Charlotte Travel Guide

"Quite simply the best" in Charlotte is the ruling on this "intriguing" SouthPark New American, with voters yet again declaring it No. 1 for both Food and Popularity due to "genius" chef-owner Bruce Moffett's "perfectly prepared" "locally sourced" seasonal fare with "beautifully layered flavors"; though the "cozy" digs are "not good for sensitive conversation", they do ensure you'll "get great attention from your server"; P.S. "call way in advance for reservations."

"Chase your blues away" at this "lush" Mediterranean "hot spot" Uptown, where a "vibrant bar" sits off a main room with a "fabulous '30s-style nightclub ambiance" – indeed, you half expect "Fred and Ginger to dance" when the "great live music" begins (Wednesday–Saturday nights); the service is as "well-orchestrated" as the "adventurous cuisine" is "delicious and beautiful" – just "prepare to open your wallet wide" to experience them.

"Wine-worshiping congregations" flock to this "almost mystical" church-turned–New American "sanctuary" "tucked away on a quiet street" in Dilworth for more than 200 "terrific" selections by the glass (available in "interesting themed flights") and an "impressive" 300 by the bottle; also eliciting cries of "hallelujah" is a "knowledgeable" staff that helps pair the vins with the "creative", "pricey" fare, which includes lots of "blessedly good" small plates and "divine desserts."

A "charming old house" in Elizabeth is the setting of this "staple" revered for "terrific", "flavorful" Cajun classics; a "boisterous" "crowd that likes to party" can be found upstairs where a live Dixieland band "jazzes things up every night" – but it's "extremely loud", so folks who'd rather "talk over dinner" "recommend sitting downstairs", inside or on the "screened-in porch."

This "unique" Elizabeth "jewel" is all about "beauty", from the "gorgeous" art nouveau decor to the "artful", "imaginative" and "consistently amazing" New American fare, including "tasty vegetarian options" ("hard-to-find in Charlotte"); "professional, personable servers" and a "well-thought-out" wine list are two more reasons why the "popularity" of this "institution" is "well-deserved."

"Enticing", "artistic" fish offered at "moderately expensive price points" floats the boats of seafoodies at this Uptown grill, as does its "interesting" "underwater theme" realized with hanging sculptures, tile and glass work; handy accessibility (there's an attached parking deck and the "light rail stops right at the door") makes for easy pre- and post-show dining – though the "rowdy" "noise level" is hard on the eardrums.

A "romantic date place" "in the heart" of Uptown, this "intimate" Northern Italian from restaurateur Augusto Conte envelops love birds in "an oasis of calm" even as the "elegant decor" reminds them of "a grand old-hotel lobby in Italy"; "food you can tell is made especially for you" and an "excellent" Tuscan-centric wine list are not only "worth the bucks", but even more "delectable" on the patio.

"Dive", "joint", "hole-in-the-wall" – whichever term you use, this "landmark" (the original is on Monroe Road, its offshoot in Huntersville) pleases all types, from "blue-haired teens" to "blue-haired grannies", who gobble up "the best burgers" and down-home American eats in town, then wash it down with "cheap beer" and "leave satisfied and smelling like grease"; it's a "one-of-a-kind" place that's "exactly what it pretends to be: loud, friendly and good", so no wonder there are "people waiting for a table all the time."

"The warm bread alone makes it worth the trip" to this "unpretentious" Midtown "standby", but "nice-sized" "family-style servings" of "out-of-this-world" pastas, pizzas and other Italian entrees "with personality" keep fans "coming back"; "reasonable prices" are another reason it's "always crowded" (which in turn makes it "loud"), but "the staff is quick."

"So low-key" yet "so well done", this chophouse pair off Highway 51 and in Huntersville wins kudos for "mammoth" portions of consistently "excellent" prime steaks and chops at "reasonable prices"; the "always hopping" settings are reminiscent of "a '50s New York supper club" (with "Frank playing on the sound system"), so don't be taken aback by the "long waits" or a "noise level [that's] off the charts."

Ball blasters must "watch out for the ever-present Highland Creek" at this "well-manicured" course with "fast, smooth greens" in Charlotte; "some fun holes" mix it up with "several challenging" and "ok" ones, producing a "decent track" that's best navigated on a "Carolina Trails Card" for "special rates and e-mailed discounts."