Some would say food is the pathway to the heart. In the fast-paced world of today, food is one of the most reliable sources of comfort. In some cases, people’s days can be completely centered around trying to get a certain dish or meal. From a survey sent out to the high school student body, many responses were gathered regarding students’ top picks at local eats. Here are some of the top places, some background information on them, and what to try.

1. Steady Eddie’s Pumphouse

   

Steady Eddie’s has become a rising favorite among the student body at Carmel. This hidden gem is located south of Matthews and Interstate 485. Though it does not look like much on the outside, the food helps give the restaurant its positive reputation. Steady Eddie’s markets deals during the weekdays which have helped them appeal to more customers.

What should I get? – Steady Eddie’s Pumphouse is known for many American classics, but they specialize in wings. The CCS men’s soccer team would go on Mondays to Steady Eddie’s for half-priced wings day! Dylan Wilson, on the other hand, prefers the tacos. Wilson says he will go on Tuesdays for the Taco Tuesday special!

2. Bang Bang Burgers
   

Bang Bang Burgers was established in 2013 and is located just outside of Uptown. Bang Bang makes their

burgers from scratch and takes pride in the way their food is homemade. This locally owned and operated establishment is deeply rooted in the community and committed to making a positive impact. Bang Bang Burgers is a great spot to eat a quality, casual meal by yourself or with friends.

What should I get? If you come to this restaurant, a burger should be the obvious choice, but which one? Knox Flannagan says, “Bang Bang’s best burger is by far the Cowboy Burger.” What makes this burger special is the homemade BBQ sauce, but the other burgers on the menu are made with the must-try Bang Bang sauce.

3. Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, more commonly referred to as OMB, was founded in 2009. OMB has made a

name for itself in the city and now has a presence in the up-and-coming Ballantyne Bowl area. The brewery has been able to provide excellent food for its customers, and it is a place that families can go and enjoy a meal due to the friendly atmosphere.

What should I get? – OMB offers a variety of options on their menu, an there is a little something for everybody. OMB is best known for its sausages and sandwiches at its locations. Connor Medford states, “The Chicken Avocado Club sandwich is my go-to every time I am at OMB.”

4. Mama Ricotta’s

​Mama Ricotta’s is a beloved Italian restaurant located near Midtown Charlotte. The restaurant was started by Frank Scibelli, who owns many other restaurants in the Charlotte area. Mama Ricotta’s prides itself on crafting dishes from scratch, and this provides an authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant is a nice dining experience and incorporates Italian culture in the interior decorations.

What should I get? At Mama Ricotta’s, the best way to work the menu is to get family-style dishes, which helps to get a taste of everything. Helen Russell loves to go out to Mama Ricotta’s with friends and says, “The Penne Alla Vodka and Chicken Parmesan taste amazing and are great for groups.”

5. Musashi Japanese Resturant

Musashi Japanese Restaurant is located in the Pineville area off of Highway 51. Musashi is a calming experience that creates a traditional feel of Japanese service and culture. Many customers on the app Yelp share how, even though it is not a trendy place, the food is very comforting.

What should I get? With a very intense menu, it can be difficult to decide what to get. If you can’t decide, get the Bento Box as it offers a box with smaller portions of multiple different dishes. Luca Conti prefers the Chicken Katsu served with rice. Conti shares, “As a person who is Japanese, this is by far one of the greatest traditional (think not sushi but actual Japanese food) and authentic Japanese food in Charlotte.”

Honorable Mentions:

La Victoria Cocina- credit: Audrey Bucey (12th).

Poki Cafe- credit: Kylee Peebles (12th).

Cuzzo’s Cuzine- credit: Zach Watterson (12th).

Nautical Bowls- credit: Ryan Field (11th).

Crossroads Coffee.

Burr & Berry Coffee *owned and started by a the Cowan family (Grace and Kanah Cowan, Juniors here at Carmel)*

Hopefully, there was some inspiration gained through the local eats shared above, and hopefully, this made you hungry. Now, GO EAT.