Alexander Michael's

"There’s something magical about dining in this house built in the 1890s that has taken on many identities — a grocery store, a laundromat, a deli, a gym, a paint shop, a thrift store. Today, it’s a homey tavern restaurant with entertaining, family-owned memorabilia along the walls, like old sports teams and local brewery signs. The menu is definitely entree-heavy, offering a vast range of them — a creamy honey chicken pasta, a stroganoff, and a London broil, all for around $20. If it’s not for the food, go for the service, where just one step in the door makes any guest a longtime regular. Weekends are super busy, and there are no reservations, so expect a wait. The house rule on the menu is, “If you can’t have a good time here — check your pulse!”" - Kayleigh Ruller

"Alexander Michael's, a beloved tavern in the 4th Ward, has a real neighborhood flavor. It doesn't take reservations and there's nothing fancy about it, but somehow the classic bar makes you want to sit for hours and tell the person pouring drinks your troubles. Diners here aren't up for frills or fuss. They're here to see some friends, have a couple of local craft brews, and get a burger without losing their shirts." - Nancy DePalma

"Fondly called Al Mike’s by locals, this Charlotte staple that opened in 1983 offers a low-key tavern experience with unpretentious food. It’s impossible to go wrong with the quinoa black bean vegetable burger or the reuben on rye (get a basket of Cajun fries, too)." - Katie Toussaint