Bars & Pubs, Restaurants, Traditional American Restaurants, Vegetarian Restaurants, Hamburger Restaurants, Hot Dog Restaurants
Smoking Permitted, Bar Scene, Cheap Eats, Dine At The Bar, Late Night Dining, Local Favorite, Lunch Spot, People Watching
Welcome to The Penguin Drive-In! While our menu still features the basic burgers, dogs, and fries, also offers a house-made Brunswick stew, a Ribeye sandwich and soy dogs and burgers for the vegetarian crowd. On any particular day, or night, you'll find what s a "nice mix" of people enjoying a meal or a cold one. Businessmen lean on the bar, mixed in with a few of the "old-timers." Punks with purple hair occupy a booth. A family of yuppies complete with baby stroller sits in the corner. The jukebox plays every kind of music - from doo-wop to country to new age to punk. The Penguin makes everyone feel welcome. That's part of the tradition. Stop by now and come early, because it?s first come-first-serve. Ask for on of our favorites like the "Big Block", Fried Dill Pickles, Sweet Potato Fries, Brunswick Stew, and a cold one to wash it down.
The place has "atmosphere" alright... Its very smokey, the food was greasy and not very remarkable aside from the onion rings...they were very bad. We would not recommend this to anyone looking for "good food" or a "healthy meal"
Posted 07/06/07 | Report Abuse
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The Penguin is utterly fantastic! If you haven't been there yet log off of your computer and drive over now! The food is delicious, service friendly, prices are low, and the atmosphere can't be beat!
PROS: everything
CONS: none!
Posted 07/10/06 | Report Abuse
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The Penguin is one of those places that every neighborhood should be lucky enough to have. Laid back, groovy, fun, and entertaining atmosphere never fails to please. Fantastic banana pudding, out of your mind drinks :), and killer service. Even if Plaza Midwood isn't your neck of the woods, the Penguin warrants a trip!
Posted 03/26/06 | Report Abuse
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If you are looking for a fun place to go for an after work drink, the Penguin is the place to go. They have awesome burgers and french fries and many other choices including appetizers, salads, and sandwiches. They offer a full bar, so wheter you want a martini or a beer, they have it. The staff is friendly and the service is great. It is a place you can go alone or with a group of people and always have a good time.
Posted 09/09/05 | Report Abuse
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The best burger on the earth
by shakingmelon
I've traveled all over the world and this is by far the best burger i've had and i gave up meat but for this place i'll suffer the next day
Pros: Great food and price
Cons: parking,wait time,staff can be rude
Posted 02/28/09
Disappointed
by lakepeople
VERY DISAPPOINTED. Saw all the reviews, so when we went to the Nascar race in Charlotte NC from Michigan,in Oct.2008, we went out of our way to visit the Penguin. First impression was, What a DIVE, and worse was that it Stunk of BURNT GREASE. Believe me, we have been to many other places worse than The Penguin, and have left having a Great time. But the Smell was so strong that we had a beer and left Very Disappointed. Have also went to Guy Fieri Diners Drivins and Dives site at the Food Network and have not been able to find out when he was there. I wanted to read his reviews, as I have seen reviews from Locals and such, saying how good the Penguin was. I'm afraid that all I can figure, is that the people putting in the good reviews must WORK THERE. Sorry, but thats the way we feel.
Posted 11/17/08
Fun, Hipster Place to Hang out and get a Burger!
by EmilySchemily
Went to the Penguin last Friday. Both of us are new to Charlotte, and after seeing a clip about The Penguin on the Food Network, I suggested that we try it. First, we didn't know were to park, but found a dirt lot near by. There was a huge line outside, but considering there were like 14 groups ahead of us, we didn't wait long at all. The bar has great specials, $1.50 drafts, $5.00 yeunglin pitchers; they even have firefly, which appears to be hard to find in charlotte. The food is greasy but good. Fried pickles are "the thing to get," but neither of us were that impressed. The area around the restaurant seemed really cool and like there was a lot to do nearby. I will definitely be going to The Penguin again!
Pros: food, cheap drinks, good service
Cons: parking can be tight on weekend
Posted 10/13/08
BEST WINGS EVER!!!! GREAT SERVICE!!!!
by Kramerpdc
BEST WINGS EVER!!!!
GREAT SERVICE!!!!
GREAT PRICE!!!!
And an authentic atmosphere.
A must for everyone in Charlotte
Pros: Great Food/Great Price
Cons: None
Posted 10/07/08
Best atmosphere, food, and people (staff and customer alike) on the planet!
by johnthebaptist
You've got to try this place if you haven't already. To the rockabilly guy who wants a tall boy of PBR or the business man who wants a martini. it's there. The staff is great and very friendly. The food is the best in the world. The Ribeye sandwhich is stellar. The burgers are amazing too. Don't leave without trying the fried pickles. You'll be hooked for sure. Not to mention that the jukebox was rated best jukebox in the Queen city by Creative Loafing. So if you enjoy time travel, try out the Penguin because they just don't build atmosphere like this anymore. Tell em' John the Baptist sent ya'!
Pros: one of a kind place. can't beat the food for the dollar.
Cons: everybody loves it so much there's a wait, but well worth it
Posted 09/30/08
The Penguin is a great place for frosty treats and warm eats
by stratman
Awesome fried pickles, cool atmosphere, incredible burgers, black bean hummus and sweet potato fries. Lots of college kids hanging out, older couples and great mix of people. Cool off with a fresh Guinness while you wait,,,and wait,,,,and wait for a table. Item to avoid: banana pudding.
Pros: Food, prices, beer, atmosphere
Cons: Long wait, banana pudding was subpar
Posted 05/30/08
I got sick!!
by ionaconnell
After having a veggie burger here, I got really sick. It was the most horrible experience in my entire life. Me and my boyfriend had to go the hospital, he had the same thing, we both had ordered the veggie burger and shared that with fries. I used to eat here at least twice a week, but no more. Good luck, it's the luck of the draw here, I know at least 5 other people who have gotten sick from here as well.
Pros: the jukebox, service
Cons: food
Posted 03/20/08
Great Fried Pickles
by confusedwanderings
We saw this restaurant reviewed on Food Network so we were excited to try it out. The parking lot is very small so it took a while to find a spot; be prepared to walk a few blocks. It's obviously a popular restaurant and you will have to wait for you seat unless you are able to call ahead and get your name on the list. We got their around 2:05pm and were getting our drinks at 2:54pm.
The fried pickles were excellent, perfectly battered and fried. The full order is very large so a half order is recommended for two people. Actually, the hush puppies, fries, and fried pickles are all very large orders so you could probably get by only getting half orders on all of these. The hush puppies are very good as well. The fries are normal :)
We couldn't remember what Guy recommended on his show so we got a burger and hot dog. They were both good but nothing exceptional. Next time we plan on trying the barbecue or one of the specialty sandwiches.
Pros: great service, good food, economical
Cons: long wait for seating, small seating area so expect to wait a long time if you have more than 6 people in the group
Posted 12/31/07
Best vegetarian fast food
by rickytesh
Too often people associate vegetarian with people eating leaves and grains with no flavor. This place shatters that myth and offers up veggie dogs, veggie chili, veggie burgers as well as tons of sides and not just regular burgers/dogs. Their black bean burger is simply amazing, - hummous patties grilled to a crispy outside with soft warm insides...top with pimento cheese and BAM! Fried pickles are a MUST have along with the sweet potato fries. There's something for everyone on the menu, and the prices are dirt cheap! Great service, a nice blend of customers, and just plain great food! To top it off, it was covered on the Food Network and is a great landmark here in Charlotte!
Pros: Great prices, vegetarian options, fantastic fries
Cons: Small dining area (but worth the wait)
Posted 10/03/07
Great Southern Burgers, dogs and beans
by saraluche
This place is great!!
Small not a place for kids during the night....a perfect place to get a cheap drink and a great meal!!! They only have a couple of tables so you might have to wait but it was so worth it!! The burgers the southern way with the slaw on it....classic southern style
Worth the trip!
Posted 04/09/07
Best burgers
by charlotte_girl
Worth the wait! It's a small place but the food makes up for the wait. Don't count calories when you come here! Great burgers and lots of vegetarian options.
Posted 11/23/06
Not customer friendly
by aem0917
I was at the Penguin 8/2/06 and did not find any of the great service or friendly staff that other posters report. We were a party of five, waiting for our fifth to show. When a table became available, the waitress placed a fifth chair, looked directly at our party of four, asked about our fifth (whom we told her was enroute) and seated us. After we sat, she gave us a five minute lecture on being seated without our entire party. If she'd informed us of that before seating us, we would have been fine waiting to be seated. Instead, she chose to seat us, in violation of their own policy and fully aware that our party wasn't complete, and then to lecture us about it and warn us not to do it again. We had planned to eat and hang out all night, but left after one round of drinks.
Go across the street to the Thomas Street Tavern- much more pleasant and the customers are actually welcome there!
Pros: atmosphere, if you like that kind of thing
Cons: Customer is last priority
Posted 08/02/06
A smoky good time
by slipperyc
Whenever I visit Charlotte, I always end up at The Penguin, as it's one of my friends' favorite late night bars/eateries. The cheap food and beer prices, as well as the incredible jukebox, make this such a dependable destination. Just a warning (especially if you go later at night): Be prepared to have watery eyes and smelly clothes on account of the smoke. Even as a smoker I find myself bothered by it at times. But overall, this is a cool, hip place without trying to be.
Posted 02/17/06
Burger Heaven
by aldgreene
Just the best place in Charlotte for a Burger, beer and a great time. I go at least once a week! The staff is fast, friendly and helpful. If you looking for a unique experience and great food head to the Penguin!!!
Pros: food, staff, inexpensive
Cons: limited parking, crowded, loud
Posted 01/10/06
Awesome place
by angelajennings
Excellent place for a quick good, and inexpensive meal! Great burgers, fries, hotdogs!
Posted 11/08/05
EUREKA!
by mrhanlon
After moving to Charlotte two months ago and desperately searching for good cheap food, I've finally found it! I've spent weeks stumbling into over-priced mediocre restaurants--what? 9 bucks for enchiladas? I knew there had to be something better. The Penguin has a great feel, and the service is excellent. Anyone passing by would grab you a drink and ask how you're doing. It's a rather loud little place though, probably not the best for a romantic evening.
The best fried pickles I've had and yes, I've tried a few. Burger was great and my husband has been pining for more chili dogs since we walked out the door. And I'm always excited when a place has sweet potato fried. Surprisingly, there are vegetarian selections too. I hear that the hummus is great. The Penguin is a must for those new to Charlotte!
Pros: Cheap eats, good service, great food
Cons: Limited seating, loud, but fun!
Posted 11/07/05
Great!!
by unionturf
Love the burgers, onion rings, and hot dogs. The burgers are HUGE so be prepaired.
Pros: Great everything
Cons: all smoking, small
Posted 09/29/05
THE BEST IN CHARLOTTE!
by jdisis
This place ia absolutley the best for burgers and dogs and they also make a great mixed drink. This is the only place my husband and I go now to get a great burger or Winky Dinky Dod.
Posted 05/18/05
MmmMmm Good
by jimbooo
Great Food, Great Service, Cheaaap! Try the Winky-Dinky, Full Blown Hemi, and the Pork Chop Sandwich. Mmm Mmm Good!
Posted 05/19/04
THE BEST!!
by crowebang
Here is a place that finally put to rest that small town mentality. There is no other diner/bar around where you can get an award winning burger, an award winning basket of fried pickles, an award winning bowl of banana pudding, and a top shelf liquor drink, or glass of "non-swill" wine. If your a person that "get's it", you know and love all that is the Penguin.
Pros: diverse crowd, geat wines, best food
Posted 05/13/04
OUTSTANDING!!!
by madbison
No other way to put it. From the "Full Blown Hemi" giant burger to the banana pudding, outstanding!!! The Penguin is kinda small so get there early but even if you have to wait it's worth it (to you palate and your wallet). The wait staff and owners are top notch and you never know who you might see in there. Business folks, bikers, goth, punk, parents with their kids, and anything in between,and everybody gets along. If you haven't been to The Penguin, what are you waiting for!! It's a Charlotte landmark in the making..OUTSTANDING!!!
Pros: Food, wait staff, inexpensive
Cons: kinda small, crowded but worth it
Posted 07/12/03
The Place
by lief96
This place has great burgers and the best jukebox that I have ever seen -as for the atmosphere, you have be there to understand!!!
Pros: Jukebox, Burgers, Atmosphere
Posted 07/01/03
Great things come in Small Packages
by wickd_sis
The Penguin is the best! Their food is wonderful! The staff is friendly and knows how to treat people. Even the cooks are cool. I love this place.
Pros: Inexpensive, Welcoming, Food
Cons: Small
Posted 08/21/02
good place
by lipstick_like
the food is cheap and delicious. the waitstaff are amazing and super genuine.
Posted 08/15/02
Just plain good
by TJORDAN
If you want a good 'fryed pickle'... this is the place.
That's right...they are good.
Good burgers, dogs, fries too!
Only, negative...the language from some of the customers at the bar wasn't something I want my 13 yr old to hear all the time.
Posted 07/28/02
