Ollie's Bites: Charlotte's Donut Fix

This article first appeared on Localeur's website--check them out for travel recommendations! Localeur features in-the-know locals giving food, drink, and recreation recommendations from all over the world! 

Reigning Donuts

"Crispy & poppable"

NoDa’s Reigning Donuts is the hot new player on the Charlotte donut scene, and we could not be more obsessed with them. They describe themselves as a “food truck that’s not going anywhere,” and we love this description of their walk-up window set-up. What sets Reigning Donuts apart is that each donut is fried and topped to order, and you just can’t get any fresher than that. The mainstay toppings include powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, honey, and vanilla or chocolate frosting. However, we are partial to the rotating daily specials--you can usually find us there on matcha coconut Tuesdays and S’mores Thursdays.

Your Mom’s Donuts

"The square one"

Image courtesy of Your Mom's Donuts Instagram page

If you want your donut large, square-shaped, and made with all local ingredients, Your Mom’s Donuts is where it’s at. These donuts are at once hefty and fluffy, and the flavor profile is so pure--you can taste the tanginess of the fresh eggs and milk, and the toppings only elevate the experience. Their salted caramel and dark chocolate ganache donuts are heaven, and look for seasonally rotating favorites like maple bacon and strawberry preserves. My only caveat is that I preferred these donuts when they were fried in lard, and they are now fried in coconut oil. Still delicious, though.  

Duck Donuts

"Customizable, fresh" 

Image courtesy of Duck Donuts Instagram page

Duck Donuts is a quickly growing chain that started in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and Charlotte is lucky to have their own location in Dilworth. The best thing about Duck Donuts is the level of customization--donuts are fried to order, and you can design them with any combination of coatings and toppings. These donuts are light and airy old fashioned style, and the coatings span a wide range: blueberry, strawberry, lemon, maple, and peanut butter in addition to classic glaze and cinnamon or powdered sugar. Toppings include sprinkles, coconut, peanuts, oreos, graham crackers, and...wait for it: bacon. My favorite is a piping hot chocolate frosting with coconut!

Foxcroft Wine Co.

"Pairs with girls' night & a glass of wine"

Foxcroft Wine Co. is the best place to go for a wine night with your friends, and a sleeper hit for some of the best donuts in town. Their crispy fried donut holes are a must order when you are dining at this popular Dilworth spot. You can get them with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar, (or both!), and they come with the most life-altering chocolate and caramel dipping sauces. Wash these babies down with a glass of prosecco, and you will be winning at life.

Stoke

"The mother of all donuts"

Want a nighttime donut that will impress your friends and family and blow up your Instagram feed? Sounds like a job for a giant donut. Stoke’s one pound donut is filled with diplomat cream and a crumbled up Heath bar. I know--catch your breath. It’s that life altering. I have finished this bad boy with three other dining companions, so I know it can be done (don’t be a quitter!), but they are more than happy to box up what you can’t finish, so you can have epic leftovers for breakfast the next day.

Sugarrmann’s Kronuts

"50% donut, 100% delcious"

Okay, okay, so a cronut is not 100% donut, but this local croissant-donut hybrid deserves a mention. Sugarrmann Kronut’s does not have a brick and mortar, but they have a food truck and host pop-up events around town. For more of a sure thing, they also sell their cronuts in Coco & the Director, a hip coffee shop located inside the Uptown Marriott. Their cronuts come in ridiculously good flavors like coffee, matcha, and nutella, and each one has about one thousand buttery layers of goodness. Get you one.

Ollie's Bites: Charlotte's Best Bar Eats

Bee sting wings from Selwyn Avenue Pub

This article first appeared on Localeur's website--check them out for travel recommendations! Localeur features in-the-know locals giving food, drink, and recreation recommendations from all over the world!

Selwyn Avenue Pub

Pizza so good that MJ orders it

Selwyn Avenue Pub is a Charlotte institution. Located in the heart of Myers Park, this part indoor/part outdoor bar and grill has plenty of large-screen TVs and shady trees and is packed on beautiful fall game days. They are famous for their transfusion drink--vodka, grape juice, and sprite--and for their delicious pizza. The pizza is so good that local Michael Jordan is known to stop in often for a pie. Other solid menu items include their chicken wings and sliders. Parking can be a beast here, so an Uber is highly recommended.

Lebowski’s Neighborhood Grill

Wangs//Image courtesy of Charlotte Agenda 

Tuesday night trivia at Lebowski’s in Dilworth is the best Charlotte trivia in terms of the quality of both food and trivia questions, but in order to keep it possible to get a table, let’s keep that between us, okay? This bar with Buffalo roots does all of the Upstate New York favorites justice, like roast beef on ‘weck and the very best chicken wings this side of the Anchor Bar. Wash it all down with The Dude’s favorite--a White Russian. Be mindful that if you are going on Tuesday, for trivia or just to eat and imbibe, reservations are a must. And that’s not just like, my opinion, man.

The Cellar at Duckworth’s

Truffle fries//Image courtesy of Loop Charlotte

Below sports bar Duckworth’s in Uptown Charlotte lies a hidden speakeasy gem. The Cellar has a variety of seating from high tops to cozy booths, but I always choose a spot at the bar. Here you can watch the master mixologists craft inventive cocktails like my favorite, the Cellar Smash, which is essentially a grown up “slushie” with ginger, citrus, and elderflower. To soak up all of those delicious drinks, you can’t go wrong with the tuna tartare with wonton crisps, truffle fries, or the truffle mac and cheese. The Cellar also offers full entrees, but the shareables and small plates are the way to go here. The Cellar is a decidedly more upscale locale for bar bites--if you are looking for a more traditional bar experience, Duckworth’s upstairs has tons of TVs and great food, as well.   

VBGB Beer Hall & Garden

Giant pretzel//Image courtesy of Charlotte Agenda 

VBGB, located in the AvidXchange Music Factory, is a playground for grown-ups. Fun happenings include life-size games like Jenga and Connect Four, a covered patio, trivia on Thursday nights, and a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights. The food is not your typical bar fare, in that most of it is homemade and much of it is somewhat healthy--like the nitrate-free brats or quinoa salad. However, my favorite menu item is the biergarten classic: a jumbo pretzel with a side of homemade beer cheese. Don’t forget to sample all of the varieties of mustard lined up in the condiment station, too.

Dandelion Market

What's this color called, because I love it?//Image courtesy of Dandelion Market

Dandelion Market Uptown is a great bar to get a little bit of everything. Earlier in the evening, the bar is laid back and rather quiet (especially downstairs), but come 10pm or so, this place gets bumping--literally: the floor upstairs shakes a little when everyone starts dancing, but that just adds to the fun, right? The food here is a cut above for bar bites--don’t sleep on the potato croquettes with cheddar and bacon, prosciutto crostinis, or the brussels sprouts. And although I’ve never done it, but have always wanted to, you can even order the entire menu for $295.

Ollie's Bites: A Pizza my Heart in Charlotte

This article first appeared on Localeur's website--check them out for travel recommendations! Localeur features in-the-know locals giving food, drink, and recreation recommendations from all over the world!

Benny Pennello's

Photo courtesy of Twitter

If you're in the NoDa neighborhood and craving a late-night slice, Benny Pennello’s is going to be your savior. The slices are beyond huge – it takes two plates just to hold one. The topping options here are not extensive and not customizable, but if you are looking for a simple pepperoni or veggie slice with a beer, Benny’s has you covered. They are open until 3 a.m. on weekends, and they serve local beers (in cans), as well as local favorite King of Pops popsicles in the freezer case.

Photo courtesy of Thrillist

Alino Pizzeria

Although this gem is located about 25 miles away from Downtown Charlotte, it’s well worth the drive. This Mooresville pizzeria imports buffalo mozzarella, “00” flour, and San Marzano tomatoes weekly, and they bake up their pizzas in wood-fired ovens that are custom-made in Naples, Italy. Top off your authentic Italian experience with gelato or a cannoli, both of which are made in-house. The counter service is quick, the employees super friendly, and you can always catch a soccer game on one of their many TVs. Don’t miss the caprese salad –
getting to taste that fresh mozzarella in all its glory is simply divine.

Inizio Pizza

Inizio Pizza has locations in Ballantyne and Dilworth, and they pride themselves on recreating classic Neapolitan-style pizza, which is baked in a wood-fired oven for 90 seconds. This quick cooking time, as well as the imported Italian “00” flour, results in the chewiest and most delicious crust ever. Make sure you order the crowd favorite: Pistacchio Pizza with rosemary, pistachio pesto, and buffalo mozzarella. My personal favorite is the Maria with a variety of mushrooms and truffle crema. Make sure to save room for cannoli or gelato; both are house-made and well worth the splurge. 

Pure Pizza

Photo courtesy of Thrillist

Pure Pizza has locations in Plaza Midwood and in the Seventh Street Public Market in Uptown. Pure has so many creative menu options, particularly their crusts – you can get original, gluten-free, or sprouted ancient grain, which is made with quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat. Their toppings are no less innovative – try the chorizo pizza, topped with shaved radishes, cilantro, and lime juice, or the smoked salmon with capers, dill créme fråiche, and red onions. Their salad offerings also go far beyond the usual pizza joint house salad and venture into kale and goat cheese territory. 

Photo courtesy of Charlotte Agenda

Hawthorne's Pizza

Photo courtesy of Groupon

For a classic New York-style slice, you can’t go wrong at Hawthorne’s. Their ultimate spinach pizza topped with mozzarella and Gorgonzola is my favorite, and they are well known for their buffalo wing pizza. This pie is not only delicious, but it is called “The Inducer” as it has been known to put many expectant mothers who are past their due dates into labor! Another great option, pregnant or not, is their thick and chewy Sicilian-style pizza. Round out your meal with the garlic knots and a Hawthorne’s salad, made with pepperoncini and tossed in a bleu cheese balsamic dressing. 

Image courtesy of Scoop Charlotte

Ollie's Bites: Charlotte's Best Sweet Spots

This article first appeared on Localeur's website--check them out for travel recommendations! Localeur features in-the-know locals giving food, drink, and recreation recommendations from all over the world!

Amelie’s (NoDa, Uptown, Park Road, Rock Hill, Caramel Commons & Atlanta) 

Amelie’s is a Charlotte staple for homemade french treats and delicious coffees. Their claim to fame is their salted caramel brownie, but my heart belongs to the éclair (choose from vanilla or chocolate custard). This is a great spot to linger and read a book, or get some work done as you sip your café au lait. There are now several locations to choose from, and each one offers the same quaint vibe and full range of menu options.

Golden Cow Creamery (South End)

Golden Cow makes all of their ice cream in house, and it’s walkable from lots of South End breweries and dinner spots if you find yourself craving something sweet on a night out! Their offerings change regularly, but try to catch the Honeycomb or Dunkaroos flavors. Bonus: there is outdoor seating for those balmy southern nights.

Sunflour (Elizabeth & Dilworth) 

You can’t go wrong at Sunflour--everything is made from scratch, and their baked goods are to die for. Kids of all ages love their cookies and cupcakes, while more mature palates might go for the almond croissants, vegan raspberry muffins, or the “fig newtons.” On the savory side, their cheddar biscuits are the stuff of Charlotte lore. Make sure you grab a matcha latté or a coffee, too--hot or iced. There are two locations of Sunflour--one in Dilworth and one in the Elizabeth neighborhood.

Two Scoops Creamery (Plaza Midwood & Lake Norman) 

Image courtesy Charlotte Five

Check out this ice cream joint for 70+ flavors that rotate yearly and tons of toppings on deck. Crowd pleasing favorites include Cookie Monster, Crazy Cake, and the Midnight Snacker. And yes--they do offer a signature “two-scoop” cone in case you don’t like it when your ice cream flavors mingle. There is now a Lake Norman location in addition to the original Plaza Midwood spot.

Renaissance Patisserie (South End) 

Photo courtesy Renaissance Patisserie website 

Located in South End, Renaissance Patisserie is the real deal for authentic french pastries. Chef Sylvain Rivet delivers impressively beautiful and delicious treats such as the tarte aux pommes or kouign-amann pastries. There is not much in the way of seating here, but it would be a great place to grab a loaf of bread (and several pastries ) to munch on for the duration of your trip to Charlotte.

Ninety’s (University Area)

Ninety’s, which is located in the University area, brings levity to the Charlotte dessert scene. Their offerings are not only fun, but tasty, too! They have frozen cookie dough pops (yes, cookie dough on a stick), macaron ice cream sandwiches, and their signature yum-ee bun, which is cold ice cream is sandwiched in a warm glazed donut with lots of options for flavors and customization.

Ollie's Bites: Brunching in Charlotte

This article first appeared on Localeur's website--check them out for travel recommendations! Localeur features in-the-know locals giving food, drink, and recreation recommendations from all over the world!

Essex

If you are looking for something different from the usual brunch fare, cozy and classy Essex is the spot for you. Located Uptown, Essex has dishes that span the globe, like the Georgian cheese bread khachapuri, which is a delicious boat-shaped piece of bread filled with melty cheese, two sunny side up eggs, drizzled with a touch of olive oil. Or the Korean steak and eggs with beef, fried egg, pork belly and a kimchi glaze. There is no shortage of traditional brunch fare, like a bagel platter (with a house-made bagel) or french toast.

Vivace

Image courtesy of Charlotte Agenda

Vivace’s brunch game is so on point. Start with the bottomless mimosa and bloody mary bar--ideal for getting that ever-elusive extra-spicy bloody or the perfect ratio of champagne to orange juice (80/20, duh). For only $30, you can get the adult beverage of your choice plus two courses--one appetizer and one main course. The options for both courses are ample, and standouts include mussels, meatballs, and braised short rib hash. The high ceilings and large windows that overlook the Little Sugar Creek Greenway make Vivace a bright and cheery place to spend your weekend morning.

littleSpoon

Would you like a side of gangster rap with your brunch? What about giant coffee mugs that are essentially bowls? And instead of bacon, how about crispy pork belly? If any or all of these appeal to you, then littleSpoon will be your jam. Menu highlights include the #BEC (bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich), Korean brussels sprouts,cinnamon toast brulee, and oh dear lord--don’t neglect to order the bacon (LS Slab Bacon). Expect a wait on the weekends during prime brunch time, and servers with just a touch of hipster attitude, but fret not--the food is worth the wait.

The Asbury

Photo courtesy of Charlotte's Got a Lot

The Asbury is inside of The Dunhill Hotel, which was opened in 1929. The Asbury itself has a reputation as an old-school Uptown dining spot, but the clientele spans all age ranges. This is a popular spot for a boozy brunch before a Sunday morning Panthers game, or to meet with friends to catch up over Maw Maw’s Cast Iron Biscuits with bacon jam (divine), or the Fried Chicken Sammy (a Southern classic). There is parking validation (up to two hours) if you park in the garage attached to the hotel.

Cafe Monte

Image courtesy of Charlotte Magazine

If you are staying in the South Park area, Cafe Monte is the top choice for brunch. The menu offers accessible French cuisine like a croque monsieur or mussels and frites. For an appetizer, the brie en croute is a favorite. If you are looking for something more traditional, there are plenty of options: omelettes, eggs benedict, and belgian waffles. Wash it all down with a cappuccino or mimosa. PS--Charlotte recently passed the “brunch bill,” which means that you can order booze as early as 10 am on Sunday (it used to be noon). Travelers and locals alike: rejoice!

The Workman’s Friend

Bar by night, The Workman’s Friend in Plaza Midwood is an unlikely--and amazing-- spot for brunch. This is an Irish joint, so their menu offers some nods to the Emerald Isle, like grilled cheese made with Kerrygold cheddar, bangers and mash, and rasher egg toast. There is also a “Caffeinated Libations” menu with cocktails made with a local iced coffee available on draft. You have your choice of mood lighting here, too--the indoor seating is dim and intimate, and there is a large patio in the back if you want to catch some sun while you brunch.

Ollie's Bites: Top Sushi Spots in Charlotte

Salmon avocado roll from Ru Sans

This article first appeared on Localeur's website--check them out for travel recommendations! Localeur features in-the-know locals giving food, drink, and recreation recommendations from all over the world!

O-Ku

Interior of O-Ku//photo courtesy of O-Ku's Facebook page

Located in the ever-growing South End neighborhood, O-Ku is a great spot to meet friends for a drink and some fresher-than-fresh sushi. Must tries include the Green Eggs and Hamachi Hako, which is a boxed style sushi, and the Kiwi Kani roll which incorporates lump crab, avocado, and yes, kiwi, which is super fresh, creative, and delicious. Stop in Mondays and Wednesdays from 5-7pm for half off sushi rolls!

O-ku Sushi//photo courtesy of O-Ku's Facebook page

Ru Sans

Exterior of Ru Sans//photo courtesy of Charlotte Agenda

Ru Sans in Dilworth is a Charlotte staple for quality sushi at a great price point. Don’t be deterred if there is a wait--it usually moves faster than what they quote. While you wait, enjoy a sake bomb at the bar and enjoy the cheers in your honor from all of the sushi chefs. My favorite roll is the Green Dragon, which has tempura shrimp and cucumber wrapped in avocado and roe. Yum!

The infamous sushi lunch buffet//photo courtesy of Trip Advisor

Bonsai Fusion

Sushi burrito!//Photo courtesy of Charlotte Agenda

If you find yourself Uptown for lunch, head over to 7th Street Market. Do not get distracted by the myriad options available in this fun eatery hall--you are here for the sushi, remember? The best deal at Bonsai is their signature lunch special--two rolls for $9! Also, check out the sushi burrito ($10) or the poke bowl. Their options are fresh, quick, and tasty!

Terminator roll//photo courtesy of Yelp

Futo Buta

Salmon belly nigiri

Although Futo Buta bills itself as more of a ramen shop than a sushi joint, their sushi is awesome! My favorite is the Salmon Belly Nigiri, which started as a special but is now a menu staple--it’s topped with a fabulous yuzu mayo tobiko roe. Other rolls are offered on special daily, and at this funky South End eatery, sushi can be an accompaniment to another dish like ramen or a rice bowl. Options abound!

Uni nigiri//photo courtesy of Yelp

Ollie's Bites: Date Night in Charlotte

Image courtesy SiliconHills

Hello, Loyal Scallionpancake Readers! 

Welcome to a new series on the blog--Ollie's Bites. All of the articles featured here are also featured on the super cool travel website Localeur, for which Scallionpancake recently started writing. You should download the Localeur app posthaste, and use it to get insider recommendations from locals whenever you travel to a new place. Localeur is in tons of cities around the world and is growing daily. It's a damn fine concept, as getting recommendations from trusted locals is a hallmark of meaningful travel, in our humble opinion. Even though many of our readers are local, we like to think our recommendations are good for Charlotte natives or those just passing through. We hope you enjoy!

Here's the first installment--Date Night in Charlotte: 

Growler’s Pourhouse

Image courtesy of QC Exclusive

Start your night out at this NoDa neighborhood bar, which is a super chill spot for hipsters and mere mortals alike to grab a drink before dinner. In addition to a wide range of local craft beers and cocktails, you would be remiss if you didn’t order a round of oyster shots to get your night started on the right note. Feeling hangry while you wait for dinner? Never fear--there’s complimentary popcorn for you to nosh on.

Stick those babies in a shot glass and drink up!//image courtesy of Charlotte Five

Haberdish

Before heading to Growler’s, definitely put your name on the waitlist for this super popular southern eatery. Use the Nowait app, if you would rather avoid the half-block schlep. Can’t miss items include the mac and cheese (don’t you dare neglect to add the spicy chicken skin on top) and the sweet potato dumplings. Colleen Hughes is the master mixologist behind the cocktails here, and the quality and creativity of her drink menu has rightfully earned her a fair amount of local fame. Thus, you should have a drink. Heck, maybe have two. There’s not a bad one in the bunch, guaranteed.

Popbar

Us Charlotteans are beyond excited to get our first location of this New York gem. Do you like gelato? Obviously. Would you like it even better on a stick? Of course you would. The options for customization are endless--you can get your pop dipped (full dip, half dip, or a drizzle) in white, milk, or dark chocolate, and then covered with as many toppings as your heart desires. Don’t despair if there’s a line out the door--it moves fast, promise!

The Comedy Zone

HAHAHAHAH//image courtesy of The Comedy Zone

After walking the previous three spots, it’s time to take a quick drive just one neighborhood over for some entertainment. The Comedy Zone is open seven days a week, and they pull pretty big names; I’ve seen Bob Saget and Margaret Cho here, and both were magical. Is the offering an open mic on the night you’re in town? Well, congratulations--you’ve just hit the jackpot. Charlotte has some awesome local comedic talent, but it is a truth universally acknowledged that awkward stand up is sometimes even more delightful than quality stand up.

8.2.0

Image courtesy of d3 Studio

Just a short walk away from The Comedy Zone, you will find this funky little joint that’s just right for a nightcap and some fun to keep your energy up into the wee hours. Highlights include the karaoke room, arcade games, or the sorta-secret speakeasy library (hint: push the bookshelf!). I highly recommend a boba cocktail and some french fries (with all the dipping sauces) for a late-night snack.