I'm sure someone has written this place up on HAMB before, but this place is so******in' I'll do it again. At the corner of Central and Thomas, the Penguin has two things better than any restaurant I've ever seen: a jukebox full of modern rockabilly and outstanding diner-style chow. So, I'm told the owners have a rockabilly band and the whole place has that vibe. Its a combination diner and pub. Where else can you find a juke box with Top Dead Center, the Nailers, Brian Setzer etc? The chow is top notch. My girlfriend and I had burgers (she had a "small block", I had a "full blown hemi"), fried pickles and onions rings. Delicious. Awesome. The waitresses were tall, tattooed,****y and extremely competent. I was in Charlotte for the NASCAR race. Might go back just for one of the local cruises. If you're ever in Charlotte and you don't go to the Penguin you're a*****ing loser.
Luckystiff really digs The Penguin. I will say, however, that his regard for those who visit the Queen City and decline an opportunity to patronize this historic establishment, isn't nearly as loathsome as yours. (I thought guys who drove Mustangs and British cars were more sensitive than that?) As I recall, it's at the intersection of Commonwealth and Thomas (Central is one block over). -murph
1921 Commonwealth Ave ...corner of Commonwealth & Thomas...do ya self a favor & take the time to find it...try the fried pickles!!!!
like most british car guys (i'm really an ex-british car guy but i still like 'em), i am in fact an extremely sensitive person but i still loathe anyone who goes to charlotte but doesn't go to the Penguin. as an ex-mustang guy, there's no excuse for me other than i'm out of the Mustang business and good ridance to that. see you at the Penguin later this summer!
Coming from Atlanta on I-85 headed towards Charlotte ... get on I-77 headed South ... THEN go SouthEast on HWY 16 ... THEN go EAST on #74/#27 and THEN turn left onto Pecan Ave. ... Commonwealth Ave. will be on the right and the Penquin is down on the left ( about 2 blocks ) I would guess it is 3 miles or so from the I-85 and I-77 intersection I lived in Charlotte ... many years ago ... Deuce Roadster
Thanks... looks like i'll be there aug 2-4 working, but need night activities....something to do other than hang with the inlaws
On the 5th Saturday ... you might want to go to the GoodOleBoys deal ... in Mooresville ... lots of " Street Rods " but some neat old stuff too ... http://www.goodoleboys.org/GoodOleBoys.htm I go up there every now and then ... but not Aug the 5th ...
Planning on heading out.....butt...... hmmmmm i'll have to see if the boss will let me go before heading back to atl...
I must say, my wife and I have been going there for a while. I try to go 2-3 times a week. Great place. They dig old cars. One of the owners has (I believe) a 55 chevy. There is always some sort of cool car, truck or bike when we go. As a side note; we are from Pittsburgh, PA and since we left there 7 years ago there have only been a couple places that make us feel like we are home. This is one!! BloodyKnuckles
My aunt lives in Charlotte, I'm sooo going to visit her and hang out at this place now. Thanks for the heads up guys
Man, that place is great. Definitely the fried pickles. They've got a good juke box too. I do think I remember it being a****** to find.
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