Hidden Gems...

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Great, unique spots in Charlotte that I've found (they are not always on the main path)

 1. Julia's Coffee

1133 N Wendover Rd
Charlotte, NC 28211
(704) 295-4585

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Bookstores

Neighbourhood: Cotswold

5.0 star rating
  1/9/2012

Julia's has been on my radar for the longest time.  I finally got to visit it and see the greatness that I had been missing out on.  My only gripe was that I did not allow myself a lot of time to sit and "browse".  Basically went to meet a friend,…More »

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 2. Mattie's Diner

915 Hamilton St
Charlotte, NC 28206
(704) 376-1020

Categories: Diners, American (Traditional)

Neighbourhood: Third Ward

5.0 star rating
  11/14/2011

FINALLY got a chance to hit up Mattie's again (it had been a while since I last visited) and the NC Music Factory is a bit "off the beaten" path for me.

Naturally it was a Sunday morning, just finished a nice booty loop ride on the bike and we were…More »

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 3. Krazy Fish

2501 Central Ave
Charlotte, NC 28205
(704) 332-1004

Categories: Seafood, Vegetarian, Asian Fusion

Neighbourhood: Plaza Midwood

4.0 star rating
  10/7/2011

This place is KRAZY!  I've spied it off of Central for a while, but just never got a chance to try it until now.  It is really hard to anticipate what to expect with this restaurant based on the reviews, but the place has it's very own personality -…More »

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 4. Toyama Express

2130 E Arbors Dr
Charlotte, NC 28075
(704) 971-5199

Category: Japanese

Neighbourhood: Highland Creek

5.0 star rating
  10/21/2010

So fast!  By the time you get your drink and sit down, the food is in your face!  I actually used to go here a lot since it's really quick and easy to grab lunch.  Staff is really nice and the portions are gi-normous.

My usual is the Hibachi Chicken &…More »

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 5. Cheap Joe's Art Stuff

1848 Galleria Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28270
(704) 333-2527

Category: Art Supplies

Neighbourhood: Cotswold

5.0 star rating
  10/8/2010

Love the selection of materials, though something tells me the would order something if you really need it.  I mostly go here for the pre-streched canvases, but Cheap Joe's definitely is a big help with my paintings that I do.  I used to deal with…More »

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 6. VBGB Beer Hall And Garden

920 Hamilton St
Charlotte, NC 28206
(704) 333-4111

Categories: German, Bars, American (New)

Neighbourhood: Third Ward

4.0 star rating
  8/21/2011

Think I found a contender for where I will spend my Thursday nights!  Been on the search for a decent trivia place and found that VBGB has one on Thursdays.  We took a risk and it was a good experience, the questions were tough, but not too tough -…More »

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 7. Don's Tennis Accessories

826 E Morehead St
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 377-5999

Neighbourhood: Dilworth

5.0 star rating
  10/15/2010

Just went to Don's the other day to get my tennis racket re-strung.  The store was pretty busy (right after work - 5ish), but Don somehow was still able to provide personal service as he always does.

You pretty much can get everything Tennis in this…More »

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 8. Tanaka Grill & Sushi

5332-A Prosperity Church Rd
Charlotte, NC 28269
(704) 948-9518

Categories: Japanese, Sushi Bars

Neighbourhood: Highland Creek

5.0 star rating
  6/21/2011

Great little gem!  Trying to branch out in my lunch options, I found myself a Tanaka Grill and Sushi.  

Decided to order sushi, but their other options on the menu look promising as well.  The prices are pretty good for the flavors you get.  I ordered…More »

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 9. Wing King Cafe

13209 Carowinds Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28273
(704) 504-1954

Categories: American (Traditional), Chicken Wings

Neighbourhood: Steele Creek

5.0 star rating
  Update - 11/9/2010 ROTD 5/12/2011

Recently did a take-out order @ Wing King.  I usually make the trip out and sit down to take my time with the wings... but I was on my way somewhere and needed to get something on the way.

Even though I was taking out, the wings were exceptional.  My…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/27/2010

    This is probably my favorite place to get wings in Charlotte.  The big chain stores have okay wings,… Read more »

 10. McMullen Creek Greenway

11817 Johnston Rd
Charlotte, NC 28226
(704) 432-1570

Category: Parks

Neighbourhood: Quail Hollow

5.0 star rating
  Update - 12/3/2010

I have no idea why I gave this 3 stars...  It's a great greenway and probably one of the longest uninterrupted greenway at that.

It may be the number of bikers that cause me to give it a 3 star review initially... but if you go early in the morning,…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/8/2010 First to Review

    I am always searching for new trails to run without having to worry about getting hit by cars or… Read more »

 11. The Yoga Oasis

2400 Park Rd
Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 334-7104

Category: Yoga

4.0 star rating
  6/14/2011

I've attended a couple of bikram classes here with the recommendation of a friend that has been attending for over 2 years now.

Everyone here is SUPER friendly and laid back and relaxed.  I like how the instructors know that everyone is at different…More »

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 12. Pinky's Westside Grill

1600 W Morehead St
Charlotte, NC 28208
(704) 332-0402

Category: Diners

5.0 star rating
  5/17/2011

Great place!  Been wanting to make my way here for the longest time, but actually went last Saturday when I happened to be in the neighborhood.

First thing that you get hit with before you even set foot in Pinky's is the character the place offers.  I…More »

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 13. Great Harvest Bread

1824 E Arbors Dr
Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 971-7280

Category: Bakeries

Neighbourhood: Highland Creek

5.0 star rating
  4/28/2011 First to Review

Glad this place opened! So close to my office too. Their bread is amazing.... so are their muffins and scones. Basically everything thats bad for you to indulge in "carbwise"... but they are health conscious as well.  They get their whole wheat from…More »

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 14. McAlpine Creek Greenway

off of Monroe Rd
Charlotte, NC 28263

Category: Parks

Neighbourhood: Arboretum

5.0 star rating
  3/23/2011

I use this greenway a lot and is a great alternative to running on the road and having to watch out for cars.  There are many entrances, but I usually park off a gravel lot over off of Margaret Wallance and run underneath Independence Blvd to get…More »

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 15. Amelie's French Bakery

2424 N Davidson St
Charlotte, NC 28205
(704) 376-1781

Categories: Bakeries, Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: NoDa

5.0 star rating
  1/18/2012

My new favorite place!!!!! The decor is great and atmosphere really transports you when you arrive.  The food and treats really shine here.  I only had a 10min spot to explore, but I grabbed a chicken salad sandwich and french press from the coffee…More »

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Recently updated lists from John H.

I give it a 10!... or 5 stars... (40)

Places that hit all my buttons to deserve my top reviews!

These Wings Will Make You Fly.... (10)

Best place for wings!

See You at the Watering Hole (14)

Some "hidden" watering holes to get your drink on!

Free Chips and Salsa? ... Don't Mind if I Do (12)

My favorite Mexican spots around the Queen City

Panera Obsession (5)

My goal is to hit all the Paneras in the Charlotte region.  Here's what I got so far.

Make me a sammich! (13)

Nothing hits the hunger like a good sandwich.

Never Leave Your Car... (13)

Convenience of the Drive Thru concept makes us so lazy, but it's so great!

GET OUT of TOWN! (11)

Nice, driving distance destinations for a weekend get away to recharge batteries and take a break from the Charlotte life.

I need a drink... (14)

Seems like as I get older I've been saying this a lot more often.... here are the places I go to boost the courage, lower the inhibitions, and cope with life (in the best possible way).

No $$, No Problem! (18)

Places in Charlotte that you can either get by for free or very little money and still have a good time!

See all 28 lists »

Review votes:
356 Useful, 147 Funny, and 165 Cool

Location

Matthews, NC

Yelping Since

April 2010

Things I Love

movies, painting, running, snowboarding, sushi, french toast, pasta, tennis, nc state, art, travel, family, hanging out, board games, ikea, football, book club, glee, the biggest loser, hot yoga

Find Me In

Matthews in an old race t-shirt, jeans, and old running shoes

My Hometown

Springfield, VA

My Blog Or Website

http://www.jchugo.com

When I'm Not Yelping...

I'm working or painting

Why You Should Read My Reviews

Most of them contain embarrassing experiences of which I do not want to relive.

My Second Favourite Website

http://www.amazon.com

The Last Great Book I Read

Game of Thrones

My First Concert

Our Lady Peace/EVE6/Third Eye Blind

My Favourite Movie

Fifth Element

My Last Meal On Earth

Dad's Saturday Breakfast

Most Recent Discovery

Kindle Reading!, Trail running, Biking on the Booty Loop

Current Crush

Kristen Bell