Brooks Sandwich House

Finally made it to Brooks’ Sandwich House - it’s been on my Charlotte food list forever thanks to all the rave reviews, and I’m so glad I went. The cheeseburger was the absolute standout for me - juicy, flavorful, and just classic in the best way. I also tried the chili cheese fries since they’re kind of famous for their chili. The chili and cheese were solid, but full transparency - I’m not really a potato wedge person, so that part didn’t hit for me. Totally my fault for ordering something I don’t usually vibe with, but I wanted to give it a shot. Heads up - there’s no seating, just a standing-height wooden picnic table if you want to eat on-site. I ended up grabbing tea nearby and eating there since it had that outdoor picnic feel. Parking’s easy - gravel lot, just pull in wherever you fit. You can also call ahead to order, and they’re cash-only - but there’s an ATM right next to the window so it’s super convenient. I did post a video of my half-eaten burger (sorry y’all, I couldn’t wait) and I’ll try to upload a clip of the outside soon. Definitely worth the visit - I’ll be back for that cheeseburger again!

Located in the NoDa area just outside of Uptown Charlotte, Brooks Sandwich House has been in operation since the 1970's and remains as authentic today as it has for decades. On the inside you'll find there's no seating, no "real" ordering line, no fancy decor, or anything else that resembles your average restaurant Instead you walk in the front door and are immediately standing in the kitchen with only a counter between you and Brooks' World Famous Burgers. After carefully considering what to get on our first trip and a little persuasion from the staff we decided to go for a bacon cheeseburger, a bacon cheeseburger "all the way", a hot dog "all the way", french fries, and a sweat tea. One of the things that Brooks' is best know for is their chili. Its pretty much considered an atrocity to dine at Brooks' without getting chili on something. Brooks' World Famous Chili is even being sold at your local Harris Teeter... that's how important this stuff is. So after a few minutes of waiting and looking around, we realized just how much Brooks' reminded us of our favorite burger joint in Lynchburg "Texas Inn" aka the "T" Room. The rustic, authentic, local, anti-glamour type of foodie hangout that makes non-locals easy to point out. Then we got our food and headed outside to find out if Brooks' was all hype.. or whether or not locals had been on to something for the last few decades. Brooks' lacks a lot of the creature comforts traditional to most restaurants but it doesn't seem to damper anybody's craving for their mouthwatering and handcrafted burgers. We walked outside and quickly realized we had four options 1- Bring the food home 2 - Eat in our car 3 - Eat on our car 4 - Eat at the long wooden table in the shade It was an absolutely beautiful day so we chose to take full advantage of the quality lighting and setup on the hood of our super fancy Pontiac Grand Am. To say the food looked too good to take pictures would be an understatement. All I could think of was how quickly I wanted to get the photos out of the way so my teeth could sink deep into the handcrafted and perfectly cooked hamburger patty topped with cheese, bacon, onions, chili, and mustard. Love at first bite is the best way to describe our experience at Brooks'. After a few minutes of the HOT.. HOT.. HOT sun beating down on us we sought out refuge in the shade and relocated our grub to the long wooden table behind the restaurant. After consuming every last bite and taking a long hard look from an outsiders perspective of the restaurant and the claim of being "Home of the World's Best Burger"... we decided it fell a little shy of the high expectation we had at the beginning. It was love at first bite and we would definitely recommend it to any foodie looking to get a taste of Charlotte's history. But with that aside... it was not "Home of the World's Best Burger". Instead we found it to be home of a really good and fresh made piece of Charlotte burger bliss.

For years, I have heard about Brook's. Finally, my wife and I headed over there. Brook's has earned their reputation for excellence in delivering great food and great service. Everything is made to order, which guarantees fresh food. While Brook's has experienced loss and some measure of difficulties over the years, they have persevered and continue to provide Charlotte a quality burger and other sandwiches. A true throwback to privately owned and operated establishments. Please give them an opportunity to win you over!

I love old school restaurants. I loved everything about this restaurant. I ordered the double bacon cheeseburger with fried bologna with the chili on the side along with French fries. I know my cholesterol was through the roof but it was worth it. It was so delicious even the fried bologna and I hate bologna. This is a great no frills meal just get your meal and eat outside. So good. This place is cash only but they have an ATM there.

Visited this location for the 1st time October 1,2025 and then again on October 2,2025! I will most definitely be returning due to the quality and taste of the food. My 3yr old loves the fries and the friends he met while standing in line! I would absolutely recommend this establishment.

I love brooks so much. My old worker put me on and I’ve been a fan ever since. My favorite burger here in Charlotte. Everytime I order whether it’s from the phone or in person my food is always fresh. Thank you to the friendly staff of front and salute to the kitchen for making some amazing burgers !

Fast, delish, friendly. Next time, I'm getting chili cheese fries!! The chili is tasty but not overkill. U still get the cheese and the dog in every bite. Good classic cheeseburger that we all love ❤️

It's the best burger I have ever had!! The chili & slaw are homemade and the flavor is amazing. Everyone is so friendly, fast service and very worth the drive wherever you are from. It's a must try you will not be disappointed. I will be back!!!😋

No trip to Charlotte is complete without a stop at one of our favorite spots--Brooks' Sandwich House. There's a reason this place is a true Charlotte institution. I crave their chili dogs--fully loaded, of course. That famous chili recipe? Absolutely unmatched. Don't sleep on the crispy potato wedges either--they're the perfect sidekick. And if hot dogs aren't your thing, no worries--they also make a killer chili cheeseburger, or you can try their fried bologna or fish sandwich. It's a no-frills kind of place, and that's part of the charm. Grab your lunch and eat at the shaded stand-up area outside, or post up in your car for the full experience. Heads up--it's cash only, but don't worry, there's an ATM on-site if you need it. Everyone is always so nice and helpful as well! Simple, iconic, and always worth the stop.

Best burger I've ever had. I got it all the way without jalapeño's. The chili is not the typical chili I've had but it was very flavorful. The burger tasted flame grilled and the chili did not take away from the burger or give it too much of a meaty taste, it was well balanced and amazing. The chili cheese fries were also top tier, you have to mix the ingredients to really get all the flavors, they're more like potato wedges than fries. Not one fry was dry and not smothered by cheese. Service was fast and food was ready in less than 10 minutes. It's a small building with a table on the side to help you enjoy the food fresh. My burger looked a little sloppy but it was full of flavor. I'm honestly upset that it took me this long to try this place. Everyone should try it.

Still love this place. The best classic Carolina burger ever. Their chili truly makes it. They also have good breakfast sandwiches as well. Make sure you bring cash because it is cash-only. They have an ATM but you'll be charged a processing fee. Definitely one of the last Charlotte classics in town and I will be devastated when they leave us.

Aesthetic: Old school, no frills burger and hot dog post with a small menu full of classics. My Favorites: The chili dog with a cheer wine. Experience: This is one of those classic Charlotte staples that can't be missed. Both the burger and hot dog are delicious, and the chili makes them even better for me. I'm more of a chili dog person, and my husband enjoys the burgers here. The workers have been friendly when we've stopped by. I wish it wasn't cash only because I rarely carry cash, but they do have an ATM on site. I wish their hours were a bit later or on weekends, I feel like they'd be very busy if they catered to the later crowd as well. I'd recommend trying Brooks if you're looking for a solid classic hot dog or burger at a good price point.

One of my favorite spots for a quick lunch. Classic Charlotte, no frills, just good food and friendly staff. Always get the burger, all the way with fries. Usually not a wedge fry fan, but these are great. Hits the spot every time. Support local.

First time to visit the Brooks Sandwich House, found it on Yelp as we were close to Noda, as a family member is patronizing a local tattoo parlor this afternoon. They have been in business since 1973 and proclai they have the world's greatest burger. We met a man in line who saw we were from Kansas, and said this is a lot like Cozy Burgers in Salina, in terms of food, quality, and tradition. I went with the single cheeseburger "all the way," which includes mustard, onions, and chili. It definitely was delicious and I loved the kick in the chili. Next time, however, I will get a double cheeseburger for a little more quantity. Dad went with the fried bologna sandwich with cheese and mustard, and said it was delicious. We shared some fries, they were good, but not as remarkable as the cheeseburger. Definitely a noted Charlotte local spot famous for good reasons. Make sure you have cash, they do have an ATM literally right next to the cash register window, however, if you forget.

Where do I begin? This place has been on my list for years! It is a Charlotte institution that I fear may go the way of Zack's and Green's. The place is family owned with great service that is fast too. The burger I got was so so good. One of the best I have ever had, it's so easy to see why this place has been so popular for so long! Get there if you haven't before, it's worth it, especially to support a family business.

Best burgers in the city! Dont let the long line scare you, the food always comes out fast!

Ate here recently while on business in Charlotte and it was really good ... cheeseburger, wonderful real French fries and great sweet tea, decent prices and a good location...I'll be back!

MAN YES! CASH ONLY! But they do have an ATM! A must TRY, if you like burgers, it's iconic old school burger joint!!!! And pickles are delicious!!! Order outside and pickup outside!!! Quick, friendly Service! They will not make your call in order ahead of time but if you call you can automatically skip the order window! Hopefully Charlotte doesn't bulldoze this down like all other old school staple restaurants in Charlotte to put up another apartment building! Hours are limited that's why unfortunately this was my first time there!

My go to place for chilli cheese dogs. A little messy but so delicious! Hamburgers are great. I also love the potato wedge fries. Be warned: this is a cash only business, but believe me, it's worth it!

Brooks Sandwich House is a staple in Charlotte, North Carolina for decades (since 1973) and has fed generations from its location on the edge of the NoDa neighborhood and has always produced a solid menu of sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs. The service is friendly and Brooks Sandwich House proves that a great dining experience does not have to be in some upscale restaurant heavy on ambiance and atmosphere. This place is as humble as it gets, but the food is pretty stellar and there is a reason that this place has been around for over fifty years. A half century is a long time and Brooks Sandwich House has fed generations and has forged a place in this community's heart. I would definitely recommend a visit to Brooks Sandwich House and I will give it five stars.

Ordered hot and cheese burger all the way with the intent to save the hot dog for later. I ate both and a fries right then because it was good. No unique flavors here, just the combination of mustard and slaw and chili and cheese on burger and dog was great.

Worth the drive from the airport. Wonderful hotdogs with homemade special recipe chili on top. I would go there all the time if I was a local. Very busy because it's good

This place is a classic!! The chili is bang!! Try it on the hotdogs and burgers!! Hurry before they close!!

Fantastic fast service! Amazing cheeseburger, hotdog & fries! First time there but will not be the last!

Cash only with fast service from simple menu. Today was our first visit and I will be happy to return anytime. I ordered a hot dog with everything. It was well done and tasty. My sweet tea was excellent, according to my taste. Outside stand up dining all that I saw. Many ordered to eat elsewhere.

The young ladies working the order and pickup windows were very pleasant and welcoming. This was my first experience trying Brooks since moving to the area a couple years ago from Metro Detroit. I had two hot dogs, chili, mustard, onions and chili cheese fries. I was pleased with both the hot dogs and fries. It isn't coney, but it will do whenever I have a craving for a chili dog and chili cheese fries.

CASH ONLY but they have an ATM. The line can be long, but the food comes out quickly. You can add free toppings on your burger, which is a huge plus in my book. The chili cheese fries were great, but I couldn't finish them all alone. Support local and try Brooks! No frills shop and great lunch.

This place been bookmarked for a long time. Finally today I have a little bit of time to go.. Opened since 1973, cash only and a hold in the wall. Their menu are simple.. Yet they are good at what they do. I ordered the cheeseburger with a slice of fried bologna. Yes, I'm asking for a heart attack. But I can't be more happy. Juicy and nicely cooked. They fries come piping hot. So do be careful. I called my order in. Which takes about 15 mins. There's only outdoor standing room to eat.. So don't expect to get anything fancy. What you see and what you get. Their staffs are wonderful. I couldn't ask for anything better.

If you're a huge fan of messy yet delicious and cheap hot dogs this is your place! These dogs are absolutely amazing! Staff was very friendly and food was served fast and hot. This is definitely a Charlotte gem, been a family run business for decades. The menu is simple, dogs and burgers and what not, but it's all great. They are known for their famous house made chili. Note that it's cash only, so don't come expecting to whip out the debit card. There is an atm on site but who wants to spend those atm fees, so take my advice and bring cash! You honestly can't go wrong here, they have a lot of free toppings to add so you can personalize whatever you opt to get. It's a must if you live here or visiting to try this place! As a Charlotte native I'm glad there is still an old school place to get yummy and decently priced food.

I get this place has been around for over 50 years and has a loyal following. I found it average at best. Chili cheese dog was nothing special and the single cheeseburger all the way was just ok.

I could've swore I left a review here before I don't know why I can't find it. My cousin first brought me here years ago and when I tasted their burger it was so good. Now I've been coming here off and on for years but I was here the other day just to get one more burger in before they sell the place because it's up for sale so any day now it could be gone you never know. So I wanted to get my last burger back in before that happens because once they announce that it's gonna be crazy down there. I ordered a burger all the way no mustard and an order of fries. The bun on my burger was kinda stale so my burger was kinda blah but the fries were delicious I ate every single one of them. Kind of a bummer that my last burger there tasted that way but it is what it is. It's a staple in the community so if you get a chance to go, give them a try. I didn't take a pic of my food because they have enough pics of that.

Double cheese bacon burger was very good. Wish it was hotter in temperature. Fries were very good and hot. Have menu in website- FB didn't have the menu. Better than 5 guys

Great burger with chili, cheese, onion, and mustard! I wish they would follow the lead of Hap's Grill in Salisbury, and narrow their menu to just hotdogs and hamburgers, it would speed up the process, and these are by far the best and most popular menu items!!

Best dogs and burgers in Charlotte. Nothing fancy about it. But worth the stop if you're around NODA for lunch.

This is going to be a short review because there isn't really much I can add that hasn't already been said. This place is somewhat legendary in Charlotte and many publications have rated it among the best burgers in the city. You can add me to the long list of fans singing it's praises these burgers are fantastic.

Charlotte staple that you have to try. Great burgers but I would go with adding the extra cheese. They only take cash - know what you want before you get to the window and enjoy meeting other customers. Friendly crowd

Phenomenal!!! Trying to keep it going so they dont tear it down and put up more condos and Apts. BEST Carolina style in Charlotte. BEST burger in Charlotte. Just bring cash or use ATM. Just Go.

Damn hot dogs are the best in town. Comparable to greens (rip). The dog the steamed bun the slaw are unreal. You east standing up next to construction workers and bank SVPs. Fries are so so but that s not what i am there for. Truly the best so worth the trip.

TLDR: Brooks Sandwich House delivers great burgers for a great price. If you consider the taste of their menu items and divide that by the price, you'll learn quickly that Brooks is one of the most valuable restaurants in Charlotte. I will echo what every other reviewer suggests, you should get the burger all the way. Well, really, get anything you want but be sure to get it all the way.

This Charlotte staple has been on my list for years and I finally checked it out! Very friendly staff and simple set up. It definitely looks like it's a piece of history. With so many of our staple businesses closing in the city I knew I needed to come try it out before it was too late. Although, I hope Brooks sticks around forever. The food was good, it's a very chill family owned spot. No frills and people love it! There were plenty of people lined up to get lunch the day I stopped by. I had a burger, hot dog and fries and ate right outside since it was a beautiful day. I'm so happy I got to try this spot! Classic burger joint and very affordable.

Great burgers, dogs and fries Flat out guilty comfort food Feel like a kid when eating here

I finally tried the burger and fries at Brooks. I ordered the single cheeseburger all the way (topped with mustard, chili, and onions) and small fries. I expected to be wowed after everything I've heard about this place, but it was just ok. It's a good amount of food and a neat experience, so I recommend everyone coming at least once. They also have hot dogs and fried pies (store bought, not made in-house). It's cash only, but they have an atm inside in case you forget.

THE HYPE IS REAL. THE HYPE IS REAL. I was finally able to try Brooks. And I was blown away. Before anything: Yes, Brooks only accepts cash. But don't be dismayed or discouraged because they have an ATM literally right on the premises! Also, I'm thinking they only accept cash to keep their prices low. How lovely! Now, onto the important stuff. What did I order? I got their cheeseburger (w/ complimentary pickles, ketchup, mayo, shredded lettuce, and a thick juicy tomato slice). I also got their chili cheese fries. And wow. Just WOW. Their cheeseburger was divine. The cheese was melty, the meat was so moist and pretty thick for a single patty, the lettuce was fresh. My goodness, I was in heaven. And their chili cheese fries were also fantastic. When I first saw the chili, I was skeptical. I thought, "Hmm, looks a little dry.. looks a little lacking in magic." I. Was. Wrong. The meat was moist and soft. The cheese was melty and slightly spicy. Superb! I know their hours are kinda lame, but THE HYPE IS REAL. I will be back. And if you're wondering whether or not you should go, you should go! Also, they have outdoor "seating" in the form of a long wooden table, minus chairs. Worth it! :)

I can say with 100% percent confidence that at this point this is the best burger I've had in Charlotte. Ive been here 2x in the last 5-6 days which is rare for me. I will bringing everybody I know here to try it! Got something special over on Brevard..

First time visitor and I am sold. The burger tasted great, and was not overflowed with toppings. The burger tastes similar to what you would make at your house on a grill, but much better. The patties were also fairly thick and decent sized. The fries were unique, and not something I usually like but with ranch they tasted good. Would definitely recommend and will get the bacon burger on the next go-round.

Brooke's by far has the best Burgers and dogs in Charlotte! Grease is the word , But who cares it's got groove it's got meaning! This is not your frou-frou burger, it's a burger that makes your pallet say, I like that give me more! People are great, and they put that same love in their food! It's a Charlotte land mark!

This has been on my list for so long now. It's a challenge to get there though since they are only open during the week for lunch. We had off on Good Friday, so I took the opportunity to go. It's cash only, but they have an atm inside if you don't come with cash. There's no seating inside and a couple of picnic tables outside. This is really a no frills hole in the wall place which I love. We got their burger with cheese all the way (chili, onions, and mustard) which is what they're known for. We also tried a hot dog all the way and chili cheese fries. The burger was definitely my favorite. The hot dog was good, but you just can't top the burger. The fries were really good, the cheese was crispy and delicious. This is definitely a must try in Charlotte. If I worked in the area, this would be a frequent lunch destination.

Finally made it. Been on my "to do" list for years. This place has always gotten excellent reviews on their Dogs, Burgers, and Sandwiches but I have never had an opportunity to try them. That is till today. My problem is that they are only open 7 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday and closed on weekends. Not normally in Charlotte at these times and if I am, I'm on a tight schedule and with little reason to be in the same area as the restaurant. Then we have today. Had Hip Replacement Surgery on Wednesday and was discharged at around 1 pm. Elizabeth to NoDa is not that far so off we went. Found out real quick there were some street closures and detours because of the Blue Line Lynx extension so pay attention and pay attention to signs. Since I am on a walker and crutches, my wife went up to the window and ordered lunch. Not completely sure what she had but I had the Chili Dog and the Basic Cheeseburger. Both were delicious. The dog was plump and juicy and Chili full of meat and great flavor. By full of meat, I mean not as runny as most commercial chili you tend to get out of a can and they type that other dog places try to imitate People like to think of a Gourmet Burger or Cheeseburger in terms of all the exotic things that can be added. They can be good but get away from what a Gourmet Cheeseburger Burger should be. A Gourmet Cheeseburger should be as simple as possible with a good fresh pattie cooked properly and neither dry or greasy. Cheese should something that compliments the meat and does not distract, Then of course, you have you have the other topping of lettuce and tomatoes which should be a fresh as possible and tomatoes should be properly ripe. Bun should be fresh and condiments should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the simple tastes that each component contributes. Mayonnaise is good and a very mild mustard used sparingly are good choices. Final potential topping is the onion. Some people like them, some don't. I like a slice of a good sweet onion to add a bit of texture to the burger so long as it's of the sweet type. Brooks pulled it off. The Chili Dog and the Cheeseburger were both worth their reputation and if I was to name a favorite, it would be the Cheeseburger. Take note that the roads are messed up with Blue Line Extension but good news is that they are now only short walking distance to one of the stations

A Charlotte staple and MUST TRY! Stopped by today to support The Brooks family and finally try this burger joint...and it did not disappoint. The burgers are fresh and very satisfying. Make sure you get it all the way (the only way) - with mustard, onions, chili - and add that tomato, lettuce, & slaw to truly make it a carolina burger! Also, it's important to note that it's cash only.

Came to NC for a quick visit to see some family. We have this thing where everytime I come to visit they take me to a new place. This time our first stop was Brooks Sandwhich House a local eatery for residents. I was told that the hotdogs and hamburgers were amazing. I opted to get the hotdog and chicken filet sandwhich with fries instead. The hot dog and fries were good. The chicken sandwhich was ok. It reminded me of a frozen chicken filet from the freezer section in a grocery store that was fried ‍I would definitely try the hamburger next time. The employees were really friendly and made you feel welcome to their establishment! I would recommend a neighborhood favorite if you're in the area!

really good, the onion rings were delicious really crunchy! Perfect! Just try them and thank me later

This NoDa spot has been around ever since I can remember I'm 32 and been eating here my whole life. If you are looking for a great burger then look no further... &&their chili is amazing... Years ago when I came in for burgers and to buy chili I got into a conversation with one of the brothers/owners; Scott... we were talking about everywhere the chili had been sent to... I think I remember him saying UK and Australia, new zealand... such a sweet man. I was devastated to here what happened up here... so for food the burgers and FF are my go to but I've also had a BLT and hot dog. Ohh and onion rings. always hit the spot! So bring cash with you, but if you forget they do have an ATM for backup. Be prepared this place gets slammed, but the line always moves quickly. This is such a cute place &remember it's been there for 50years!

Brooks is killer!! The small restaurant in noda has a reputation for some of the best burgers in town, and I can say they don't disappoint! I went there on my day off(more on this later) and grabbed a chili cheese burger and chili cheese fries. The burger were flavorful and juicy and the fries were about as expected. The prices are great. I got there around 11:30 and by 12 they were started to get a nice rush. One thing to keep in mind is this place is cash only. They however have an atm on site so you can use it to get cash. A bit of an inconvenience, but since their prices are low I don't mind so much. The other thing is unless you happen to work in that area, it's pretty much impossible to get your hands on their burgers. They are only open from 7-3pm and only during the week(thus why I had to have a day off to try them). With that said, when you can get your hands on them they are delish!

Hard to say what all the Buzz is about with this place. I had the cheeseburger and fries. The fries were mushy with little taste. The burger was forgettable. I would imagine there is some sentiment just because this place has managed to survive for so long. Not to mention the senseless murder of one of the owners.

Good old fashioned burger. Speedy service and the food is hot. Highly recommend if you want some old school fast food.

Great food. I absolutely love "hole in the wall" places and this is right... I feel like it was the core of the city. As a visitor, I overheard some of the customers complaining of the price increase... But they keep coming back, so I guess it is not too much of a problem! I will revisit when we are in town again!

sometimes life is easy: If they're buying what you're selling, keep selling it. there's plenty worse things to be than predictable. like closed. closed is worse. never want to be closed unless the plan is to re-open tomorrow. the way I count nearly 50 years of opening again tomorrow is a pretty good run. and at 7:04 there's a cluster of folks with sacks o' food yapping under the canopy as I wander in, look at the board, figure out how this works and what's available and do I want pie with that? no pie, just a sandwich all the way, hand over the cash and find a quiet spot to wait for it... pull in at the shop and set to unwrapping my prize. nothing fancy here, substantial slab o' grilled meat on a fried egg topped with chili and cheese and onions with a bit of mustard. a most satisfactory sandwich that held together nicely without many grip changes and my heart barely hurt at all ;-) yea!