Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Charlotte

A slice of New Orleans has come all the way to North Carolina. But hey, so what if you don't have the Mardi Gras, you will be treated to live jazz every night of the week! The barbecue shrimp, Cajun popcorn, red beans and rice, crawfish scampi, all will make your tummy happy. By the way, it has been voted as the best Cajun restaurant in Charlotte.

Lebowski's Neighborhood Grill sits just on the edge of the Dilworth district, offering fairly traditional American fare with a nod towards the Coen Brothers' classic "The Big Lebowski". The main area in which this theme comes through is the laid back, friendly atmosphere at Lebowski's, locals popping in regularly for the tasty food and diverse collection of craft brews. The menu goes through the general motions of casual American grill fare, featuring a scrumptious assortment of burgers, sandwiches and salads as well as comfort food platters. One distinguishing factor in these items is the weck roll, a variation on the salty Kaiser roll. Over 70 beers are available to pair with your food, many of the tap options sourced from North Carolina breweries. A relaxed place for an informal meal, Lebowski's is a great stop for something casual.

No, this place isn't connected to the hit Broadway Smokey Joe's Cafe revue, but it wouldn't be surprising if it was inspired by the pop culture behind it. While this bar and entertainment venue offers superb live music performances and cheap drinks, it does pose as more of a dive bar rather than a sophisticated watering hole. This however has not deterred its patrons from being loyal, and its first-timers from visiting again. Smokey Joe's Cafe usually features blues, Americana, indie, bluegrass, jazz, jam band, country, rock, jazz, folk, funk, and acoustic music performances. And there's also a pool table, an outdoor seating area with a swing, and other past times that make Smokey Joe's Cafe the ideal place to chill out with buddies, or unwind at after a hard day at work.

JackBeagle is known for providing a comfortable space to settle in with a group of friends for a night food, drinks and fun. This spot is located in prime real estate in Charlotte's up-and-coming NoDa neighborhood and serves up a wide range of beer in addition to freshly prepped foods, such as signature burgers, hot dogs and a side of mac n cheese, for those who feel like eating like a kid again. JackBeagle is also a can't-miss destination for brunch.

Take a break from dieting and relish this steakhouse's exotic food. Fabulous dishes make up for the plain and drab interiors. Regulars will vouch for the huge chunks of beef in your meals. Ask for a wine, or beer to go along with your food, and enjoy the complete Beef & Bottle experience. Although not a fancy place, this restaurant remains crowded at all times due to its unpretentious attitude and delicious preparations. Reservations are a must.

Gallery Restaurant gets its name from the exquisite art exhibits from the nearby Shain Gallery which are displayed here. Located at the They Ballantyne Hotel, this restaurant is known for its contemporary spin on local cuisine. Diners can try out dishes like Roasted Fall Squash Soup, Sea Scallop, Maple Leaf Duck Breast, Cerevana Elk Tenderloin, and finish off the meal with scrumptious desserts like Caramel Panna Cotta and Chocolate Graham Cracker Ice Cream. A number of premium spirits and wines are also available to sip on along with the food. The ambiance at the restaurant is elegant with dark furniture, glossy wood floor and beautiful, framed paintings on the walls. All in all, this is a great place for a special date or a business meeting.