TaJun P.
Google
131 Main offers a truly exceptional dining experience that warrants every one of its five stars. From the moment you step inside, you know you're in for a treat.
Atmosphere: The restaurant strikes a perfect balance between upscale elegance and comfortable warmth. The inviting wood detailing and gas lamps at SouthPark creates a beautiful setting. The hickory wood fire grill scent subtly wafts through the air, adding an appealing, rustic note. It's lively without being too loud—perfect for a special occasion or a sophisticated dinner.
Customer Service: Impeccable. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely focused on the guest experience. Our server offered spot-on recommendations and ensured our meal was paced perfectly, making us feel completely cared for without being rushed.
The Food—A Culinary Tour:
Every dish we tried was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to freshness and quality:
* Cedar Plank Salmon with Smashed Red Potatoes: The salmon was succulent, perfectly cooked on the cedar plank, giving it a subtle, smoky aroma. It was topped with a whole grain mustard butter sauce that was tangy and rich. The smashed red potatoes were creamy and buttery, seasoned beautifully, and made for the ideal hearty accompaniment to the delicate fish.
* Southern Shrimp and Grits: A southern classic elevated. The shrimp were perfectly cooked, and the dish was bathed in a traditional Cajun Creole sauce—spicy, rich, and deeply savory with a hint of cured ham. The white cheddar grits beneath were exceptionally creamy and cheesy, forming a luxurious base that was simply divine.
* Blackened Chicken Pasta: This dish delivered a fantastic depth of flavor. Tender roasted chicken and penne pasta were tossed in a luscious, spicy Cajun cream sauce, enriched with red peppers, broccoli, and bacon. The blackened seasoning on the chicken added a fantastic, smoky kick that made this a seriously satisfying entree.
* The Double Dip (or Triple Dip): We enjoyed their famed "Double Dip," a marvelous appetizer featuring a smoky, fire-roasted pepper dip and fresh, vibrant guacamole, served with crisp tortilla chips. The dips were fresh, flavorful, and incredibly moreish—a great start to the meal.
* Soup of the Day (Mushroom and Artichoke): The soup was an absolute highlight. It was rich, earthy, and creamy, with the distinct, savory flavor of mushrooms perfectly complemented by the subtle, slightly tangy notes of the artichoke heart. A truly comforting and sophisticated starter.
* Brownie a la Mode: The perfect finish! The brownie was warm, fudgy, and intensely chocolatey, a wonderful contrast to the cool, melting scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was a classic dessert done right—decadent and satisfying.
131 Main is a Charlotte treasure. The dedication to fresh ingredients, the stunning atmosphere, and the flawless service combine to create a truly 5-star dining experience. Highly, highly recommended!