Best Places to Cheat on Your Kitchen With

EDITOR’S NOTE: For the grammarians in the group, we do realize the error in our ways here. However, ‘Best Places With Which to Cheat on Your Kitchen’ seemed a bit much. Apologies. 

You know that friend who hosts parties, luncheons and impromptu get-togethers at the drop of a hat? Who always drops off a “covered dish” to any friend or neighbor in need? All while working and volunteering, working out daily, and taking care of family in a seemingly happy and stress free fashion?

Yeah, she cheats.

Trust us. She’s got a list of local dishes and items that she buys from restaurants and stores around town, items she’s carefully vetted to make sure they taste and look homemade, or better than homemade. She doesn’t have time to cook all day; she cheats on her kitchen. All. The. Time.

We’ve polled some trusted readers, did some fun research and rounded up the best Charlotte carryout items so you too can (and should) cheat on your kitchen. We promise we won’t tell.

Pasta & Provisions

Where to find them: 1528 Providence Rd. AND upcoming location at 4700 Park Rd.
Noteworthy picks: Pasta & Provisions is a one-stop shop for everything you need for a busy holiday season. Take in your own dish and have the magicians behind the counter fill it with their house favorites just in time for Sunday dinner or to feed out of town house guests. Their lasagnas are legendary for dinner drop-offs. You can also find wonderful chili lime shrimp, antipasto and other Italian favorites just begging to grace your kitchen and complete a party spread or meal.
Best way to order: Give them a call at (704) 364-2622 to place your order at their Providence Rd. location.

Something Classic

Where to find them: 1419 East Blvd, Twin Oaks Shopping Center
Noteworthy picks: Whether you’re in need of a party ready remade dip or a cook-free meal, Something Classic Cafe has something for you. One reader highly recommends the Blue Cheese Crisps when you are on point to bring the appetizer. At the East Boulevard location, you can pick up two entrees, salad a baguette and two dessrts for $30. Add in a bottle of wine and you’ve got date night.
Best way to order: View their monthly menu and then call their East Boulevard location at (704) 347-3666.

Earl’s Grocery

Where to find them: 1609 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
Noteworthy picks: Earl’s always has freshly prepared dips, salads and more on display and ready for pick up. Word is the brussel sprout slaw and smoked salmon spread are perfect pick-ups for lunch with the girls.
Best way to order: Check out their seasonal prepared foods menu then give them a call at (704) 333-2757.

Sunflour Baking Company

Where to find them: 2001 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204
Noteworthy picks: Bring biscuits like your grandmother used to make with a Cheddar cheese twist. Sunflour Cheddar biscuits are made fresh throughout the day and make for a great Ham & Biscuit plate.
Best way to order: Browse their mouth-watering menu here, make a selection and call (704) 900-5268.

Clean Catch Fish Market

Where to find them: 2820 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, NC 28209
Noteworthy picks: Pick and choose using their easy four step process to creating your own meal. You can also pick up their fresh catch of the day and rely on their recipes page for ideas for dinner.
Best way to order: You can text in your order using their simple system outlined in the post above. Text what you want to (704) 272-4551 and pick it up when you’re ready.

Lebowski’s Neighborhood Grill

Where to find them: 1524 East Blvd.
Noteworthy picks: Pick up a bunch of wings (voted best in Charlotte!)for any game or casual party.  Get 25 for $22 or 50 for $40. You can also pick up one of the slider packs, 6 for $20 or make it a combo with 12 sliders and 50 wings for $75.
Best way to order: Call (704) 370-1177.

Mama Ricotta’s

Where to find them: 601 S Kings Dr. Charlotte, NC 28204
Noteworthy picks: Pick up a one or more “family style” entrees or chopped salads to go when life gets crazy.
Best way to order: Place your order at (704) 343-0148.

Cantina 1511

Where to find them: 7708 Rea Rd Charlotte, NC 28277 and 4271-B Park Road Charlotte, NC 28209
Noteworthy picks: Appetizer needed? Cantina’s got you covered. Please every member of the crowd with an order of their guacamole to go. It’s made to order, it’s divine and they provide the chips.
Best way to order: To make it super easy, order online using their simple system here.

Mezzanotte

Where to find them: 2907 Providence Rd #100
Noteworthy picks: Our readers have multiple favorites off of the family size takeout menu at Mezzanotte! Pick up a full meal that includes a large salad and tuscan beans along with an entree. If you’d like, divide it up and serve the beans in olive oil with sliced baguette as an app, then enjoy the mean course. We’ve heard that the chicken parmigiana is a must-try. Their ready to go meals are also perfect for friends with new babies or could use an extra helping hand in the kitchen.
Best way to order: Check out their family style menu online and call ahead to place your order: (704) 365-4650.

Providence Road Sundries 

Where to find them: 1522 Providence Rd.
Noteworthy picks: Got a potluck coming up? Or need a meal to satisfy a hungry crowd while watching the big game? Our readers have raved about the chili from Providence Road Sundries (white and traditional) being the perfect fix.
Best way to order: Give them a call at (704) 366-4467.

California Pizza Kitchen

Where to find them: 4400 Sharon Rd.
Noteworthy picks: For the easiest girls lunch or dinner ever, try their tangy BBQ Chicken Salad in your bowl.
Best way to order: Online is the way to go. Use their easy order form. 

Mert’s

Where to find them: 214 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Noteworthy picks: Looking for sides? Merts has classic favorites like macaroni and cheese, black eyed peas, cornbread and collard greens that are perfect for potlucks and neighborhood suppers.
Best way to order: Order online with their easy menu selection form.

Mac’s Speed Shop

Where to find them: 2511 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
Noteworthy picks: Mac’s BBQ and “side cars” are perfect for taking out. Comfort food lovers will enjoy creamy Mac ‘n Cheese, hearty Brunswick Stew and classic sides like Collard Greens and Green Bean Casserole.
Best way to order: View their menu online then call (704) 522-6227 to pick up from their South End location.