Eat At The Penguin
The Penguin Drive-Inis a Charlotte institution. Located in historic Plaza-Midwood, it's the home of Charlotte's young, hip, underground scene. Not only is this hot spot the heart of Queen City cool, however, it also boasts some of our finest American standard food, cheap beer, and a fun late-night scene.
First opened in 1954, the Penguin was revamped in 1999. The new owners preserved the original pine paneling, resurfaced the bar, and returned the floor to the original red-and-black checkerboard to preserve that 1950s working-class appeal.
The Penguin is big on portion and low on price. Known for their giant, spectacular burgers, they also offer Brunswick Stew, a North Carolina tradition, a ribeye sandwich (for only $5.95) and vegetarian-friendly options, including the best veggie burger in town.
At night, the freaks come out for a fun, friendly bar mix of young punk-rock kids and older Charlotte regulars. It can get a bit smoky, but the raucous scene, the good music and food, and the genuine atmosphere make it worthwhile.
