It’s been about a year since I moved to Charlotte and I’m still finding restaurants that I like and dislike. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I spend alotttt of money on food and drinks around the city. So it’s nice to have good cheap options to choose from on slower days/weeks. I’m going to be honest these next cheap eats are kind of my guilty pleasure and I get so giddy when I eat them because they are just SO good. If you want to indulge on a budget, keep on reading!

1. South 21 Jr. Diner

This place is the first one I discovered in Charlotte only because it’s closest to where I live. You can not go wrong with this spot. Typical diner setting with fire American classics home cooking. I recommend any burger or fish plate. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with their traditional milkshakes.

Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00AM-8:00PM

Hours: Friday 11:00AM-9:00PM

Hours: Saturday 11:00AM-3:00AM 

Closed: Sunday

Address: 6920 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28213

2. Ely Tortilleria

One of the best tacos I’ve had in Charlotte. No one at this place speaks English but the food here is worth having to suck up the 3 phrases you still remember from high school Spanish. The tacos are fresh and flavorful. I recommend adding a side of rice and beans as your side. Ely’s participates in Taco Tuesday and specific tacos are only 99 cents on Tuesdays, yup you read that right.

Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:00AM – 9:00PM

Address: 6301 N Tryon St Suite 112, Charlotte, NC 28213

3. Chicken Box

If you asked me what the best thing on this planet is, I’d 100% say fried chicken, and Chicken Box is king on their fried chicken. Not only is their chicken bomb but their sweet tea is comparable to Mcdonald’s sweet tea (people from the south know what I’m talking about). Their plates are cheap and are not skimpy at all. After a meal at Chicken Box you’ll walk out of there full af. Not to mention, Chicken Box is also on postmates which may or may not be good for my lazy days on the couch.

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00AM – 9:00PM

Address: 1331 W Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28262

4. Brooks Sandwich House

So this place has very inconvenient hours for anyone who works a 9-5. I FINALLY was able to check them out one Friday when I was off, and the wait was completely worth it.  Brooks’ serves good ol’ fashion burgers, sandwiches, and hotdogs. Get an “all the way burger” or a bacon and cheese burger. The only downside to this is that now I crave Brooks’ and I know I won’t be able to have it again until I’m off on a weekday. This establishment is cash only but there is an ATM inside.

Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00AM – 3:00PM (door says 2PM but it’s 3PM)

Closed Saturday & Sunday

Address: 2710 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28205

5. Benny Pennello’s

I don’t usually crave Pizza but Benny’s serves up a mean (& huge) slice. Slices are super cheap ($4-5) but be prepared to rack in some money if you want to order a whole pie as they can cost about $40, but you will be eating from these for days to come as the pies are huge. I’m usually full after  only one slice.

Hours: Sunday – Monday 11:00AM – 12:00AM

Hours: Thursday 11:00AM – 2:00AM

Hours: Friday – Saturday 11:00AM – 3:00AM 

Address: 2909 N Davidson St #100, Charlotte, NC 28205

6. Le’s Sandwiches

It’s not hard to come across authentic Asian food in Charlotte, but it is hard to come across GOOD authentic Asian food. Le’s Sandwiches fits that bill. Cheap (#1 is only $4.33 after tax) but great, Le’s Bánh mì will leave you wanting more. In simple terms, a Bánh mì is a Vietnamese baguette sandwich split lengthwise filled with various meats and fillings. Other findings at Le’s consist of grilled chicken subs, meatball subs, and even vegetable subs. This sandwich spot has a little bit for everyone. Tip: You won’t see Le’s when you pull up, you’ll have to park where the market is at and then walk in and Le’s will be on your right.

Hours: Sunday – Tuesday 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Closed: Wednesday 

Hours: Thursday – Saturday 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Address: 4520 N Tryon St # 41, Charlotte, NC 28213

7. Tacos El Nevado

Another taco spot. Tacos El Nevado has everything you would want in a taco. The fillings are authentic and savory. El Nevado is super small on the inside with limited seating, a hole in the wall that’s super welcoming to everybody. This spot is sure to cure your Mexican fix and leave you wanting to visit again. This is another place where you will have to practice the Spanish you learned in high school. Workers are helpful but Spanish is definitely the language of choice inside.

Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10:00AM – 10:00PM

Hours: Friday – Saturday 10:00AM – 10:30PM

Address: 4715 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

8. Ty’s Wings & Tings

One day I did a quick google search of “Best wings in Charlotte” and among many other restaurants, Ty’s popped up. It was the one closest one to my house so I decided to check it out. Google didn’t lie, and Ty’s didn’t disappoint. This is my go-to spot when I need my wing fix. Everything is made fresh to order so you will be waiting a while, bring your patience. Every time we go we have to wait at least a couple of minutes before touching our food as the food is still piping hot from the kitchen. Not to mention, 10 wings only cost $8.99. Their lemon pepper wings are my go-to order. The greens are a delicacy, and the mac and cheese is not to be missed either.

If you’re a fan of the Carolina Panthers, you’ll be glad to know that Cam Newtown approves of this spot.

Hours: Monday 11:00AM – 6:00PM 

Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 11:00AM – 8:00PM 

Hours: Friday – Saturday 11:00AM – 9:00PM

Closed: Sunday

Address: 5708 N Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte, NC 28215

If you’re a college student, on a budget, or just simply want good and affordable food, hit these spots up! I hope this list helps and has exposed you to new restaurants that you hadn’t heard of before. I can’t lie, I’m kind of hungry now. Gonna go work on the next list of awesome restaurants in the city, see y’all later!

 

XOXO,

Wynee