks right in, creating little pockets of richness.
Fried chicken here comes with a perfectly seasoned crust that shatters with each bite. The meat underneath stays juicy, proving the kitchen understands timing and temperature.
Pork chops get the smothered treatment, blanketed in gravy that’s been simmered to silky perfection.
Mac and cheese arrives creamy and cheesy, with a golden top that adds textural contrast. Collard greens simmer with ham hocks, creating a savory broth worth sipping.
The atmosphere stays family-friendly, with booths and tables that accommodate groups of all sizes.
Service moves efficiently, even when the dining room fills up. Prices reflect the generous portions and quality ingredients.
Located conveniently in Uptown, it’s perfect for lunch breaks or casual dinners after exploring the city.
3. Nana Morrison’s Soul Food
Cafeteria-style service meets home-cooked flavor at a spot that’s become legendary. Nana Morrison’s Soul Food at 3824 Corning Pl A, Charlotte, operates with an assembly line approach that lets you see every dish before committing.
The space feels bright and spacious, with plenty of room to move and choose.
Smothered meatballs have earned a devoted following, swimming in rich gravy that coats every surface. They’re tender, well-seasoned, and pair beautifully with fluffy rice.
The curry chicken offers something different, with warm spices that build gradually rather than overwhelming your palate.
Mac and cheese here leans creamy and indulgent, made with real cheese that stretches and melts. Candied yams arrive sweet and soft, cooked until they practically dissolve on your tongue.
Fried chicken comes out crispy, with juicy meat that stays moist even in the breast pieces.
Collard greens get mixed reviews for their vinegar level, but most folks appreciate the tender texture. The catfish is fried hard upon request, with a crunchy coating that fish lovers adore. Cornbread muffins accompany every meal, slightly sweet and never dry.
Service stays friendly and patient, walking newcomers through the ordering process. Portions are generous enough to share or save. Prices hover around moderate, reflecting the quality and quantity you receive.
4. Ken Cooks
Hidden jewels often surprise you with their simplicity and excellence. Ken Cooks, at 430 Old Little Rock Rd, Charlotte, operates with a straightforward mission: serve honest soul food that tastes like someone’s grandmother made it.
The restaurant sits quietly in its neighborhood, drawing crowds who’ve heard whispers of the exceptional cooking happening inside.
The kitchen turns out plates that showcase classic technique without unnecessary flourishes. Fried chicken arrives with a golden, crispy skin that crackles when you bite down.
The meat stays tender and flavorful, seasoned all the way through rather than just on the surface.
Meatloaf here is dense and savory, holding together perfectly while remaining moist. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you why comfort food earned its name.
Green beans get a slow simmer with bits of ham, creating a savory side that complements richer mains.
Mac and cheese comes baked with a golden top layer that adds texture to the creamy interior. Yams arrive candied just enough to bring out their natural sweetness without turning into dessert.
Cornbread stays moist and slightly crumbly, perfect for soaking up gravies and pot liquor.
The staff treats everyone like regulars, remembering faces and preferences. Portions stay generous without feeling wasteful. Prices remain accessible, making it easy to visit frequently without budget concerns.
5. Sol’Delish CLT Restaurant
University City holds a treasure that locals guard jealously. Sol’Delish CLT Restaurant, at 8927 J M Keynes Dr suite 100, Charlotte, creates an intimate dining experience where every dish receives careful attention.
The space feels cozy rather than cramped, with just enough tables to maintain a personal atmosphere.
Fried wings here have developed a cult following for good reason. They arrive perfectly crispy, seasoned with a blend that keeps you guessing and reaching for more.
The coating stays crunchy even as they cool, a sign of proper technique.
Baked mac and cheese emerges from the oven with a golden, bubbling top. Underneath, pasta swims in a cheese sauce that’s been carefully balanced between creamy and stringy.
It’s the kind of mac that makes you slow down and savor each forkful.
Fried okra comes out as little green gems, crispy on the outside with a tender interior. The breading is light enough to let the vegetable’s flavor shine through.
Collard greens simmer with just the right amount of seasoning, tender without being mushy.
Yams arrive candied to a beautiful amber color, soft enough to cut with a fork. The sweetness balances perfectly with savory entrees. Service stays attentive in the small space, with staff checking in regularly without hovering.
Portions match the intimate setting, generous without being overwhelming. Prices reflect the quality and care evident in every dish.
6. Queen’s Soul Food
Royalty isn’t just in the name at this Charlotte establishment. Queen’s Soul Food, located at 7308 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, treats every customer like honored guests, serving up plates that justify the regal title.
The restaurant maintains a steady flow of diners who return regularly for their favorite dishes.
Oxtails here are fall-apart tender, braised until the meat surrenders easily to your fork. The gravy that surrounds them is rich and deeply flavored, perfect for spooning over rice or soaking up with bread.
Each piece is meaty and satisfying, worth the premium price they command.
Fried chicken arrives with a seasoned crust that’s been perfected over time. The coating stays crispy while the meat inside remains juicy and flavorful.
Black-eyed peas simmer with smoky undertones, creamy and comforting.
Cabbage gets cooked down until tender but not mushy, retaining just enough texture to feel substantial. Mac and cheese comes creamy and cheesy, with a homemade quality that sets it apart from cheaper versions.
Cornbread arrives warm and slightly sweet, crumbling just right.
The atmosphere stays casual and welcoming, with staff who remember regular customers. Portions are generous enough to satisfy big appetites or provide leftovers. Prices stay reasonable considering the quality and quantity.
The kitchen maintains consistency, delivering the same great flavors visit after visit. It’s the kind of reliability that builds lasting customer relationships.
7. Sandra Lee’s Country Kitchen
Country cooking meets city convenience at this beloved spot. Sandra Lee’s Country Kitchen, at 3321 Freedom Dr, Charlotte, serves up meals that taste like they came straight from a farmhouse table.
The restaurant draws a diverse crowd united by their appreciation for honest, well-prepared food.
Fried chicken here gets the attention it deserves, arriving with a perfectly seasoned crust. Each piece is cooked to golden perfection, with meat that stays juicy and tender.
The coating has just enough crunch without feeling heavy or greasy.
Mashed potatoes come whipped smooth and creamy, ready to cradle the rich gravy that accompanies them. The gravy itself is savory and well-balanced, enhancing rather than overwhelming the potatoes.
Collard greens simmer with ham hocks, creating a pot liquor that’s worth every drop.
Mac and cheese arrives baked with a golden top, creamy underneath with real cheese flavor. Cornbread comes out warm and slightly sweet, crumbling perfectly when you break it apart. Yams get candied just enough to bring out their natural sweetness.
Service maintains a friendly, down-home feel that matches the food. Staff members take time to chat and make recommendations based on what’s particularly good that day. Portions are substantial, ensuring no one leaves hungry.
Prices stay reasonable for the quality and quantity provided. The atmosphere feels welcoming and unpretentious, perfect for casual meals with friends or family.
8. Soul Central
The west side of Charlotte holds a gem that flies under the radar. Soul Central at its unassuming location, 8531 N Tryon St, Charlotte, serves up dishes that have earned passionate devotion from those in the know.
The restaurant operates with a focus on flavor and quality that speaks louder than fancy decor.
Oxtails here are legendary, braised until they practically melt off the bone. The meat is rich and tender, swimming in a gravy that’s been reduced to concentrated perfection.
Each piece delivers a deep, satisfying flavor that justifies the patience required to cook them properly.
Collard greens arrive perfectly seasoned, tender without being overcooked. They maintain just enough texture while absorbing the smoky flavors from their cooking liquid.
The pot liquor alone is worth the visit, savory and complex.
Mac and cheese comes creamy and indulgent, made with real cheese that stretches with each forkful. Yams arrive candied to a beautiful amber color, soft and sweet.
Cornbread stays moist and slightly crumbly, never dry or dense.
The staff maintains a welcoming attitude that makes everyone feel at home. Service moves efficiently even during busy periods. Portions are generous, often providing leftovers for the next day.
Prices remain reasonable considering the quality and care evident in every dish. The atmosphere stays casual and comfortable, perfect for a satisfying meal without pretension.
9. Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish
Longevity in the restaurant business speaks volumes about quality. Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish has been serving Charlotte, at 413 Dalton Avenue, for years, building a reputation on consistency and flavor.
The menu focuses on soul food classics executed with skill and care.
Fried chicken arrives as golden as sunshine, with a crispy coating that shatters satisfyingly. The meat underneath stays juicy and well-seasoned, proving the kitchen knows proper frying technique.
Each piece is cooked to order, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.
Catfish comes out with a cornmeal crust that adds texture and crunch. Inside, the fish stays moist and flaky, never overcooked or dry. The seasoning is balanced, enhancing rather than masking the fish’s natural flavor.
Yams arrive candied to perfection, soft and sweet without being cloying. Collard greens simmer until tender, seasoned with care and attention. Mac and cheese comes creamy and cheesy, made with real ingredients that you can taste.
The sides here hold their own against the main attractions, each prepared with the same attention to detail. Cornbread arrives warm and slightly sweet, perfect for rounding out the meal.
Service stays friendly and efficient, keeping things moving smoothly.
Portions are generous enough to satisfy hearty appetites. Prices remain accessible, making it easy to visit regularly.
The atmosphere stays casual and welcoming, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
10. Cuzzo’s Cuisine II
A lively soul food stop on North Tryon that blends classic comfort cooking with bold, inventive flavors. At Cuzzo’s Cuisine II, at 9601 N Tryon St suite f, Charlotte, your meal arrives with a welcome that feels warm and unpretentious, whether you’re grabbing a seat inside or ordering for pickup or delivery.
The menu goes beyond the usual fried chicken and collards, think lobster mac & cheese that’s decadently cheesy and rich, juicy seasoned wings with punchy flavors like lemon pepper or Cajun, and combo plates that let you mix things like collard greens, wings, and mac all in one satisfying spread.
Sides here hold their own alongside the mains, with hearty portions of greens and other favorites rounding out each plate. The atmosphere stays casual and lively, perfect for lunch with friends, a relaxed dinner, or a takeout feast when you’re craving comfort with a twist.
Service tends to be friendly and welcoming, reinforcing that neighborhood feel where familiar faces become regulars.
