Underrated Eateries in The Queen City

By Angie Baquedano on August 31, 2015

I have been living in Charlotte (The Queen City) for about a year, and I love it.

Originally I’m from Wilmington, NC where we have seafood galore and although I find myself often missing the dining options, I’ve come to find that the city provides me an endless variety of food.

This one is for all the food loving Charlotonians (yes, this is a made up word and yes, it’s what we will call anyone who lives in Charlotte).

1. Don Pedro Mexican Restaurant

AUTHENTIC!! Before I was graced with their food in my belly, I didn’t think I would be able to find a quality Mexican restaurant in the university area. Boy oh boy, was I wrong.

Upon arriving the host immediately sat me and my friends down and our waiter came to get our drink order. He was not only attentive and friendly but also extremely efficient.

I ordered shrimp fajitas and guacamole as an appetizer for my chips. I thought they were just going to whip out pre-made guac from a big bowl in the kitchen. Instead a nice young cook came up to my table with a cart full of ingredients and I was able to watch him scoop the avocado out of its shell, put it in a bowl, mash it and add all the delicious ingredients that make for a class A dip.

Before he went away he politely asked me to try it to see if it was to my liking and when I responded with an ecstatic smile he knew his work was done.

Soon my food came out on a very hot skillet, and I’m ashamed to say I could not finish it. The shrimp fajita dish came with your choice of flour or corn tortillas, cast iron grilled veggies, a platter of refried beans with melted cheese on top, Hispanic rice, lettuce, tomatoes, and pico de gallo.

To make the experience even better, the restaurant served us a free dessert that consisted of fried cinnamon honey chips with whipped cream and a strawberry sauce drizzled on top. Although I was ready to burst from my entree, you better believe I ate the whole dessert.

Everyone else was too full, but I’m no quitter. You know what they say: Dessert goes to the heart, not the stomach. (Not sure if anyone actually says that but I do, it’s my life motto, and I’ll probably have diabetes within the next year because of it).

2. Red Bowl

This is an Asian chain throughout the Queen City that makes my heart sing. I start off with a lemonade (I don’t know what type it is, but their lemonade is probably the best I’ve ever had.). Then as an appetizer a veggie fried spring roll perfectly balanced with their delicious duck sauce.

Finally as my entree I order a Singapore rice noodle with steak and extra zucchini. All their menu items are great but this specific one just happens to be my favorite. The portions are big, and the staff is always friendly.

The key to a great Asian cuisine is never EVER starting without having as much white sauce as you can get your hands on. Prepare to drown your whole meal in it, and enjoy.

3. Matts Chicago Dog

Let me just start off by saying that you have not truly lived till you’ve had one of their hot dogs. I don’t care if you jumped off a plane, landed at the top of Mount Everest, had to hike your whole way down fighting off vicious animals and mountain tribes. If you have not eaten at Matts, you are not living your life to the fullest, and that must stop at this instant. (If you don’t like hotdogs and find that you’re living life just fine then good for you, I’m glad you’re happy, and I apologize for my behavior. Can you blame me for being so passionate?)

When I last went to Matts Chicago Dog last week I ordered a normal dog on a poppy seed bun. I topped it off with fresh cut tomatoes seasoned with celery salt and ketchup. It’s been five days in counting since my visit to Matts. I’ve found myself constantly thinking about everything I’d be willing to give up in exchange for a hot dog.

**Advice: Go to the uptown location; the atmosphere is magical.**

4. Pho Real 

Located off of EWT Harris Boulevard about five minutes or less from the UNC Charlotte campus, here you will find your new favorite Asian dish as long as you enjoy soups.

Pho (Pronounced Fuh) is a Vietnamese beef broth that contains your choice of thin or thick rice noodles, an assortment of beef, onions, basil, snow peas, jalapeños, and limes. There is also a chicken and vegetarian option.

**Extra Treats: Boba Teas and fresh spring rolls that’ll make your stomach do five backflips out of happiness.**

Well there you have it, four new places to try in the QC, and might I add that they are also pretty inexpensive. You can go ahead and add me to your list of top 10 heroes. I do what I can.

Until next time, my beautiful little Charlotonians.

Xoxo,
Angie B.

P.S. No I am not attempting to sound like Gossip Girl, I mostly sign with X’s and O’s, except if I’m sending an email to a professor or something along those lines.

Okay, now I’m done! I hope you enjoy. Toodles! (Don’t pick on me about that either, my best friend’s grandpa makes her say that in public to embarrass her and I think it’s cute, okay?)

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