Sarah Crosland - Food lovers’ guide to Charlotte : the best restaurants, markets & local culinary offerings

Bad Daddys Burger Bar, 1626 East Blvd., Dilworth, Charlotte, NC 28203; (704) 714-4888; baddaddysburgerbar.com ; Hamburgers; $. Ask any Charlottean to name their favorite restaurants and its likely that Bad Daddys will make the list. This casual and convivial burger destination has a line out the door many nights as fans wait to enjoy one of its famed burgers, salads, or shakes. And in good weather, you can almost certainly expect to wait for a patio seat. But one taste of one of these juicy burgers, a side of sweet potato fries, or the beloved tater tots and youll get it. The best way to arrive at Bad Daddys is hungry and thirsty. Start with one of their more than 20 beers on tap (if you happen to already know which burger youre ordering, theyll tell you the best for pairing). Then dig into the fried pickles appetizer featuring hot, salty strands of fried pickles served alongside a creamy and cool ranch for dipping. When it comes to both burgers and salads, you can create your own from a variety of meat, bread, and topping options. But, many of the most creativeand bestburger options have already been created as Bad Daddys specialties. Take, for example, the Ahi Tuna Burger featuring a tuna burger marinating in ginger, lime and soy, then topped with creamy wasabi mayo and a crispy peanut soy Asian slaw. Or, for a Parisian-inspired burger, try the Frenchie, a turkey burger topped with melted brie cheese, sweet applewood smoked bacon, tender grilled apples and a savory garlic mayo. Pair these burgers with one of the sides like sweet potato fries, onion straws, house-made potato chips, or tater tots. Still hungry? Wash it all down with one of the soft-serve ice cream milk shakes in creative flavors like PB & J or Snickers.

Big Ben British Pub, 2000 South Blvd., South End, Charlotte, NC 28203; (704) 817-9697; bigbenpub.com ; Pub; $$. Brush up on the lyrics to God Save the Queen, your knowledge of soccer, and your appreciation of traditional British fare at this cozy Atherton Mill pub just off the light rail. If you go on a dreary day and order the cottage pie alongside a pint of Boddingtons or Newcastle Brown, you can almost imagine youre in a London corner pub. One of the only spots in town serving a traditional English breakfast, in this casual restaurant youll find the British favorite: two eggs, an English banger, baked beans, potatoes, grilled tomato, grilled mushrooms, and toast. Enjoy it with a pot of English tea and youre as close to Britain is it gets this side of the pond. The lunch and dinner menus stick to traditional as well with English favorites like bangers n mash, shepherds pie, Southend Haddock and Chips, and even roast lamb and beef, perfect for a cool Sunday afternoon. For the full experience, end the meal with a dessert like sticky toffee pudding or spotted dick. And, like at any good pub, the evenings here are often lively with patrons taking advantage of drink specials like $4 pintsand televisions for cheering on your favorite team (soccer, of course).

Bonterra Dining and Wine Room, 1829 Cleveland Ave., Dilworth, Charlotte, NC 28203; (704) 333-9463; bonterradining.com ; American/ French/Steakhouse; $$$. When the signature menu item is fried lobster tail and the menu has hundreds of wines by the glass, you know youre in a restaurant thats a step above the rest. At Bonterra the trend continues with its elegant settingthe restaurant is housed in a historic Dilworth churchand its impressive cheese and charcuterie selection. Plus, there are more than 200 wines offered by the glass as well as an additional 300 available in bottles from the cellar. The menus entire first section is actually dedicated to Food for Wine. Enjoy locally cured charcuteries, olives, and an impressive selection of cheese ranging from international (pecorino toscano from Italy) to a semi-firm cows milk from Georgia. If youre looking for an elegant spot for drinks and bites, the bar is perfect for enjoying a glass of wine alongside these pairings. If its dinner youre seeking, though, settle in with starters like pork belly brochette or the duck confit spring roll before moving on to specialties like the slow-braised lamb shank or osso bucco short rib. And, of course, if youre a fan of lobster, you cant miss the fried lobster tail. Lightly fried tender meat is served alongside a sweet and sour mustard aioli and a wildflower and honey soy reduction. Prefer not to pay $45 for an entree? The dish comes in a smaller version under Starters for just a $21 taste.

Brixx Wood-Fired Pizza, 1801 Scott Ave., Dilworth, Charlotte, NC 28203; (704) 376-1000; brixxpizza.com ; Italian; $$. If you happen to pass this popular pizza joint on a warm evening, the first thing youll notice is the packed patio just off East Boulevard. The next thing youll notice is the unmistakable fragrance of fresh, brick-oven pizza. Dilworth was the first location for this chain that has grown across the Southeast and its easy to see what made it successful when youre indulging in these thick slices. In addition to all your usual favorites (think Margherita, Hawaiian, and quatro formaggio) the Brixx also offers plenty of unique signature pizzas worth trying. Dig into options such as the Pear and Gorgonzola topped with caramelized onions and toasted walnuts or the Pimento Cheese Pizza made with jalapeo pimento cheese, roasted red peppers, crumbled bacon, and spinach leaves. Plus, the restaurant makes it easy for everyone to enjoy a slice with vegan and even gluten-free options. And while pizza is the star here, there are plenty of other choices like sandwiches made using freshly baked focaccia bread or salads featuring locally grown vegetables. Whatever you choose, enjoy it alongside one of their local craft brews or a playful cocktail like the Pizza-tinichilled Grey Goose and dry vermouth with two olives stuffed with spicy pepperoni.

Brookberry Farm, 1257 East Blvd., Dilworth, Charlotte, NC 28203; (704) 334-6528; berrybrookfarm.com ; Vegetarian; $. With its red roof and log cabin-esque fascade in the middle of the bustling Dilworth neighborhood, this natural-food haven will likely catch your eye. Founded in 1972 the pantry offers groceries and produce alongside natural health and beauty aids. But its best-kept secret is its juice bar where in addition to fresh smoothies, youll find a variety of sandwiches and soups offered daily. Choices like bean burritos, herb tofu sandwiches, tofu hot dogs, and veggie pimento sandwiches are among the favorites here. On cool days stop in for one of the hot and healthy soups like a white bean black olive, Thai curry sweet potato, or wild mushroom. The smoothies are the real stars. You can have them made with soy milk and they come loaded with fresh fruits and veggies as well as hard-to-find organic flavors like ginger. While there is no seating inside, the front porch offers a cozy porch swing and youre within walking distance of several of the neighborhoods nicest parks, perfect for enjoying your healthy meal in the sun.