CLT Eats – A Charlotte Restaurant Review

Just a few of the roosters that stared at me throughout my meal

Okay, so my reviews this far were no surprise to me since they’re regular haunts. Rooster’s is a new destination. I’d heard great things about it but hadn’t gotten around to getting over there until today.

My initial impression is upscale and casual with very well trained staff. I expected quality food before I sat down. It’s not surprising that Rooster’s is such an impressive establishment. It’s owned by Jim Noble who also opened the quite classy Noble’s among other high quality establishments. One curious note, an entire wall is peppered with stuffed roosters which is only slightly creepy.

The menu is a la carte and honestly a little unclear although very broad. There’s something for everyone. I had shrimp with a side of grits and started with a cheese appetizer and salad. Everything was perfectly prepared and presented. The portions were much smaller than most places that I end up at, which isn’t a bad thing since there’s ample food but at the price I did feel a little taken advantage of.

The cheese appetizer was a little different and interesting. The salad was good and lite. The shrimp was boarding on undercooked compared to most places I’ve had shrimp but it was good with a little butter and a little sauce on the plate. The grits were my favorite. Classic southern food prepared thick and sticky with corn and bits of Canadian bacon mixed in. Like everything else, it was surprisingly lite. The entire meal, despite it being three courses, left me feeling satisfied but not stuffed like so many other restaurants make it so easy for me to do. Due in part to the small portions but also to the way everything was prepared. This is definitely not a place that depends on an over abundance of butter and salt to make things taste good.

Bottom line for me is that this will be a rare occasion destination. It’s a great place but at $50 after tip I personally can’t justify it very often. In all fairness I could’ve made cheaper selections, but then again I wouldn’t have gotten what I wanted. There are plenty of great restaurants in Charlotte where a meal can be had for less and many that I enjoy as much or more but if you’re feeling frisky and money is burning a hole in your pocket you can’t go wrong.

Pros

• Top Shelf Food
• Small portions unlike most places that over feed you
• Service so good it makes you feel like royalty or at least like Hall and Oates in their prime

Cons

• Price
• Portions are a little small for the expense
• Stuffed Roosters leering at you from the wall

Rating: Recommended