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Charlie & Debbie

Do You Know Where North Carolina’s Best Drive-In Restaurant Is?

Author Debbie Nance

We spend lots of time on the road during the summer travel season.  Personally, our family makes numerous trips between Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina.  In the process of doing so, we find plenty of quaint little hole in the wall places to grab a bite.  Every state has them.  But, do you know where North Carolina’s best drive-in restaurant is?

According to Mashed.com, the best drive-in in North Carolina is South 21 Drive-In on Independence Blvd. in Charlotte.  The locally favorite spot has been serving Charlotte since 1955.  They advertise the “Super Boy” which is billed as “a meal in itself.”  It’s a double hamburger with mustard, onions, lettuce and tomatoes.  It comes with fries and goes currently for $7.25.

Mashed recently compiled a list of the best drive-in restaurants in each state.  They say the first drive-in spots in the United States started as a way to be more efficient.  And, restaurants of this beloved, local fast casual style managed to stay afloat and even thrive during COVID.  And, that is due in part to the business model.  Plus, we just have a soft spot in our hearts for them.  And, the food tends to be delicious.  Why do you think Food Network’s most popular star, Guy Fieri, keeps going to all these places?

And, yes, Guy brought his famous “Triple D” show to South 21 in Charlotte.  I remember that location being popular among my son and his friends after their Saturday morning basketball games.  It was a solid choice for lunch.  The service was great.  The atmosphere was casual and home-like.  Plus, they didn’t mind a bunch of sweaty little boys in basketball jerseys taking over the dining room!  Ahhh, the memories.

Also, if you’re interested in finding out where the best drive-in restaurants in each state are according to Mashed, check their full list.

Every North Carolina Restaurant on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

This article was updated in April 2024 to show only restaurants that were still open at the time of the update. Any restaurants that unfortunately closed down at the time the original list was shared, we have since removed to make this an easier reading experience.

Being born and raised in North Carolina, sometimes you forget just how good the food is. Or maybe you’re like me and you fall into the routine of frequenting your favorite restaurants time and time again versus going out and trying something new. In Raleigh, I never heard much of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives but after reviewing this list, I now know why! Most of the North Carolina restaurants featured on this show are located here in Charlotte or by the beach! Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives is hosted by Guy Fieri on the Food Network and food lovers would probably argue that it is one of Food Network’s better shows. It seems like Guy Fieri really enjoys Charlotte because a lot of the following restaurants are right here in Charlotte, North Carolina!

After going to FlavortownUSA.com, I found a list of every single restaurant in North Carolina featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. There are a few that were featured at one point but are no longer open.

These are the ones that are no longer open:

  • Brine & Bottle (Nags Head, NC)
  • Penguin Drive-In (Charlotte, NC)

All I know is that after this list, I’m starving! Check out the list of every restaurant that was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and are clearly, Guy Fieri approved! Which spot are you heading to first? I will meet (or beat) you there!

  • 300 East (Charlotte, NC)

    300 East, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a historic favorite that has been serving up great meals since 1986. The restaurant is located in an old, historic house in Dilworth serving up some of your favorite options for both dinner and dessert. The menu includes top sellers such as sweet potato ravioli, salmon burgers, and crab cakes. The desserts aren’t so bad either with options like Duke’s Mayo caramel cake and homemade ice cream and sherbert.

  • Bang Bang Burger (Charlotte, NC)

    Bang Bang Burgers in Charlotte, North Carolina is another local favorite that has been open for years. This burger spot is serving up some of the juiciest, tastiest, and wildest burgers you have ever seen. Anything you can think of putting on a burger, they probably have done. Order anything from a mushroom and Swiss burger to the popular hangover burger that has cheese, potato bacon hash, and an egg on it. They also have other menu options like sandwiches, cheese burger egg rolls, and even homemade BBQ chips and ranch. No wonder Guy had a great time at this spot!

  • Black Pelican Seafood Company (Kitty Hawk, NC)

    Black Pelican is your opportunity to enjoy great oceanfront dining in the Kitty Hawk area of the Outer Banks. Maybe you’re a resident or maybe you’re visiting, this seafood spot is one of the local’s favorites. Enjoy some of your favorite seafood dishes such as bacon-wrapped scallops and housemade crab cakes. Or check out their wood-fired grilled pizza options like BBQ chicken pizza and greek pizza. Name another seafood spot where you can also eat award-winning pizza. I’ll wait…

  • Cabo Fish Taco (Charlotte, NC)

    Cabo Fish Taco has multiple locations and each location is pretty popular. You can get your favorite go-to Latin dishes like queso dip, shrimp and crab dip, and a wide range of taco options. Some of their specialty tacos include soy ginger shrimp tacos, calamari Fritos tacos, and even their BBQ Mahi tacos. The options are clearly endless when it comes to finding a tasty, unique taco to give a try.

  • Cast Iron Kitchen (Wilmington, NC)

    Head over to Wilmington, North Carolina to try out this local favorite. Cast Iron Kitchen is a southern deli and restaurant serving up local favorites for years. The menu is filled with old family recipes that the owner grew up enjoying and made from fresh, local ingredients in the area. The idea of the restaurant is to bring the farm to the table with true Southern hospitality in the air. The menu is composed of some Southern classics like shrimp and grits, corned beef hash, baby back ribs, and baked pimento cheese. So many options!

  • Ceviche's (Wilmington, NC)

    Taking a trip back to Wilmington, North Carolina is Ceviche’s and the restaurant is inspired by the owner’s time in Panama. The restaurant is bringing the tropical Carribean feels to North Carolina. The menu offers a range of options such as multiple salsa options, coconut shrimp, Caribbean fried oysters, empanadas, blackened tuna, and multiple ceviches on the menu.

  • Coastal Cravings (Duck, NC)

    Coastal Cravings is a steak and seafood spot in the Outer Banks area. The restaurant has been open for a few years and serves some of the best seafood and steak options in the area. You can order up their famous hushpuppies, fried green tomatoes, surf & turf, crab alfredo, and more!

  • Dish (Charlotte, NC)

    Dish, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is an old town favorite. The menu has options from both their main menu and a late-night menu. Enjoy deviled eggs, smoked candied bacon, meatloaf, shrimp and grits, tuna salad, a grit bowl, and an endless option of cocktails. In case you have a long night, you can drop in for their late-night menu and enjoy pimento cheese, fries, fried chicken biscuits, meatloaf, and more.

  • Heist Brewery (Charlotte, NC)

    Heist Brewery is a go-to brewery in the Charlotte area. As many know, there are tons and tons of breweries to enjoy here so for Guy to check this one out says something. The restaurant opened its doors in 2012 and is serving up way more than just beer. You can enjoy a Neapolitan pizza, small plates, sandwiches, and salads. The menu has great options such as spinach dip, wood-fired wings, a gyro sandwich, or a cannoli dessert. You can not only enjoy a great drink, but you can enjoy a great meal and atmosphere along with it.

  • Intermezzo Pizzeria (Charlotte, NC)

    Intermezzo Pizzeria is home to some of the best pizza slices in the Charlotte area. Enjoy fresh pizza with handmade dough, housemade mozzarella, and traditional recipes. The pizzeria serves up a lot more than just pizza, there are appetizers, cocktails, pasta, and salads. Enjoy a pesto chicken pizza, Mexican pizza, and even a spinach supreme pizza. There are tons of options and you can probably visit a few times before you get tired of something.

  • JJs Red Hots (Ballantyne, NC)

    JJs Red Hots has a few locations in the Charlotte area, but Guy took a trip down to Ballantyne. They say they aren’t just any restaurant, they are a hot dog joint serving up some of the best dogs you can think of. If you are a hot dog fan, then this might be the perfect place for you. Build your own hot dog of your dreams or order classics from the menu. Get a Chicago-style hot dog, chili cheese coney, loaded chili cheese fries and tots, and even smoked or fried wings.

  • Landmark Restaurant Diner (Charlotte, NC)

    Landmark Diner has been serving up great food in Charlotte for over 30 years. The restaurant is giving Charlotte some NY-inspired entries. Enjoy any and every flavor from American and Italian to Greek and even dessert specialties. Grab a Greek platter, burger, roast, seafood, and more!

    Posted by Landmark Diner on Wednesday, April 1, 2020

  • Mert's Heart & Soul (Charlotte, NC)

    If you’re looking for some good soul food, then we have the spot for you. Guy took a trip to Mert’s Heart & Soul and got to see what over two decades love and Soul have been doing in Charlotte. This spot is famous for its southern fried chicken, shrimp and grits, collard greens, and soul roll. The comfort that comes along with soul food can all be found in the walls of this Charlotte favorite.

  • Outer Banks Brewing Station (Kill Devil Hills, NC)

    Thinking about going on vacation in the Outer Banks soon? Check out this brewery while you’re in town. Outer Banks Brewing Station in the Kill Devil Hills area is your spot to enjoy a great drink and good food. Enjoy lunch, dinner, and special events all in one spot. Enjoy great bites like buffalo-style wings, fried jalapeno cheese curds, a Cuban sandwich, fish and chips, fried shrimp, tacos, and more!!

  • Papi Queso Food Truck (Charlotte, NC)

    Papi Queso is a food truck and has a location in Optimist Hall if you are looking at where to give it a taste. This spot is taking grilled cheeses to an entirely new level. They use pain de mei bread which is just one extra special element to the way they do things. Don’t get your ordinary grilled cheese, you can try out a spaghetti melt, pig mac, buffalo chicken, and texas cheesesteak grilled cheese as just a few of your options. I know, grilled cheese at a whole new level.

  • Pinkys Westside Grill (Charlotte, NC)

    We all know and love Pinky’s Westside Grill. So much so that they opened a bigger location in Huntersville, NC that you can also give it a try. If you have ever been to Pinky’s then you know the line is always long and busy and they have so many options to eat, drink, and enjoy for the entire family. From the buffalo chicken wrap and the corn dog shrimp to the skrimpz, fish tacos, and white trash burger. You can probably order something different from Pinky’s every week and still have plenty to go on the menu.

  • Pit Road Bar & Grill (Charlotte, NC)

    If you have ever looked up this spot, then you may have been just as confused as me at first. Pit Road Bar & Grill is located inside Victory Lane Karting. So, not only can you enjoy great food but you can ride go-karts too! Best of both worlds it sounds like. The bar opened in 2013 and has been serving up great food ever since. Enjoy the handhelds that Guy got to try like the Concord and the Hot Lap. Both are out this world sandwiches with some wild toppings. You can also give other items a try like chicken and bacon egg rolls, onion rings, tempura cauliflower, adult grilled cheese, and more. Who wants to go on a race?

  • South 21 Drive-In (Charlotte, NC)

    South 21 Drive-In is one of those places that when you move to Charlotte a lot of people will probably talk to you about. This drive-in has been open since 1955 and has been serving up great food ever since. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays but seem to be just fine bringing in a crowd every other day of the week. One of the most famous menu items is their homemade onion rings which are to DIE for! Of course, you can also grab yourself a burger, sandwich, chicken plate, hot dog, and more.

  • Sweet n Savory Cafe (Wilmington, NC)

    We’re back in Wilmington, so check out Sweet n Savory Cafe while you’re in town. Grab a bite for breakfast, lunch, or dinner or maybe you want to give it all a taste in one weekend. They are open daily from 8 am to 9 pm, so you have plenty of time to enjoy it all. Grab some wings, fish or shrimp tacos, soups, turkey, ultimate grilled cheese, and more while you’re there.

  • The Copper Penny (Wilmington, NC)

    The Copper Penny in Wilmington is one of those places that are hidden but also very well known at the same time. Located in the Downtown area, the restaurant offers a great mix of appetizers, salads, and sandwiches. It’s some of the best affordable food and drinks you can find in the area. Guy got a chance to try two of their favorites, the hot roast pork sandwich and the 109 chestnut chicken.

  • The Improper Pig (Charlotte, NC)

    The Improper Pig may have a unique name but they are serving up some great flavors. Opening in 2014, the owners came together to give Charlotte endless bounds of BBQ and flavor. Enjoy some house favorites like the sliced brisket sandwich, pork rolls, chow bao sliders, southern hush puppies, and more. Sounds pretty good to me!

  • The Tin Kitchen Food Truck (Charlotte, NC)

    Clearly, Charlotte has some great spots that have been featured on the show. Next up is The Tin Kitchen Food Truck. This award-winning food truck is serving up flavors far greater than the size of the truck. Opening in 2010, they are one of the original food trucks in the area. Grab yourself tacos, sliders, quesadillas, or vegan nachos and I’m sure you won’t regret it.

  • Tortugas Lie (Nags Head, NC)

    Of course, he had another trip to the Outer Banks when he stopped at Tortugas Lie in Nags Head. This Caribbean spot makes dining in a beach town even more of a reminder that you’re on a relaxing vacation. Enjoy mouth-watering appetizers, dinner, and desserts and you won’t want to leave. Their dinner menu is composed of favorites such as the fish sandwich, black bean burger, hummus wrap, white garlic pizza, island fries, and more.

  • Weeping Radish Farm (Grandy, NC)

    Here’s to North Carolina’s FIRST microbrewery. Wedding Radish Farm has been open since 1986 as one of the first to serve up great brew options to locals. Its ingredients are straight from their backyard giving guests a taste of local favorites. Grab a great drink or snack on some favorites like fried pickles, potato pancakes, salads, baked salmon, burgers, and more!

Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.

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