Ever feel like you’re stuck in a lunch rut, defaulting to the same places to meet girlfriends or co-workers over and over? We think that lunch should be an occasion worth looking forward to, which is why we’re on the hunt for the best lunch spots in Charlotte.
This time, we’re on the south side of town. If you’re in South Charlotte, add these picks to your regular lunch rotation and never feel stuck again.
Did we miss your favorite? Share it with us in the comments.
Live or work or just looking for lunch in a different neighborhood? Click here for all our Lunch by the Hood posts.
NOTEWORTHY FAVORITES
Taco Molino
The scoop: In Fort Mill, the newly opened Taco Molino is a lunch destination. Choose from one of their four lunch combinations each served with rice and black or charro beans for just $12. View the full lunch menu here.
Lunch hours: Open daily at 11:30, 10:30 on Sunday.
Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse
The scoop: A classic for lunch, you can find two Duckworth’s in South Charlotte, the new Rea Farms location at 9805-D Sandy Rock Pl. and in Ballantyne at 14015 Conlan Circle. In addition to their menu of salads and handhelds, both locations offer menu items on special every day of the week.
Lunch hours: Both South Charlotte locations open every day at 11 a.m.
Zinicola
The scoop: A more recent addition to Ballantyne Village, Zinicola serves up sandwiches (served with house salad or roasted rosemary potatoes), plus pizzas, salads and more, for lunch. View the full menu here. Make reservations online via OpenTable.
Lunch hours: Open 11 – 2:30 p.m. on weekdays
Co
The scoop: If you haven’t been to Co in the Waverly shopping center yet, make lunch plans now to enjoy your choice of pho, ramen dishes, dumplings, sushi, banh mi and more.
Lunch hours: Open Daily at 11 a.m.
LUNCH HOUR
Ilios Noche
The scoop: Ilios Noche serves up its popular express lunch menu at both the Rea Village and Quail Corners locations. Create your own lunch in under 30 minutes, with your choice of one main and two market sides. View the full lunch menu here. Reservations recommended, make them online here.
Lunch hours: Opens daily at 11 a.m.
Blacow Burger
The scoop: This South Charlotte spot boasts more than a few accolades as a top burger in the area. Choose from a menu of short rib steak burgers, including the classic Blacow burger (Japanese Black cow beef, lettuce, teriyaki glaze, nori furikake, mayo and tempura avocado) for $13.
Lunch hours: Open daily at 11 a.m.
The Blue Taj
The scoop: In Ballantyne Village, opt for The Blue Taj’s express lunch with your choice of sauce, protein or vegetables served with naan, rice and side salad or soup. Time to spare? Enjoy of of their lunch specials.
Lunch hours: Open daily at 11:30 a.m.
Umami Pokerito
The scoop: If you’re a fan of sushi, you’ll love Umami Pokerito’s selections chef’s signature or build-your-own poké bowls and pokéritos.
Lunch hours: Open Monday – Saturday at 11 a.m.
Kabab-Je Rotisserie & Grille
The scoop: Whether you visit the location in StoneCrest at Piper Glen or Sycamore Commons in Matthews, Kabab-Je Rotisserie & Grille is where you can find traditional Mediterranean and Lebanese fare. First time? Try the tabbouleh, a traditional Lebanese salad of chopped parsley, diced tomato, onion, mint and crushed wheat.
Lunch hours: Open at 11 a.m. Tuesday – Sunday.
GO-TO CLASSICS
131 Main Restaurant
The scoop: No matter the location, 131 Main is a lunch staple. In Blakeney, choose from sandwiches, entrees and salads (including the not-to-be-missed ahi tuna). View the full menu here.
Lunch hours: Open daily at 11 a.m.
Char Bar No.7
The scoop: Char Bar No. 7 knows a lunch out is something worth celebrating. Enjoy lunch specials served Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., including the Thai Chili Shrimp Wrap with mixed greens, roasted red peppers, shredded veggies tossed in soy ginger with a sriracha aioli drizzle and your choice of side for $9. View the full lunch menu here.
Lunch hours: Opens daily at 11:30 a.m.
Miro Spanish Grille
The scoop: Craving Spanish flavors? Indulge in lunch-sized portions of classics, including their Paella Valenciana, at South Charlotte’s Toringdon Market shopping center. View the full menu here.
Lunch hours: Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Cabo Fish Taco
The scoop: South Charlotteans can enjoy Cabo Fish Taco’s signature and specialty tacos, a variety of hearty salads served with or without a crispy tortilla shell, plus daily chef’s specials.
Lunch hours: Opens daily at 11 a.m.
Inizio Pizza Napoletana
The scoop: Enjoy classic and specialty pizzas at Inizio’s Providence Commons location. View the full menu here.
Lunch hours: Open daily at 11 a.m.
Stewart Penick’s Terrace Cafe – Ballantyne
The scoop: In Ballantyne Village, Terrace Cafe serves up a selection of lunch dishes, including salads like the Savory Mediterranean. Make a reservation online via OpenTable.
Lunch hours: Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
