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Phat Burrito Is Poised For Its Triumphant Return To Charlotte

Author Phil Harris
Following a six-year hiatus, Charlotte's beloved Phat Burrito is ready to re-launch at a new location in LoSo. (Photo by James Andrews/Getty Images)

As Charlotteans continue to mourn the recent permanent closures of Green’s Lunch and Gus’ Sir Beef, among other longtime local eateries over the past several years, there’s finally some good news. South End’s beloved Phat Burrito is poised to rise like a flavorful phoenix from the ashes of redevelopment at a new location very soon.

Phat Burrito closed its doors in February 2017, long before the pandemic. Fast-casual chain Flower Child moved into its former spot on Camden Road, just over the light rail tracks from the K104.7 studios. But following its six-year hiatus, Phat Burrito is ready to re-launch in LoSo.

According to Charlotte Stories, Michael Cox, the son of Mac’s Speed Shop co-owner Andy Cox, made a deal with Phat Burrito founder Stephen Justice to resurrect the popular burrito/taco joint. Cox will be using the original recipes, while incorporating the same funky aesthetics and style elements we remember from the old location.

Phat Burritos’ new spot is at 3543 Dewitt Lane, next to the Gilde Brewery near the corner of Clanton Road and South Boulevard. Based on their Facebook posts, it looks like Phat Burrito will be ready to open their doors sometime later this summer or in the fall. In fact, they’re currently hiring.

What other iconic Charlotte restaurants would you like to see brought back to life? The aforementioned Green’s Lunch and Gus’ Sir Beef? How about my all-time favorite barbecue place, Bill Spoon’s? Let’s not forget Price’s Chicken Coop, Mr. K’s, and Zack’s Hamburgers. The list is getting too long!

Phil Harris is 50% of "Phil & Mel in the Afternoon" on K104.7. He has been with the station since 2013 and on the air in Charlotte since 2000. Before coming to the Queen City, Phil worked for radio stations in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Seattle. In addition to the weekly "Throwback Threesome" music video feature, Phil writes about things that matter to Charlotte sports fans and pet owners. He happens to be both.

The Best Seafood In North Carolina According To One List, Isn't On The Coast

When you think of top-tier fresh seafood, you usually think of the beach or at least somewhere near the coast. Especially in North Carolina the Calabash area is considered the pinnacle of seafood. So when I came across this list of the best seafood in every state, well I figured it would be in Calabash. If not there then somewhere else on the coast. Perhaps Wilmington or the Outer Banks? But nope. Not this list. It was created by a website called 24/7 Wall Street. They created a list of the best seafood in every state including North Carolina. So how exactly did they do this?

According to the article, they ” consulted lists, ratings, and reviews from websites including Guide Michelin, Eat This Not That, Food Network, Gayot, Eater, and Time Out, as well as numerous local and regional sites.” What was considered a “seafood restaurant”? Well, sushi and “informal seafood shacks” were omitted from the list. The establishments included can be anything from fancy white tablecloth restaurants to casual restaurants. Some offer fried fish or shrimp, others have a range of flavors including Mexican, Portuguese, Chinese, or New American. They also mention that regional trends are represented- think Cajun crawfish, Maryland crabs, New England chowder, and Maine lobster.

Hungry yet? So if such emphasis is put on regional fresh seafood, and the best seafood in North Carolina isn’t in Calabash or the coast at all, where is it? Keep reading to see the best seafood in NC as well as some of our neighbors. You can read the full 24/7 Wall Street list here. Do you disagree? Let me know! I’d love to know what your favorite is. Just don’t shoot the messenger if you don’t agree.

  • North Carolina - Captain Tom’s Seafood Grill & Bar (Kernersville)

    Address: 1265 Highway 66 South Kernersville, NC 27284 

    According to their website Captain Tom’s has been a staple of the Kernersville and Triad community since 1972. They serve the “freshest seafood” in a “style all their own”. They pride themselves on reasonable prices. The menu includes starters like shrimp cocktail, raw and fried oysters, and a crab and spinach dip. For entrees try the platter or create a plate of your favorite fried fish, shrimp, or crab. They also offer broiled seafood, or dishes like shrimp and grits, stuffed flounder, or grilled Mahi Mahi. But don’t worry, there are plenty of options for land lovers as well!

    Menu 

  • South Carolina- 167 Raw (Charleston)

    Address: 193 King St, Charleston, SC 29401

    South Carolina does take it the coast and the foodie paradise of Charleston. 167 Raw actually has an oyster bar, sushi bar, and bistro. It’s more of a high end, fancier restaurant that our previous restaurant. You’ll find thinks like a swordfish sandwich, seared yellowfin tuna, and scallops on the menu.

    Menu 

  • Georgia- Steamhouse Lounge (Atlanta)

    Address: 1051 West Peachtree St. in Midtown

    The Steamhouse Lounge has a long history in the Atlanta area. It was originally located in Buckhead for 20 years, but is now found in Midtown. What should you expect from a visit? According to their website ” award-winning lobster bisque, the freshest seafood, ice cold bottle beer and our signature Goombay Smash.” The menu features a raw bar with mussels, clams, oysters, and shrimp. Or perhaps you prefer a basket of your favorite fried seafood, soups, lobster rolls, or a snow crab dinner. But that’s not even the half of it!

    Menu

  • Florida- Joe’s Stone Crab (Miami)

    Address: 11 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139

    The history of Joe’s Stone Crab dates all the way back to a counter in 1913. Over its 100+ year history, it has had numerous famous visitors and is still owned by the same family. The menu has grown and now features dishes like crab legs, a seafood trio, conch fritters, and seafood paella. There is also fish and chips, a lobster roll, and New England Seafood Fry.

    Menu

  • Virginia- Merroir (Topping)

    Address: 784 Locklies Creek Road Topping VA 23169

    It doesn’t get any fresher than Merrior on the banks of the Rappahannock River, where the restaurant’s namesake Oysters are farmed. According to their website, Merroir “is “a “tasting room,” just so people know to expect something different. Everything is either served raw or cooked on an outdoor grill, small-plate-style, and beautifully paired with craft brews and world-famous wines.”

    Menu 

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