Visiting Plaza Midwood, or just looking to better appreciate what it has to offer? Get to know this Charlotte neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a smokehouse to a dive bar.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in Plaza Midwood, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.
1. Midwood Smokehouse
Topping the list is smokehouse and traditional American spot Midwood Smokehouse, which offers barbecue and more. Located at 1401 Central Ave., it's the most popular business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 1,481 reviews on Yelp.
With three locations in Charlotte and another in Columbia, S.C., Midwood Smokehouse specializes in barbecue. Expect slow-cooked meats including pork, chicken and brisket. The spot's large barbecue plates come with two sides (look for the macaroni and cheese) along with hush puppies and pickled onions.
Yelper Stacy V. wrote, "I ordered brisket based on the server's recommendation. I loved it! There was barbecue sauce at the table but the meat didn't need any. It was so flavorful."
2. Krazy Fish
Krazy Fish, which offers seafood and more, is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 2501 Central Ave., four stars out of 430 reviews.
Established in 2010, Krazy Fish offers traditional curry dishes, tacos and more. Look for the Krazy Fish Fry among the spot's entrees. The plate features fried fish, shrimp, calamari or scallops served with honey wasabi sauce, slaw and your choice of side and cornbread. See the full menu here.
3. The Thirsty Beaver
The Thirsty Beaver, a dive bar, is another much-loved neighborhood go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 122 Yelp reviews. Head over to 1225 Central Ave. to see for yourself.
This inexpensive spot in Plaza Midwood offers a variety of beer selections and cocktails. The Thirsty Beaver is open from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesday-Sunday. It's closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Yelper Megan J. noted, "I love The Thirsty Beaver! It is a neighborhood spot with a "come-as-you-are" vibe and good drink prices. Don't expect craft beer or $15 cocktails. This is not the place for that."
4. Euro Grill & Cafe
Check out Euro Grill & Cafe, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 66 reviews on Yelp. You can find the Eastern European spot at 2719 Central Ave.
Try the ćevapi (beef sausages) among the house specialties. Euro Grill & Cafe's menu also includes the pijescavica (a Bosnian hamburger) and international beer selections. Check out the retail market situated next to the restaurant.
Yelper Jamie K. noted, "If you've never had Bosnian food, it shares similarities to Turkish and Greek fare, but it's definitely its own thing. Start off with ćevapi nestled in pita-like lepinja bread."
5. Pure Pizza
Finally, there's Pure Pizza, a local favorite with four stars out of 153 reviews. Stop by 1911 Central Ave. to hit up the vegetarian and gluten-free spot, which offers pizza and more, next time you're in the neighborhood.
In addition to its craft pizzas, the spot also serves up sandwiches, salads and calzones. End your meal with an apple pie sundae or root beer float for dessert. Pure Pizza is open from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday.
Yelper Emily M. noted, "This spot has great drink specials throughout the week and the pizza is so good. Grab an order of the garlic knots and get the pepperoni supreme pizza."
