Everyone has been so helpful in CarrieK's relocation decision that I've gotten interested in the tourist side! Can any native of Charlotte recommend a fun place to eat that is within walking distance of any stop on the trolley line? Fancier is not necessarily better, I would simply like to go to a place with some personality. Thanks!

I would recommend Alexander Michaels in fourth ward uptown. It it a bit of a walk from the trolley line, maybe 10-15 minutes or so, but it is thru uptown and historic fourth ward. It is a dark little pub type place that is 100+ years old and used to be a grocery store. Dark, candlelit and cozy, with food from sandwiches to pasta to beef. One of my personal favorites.

For an inexpensive lunch/dinner/brunch, Pike's Soda Shop is right near the trolley station and has great sandwiches and the like. Sunday brunch is very good, and they have a nice patio out front.

Across the street from the trolley stop and down east blvd. is 300 East, an eclectic restaurant in an old house. It has been open for quite a while (in restaurant terms).

Good luck@

Thank you so much for the suggestions. Do you know the price range for Alexander Michaels? Will $20 buy a dinner for one person? $50?

Second Pike's Soda Shop. There are a lot of places to eat in South End at the end of the Trolley. South End Brewery, some place across the street with "trolley" in the name, and several more that have changed names a couple of times.
At the other end of the line near 7th street there are a number of places. Cosmos Cafe and Brixx Pizza on 6th street. Two blocks up on Tryon is Rock Bottom Brewery. If you want a picnic or sushi or an excellent bottle of wine, stop at Reid's grocery. Across the street from Reid's on 7th is the Dixie, a Cajun bar mostly.

Great suggestions so far, for a little more upscale I would suggest Monticello in the Dunhill Hotel. Very good food & you can spend some major $$ if you choose, but you could easily get by on $50. We often go there before the theatre as it is right across the street. Cosmos is great for tapas but turns into a major pick up joint at night. However, if you are here during the week, they offer two for one tapas & usually also have drink specials from maybe 5-7. You'll need to check the hours.

Well, if it is upscale you want--and even closer to the trolley, go to Blue in the Hearst building. Mediterranean food and the best service in Charlotte. There is also a very nice little Chinese "bistro" there in the Hearst also--can't remember the name.

Gretchen - I am guessing you in live in Charlotte also...?

Yup. Have you eaten at Blue? It is really terrific. Very eclectic food.

Rexs Daughter... Sandwiches are in the 6-8$ range, while entrees are around $10-14, so you could easily eat for $20/pp. including a beer or wine!

G - I have, it just always seems to be very crowded. I have several friends that are regulars there though.

It is crowded--that's why we make reservations. They have also been good about accomodating us in a quieter booth to cater to my husband's hearing problems.

The Chinese restaurant I referred to on College ST. in the Hearst is Soho Bistro.

topping for Sarah