demondeac's Profile
Hilton Head Island - help w/ non-chain recs
Inexpensive dining and HHI don't really go together- the good news is that you can get some really good dinners for the money on this gourmet island.
Hands down I love the Santa Fe Cafe. I'm no vegeterian, but I get their vegeterian entree everytime. Amazingly full of taste. Their steaks are also very good and I recommend the sweet potato fries they pile high on the top of the entree plate.
I got engaged at Old Fort Pub. Best sunset on the island for dinner views. A bit pricey, but the meal has consistently been executed well. I had a blood orange sorbet for dessert there once was that was memorable.
SUNDAY BRUNCH_ IN CHARLOTTE
I'd second the Pewter Rose in South End. There's not much of a choice in the University Area, other than the chains, that I have heard of.
I also like brunch at Charlie's in Cotswald. Mini muffins start every brunch with an awesome sweet butter. You'll find this restaurant in the Cotswold shopping center just a couple doors down from Binder's Art store.
Charlotte bachelor party
Recommendations from a 30 yr old local guy:
Fri. Night- Try Capital Grille in uptown. Great steaks with an extensive wine list. They also have other selections- my favortie being a tuna served with 3 different sauces (wasabi infused oil, for example). Plus, they make a side of potatos fried in truffle oil- just for the bachelor- it is amazingly good. Secondary choice is Noble's Restaurant in the SouthPark area. Still amazing wine choice with high-end ambiance and service. Steaks are there, but the real winners are the entrees with the veggies.
Brunch- Pewter Rose is a must for good food- plus they have brunch for Sat and Sun. Other go-to option is the Original Pancake House just outside uptown. Don't let the long lines scare you- the wait is always short. Best people watching in the city for weekend breakfast and always a good place to sober up. Fare is traditional but good and consistent- plus they can make pancakes just about any way you can imagine.
Sat Night- Try CANS in uptown- plenty of beer selection and big flat screens to watch the game on. Good ACC crowd is always there to cheer on the local teams.
Are you looking to go traditional for batchelor party spots? The Uptown Cabaret is within uptown and has the traditional table and lab dances with lots of alcohol. It caters to a high-end client.
Enjoy.
Charlotte Rec's For Two Nights and Brunch
I second Pewter Rose for brunch- they just changed chefs, but the brunch menu has stayed consistent and the recently updated atmosphere is warm and inviting. Plus, this place is a Charlotte original- well worth a short drive up South Blvd from SouthPark.
For your SouthPark stay, unfortunately you are in a high-end district. Would, though, recommend Upstream in Phillips place. Great modern take on fish and everything is 'dayboat caught' so you know it is fresh.
Village Tavern is another solid choice, and not just for brunch. Dark woods and large comfortable booths make this a great after-dark dinner spot. Fare is mostly a bistro mix of (very good) salads and entrees, burgers, and pastas with a few interesting twists. All is well done and the staff is attentive while the prices remain moderate.
Rooster's is pretty good- but everything is served tapas style and I find you pay a good bit more to get a full dinner at places such as these.
Executive Park is off I-77 in an industrial corridor, you might as well make the drive back to SouthPark or on to uptown for decent dining.
