Charlotte, North Carolina, a bustling city known for its banking industry, growing tech scene, and vibrant cultural offerings, also boasts a surprisingly diverse and delicious food landscape. Beyond the corporate towers and upscale dining, Queen City neighborhoods are brimming with unique local eateries serving up fantastic, budget-friendly bites that capture the authentic flavors of the New South. We've explored beloved local spots and glowing customer reviews to bring you a curated list of 10 must-try dishes, all for under $10, that will satisfy your cravings and introduce you to the soulful and innovative tastes of Charlotte.

1. Chili Cheese Dog from Brooks' Sandwich House

  • Restaurant: Brooks' Sandwich House

  • Description: A classic hot dog generously smothered in their homemade chili and melted cheese, served on a soft bun.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Brooks' Sandwich House is an absolute Charlotte institution, a no-frills, cash-only shack famous for its simple yet incredibly satisfying burgers and hot dogs. Yelp reviewers consistently hail it as a "Charlotte institution" and rave about their "best chili dog." It's a taste of old Charlotte, delivering classic comfort food at an unbeatable price, often lauded as a "perfect lunch spot."

  • Price: ~$4-$5

  • Location: 1401 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206

2. Chopped BBQ Sandwich from Midwood Smokehouse

  • Restaurant: Midwood Smokehouse

  • Description: Tender, slow-smoked chopped pork BBQ, served simply on a bun with your choice of sauce.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Midwood Smokehouse is a local Charlotte favorite, renowned for its authentic Carolina-style barbecue cooked low and slow. While full platters can be pricier, their chopped BBQ sandwich (especially for lunch or a la carte) often fits just under the $10 mark, allowing you to savor their acclaimed flavors. Yelp reviewers consistently praise the "smoky, tender pork" and call it "authentic Carolina BBQ." It's a quintessential taste of Southern barbecue.

  • Price: ~$9-$10 (check for sandwich-only pricing)

  • Location: Multiple locations in Charlotte (e.g., 1401 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205)

3. Chicken Taco from Paco's Tacos & Tequila

  • Restaurant: Paco's Tacos & Tequila

  • Description: A single, flavorful taco featuring seasoned chicken, topped with fresh ingredients like pico de gallo, cheese, or crema, on a warm tortilla.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Paco's Tacos & Tequila is a popular local spot known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious, fresh Mexican cuisine. While many of their entrees are higher priced, individual tacos offer an excellent and affordable way to experience their quality. Yelp reviewers consistently highlight the "fresh ingredients" and "great flavor" of their tacos, with many saying they "love their chicken tacos." It's an elevated taco experience that still offers great value.

  • Price: ~$4-$5 per taco

  • Location: 6401 Morrison Blvd #8, Charlotte, NC 28211

4. Sausage Biscuit from Compare Foods (Hot Bar)

  • Restaurant: Compare Foods (Hot Bar)

  • Description: A classic Southern breakfast biscuit, fresh from the hot bar, with a savory sausage patty nestled inside.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Compare Foods is a local grocery chain with several locations in Charlotte, renowned among locals for its hot food bar, particularly for breakfast. It's a no-frills spot that offers incredible value and authentic Southern comfort. Yelp reviewers often rave about the "best cheap breakfast" and consistently mention the "solid biscuits" that are "always fresh and quick." It's a true hidden gem for an affordable, hearty breakfast.

  • Price: ~$2-$3

  • Location: Multiple locations in Charlotte (e.g., 5800 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28213)

5. Falafel Sandwich from La Shish Kabob

  • Restaurant: La Shish Kabob

  • Description: Crispy falafel patties, fresh vegetables, and creamy tahini sauce, all tucked into warm pita bread.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: La Shish Kabob is a highly-regarded local Mediterranean restaurant in Charlotte, known for its authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. Yelp reviewers consistently praise their "crispy falafel, fresh veggies, and great sauce," calling it "authentic Mediterranean food" that's consistently delicious. It's a reliable and flavorful choice for a quick, healthy-ish, and very affordable meal.

  • Price: ~$8-$9

  • Location: 1801 South Blvd # C, Charlotte, NC 28203

6. A Single Donut from Reigning Doughnuts

  • Restaurant: Reigning Doughnuts

  • Description: A single, handcrafted gourmet donut featuring creative flavors and unique toppings, made fresh daily.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Reigning Doughnuts is a popular local gourmet donut shop in Charlotte, known for its imaginative creations and high-quality ingredients. Yelp reviewers consistently rave about their "creative flavors" and "fluffy donuts," often calling them "a delicious sweet treat" and a standout in the local dessert scene. It's an ideal indulgence that's both unique and affordable.

  • Price: ~$3.50-$4.50 per donut

  • Location: 3120 N Davidson St #100, Charlotte, NC 28205

7. Drip Coffee from Central Coffee Co.

  • Restaurant: Central Coffee Co.

  • Description: A carefully brewed cup of high-quality drip coffee, served in a warm and inviting neighborhood coffee shop setting.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Central Coffee Co. is a beloved local coffee shop in Charlotte, known for its excellent coffee and cozy, community-focused atmosphere. Yelp reviewers consistently praise the "great coffee" and the "cozy atmosphere," often referring to it as a "local gem for a morning brew." It's the perfect spot for an affordable and high-quality caffeine fix that supports a local business.

  • Price: ~$3.50-$4.50 (for a regular drip coffee)

  • Location: Multiple locations in Charlotte (e.g., 1700 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205)

8. Pho (Small Bowl) from Cilantro Noodle

  • Restaurant: Cilantro Noodle

  • Description: A comforting small bowl of traditional Vietnamese pho, featuring aromatic broth, tender rice noodles, and your choice of thinly sliced beef or chicken, served with fresh herbs on the side.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Cilantro Noodle is a popular and well-regarded local Vietnamese restaurant in Charlotte, known for its fresh ingredients and flavorful pho. Yelp reviewers consistently praise the "rich broth" and "fresh ingredients," calling it "comforting and authentic pho." While a large bowl might exceed the budget, a small size often fits comfortably under $10, offering a deeply satisfying and aromatic meal.

  • Price: ~$9-$10 (for a small bowl)

  • Location: 11318 N Community House Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277

9. Slice of Pizza from Benny Ferrovia's

  • Restaurant: Benny Ferrovia's

  • Description: A massive, classic New York-style pizza slice, known for its thin, foldable crust and traditional toppings.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Benny Ferrovia's is a local favorite in Charlotte for truly enormous New York-style pizza slices. They are famous for their "Virginia slice" concept (named after their original location in Virginia). Yelp reviewers consistently highlight the "massive slices" and "great value," often calling it "perfect late-night pizza." It's a satisfying, delicious, and incredibly generous slice that often requires two hands!

  • Price: ~$5-$6 per slice

  • Location: 1930 Camden Rd Suite 220, Charlotte, NC 28203

10. A Scoop of Ice Cream from Two Scoops Creamery

  • Restaurant: Two Scoops Creamery

  • Description: A single scoop of their handcrafted, super-premium ice cream, available in a wide array of creative and classic flavors.

  • Why It’s a Must-Try: Two Scoops Creamery is a highly popular and locally adored ice cream shop in Charlotte, celebrated for its unique flavors, creamy texture, and vibrant atmosphere. Yelp reviewers consistently rave about the "creative flavors" and "super creamy" ice cream, calling it "a must-visit for ice cream lovers." It's the perfect, refreshing, and affordable treat to cool down and savor a taste of local craftsmanship.

  • Price: ~$5-$6

  • Location: Multiple locations in Charlotte (e.g., 913 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204)

Charlotte's dynamic food scene proves that incredible flavors don't have to come with a hefty price tag, especially when you explore its amazing local establishments. From iconic chili cheese dogs and authentic Southern BBQ to vibrant tacos and gourmet donuts, these ten dishes under $10 offer a fantastic way to explore the city's diverse and locally-driven culinary landscape. So, whether you're a long-time resident or just passing through, make sure to savor these delicious and affordable bites that showcase Charlotte's unique charm!

Price Comparison Table

Dish Restaurant Price (Approx.) Location
Chili Cheese Dog Brooks' Sandwich House $4-$5 1401 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC 28206
Chopped BBQ Sandwich Midwood Smokehouse $9-$10 Multiple locations in Charlotte
Chicken Taco Paco's Tacos & Tequila $4-$5 per 6401 Morrison Blvd #8, Charlotte, NC 28211
Sausage Biscuit Compare Foods (Hot Bar) $2-$3 Multiple locations in Charlotte
Falafel Sandwich La Shish Kabob $8-$9 1801 South Blvd # C, Charlotte, NC 28203
Single Donut Reigning Doughnuts $3.50-$4.50 per 3120 N Davidson St #100, Charlotte, NC 28205
Drip Coffee Central Coffee Co. $3.50-$4.50 Multiple locations in Charlotte
Pho (Small Bowl) Cilantro Noodle $9-$10 11318 N Community House Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277
Slice of Pizza Benny Ferrovia's $5-$6 per 1930 Camden Rd Suite 220, Charlotte, NC 28203
Single Scoop Ice Cream Two Scoops Creamery $5-$6 Multiple locations in Charlotte