Whether you’re traveling through the Queen City or you’re here to stay, there’s an abundance of food destinations to enjoy. As a brand that was born in the Carolinas, Pepsi has a soft spot for Southern hospitality – an easy thing to find no matter what neighborhood you venture to in Charlotte.

Need some inspiration for brunch, lunch, dinner or late-night plates? We’re keeping a list of tapas restaurants, upscale dining and casual dining options, places with the best Southern food and more. All where you can order amazing dishes and enjoy a Pepsi at the same time. Take a look at some of our favorite restaurants in Charlotte.

Here’s our list of 7 cool places to eat in Charlotte, NC

Duckworth’s

You can try this grill and taphouse at five locations, whether you’re looking for casual restaurants in Uptown Charlotte or South Charlotte. This concept was built with a focus on Philly cheesesteaks and a wide tap selection, while also offering pizzas, flatbreads, hearty salads and burgers you can create yourself.

Try: The award-winning Smokehouse Philly (jalapeño bacon, grilled onions, BBQ sauce, pepper jack cheese and crispy onion straws).

Mert’s Heart & Soul

In the mood for some of the best soul food and Southern food in Charlotte? Stop by Mert’s, a casual restaurant in Uptown for Lowcountry- and Gullah-inspired dishes from shrimp and grits, to macaroni and cheese, to grilled salmon with Creole sauce.

Try: A Soul Sampler (with black-eyed peas, rice, collards and chicken in an egg roll wrap, plus fried chicken wings, a salmon cake and cornbread).

Middle C Jazz

Your upscale dining option for a New-York-style night out in Charlotte. This jazz club and tapas restaurant Uptown offers small plates with Southern hospitality alongside regional and national music acts. Check the calendar for R&B, funk and contemporary performances.

Try: The Roasted Eggplant & Garlic Hummus naan flatbread.

What the Fries

Hand-cut loaded fries can definitely count as a meal. This fry shop seeks to create scratch-made, elevated and unexpected dishes with fries, as well as burgers and wraps. Track the food truck schedule or show up at the brick-and-mortar location in South Charlotte.

Try: Mac & Cheese Fries (conchiglie pasta, cheese sauce, gouda, asiago and parsley). You decide if these are the best French fries in Charlotte.

Link & Pin

Go for the rustic vibe in South End, stay for the craft cocktails and gastropub fare. Hungry for brunch? The menu is filled with chicken and waffles, huevos rancheros, steak and eggs, and more.

Try: Nashville Hot Chicken with Texas toast and pickles.

The Fig Tree

Settle into this bungalow-style restaurant (it’s a historic landmark!) in the Elizabeth neighborhood for an elegant, upscale dining experience. The dinner menu features duck confit, crawfish ravioli, fried oysters and more.

Try: The Grilled Ostrich Filet (with a sweet potato cake, shaved Brussels sprouts, and cranberry-red-wine reduction).

Red Salt

This sleek Uptown spot with curated artwork is where American cuisine meets a seasonal menu and cuts of steak prepared with a Himalayan-sea-salt-dry-aging technique. Expect homemade breads and an award-winning pastry program, too.

Try: Dry Aged Tomahawk for Two.

Going on a dining adventure? Tracking down the best soul food or the best French fries in Charlotte? Tag us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter at @PepsiCarolinas with all of your favorite food photos from cool places to eat in Charlotte. And have fun!