Charlotte around the University Hilton

[countgrog]

I will be in Charlotte staying at the University Hilton. ill not have a lot of time to venture out too far though have plans for a lunch or dinner at the Penguin because I always eat there while in town. What is good and not a chain out by that Hilton?

[southernitalian]

You are very near to the intersection of Sugar Creek and Tryon at which you will find a pretty run down little shipping center called Asian Corner (pretty sure that's it. Asian Something). Right up front is a Vietnamese restaurant called Truc. There are some other gems inside, most notably a banh mi restaurant whose names escapes me.

There's also a good Indian restaurant in the shopping center catty corner to the Hilton. Also, the Mexican place at the end of the "pier" at the Hilton isn't terrible. Sorry, too jet lagged to remember all of the names of these places. In a pinch, the black and blue salad at Boardwalk Billy's isn't terrible. Ans definitely hit the Wine vault one night.

[vttp926]

Yes that shopping center is called Asian Corner. The banh mi shop is called Lee's and it is closed on Wednesdays. There is also Pho Daravan, Dragon Court Restaurant and I think Hong Kong Bbq inside the mall also. The New Century also sells the regular Vietnamese bread (banh mi thit nguoi) inside their stores. Then also depending the day, International Supermarket also has a selection of premade foods for sale to go.

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Dragon Court
4520 N Tryon St Ste 40, Charlotte, NC 28213

Pho Daravan Restaurant
4520 N Tryon St Ste 6, Charlotte, NC 28213

[mljones99]

I think the Mexican place you are talking about is Zapata's. When I worked in the University area I would go there for lunch from time to time. It's not bad, but not great either.

[countgrog]

thanks I hit Zapatas (like you said decent not great), Broadway Billies and Sushi 101 (very good just not too innovative in roll choices)

[mcap]

You are in somewhat of a culinary wasteland in that area, but here are a few that are relatively close, local, and pretty good:

Amalfi's - decent peasant Italian-American food, served in a small, casual setting. Pizza is pretty good - owners are great. http://www.amalfi-charlotte.com/

Sushi 101 - good sushi at a good price. Not overly creative, but solid.

Casablanca Cafe - Moroccan/middle east style food; not bad, not outstanding. Definitely something different for the area and a good price. http://www.casablancacafecharlotte.com/

And that's about all I got....