but always has friendly service, tasty seafood dishes, and interesting grits. 327 S. Tryon St. (704-343-0700) (weekdays) BR, L (weekdays), D, BAR ✸☎
MURPHY’S KITCHEN & TAP
$$
IRISH Pies, tarts, meats, potatoes—everything you’d expect, you’ll find at this Irish pub with a large range of alcoholic beverage options. 445 W. Trade St. (704-3320557) BR, L, D, BAR ✸
QUEEN CITY Q
$
BARBECUE Here, the barbecue slow-cooks every day in wood-fired smokers and comes served with classic sides like peppery green bean casserole and slaw. 225 E. 6th St., Ste. A. (980-272-6341) L, D, BAR
❤ SEA LEVEL NC
❤ NOBLE SMOKE
$-$$
BARBECUE Feast on Carolina-style pork and Texasstyle brisket, and grab a drink at the “Legends Counter” with custom plaques for Southern barbecue icons. 2216 Freedom Dr. (704-703-5252) L, D, BAR
✸☎
PINKY’S WESTSIDE GRILL
$
AMERICAN Housed in an old auto shop, this funky spot serves great burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and
salads, as well as tasty sides like waffle fries. 1600 W. Morehead St. (704-332-0402) L, D, BAR ✸
TOUCAN LOUIE'S
CROSSWORD OF THE MONTH
By Andy Smith
$
CARIBBEAN With state-sourced meats smoked inhouse and strictly NC cheese, this new cafe's commitment to local ingredients is notable, but it's their food's Caribbean flair that elevates their grab-and-go sandwiches. 2753 Rozzelles Ferry Rd. (980-209-9791) B, L, D, B/W ✸
ANSWERS can be found online at charlottemagazine. com/crossword.
$$$
SEAFOOD Concrete beams and rustic brick give an industrial feel to this seafood restaurant, which serves up dishes that are accessible, inventive, and sustainably sourced. 129 E. 5th St. (704-412-2616) L, D, BAR ✸☎
SOHO BISTRO
$$
ASIAN Lightning-fast, friendly service complements hot, savory Chinese favorites such as Sha Cha Shrimp and Mongolian Chicken. 214 N. Tryon St., Ste. 110. (704-333-5189) L, D, B/W
❤ STOKE
$$$
NEW AMERICAN Hotel dining gets an upgrade with this wood-fired grill, family-style concept in Marriott City Center. 100 W. Trade St. (704-353-6005) B, BR, L, D, BAR
SUKOSHI
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SUSHI Think high-quality sushi in a fast-casual setting. Chef Michael Chanthavong brings favorites from his menu at O-Ku, like tuna wrap-it-up and salmon citrus rolls. 101 S. Tryon St., Ste. 120. (980-495-3800) L, D, V
THE YOLK
$-$$
AMERICAN Greg and Subrina Collier's breakfast-focused concept in 7th Street Public Market is open for breakfast and lunch, but shrimp and grits topped with Gouda cheese, jerk seasoning, and scallion pesto is delicious any time of day. 224 E. 7th St. (980-495-3800) B, L
West/Northwest Charlotte COMMUNITY TABLE BISTRO
$
SOUTHERN At the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, a small, cafeteria-style restaurant sears, bakes, and fries comfort food on a daily rotation for an affordable price. 5301 Wilkinson Blvd. (980-636-1000) B, L, V ✸
ESTIA'S KOUZINA
$$-$$$
❤ HEIRLOOM RESTAURANT
$$-$$$
GREEK This upscale Mediterranean restaurant offers healthy and delicious dishes like gyro pitas, lamb burgers, and hearty salads. 609 N. Main St., Belmont. (704825-7005) BR, L, D, V, BAR ✸☎
NEW AMERICAN Clark Barlowe's menu is sourced almost exclusively from North Carolina, and his tasting menu includes options like fried chicken and pork and beans. 8470 Bellhaven Rd. (704-595-7710) D, V, BAR ☎ JANUARY 2020 // CHARLOTTE
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