On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Category: American (Traditional) [Edit]
Neighborhood: Elizabeth
Loading...
5 stars easily.
Crushed Ice
Delicious Sweet Tea
All entrees less than $10.
Homemade minced-style cole slaw you can't stop eating until it's gone
Country-Style Vegetables (which also for vegetarians they sell 3 or 4 vegetable plates for less than $6).
Gigantic Burgers
Amazing Chicken and Dumplings
Daily Entree Specials
Cozy atmosphere, always a crowd/
The service is delightful and really makes you glad you picked Lupie's to eat at. So cordial.
I went to Lupie's for the first time...finally. I had heard good things about them from various people, especially about their chili. Yes, you do have to park in a stoned parking lot. Yes, it looks a little sketchy on the outside. Yes, it's not in the best neighborhood. Fortunately, it was still very light out when we went so I felt very safe and enjoyed the rustic ambiance of the restaurant. I'm not sure how it gets once the sun goes down.
At 95 degrees outside, I wasn't really in the mood for hot chili, but I decided to give it a try since it was their specialty. I ordered the chili mac (chili on top of spaghetti...all covered with cheese...c'mon, sing along with me!). They have three types of chili (which I'm glad they explained on the menu). Texas - no tomatoes, hot. Cincinnati - regular tomatoey chili. Vegetarian - guess. I went with Texas. It was VERY thick, full of meat, and yes, spicy. YUM.
The portions are fantastically big; I walked out of there stuffed. The prices are very reasonable, too, especially for the taste, quality, and portion size. The table next to us ordered the covered/smothered nachos as an appetizer. Wow. It was a HUGE platter full. I may have to try that next time as my main meal. My mouth is watering already thinking about it.
Every time I leave this place, I'm smiling giddily and grabbing my gut as I stumble back to the car. It's a happy feeling, but very intense, so we only hit Lupie's once or twice a month.
I've had everything veg-friendly on the menu (and whoops, a few things that weren't, which I'm sure I would have been told about, had I thought to ask) and it's all good, in that holy-crap-this-is-insane kinda way. If you're veg and ordering nachos, remember to get them with their veggie chili instead of beans-- yes, there's lard in them beans. Chili "salad" is hilarious and awesome, I've only had the restraint to order quiche here once, and found it simple but tasty. The same can be said for the mac n' cheese-- you can go elsewhere and find a more complex version, but I think the slight velveeta-ishness of Lupie's makes perfect sense and when I'm in the mood for it, it hits the spot every time.
Had a great lunch here. Very kind and attentive service. I had the pulled pork BBQ sandwich and it was terrific. My friends had burgers and enjoyed them as well. I didn't get to imbibe, but I saw that they had Shiner Bock on their beer list, which made me VERY happy. I love places like this and, when you're on the road, the fact that the place is original, independent, and uses quality products-- it's enough to make me wanna cry.
This local place has character and good home-style cooking. Service can be hit or miss - I've had really outstanding servers at times and other times, not so great. However, the food is good, portions are generous, and prices are cheap, so I can overlook the occasional lapse in service. I am not a fan of their veggie burger or their vegetarian chili, but they normally have fresh & delish veggie plates - with super mac-n-cheese. I like their cornbread too. On Thursdays you can get home-style chicken & dumplings - which for a native southerner like me is true comfort food. Oh, and don't forget to save room for the banana pudding!
Oh god, I just.... I just love you, Lupie's. There, I said it. Now declare your reciprocated love for me by serving me delicious chili mac, burgers (meat & veggie alike), bbq plates, BEST mac n' cheese and veggies. Confirm this love even further through your peach kuchen and banana pudding and I'm yours forever. Serenade me with Parliament Funkadelic and the Smiths. Thanks for making it okay to be lazy by driving to you instead of walking because I know I won't make it home when I'm done even though I live close by.
Since I'm a NC native, I'm going to take a few liberties. Strike that. Since I'm a UNC grad, I'll take lots of liberties. For my fellow Tarheels, you'll know exactly what I mean.
Lupies is the He's Not Here of food in Charlotte. End of review.
Just kidding. I wouldn't respect myself in the morning if I let the metaphor slide by those of you not familiar with Chapel Hill.
He's Not Here is (or was- is it still there?) a watering hole familiar and dearly loved by undergraduates. The beer was cheap, the music was loud, and the crowd often raucous beyond belief. You'd go to He's Not Here to howl at the moon- or whatever. He's Not Here was not the most consistent place, sometimes your beer would be so hot-off-the-tap it would be... hot. The burgers and fries were good or not good- depending on the day, size of crowd or size of hangover the cook or you were nursing.
You'd go to He's Not Here for what it DID have- attitude, history, and a sense of place.
That's Lupie's in a nutshell. I've been to Lupie's and had a delicious burger. I've been to Lupie's and had a mediocre burger. The service, while not always stellar, has usually tended to the casual, if not pleasant. And yes, most times Lupie herself is somewhere near the register.
People like Lupie's because they know Lupie's. Not only that, they know Lupie, the owner who started this establishment over 20 years ago, when its location not only put it on the edge of the 'hood, it was IN the 'hood. Heck, by any standard, 20 years in the restaurant business is like being there at the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
So it is with Lupies. Don't go expecting much, and if you leave pleasantly surprised, which you probably will, you'll come back.
Note: I once heard Lupie's squash casserole mentioned on Jane and Michael Stern's Road Food segment on NPR. It's sort of like having the Jack Kerouac stamp of approval.
I've got to pile on with the Lupie's fans! Always a treat! One of the few places for which I will specifically cross town to dine... not not nearly as often as I should. When I do, I try to take some tupperware to take some Texas hot chili home without it getting on the car's interior. It makes the BEST queso dip!
The Texas chili is friggin' hot, but incredibly yummy! I have to get it on a burger, or on the chili mac to handle it. Poor, poor me... ;)
Everything (well almost) comes with PILES of cheese! They must be on the government Cheddar program, or something!! They throw the stuff around like it was cheap! The nachos are a multi-layer construction with plenty of melted cheese as the roof and mortar.
A funky and eclectic place in every way, including staff, and Lupie herself. The photos on the wall are of iconic Charlotte landmarks, many of which have been eradicated in the past generation... in the name of progress. The photos were taken by a noted local photographer and teacher (whose name eludes me). Somehow, it all just works!
Do go, and don't take yourself too seriously. They certainly won't! ;)
This is a local favorite that I had neglected to experience until recently. I went on a weeknight with a large group of friends and left satisfied. I ordered the nachos with hot chili (they offer 3 kinds of chili). As a fan of spicy food, I wasn't disappointed. The portion was monstrous! There were about 9 of us altogether and though we did our best, we just couldn't conquer the nacho mountain! The service was great, the music was great... all in all a fun trip. I'll definitely go back! My only complaint is with the small, pothole-stricken gravel parking lot. I guess it kind of goes with the "hole-in-the-wall" theme.
Lupie's has a fantastic veggie burger, which pleases me. It's not as good as the one at the Penguin, but it's nice to find options for diner-style food that can serve vegetarians. I love the tea in the big mason jars.
The service is casual but friendly. I often had conversations with the servers about my tattoos and got the invitation to take a look at theirs, which always makes for good dinner conversation.
When I first lived in Charlotte, I lived off of 7th Street, so I spent a lot of time at Lupie's. Now that I've moved across town, I don't make it over there as much. I kind of miss it...the great-big plates of unpretentious food...I might have to go there tonight!
I like this place, the atmosphere is cozy. However there is something that I have ordered there that were so so. However the nachos are so ridiculously good that it will leave you drooling and full! The small order can feed two. PBR is only $1 here.
So had I left without dessert, I would have left 2 stars. For some reason I thought I needed banana pudding, so I ordered up some and my friend ordered the peach kuchen. OMG!!! Forget about the banana pudding, that freaking kuchen was the best dessert I have ever had! I would probably stab someone in the face for some more.. srsly, it's that good! The banana pudding was way too sweet for me, thankfully my friend was willing to share her kuchen! I think I will go back just for dessert! Everything else was just so-so for us. We both had the Monday meatloaf, but nothing to write home about. Now that kuchen... that's something!!
You can certainly get a ton of food at Lupie's. The chili mac plate, for instance, is similar to a Cincinnati chili serving in style (chili over spaghetti), and it even smells like you're walking into a Skyline chili place - anyone who's been there knows that smell. It's actually even larger, as I can finish a Skyline five-way, but not a Lupie's chili mac plate.
But the cheese is off, with Lupie's having a thick, grated cheese, and Skyline having that fine shredded cheese piled high. It's just not the same. The taste isn't the same either, even if the style is similar. And frankly, it's not as good. Sorry to those of you who liked it, but it wasn't that great.
The service was speedy - at least being seated. Arriving at a pre-dinner hour (around 5pm), the dining room was half-full and well-stocked with servers wandering around. We were promptly seated, and our drink and dinner order taken. Drinks were also quickly refilled. Once. Then were were totally forgotten about for half an hour or more while... nothing happened (other than idle chit-chat behind the register).
Perhaps there was some big event going on, or there was prep-work being done for a dinner rush or something, but there weren't any more people sitting down at the time. The service was "half good", but that's also half bad. It might have been an off night, but for all the raves, it wasn't terribly impressive. Would have expected more out of Lupie's from the other reviews.
I'm not a big fan of Charlotte. For me it is a lonely, soulless city of finance, and as an effete intellectual from the 919 end of the state, I must be completely opposed.
But damn this is a good casual place. I was interning there a few summers ago and some Charlotte friends happened to be in town for a few days and they led me here. I had the Cincinnati chili all the way and it was tasty and kept me full the rest of the night. I was able to enjoy "Wedding Crashers" without worrying about an empty stomach.
Best of all, it was like $5. And there was a ton leftover. That made me wish I wasn't going to the movies afterward, as it would have made an excellent leftover meal the next day.
HUGE burgers with spicy chili, nachos, and dollar beers. Need I say more?
They also have a great BLT. I am picky about bacon. It must be extra crispy. Most places don't make it crispy enough. Lupie's does. I would go here all the time but there is a smoking section and smoke doesn't know how to keep out of my lungs once we're in the same building. So- as much as I enjoyed the food, atmosphere, music and servers... I won't be back anytime soon :(
PS They have a pretty good kids' menu. I would bring kids here except for the smoke. I still don't understand why we have laws that say you must be 18 to smoke, and we know second hand smoke is worse than first hand- but we'll let little kids breathe second hand smoke in restaurants all over town. Hmmmm...
I always hear rave reviews about the chili at Lupie's, but I just wasn't all that impressed. (By comparison, I went to the annual Plaza Midwood/Chantilly Chili Cookoff and found WAY BETTER chili of all varieties.) Still, Lupie's is one of those landmark restaurants in Charlotte - and one of few that's still standing - so I want to support it. I'd recommend checking it out. It's a little off the beaten path and it's a fun down-home kind of place.
I did not expect to get so much food for such little money. This place is gooooood! Lupie's fills your plates to the brim- and I admit, I had to go because of the Cincinnati Chill like most. I can't believe I've never thought of this myself! Just out of college, I'm no stranger to Mac n' Cheese, chili and spaghetti- but to think of mixing and matching them into wonderful plates of YUM- just never crossed my mind! I'm so glad that Lupie's decided to just slop some good down-home food on your plate.
A Charlotte icon! In 15 years, I have never had a bad meal there. The Texas Chili is GREAT! Go there at lunch for a great meal, surrounded by local hospital and button-downed types. The go back for dinner to enjoy dining with the "eclectic" side of Charlotte.
It was okay here, definitely not bad. I had the quiche and it was very good. I didn't find the portions to be as large as the others say. The atmosphere is cool.
I agree with other reviewers -- you have to train for a meal at Lupie's like you would if you were entering the Nathan's hot dogs competition. You're gonna get a lot of crazy good food for just a tiny bit of money. Don't bring neat-freak friends here. The food, like the place, is gloriously sloppy. Mercifully, there's an endless supply of napkins on the table.
I was always in the mood for Lupie's, and somehow the mood would often hit when they were closed for some odd reason. Anyhoo. Nachos are bottomless. Burgers are massive & messy. Chicken & Dumplings are how maybe your mama used to make 'em because my mama made us Chicken & Rice growing up, but I bet your mama made 'em REAL good. Chili cravings get somewhat squashed here when I have them (which you can have Cincinnati style on noodles if you want), but I'm usually here for the burgers and their more authentic Southern fare. Their veggie plates with the huge slab of cornbread & delicious sweet tea is the real deal. Cheap prices, big portions, service w/a smile, laid-back bar. Save room for some kuchen or banana pudding!
It's best not to eat for days before you step into this establishment. The food is great and the portions are huge! I have never been able to finish a meal here. The daily specials are always Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes Monday, Fettucini Alfredo Tuesday, Spaghetti Wednesday, Chicken & Dumplin' Thursday, Spaghetti Friday...I must say that Mondays are my favorite, but the rest of the week is fine by me, too. The mac & cheese is super yummy and I ALWAYS order this as a side. Gosh, I miss you since I moved from Charlotte!!! :-(
Lupie's is fantastic. The food is cheap, huge, and delicious. They offer a daily special everyday that comes with 2 sides and sweet tea (usually about 5 or 6 dollars) and they also have a variety of sandwiches. The best bet in my opinion is the veggie plate, which comes with cornbread and tea (only $4.85 for 4 veggies). Don't miss the mac and cheese or the sweet tea, and for those of you that like blue cheese dressing- this is some of the best in town. This place is decent sized and has a quick turn-over, but if you go during the lunch or dinner rush you might have to wait a little bit.
The Lupies in Huntersville is a 5-star burger joint. The one on central is a 3. Their burgers weren't as good as I've had in Huntersville and the building is a bit run down. I know a lot of people that love this place, but I guess i'm just not a fan of seeing dust and spiderwebs everywhere.
Great chicken and dumplings on thursdays, delicious sweet tea all the time and some of the best comfort food in Charlotte. A fun atmosphere with great food all around.
Let me start by saying: Lupie's makes the best chili on Earth.
They also have fantastic veggie plate, as well as burgers and meatloaf.
You can generally get out for under $12.
I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant.
I had the greens soup (turnips I think) for an appetizer. First time and I was scared but it was off the chart yummy. I can't even remember what I had for a main course but I do know it was finger-licking good. My tween daughter loved their food too.
Charlotte, NC
Category: Pubs
Charlotte, NC
Category: Delis
Neighborhood: Fourth Ward
Category: American (Traditional)
Charlotte, NC
Category: American (Traditional)
Neighborhood: First Ward
Category: Southern
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
There are a surprising amount of places to eat in…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
