Fried pickles at Mac’s and the Penguin

If you’re visiting Charlotte, there are two restaurants you must visit: Mac’s Speed Shop in Southend and the Penguin.  Both are originally based in Charlotte and have lots of character with very tasty eats.  Below is an original David French painting hanging on the wall at Mac’s.  I’ve had the pleasure of meeting David around town before.  You will see the actual artist and some of his other works appear in future blogs.  From his website: David French is an artist in the city of Charlotte NC based out of the artistic North Davidson area.

Mac’s is known as a barbecue place that bikers frequent.  Regular readers know that Mac’s is a favorite pit stop of mine.

After many years of frequenting this place, this is the first time they have ever offered us complimentary hushpuppies.  Maybe they don’t recognize that we’re bikers without our bikes (or maybe because of my broken leg).  I’m just glad we have great service this time!

Me, Jason, Brendan, and Jesse.

Half price appetizers are the way to go!  We feasted on chili, nachos, Brunswick stew, and fried pickles.

Jesse is the keeper of the beer bucket.

Kevin brings the Euro to Euro Bike Night with Todd and David.

I love the exasperation in Kevin’s face as the waitress pours his Old Speckled Hen.  He even offered to pour the beer himself but I guess she insisted.  His beer looks to be about 95% foam when she’s done.

Cupcakes for everyone!

After several tries, Chrisanne and Jeff finally get their wine selection.  They should have gone with the Reisling like me.

The timing is just a bit off as our entire table pays and just as we stand up to leave, Edmund and Ashley arrive.  Fortunately, we stay long enough to congratulate Edmund on the good news!

If you’ve had your fill of barbecue, move along to the other healthy food group – burgers at the Penguin.

This is it.  The whole restaurant is very small and gets crowded no matter what time of day.

Jason, Jon, Jami, me and Tracy.

Check out this menu – sandwiches, burgers, and dogs.  What else could you possibly want?

Check out this menu – sandwiches, burgers, and dogs.  What else could you possibly want?

Since this was Jon’s and Tracy’s first visit, they show off their first fried pickles experience while Jami is an old pro at this.

Jason and I are no strangers to this place.

On Jon’s first visit, he orders half the menu.  In addition to trying the fried pickles, he adds fries, hushpuppies, baked beans, and a Winky Dink dog to his dinner.  Wow!

Since I’ve had all of the must haves on the menu, I try the waiter’s recommendation – the rib eye sandwich.  Jason gets the Big Block all the way with pimento.  You can see his second patty (or for Jason, spatty) has already fallen in the basket.

Although all of the eats are tasty, I’d say my favorite is still the Falafel – black bean burger in a wrap smothered in hummus.  Once you’ve had the fried pickles and famous burgers, give the Falafel a try.  You won’t be disappointed!