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MISTER K'S 2107 South Boulevard, 704-375-4318. A South Blvd institution for over 20 years: 50s-ish ambience, soft ice cream machine, plus some of the best burgers, dogs, sandwiches, and, yes, homemade onion rings in town. $
NIKKO JAPANESE RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR 1300-F South Boulevard, 704-370-0100. Sushi chef and owner Joanna Nix radiates warmth and hospitality throughout this traditional Japanese cuisine oasis. In addition to sparkling fresh sushi, there's yakimono, teriyaki, tempura and udon, too. $$$
NIRCHI'S PIZZA 1300-M South Boulevard, 704-372-2929. Sicilian pan pizza and upper state New York styled 16 inch pies, exceptional chicken wings, subs, and sandwiches at reasonable prices. $$
ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE 1300 South Boulevard, 704-372-7099. This is a chain restaurant, but the pancakes are so good. The apple pancake is a huge, puffy affair big enough for at least two people. There are plenty of other flavors too. Expect to wait in line on weekends. $-$$
PATOU, A FRENCH BISTRO 2400 Park Road, 704-376-2233. Well-executed French and Belgian (try the Waterzooi) bistro cuisine. Menu changes seasonally. Patio. $$-$$$
PEWTER ROSE BISTRO 1820 South Boulevard, 704-332-8149. One of Charlotte's favorites with excellent eclectic cuisine. Outstanding wine list. Whimsical, charming ambiance. Next door is their Tutto Mondo, a stylish bar with late night food. $$L, $$-$$$D
PICASSO'S SPORTS CAFE 1301 East Boulevard, 704-331-0133. It's had as many names as Liz Taylor, but this wide-screen sports bar consistently bakes top-of-the-line pizza and washes it down with a wide beer selection. $-$$
PIKE'S OLD FASHIONED SODA SHOP 1930 Camden Road, 704-372-0092. The name says it all. Nostalgia reigns while being served homemade quality from ice cream floats to sandwiches and fries to sticky buns. $
THE PLANET GRILL 1531 East Boulevard, 704-372-1818. From a buffet, select the foods you want stir fried then wrap in the flour tortillas served on the tables or enjoy over sticky rice. All you can eat. $$
PRICE'S CHICKEN COOP 1614 Camden Road, 704-333-9866. Opened in 1962 and known locally for having the best deep fat fried chicken and fish in town. Take out only. Long lines at lunch move quickly. Cash. $
RHEINLAND HAUS 2418 Park Road, 704-376-3836. A Charlotte institution, offering a full array of hearty German dishes and beverages. $$
RU SAN'S JAPANESE CUISINE, SUSHI & SEAFOOD 2440 Park Road, Park Square Shopping Center, 704-374-0008. From Atlanta comes this fun, high spirited, reasonably priced restaurant, a place where even those fearful of a culinary unknown would feel at home. $$$
SOUTHEND BREWERY & SMOKEHOUSE 2100 South Boulevard, 704-358-HOPS. Big, beautiful microbrewery serves up a variety of brews and eclectic cuisine. An A for atmosphere. Same menu lunch and dinner. $$-$$$
TALLEY'S CAFE VERDE 1408 East Boulevard, 704-334-9200. Cafe in Talley's Green Grocery features vegetarian, ethnic and naturally prepared foods for both lunch and dinner till 8pm. $-$$
THAI TASTE 324 East Boulevard, 704-332-0001. This elegant Oriental cuisine is treated with all due delicacy and fiery pleasure. Imaginative specials and great selection of curries and noodle dishes. $L, $$D
VIDALIA & GRAPES 1626 East Boulevard, 704-358-8188. The concept here is for the diner to try new combinations of tastes. Food can be ordered in either tapas or entree sizes, and wine is offered by the taste, glass, or bottle. Sharing is encouraged. $$$
DOWNTOWN / MIDTOWN
ALEXANDER MICHAEL'S 401 W. 9th Street, 704-332-6789. Favorite friendly Fourth Ward hangout is great for an after-work pick-me-up or lunch or dinner. $$
BIJOUX BRASSERIE & BAR, 201 N. Tryon Street, 704-377-0900. If you yearn for Paris, Bijoux is the place. The setting alone is worthy of a visit. $$$
BISTRO 100 100 N. Tryon Street, Bank of America Corporate Center, 704-344-0515. A wood-burning oven is the secret behind the wonderful, smoky roasted dishes here. The roasted chicken, vegetables and salmon are great. $$-$$$
BRAVO! RISTORANTE 555 S. McDowell Street, in Adam's Mark Hotel, 704-372-4100. Authentic Italian cuisine is the star, and professional singers share the stage as waiters. Very good wine list. $$-$$$
BRIXX WOOD-FIRED PIZZA 225 E. 6th Street, 704-347-2749. Gourmet pizzas, fabulous Caesar salad, other salads. Limited, but well chosen wine list served by the glass, too. Open late. $$-$$$
CAPITAL GRILLE 201 N. Tryon Street, 704-348-1400. An upper end, luxuriously appointed, dark wood, clubby steak house with a national reputation for dry-aged porterhouse and sirloin steaks and large portions. L$$$, D$$$$
CARPE DIEM RESTAURANT 401 E. Trade Street(corner of Brevard), 704-377-7976. Relocated to new downtown digs in a century old building, but has been popular with Charlotteans since it first opened in 1989. The menu features eclectic cuisine. Closed Sunday. $$$
