9 Mom & Pop Restaurants In CharlotteThat Serve Home Cooked Meals To Die For

Price's Chicken Coop is a neighborhood fried chicken takeaway restaurant that has been serving up some of the best fried chicken in Charlotte since 1962. Owned by the Price Family, who took their wholesale chicken business to a curbside restaurant, this local favorite has fried chicken so good, you won't be able to compare it to anywhere else.

At lunchtime on any day of the week, you'll see a line out the door as people wait to pick up their fried chicken platters. There is no seating at the restaurant, but it's the best takeout you'll ever try. The menu items include 1/4 or 1/2 chicken plates (with a choice of dark or white meat), fried chicken sandwiches, wings and more. Make it a combo with tasty sides like hush puppies, french fries, slaw, or potato salad and you've got yourself a meal. Price's Chicken Coop only accepts cash, so make sure you come prepared!

Address: 1614 Camden Rd., Charlotte, NC 28203

Le's Sandwiches and Cafe is a Vietnamese restaurant in North Charlotte. A family-owned restaurant, Le's has been serving locals since 2004. They have a reputation for having the best Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches you can find in Charlotte.

Located in a unassuming little strip mall, you might have second thoughts when you first look at Le's, but we promise that once you try one of these Banh Mi sandwiches, you will make Le's a regular lunch spot. The sandwiches are freshly made in front of you and you can choose between Traditional Pork Banh Mi, a Veggie Banh Mi, Grilled Chicken Banh Mi, and even a Meatball Sub! Le's Sandwiches and Cafe is another cash-only restaurant, so be sure to make a stop at the ATM on your way.

Address: 4520 N. Tryon St. # 41, Charlotte, NC 28213

Pinky's Westside Grill is a locally famous diner that has the best hamburgers, pimento cheese fries, and Southern soul food. If you have lived in Charlotte for a while, you're probably already familiar with Pinky's and those new to town may even know of them from Food Network's popular show "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives."

This restaurant hits the spot if you are looking for a great hamburger, fried pickles, or pimento cheese fries. If you aren't in the mood for a burger don't worry, the menu is large and there are plenty of options for everyone. Popular menu items include fish tacos, Korean Pork BBQ tacos, Greek Pitas, Cheesy Chicken Philly sandwiches, and awesome salads.

If you are looking for a burger, we recommend the White Trash Burger - a juicy 5 oz. burger with provolone cheese, fried pickles, and onion rings on top with a spicy ranch sauce. Pinky's is the place for big appetites, so add it to your list for when you are extra hungry!

Address: 1600 W.Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28208

Mert's Heart & Soul is a Southern low-country soul food restaurant located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte. The shop is run by a husband and wife team and has quickly become one of Charlotte's favorite Mom & Pop restaurants. They're known for feeding the lunchtime crowd in Uptown with their hearty platters served with two sides and a chunk of homemade cornbread.

Popular platters include the Fried Catfish, Blackened Pork Chops, and Carolina Chopped BBQ. BBQ Beef Ribs are also on the menu, but if you feel like something a little lighter, try Mert's Famous Salmon Cakes.

Mert's Heart & Soul has also been featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" and host Guy Fieri took a liking to the Soul Rolls appetizer - egg rolls wrapped with black-eyed peas, seasoned rice, collard greens, and diced chicken breasts served with a spicy honey mustard sauce.

Address: 214 N. College St., Charlotte, NC 28202

Eddie's Place is a favorite breakfast and lunch restaurant located in the Cotswold neighborhood. It's casual family restaurant, best known for its amazing brunch and breakfast service. On Sundays, you'll find Eddie's packed with the after church crowd indulging in bacon, eggs, pancakes, waffles, and more.

Popular menu items include the Eddie's Traditional Benedict, Ciabatta French Toast, or an overstuffed Breakfast Burrito. If you're really hungry, you must try the Chicken and Waffles. This delightful dish is made with pecan crusted fried chicken and smothered in honey cinnamon butter. Eddie's Place will make breakfast your new favorite meal, so put it on your brunch list this weekend!

Address: 617 S. Sharon Amity Rd., Charlotte, NC 28211

Ciro's Italian Restaurant is an authentic, family-owned Italian restaurant located up in the University area of North Charlotte. Owner Anthony Cornielle set his sights on this city nearly 25 years ago, when he relocated his family from Brooklyn, NY to Charlotte to start his business. Since then, Ciro's has become a north Charlotte staple.

Ciro's is the place to go if you are looking for delicious pizzas, pastas, and Italian specialties. Large portions and a family atmosphere make this restaurant a warm and inviting environment, and once you taste the Pollo Parmigiana, you'll absolutely be coming back for seconds.

Address: 8927 JM Keynes Drive, Charlotte NC 28262

Park Road Soda Shoppe is a great place to stop in for a traditional, home-style lunch of burgers and sandwiches. Burgers and dogs, specialty sandwiches, soups, and salads fill the menu, and you'll often see people sitting at the old fashioned soda shoppe counter enjoying their meal or one of the shop's delicious desserts. Some of the 50s favorites on the menu include a Fried Bologna and Cheese sandwich, a grilled Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich, and a Grilled Pork Chop sandwich.

Address: 4121 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC 28209

The Diamond has been a local favorite since 1945. Located in eclectic Plaza Midwood, The Diamond is not only a great place to eat, it has become a popular neighborhood hangout . The restaurant prides itself in serving pure comfort food and ensuring that you can find a warm, tasty meal that will make you feel like you're back at home at your Mama's table.

Serving everything from homemade meatloaf and mashed potatoes, to fried fish and chips, there's something for everyone at the Diamond. On Thursday's the Diamond Special is a homemade chicken pot pie with a flaky crust and tons of fresh veggies mixed with chicken in a creamy sauce that will have your mouth watering before you even try your first bite.

Address: 1901 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205

Pike's Old Fashioned Soda Shop is another local favorite and the place to visit if you are craving a sweet treat. While the food is amazing, the desserts are to die for and have actually become somewhat famous in their own right.

You can create your own milkshake or sundae, or you can delight in one of the homemade desserts on the menu that day, like a warm blueberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream or a slice of peanut butter pie. Root Beer or Coke Floats are also on the menu, making it hard to choose just one item! This local restaurant is a great place to satisfy your sweet tooth and enjoy some down home cooking as well.

Address:1930 Camden Rd. #2001, Charlotte, NC 28203