10 North Carolina Steakhouses Tourists Flock To But Locals Avoid
North Carolina’s steak scene has plenty to offer, but some steakhouses attract crowds of tourists while locals quietly steer clear.
These spots often promise big flavors and classic vibes, but seasoned residents know there are better places to get a perfectly cooked cut.
Whether it’s overrated prices, crowded tables, or just a lack of that hometown touch, these steakhouses get a lot of attention but rarely make it onto local must-eat lists.
1. The Capital Grille (Charlotte)
Tucked into Uptown Charlotte, The Capital Grille lures business travelers with its dark wood paneling and portrait-lined walls.
Expense account warriors love dropping $60+ on a steak while impressing clients.
Meanwhile, Charlotte residents quietly head to locally-owned spots offering comparable cuts at friendlier prices. The sommelier’s wine recommendations conveniently always seem to land in the three-figure range.
2. Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Charlotte)
Sizzling platters and hefty price tags define this national chain that tourists can’t seem to resist. The steaks arrive on 500-degree plates with melted butter cascading down the sides.
Locals know you’re paying a premium for the brand name and downtown location.
Most Charlotte natives prefer family-owned steakhouses where the owners remember your name and don’t charge $15 for a side of potatoes.
3. Morton’s The Steakhouse (Charlotte)
Remember when servers wheeled carts to your table displaying raw meat? Morton’s still clings to this theatrical presentation that has tourists whipping out their phones.
Charlotte locals find the whole production unnecessarily stuffy.
The windowless dining room feels like a time capsule from the 1980s, complete with outdated decor and predictable menu items that haven’t evolved in decades.
4. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (Charlotte)
Conveniently located near SouthPark Mall, Fleming’s captures shoppers and hotel guests with its impressive wine list and predictable steakhouse fare.
The restaurant boasts about its 100 wines by the glass program. What they don’t mention is the markup.
Savvy Charlotteans bypass the corporate atmosphere and inflated prices for more authentic experiences. The desserts arrive looking Instagram-ready but taste disappointingly ordinary.
5. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse (Charlotte)
Soaring ceilings and a dramatic wine tower greet visitors at this Uptown showpiece. Convention-goers and business travelers marvel at the grandeur while dropping hundreds on dinner.
Local steak lovers know the theatrical presentation often overshadows the actual food quality.
The multi-level dining room buzzes with out-of-towners discussing their hotel recommendations, while Charlotte residents save Del Frisco’s for when the company credit card is paying.
6. The Palm (Charlotte)
Famous for caricatures covering the walls, The Palm attracts tourists eager to spot celebrity faces while munching on overpriced lobster tails.
The restaurant markets itself as having New York City swagger in the heart of Charlotte. Locals find the concept increasingly dated.
The caricature-covered walls feel gimmicky, and the steaks, while decent, don’t justify the Manhattan-level prices that leave wallets significantly lighter.
North Carolinians prefer authentic southern hospitality over imported NYC attitude.
7. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood & Steak (Charlotte)
Jazz music fills the air at this upscale chain where seafood towers rise like skyscrapers from tables occupied by hotel guests.
The cocktail program attracts convention attendees seeking to impress clients. Charlotte residents find the whole experience a bit too calculated and corporate.
Behind the polished veneer and live music, locals detect the unmistakable feeling of a restaurant designed by marketing executives rather than passionate chefs. The seafood is fresh but wildly overpriced.
8. Outback Steakhouse (Pineville Matthews Road, Charlotte)
Nothing says “I’m not from around here” like waiting 90 minutes for a table at this Australian-themed chain. The Pineville location particularly draws tourists heading to Carowinds amusement park.
Locals drive past the crowded parking lot with bewilderment. The faux-Aussie decor and Bloomin’ Onions might impress visitors from small towns, but Charlotte residents know better options abound.
The steaks arrive consistently overcooked, yet the wait times never seem to diminish.
9. Texas Roadhouse (Concord)
Peanut shells crunch underfoot as line-dancing servers entertain tourists visiting Charlotte Motor Speedway. This location strategically captures race fans seeking what they believe is authentic southern cooking.
Concord locals avoid race weekends entirely, knowing their favorite restaurants will be overrun. The gimmicky atmosphere and pre-race crowds make this Texas Roadhouse particularly tourist-heavy.
Despite decent prices, natives prefer quieter establishments where they don’t have to shout over birthday announcements every five minutes.
10. LongHorn Steakhouse (University, Charlotte)
Strategically positioned near UNC Charlotte, this western-themed chain captures parents visiting their college students.
The walls feature enough cowboy memorabilia to outfit a small rodeo museum. Local students might go once when parents are paying, but rarely return on their own dime.
Charlotte residents find the aggressively rustic decor trying too hard to create an atmosphere that feels authentic to Texas, not North Carolina.
The steaks are consistently mediocre, regardless of how they’re ordered.