Recently discovered this place but unfortunately me be a little too late. Just read that they will be closing soon. Besides that, food was good and as a Rhode Island vacationer I will miss this place. Calamari was the best we've ever had and the fish and chips were pretty amazing as well. Lobster rolls were loaded with meat and delicious but the po-boy was lacking but still tasty - ended up being more coleslaw and bread than shrimp. Not a perfect restaurant but definitely worth multiple visits!
Thomas Moody
$1 oysters that are actually good. Ideal menu selection and better value since the reopening with some options now to keep the cost down a little. Great staff, and the manager came from Stagioni and has helped improve this place further. Good cocktails however could be slightly stronger ;) we really enjoy going to this spot in Plaza.
Colette L.
I finally tried NC Red this past Sunday on Valentine's Day. It's been on my list for quite a while now. They have $1 oysters EVERYDAY! At least for now. I was so excited to hear that. My table ordered three dozens and it was so satisfying. The restaurant is located on the corner of Thomas Ave across from Cilantro Noodle. Their parking lot is small but I did manage to find side parking nearby. Service was friendly and the staff all wore masks. My family had the clam chowder, mussels, hot lobster rolls, and the linguini with clams. I have to say that the dishes I got to taste, my favorite would have to be the mussels. There was so much flavor in the sauce that I wanted to drink it. I think my brother inhaled his lobster roll so I believe it had to be delicious and my mom kept saying the clam chowder was amazing. I would love to come back to try their other menu items. Unisex bathrooms are also a plus!
Anastasia M
Formally known as Penguin from Guy Fieri's Diners Drive-Ins and Dives, I wish I would have tried this location before it was converted to NC Red.I'm not quite sure why this resturant was listed on Charlotte Agenda but I will tell you this place was beyond a disappointment. Not even because of the lack of service and tiny location but the food wasn't even worth booking the reservation. Very bland. Flavorless.If you ever have to come home and doctor up a meal just save you the time and your money by cooking your own dinner.The New England Chowder taste more so like potato soup and the craft Mac and Cheese probably was better than what they serve. The PoBoy was nothing but bread.I personally wouldn't eat here again but the 2 stars is more so for customer service and accommodation for my late reservation. I hope this restaurant does better because the atmosphere and service is there.
Tacola J.
Had reservations with a group of friends as we haven't been able to see each other much do fo pandemic so this was girls dinner out. Was seated immediately and provided water upon seating. Our waiter was super nice and made light of everything with funny jokes. A lot of the food that came out was cold but we didn't want to inconvenience and send it back and have to wait even longer for the food to come out. One of my friends had deviled eggs and it was a No No. The taste was more pimento and Mayo. The lobster roll was ok, however for $25 should come with fries or a side. Last year it came with chips but this year nothing just lettuce garnishment. The cauliflower was amazing. My friends enjoyed their chefs special. The patio which was mentioned that it was heated and warm was actually cold as we were also seated by a few windows. The food was ok. Felt like it was better the 1st time I visited then this time. I'll wait and give it another chance but in no rush to do so.
Rittej01
My family likes to travel and during COVID, we decided to stay home and just venture out in our own area. We also like to support local, small businesses as much as possible, we rarely eat out at chains. NC Red is the new tenant in what was once the historic Penguin Drive-in. The staff wore masks and we were spaced apart. If you are a fan of oysters this maybe your place. Our food was ok, wasn’t bad, but NC Red is not on the top of the list to return. We had fried chicken, fish and chips and other items. The best thing we had was Nashville cauliflower! The food was good, but it lacked some seasoning, Mac and cheese was a little runny, not the traditional southern style. Overall it was good and I would recommend to try it out and make your own decision!
Jamie M.
Wow I give this 5 stars. Going out to eat is for sure done with great care during the pandemic. In fact it's much more rare. I have been past this place many many times and dined in the old Penguin. I was surly craving some fish and chips, so I already knew what I wanted. They have really remodeled the place. It's more open with a nice bar. Immensely clean and they are taking all the covid precautions. I had lovely service with awesome recommendations, one being the fish and chips. They were amazing of course. The fries wow! I love fries like this and they have the good good ranch to dip them into. Yes I love dipping my fries in some homemade ranch dressing. I posted a picture of the bathroom sign! Love love love it! I will def be back to try other items on the menu for sure.
Jody A. Smith
After a couple of times trying to visit NC Red, we didn't do our homework to check their hours before going, we were excited to finally get to try this place out. For those of you that don't know, NC Red resides in the historic Charlotte landmark formerly known as the Penguin. A bitter sweet story that really has nothing to do with this review or how much we loved NC Red...I'm just building some QC Street cred....Since my family and I are still very cautious of who we are around and where we eat in the age of -Rona we were very happy to see plenty of outdoor seating available. Immediately seated we were offered drinks and menus. We ordered a couple of drinks, a red wine and glass of bourbon but nothing to really speak of, and an appetizer of raw oysters. They were $1.50 per oyster which is a home run with my family!Enough of the warm and fuzzies though, off to the main attraction - Nashville hot chicken. This is where it's at, y'all. When I heard the story of the Rhode Island chef bringing a fusion southern flare meets New England I was thinking this was a train wreck I had to witness. WOW - what a great job they did. I have had Nashville hot chicken in many places (yes, Nashville is one of the many) and this is possibly the best I've had. The chicken was perfectly fried and I loved the hot sauce they used. Full of flavor and enough heat to legitimize use of the work "hot" in the name.Our server was really over the top too. He was entertaining and engaging and I never felt rushed even though he had a ton of tables.A great meal, great experience and glad that the history of the location can live on through another chapter.
joedasmith
After a couple of times trying to visit NC Red, we din't do our homework to check their hours before going, we were excited to finally get to try this place out. For those of you that don't know, NC Red resides in the historic Charlotte landmark formerly known as the Penguin. A bitter sweet story that really has nothing to do with this review or how much we loved NC Red...I'm just building some QC Street cred.... Since my family and I are still very cautious of who we are around and where we eat in the age of -Rona we were very happy to see plenty of outdoor seating available. Immediately seated we were offered drinks and menus. We ordered a couple of drinks, a red wine and glass of bourbon but nothing to really speak of, and an appetizer of raw oysters. They were $1.50 per oyster which is a home run with my family! Enough of the warm and fuzzies though, off to the main attraction - Nashville hot chicken. This is where it's at, y'all. When I heard the story of the Rhode Island chef bringing a fusion southern flare meets New England I was thinking this was a train wreck I had to witness. WOW - what a great job they did. I have had Nashville hot chicken in many places (yes, Nashville is one of the many) and this is possibly the best I've had. The chicken was perfectly fried and I loved the hot sauce they used. Full of flavor and enough heat to legitimize use of the work "hot" in the name. Our server was really over the top too. He was entertaining and engaging and I never felt rushed even though he had a ton of tables. A great meal, great experience and glad that the history of the location can live on through another chapter.
Elias Rauch
Formally the Penguin, NC Red brings an amazing assortment of Seafood and other unique entrees. We had the oysters for starters. I had the Chicken Sandwich and an Juicy Jay IPA. Heck I want it again, just thinking about it. Only complaint would be that our waiter really struggled to split the bill, which should be easy. Overall excited to go back.
Food was good but not great. But the service was awesome, absolutely love the hilarious wait staff.
Jessica C.
We came here on a Thursday and made reservations, we were seated right away. You have to wear masks inside the restaurant and it is pretty spaced out table wise, perfect because of covid. We sat on the patio and the service was great! The oysters were great, which is the real reason why I came.. but the food was super good! Our waiter gave pretty good recommendations. The pasta and chicken was tasty, I would say it's not like TN having had the chicken from there but it's a pretty good substitute. I don't believe they brine their chicken. Anyhow, overall I enjoyed this place and I will visit again to try something else on their menu!
Oliver Manalac
They do brunch now! Their Cinnamon Roll and Nashville Chicken is legit!
Rojas RobertoandTom
Fried chicken and sides all very good. Gave the Nashville hot a try and recommend. Staff was all very nice and attentive!
Janelle B.
When I drove up I realized parking is limited in front of the restaurant. When I got inside the restaurant I was nicely greeted by Joshua (I think that was his name) who seated me and my friends. The decor is nice. The staff are required to wear mask. We were able to scan a bar code for the menu. I ordered a mimosa and shrimp and grits. The shrimp and grits looked tasty however it wasn't what I'm used to. I exchanged it for their pancakes with light syrup and peaches on top with their chicken. The pancakes were tasty but the chicken needed some flavor for my taste buds. Overall I enjoyed my time with friends at NC RED. Please don't take my word for it your taste buds may be different to where you would enjoy the food. Thank you Joshua for the great service!
Recently discovered this place but unfortunately me be a little too late. Just read that they will be closing soon. Besides that, food was good and as a Rhode Island vacationer I will miss this place. Calamari was the best we've ever had and the fish and chips were pretty amazing as well. Lobster rolls were loaded with meat and delicious but the po-boy was lacking but still tasty - ended up being more coleslaw and bread than shrimp. Not a perfect restaurant but definitely worth multiple visits!
$1 oysters that are actually good. Ideal menu selection and better value since the reopening with some options now to keep the cost down a little. Great staff, and the manager came from Stagioni and has helped improve this place further. Good cocktails however could be slightly stronger ;) we really enjoy going to this spot in Plaza.
I finally tried NC Red this past Sunday on Valentine's Day. It's been on my list for quite a while now. They have $1 oysters EVERYDAY! At least for now. I was so excited to hear that. My table ordered three dozens and it was so satisfying. The restaurant is located on the corner of Thomas Ave across from Cilantro Noodle. Their parking lot is small but I did manage to find side parking nearby. Service was friendly and the staff all wore masks. My family had the clam chowder, mussels, hot lobster rolls, and the linguini with clams. I have to say that the dishes I got to taste, my favorite would have to be the mussels. There was so much flavor in the sauce that I wanted to drink it. I think my brother inhaled his lobster roll so I believe it had to be delicious and my mom kept saying the clam chowder was amazing. I would love to come back to try their other menu items. Unisex bathrooms are also a plus!
Formally known as Penguin from Guy Fieri's Diners Drive-Ins and Dives, I wish I would have tried this location before it was converted to NC Red.I'm not quite sure why this resturant was listed on Charlotte Agenda but I will tell you this place was beyond a disappointment. Not even because of the lack of service and tiny location but the food wasn't even worth booking the reservation. Very bland. Flavorless.If you ever have to come home and doctor up a meal just save you the time and your money by cooking your own dinner.The New England Chowder taste more so like potato soup and the craft Mac and Cheese probably was better than what they serve. The PoBoy was nothing but bread.I personally wouldn't eat here again but the 2 stars is more so for customer service and accommodation for my late reservation. I hope this restaurant does better because the atmosphere and service is there.
Had reservations with a group of friends as we haven't been able to see each other much do fo pandemic so this was girls dinner out. Was seated immediately and provided water upon seating. Our waiter was super nice and made light of everything with funny jokes. A lot of the food that came out was cold but we didn't want to inconvenience and send it back and have to wait even longer for the food to come out. One of my friends had deviled eggs and it was a No No. The taste was more pimento and Mayo. The lobster roll was ok, however for $25 should come with fries or a side. Last year it came with chips but this year nothing just lettuce garnishment. The cauliflower was amazing. My friends enjoyed their chefs special. The patio which was mentioned that it was heated and warm was actually cold as we were also seated by a few windows. The food was ok. Felt like it was better the 1st time I visited then this time. I'll wait and give it another chance but in no rush to do so.
My family likes to travel and during COVID, we decided to stay home and just venture out in our own area. We also like to support local, small businesses as much as possible, we rarely eat out at chains. NC Red is the new tenant in what was once the historic Penguin Drive-in. The staff wore masks and we were spaced apart. If you are a fan of oysters this maybe your place. Our food was ok, wasn’t bad, but NC Red is not on the top of the list to return. We had fried chicken, fish and chips and other items. The best thing we had was Nashville cauliflower! The food was good, but it lacked some seasoning, Mac and cheese was a little runny, not the traditional southern style. Overall it was good and I would recommend to try it out and make your own decision!
Wow I give this 5 stars. Going out to eat is for sure done with great care during the pandemic. In fact it's much more rare. I have been past this place many many times and dined in the old Penguin. I was surly craving some fish and chips, so I already knew what I wanted. They have really remodeled the place. It's more open with a nice bar. Immensely clean and they are taking all the covid precautions. I had lovely service with awesome recommendations, one being the fish and chips. They were amazing of course. The fries wow! I love fries like this and they have the good good ranch to dip them into. Yes I love dipping my fries in some homemade ranch dressing. I posted a picture of the bathroom sign! Love love love it! I will def be back to try other items on the menu for sure.
After a couple of times trying to visit NC Red, we didn't do our homework to check their hours before going, we were excited to finally get to try this place out. For those of you that don't know, NC Red resides in the historic Charlotte landmark formerly known as the Penguin. A bitter sweet story that really has nothing to do with this review or how much we loved NC Red...I'm just building some QC Street cred....Since my family and I are still very cautious of who we are around and where we eat in the age of -Rona we were very happy to see plenty of outdoor seating available. Immediately seated we were offered drinks and menus. We ordered a couple of drinks, a red wine and glass of bourbon but nothing to really speak of, and an appetizer of raw oysters. They were $1.50 per oyster which is a home run with my family!Enough of the warm and fuzzies though, off to the main attraction - Nashville hot chicken. This is where it's at, y'all. When I heard the story of the Rhode Island chef bringing a fusion southern flare meets New England I was thinking this was a train wreck I had to witness. WOW - what a great job they did. I have had Nashville hot chicken in many places (yes, Nashville is one of the many) and this is possibly the best I've had. The chicken was perfectly fried and I loved the hot sauce they used. Full of flavor and enough heat to legitimize use of the work "hot" in the name.Our server was really over the top too. He was entertaining and engaging and I never felt rushed even though he had a ton of tables.A great meal, great experience and glad that the history of the location can live on through another chapter.
After a couple of times trying to visit NC Red, we din't do our homework to check their hours before going, we were excited to finally get to try this place out. For those of you that don't know, NC Red resides in the historic Charlotte landmark formerly known as the Penguin. A bitter sweet story that really has nothing to do with this review or how much we loved NC Red...I'm just building some QC Street cred.... Since my family and I are still very cautious of who we are around and where we eat in the age of -Rona we were very happy to see plenty of outdoor seating available. Immediately seated we were offered drinks and menus. We ordered a couple of drinks, a red wine and glass of bourbon but nothing to really speak of, and an appetizer of raw oysters. They were $1.50 per oyster which is a home run with my family! Enough of the warm and fuzzies though, off to the main attraction - Nashville hot chicken. This is where it's at, y'all. When I heard the story of the Rhode Island chef bringing a fusion southern flare meets New England I was thinking this was a train wreck I had to witness. WOW - what a great job they did. I have had Nashville hot chicken in many places (yes, Nashville is one of the many) and this is possibly the best I've had. The chicken was perfectly fried and I loved the hot sauce they used. Full of flavor and enough heat to legitimize use of the work "hot" in the name. Our server was really over the top too. He was entertaining and engaging and I never felt rushed even though he had a ton of tables. A great meal, great experience and glad that the history of the location can live on through another chapter.
Formally the Penguin, NC Red brings an amazing assortment of Seafood and other unique entrees. We had the oysters for starters. I had the Chicken Sandwich and an Juicy Jay IPA. Heck I want it again, just thinking about it. Only complaint would be that our waiter really struggled to split the bill, which should be easy. Overall excited to go back.
Restaurantji Recommends
Food was good but not great. But the service was awesome, absolutely love the hilarious wait staff.
We came here on a Thursday and made reservations, we were seated right away. You have to wear masks inside the restaurant and it is pretty spaced out table wise, perfect because of covid. We sat on the patio and the service was great! The oysters were great, which is the real reason why I came.. but the food was super good! Our waiter gave pretty good recommendations. The pasta and chicken was tasty, I would say it's not like TN having had the chicken from there but it's a pretty good substitute. I don't believe they brine their chicken. Anyhow, overall I enjoyed this place and I will visit again to try something else on their menu!
They do brunch now! Their Cinnamon Roll and Nashville Chicken is legit!
Fried chicken and sides all very good. Gave the Nashville hot a try and recommend. Staff was all very nice and attentive!
When I drove up I realized parking is limited in front of the restaurant. When I got inside the restaurant I was nicely greeted by Joshua (I think that was his name) who seated me and my friends. The decor is nice. The staff are required to wear mask. We were able to scan a bar code for the menu. I ordered a mimosa and shrimp and grits. The shrimp and grits looked tasty however it wasn't what I'm used to. I exchanged it for their pancakes with light syrup and peaches on top with their chicken. The pancakes were tasty but the chicken needed some flavor for my taste buds. Overall I enjoyed my time with friends at NC RED. Please don't take my word for it your taste buds may be different to where you would enjoy the food. Thank you Joshua for the great service!