I went to a Charlotte Elite Yelp Event at Mattie’s Diner on Monday night. Mattie’s is a new diner at the NC Music Factory. When I first moved to Charlotte, I noticed that it didn’t really have a lot of breakfast options or diners that my north of the Mason Dixon line friends hold near and dear to their hearts. However, lately they have been popping up all over the place just like the cupcake craze in the last few years. Affordable food in a bright, nostalgic setting that’s open 24 hours? Count me in.
When I read the invite to this event two words stood out to me: Spiked Milkshakes. Liquor and milkshakes living together in harmony? Say it ain’t so! I’ve never had a spiked milkshake before (from a restaurant at least, I’m sure I’ve made one in a drunken stupor in the past) and I was intrigued by the idea. They don’t have their liquor license yet so a liquor distributor supplied the booze for the evening and the selection limited but still sounded tasty.
All of them sounded terrific but the Cherry Kick Float was at the top of my list to try since I love all things cherry. The others sounded good but a bit too heavy for me and I didn’t want to go into sugary, lactose shock at first sip.
I tried the Spiked Elvis afterwards and that was everything I dreamed of and more. After two of those, I was done. It was too heavy and sweet for me and unfortunately left me in a sugar coma the remainder of the evening . So much that I contemplated walking over to my neighbor’s house to see if he would rub my belly, don’t worry I didn’t (because seeing that we are on a hi-bye basis would have made that awkward). But oh yes….back to the milkshakes. They have over 25 hand spun milkshakes on their menu and I saw their seasonal special– Pumpkin Cheesecake Milkshake. Thanks Mattie’s for still having fall/Thanksgiving theme shakes still around as opposed to other places who are bringing out the Christmas themed ones already.
Some of the food offered : Fried Hot Dogs wrapped in bacon (a heart attack on a plate if you will), Italian Meatloaf, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Peach Cobbler, Carrot Cake and Peanut Butter French Toast. Basically any kind of down home, diner comfort food you could think of. Thankfully, they served everything in sampler sizes so nothing was too overbearing but add a few bites of everything up together and I was as stuffed as a turkey
Everything was tasty but the Buffalo Chicken Dip was by far my favorite. Not only did I love that they served it with both homemade thick cut chips, celery and carrots but it was very spicy and later found out they make their own hot sauce there. I love anything spicy and buffalo wing flavored stuff never really has me reaching for a glass of water but this had me sweating a bit! Score! Once I tried a little of everything I thought I was done but then ordered another helping of the dip. They dip alone will have me coming back to Mattie’s
I was talking with the owner and the diner is a historic diner saved from Hurricane Floyd in the late 40’s. They restored it and then moved it down to Charlotte a few years back so this was the real deal! There wasn’t too much seating available so I would love to see what this spot would be like at 3A on a Saturday morning with all the drunks from the bars/clubs at the Music Factory.
Even though I am a bit claustrophobic, I really dug the cozy space that they offered. Not many place still offer a counter space to schmooze and enjoy a quick, classic All American meal. I just loved the nostalgic, no frills feeling that came with Mattie’s.All in all, this was a fantastic event and it was great to try a new place out. Now when I need a 50’s fix, I can dine at Mattie’s instead of watching Happy Days!
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Simply Shaka 