South 21 Drive-In is an old-school eatery in Charlotte, North Carolina, and possibly a place where your parents met. This family drive-in restaurant has been feeding families delicious cheeseburgers, fries, and pies since 1955. And one of the best items on the menu is the famous homemade onion rings fried up in a delicious crispy glory. You have to try a little bit of everything at this real 50s diner with good food and fast service. Treat yourself to this old-school eatery and car-hop experience for a taste of childhood. Let’s take a look at why you should pull in and remember a simpler time.

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South 21 Drive-In is an old-school eatery in Charlotte that you should try out today. Read more about this classic car hop on the company’s South 21 Drive-In Facebook page. And while you’re in the Queen City, check out nine of the most beautiful and charming neighborhoods. If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable stay in the city, check out the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, an elite hotel located in the heart of the city.

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Iconic Restaurants In Charlotte, North Carolina

What Are The Most Iconic Restaurants In Charlotte, North Carolina? 

NC's biggest city is quite the culinary destination, and South 21 Drive-In is just one of the highlights. These four restaurants couldn't be more different!

  • The Goodyear House is a farm-to-table southern restaurant known for its innovative twists on brunch and dinner standards, but its most distinguishing trait might just be its setting. The restaurant has an outdoor dining area that is located under a massive tree, creating one of the most picturesque dining environments in the whole country. It's even a popular spot for weddings. Igloo dining is available in the colder months, and the international-accented menu always draws a crowd.
  • Gordon Ramsay Food Market is one of the newer outposts of the wildly popular celebrity chef's restaurant empire, which spans the entire country. But this isn't an old standard like his Hell's Kitchen franchise; it's a new concept that takes the food hall trend and gives it a taste of Ramsay. Located in Harrah's Cherokee Resort, it features eight quick-service concepts and a full-service restaurant for those visiting the casino to choose from. And yes, you can get Ramsay's famous fish and chips.
  • The Diamond might not look like much, but this Charlotte hole-in-the-wall institution is one of those neighborhood joints that stands the test of time - and it has, for almost 70 years! Known for overstuffed sandwiches like one of the best meatball subs in North Carolina, this Charlotte institution has attracted quite a few celebrities over the years, including English swing band The Jive Aces and even "Burgerland" hose George Motz.
  • Supperland might just be the most famous restaurant in Charlotte, and that has as much to do with its building as the delicious food; it's housed in what used to be a church, and most of the original structure has been maintained. That means you'll be sitting in a stunning, stately building as you chow down on modern American cuisine that makes great use of seasonal ingredients and fresh-caught seafood. This is an amazing spot for a special date night or anniversary.