I've eaten at a couple of restaurants recently that did not live up to the hype, Aria and BLT. I can see how some folks might like Aria, but it's not my cup of tea. As for BLT, it was good, but not worthy of the price and underwhelmed me. A couple I like:
The Liberty
Prices Chicken Coop

3/3/2016 8:42:30 AM

Basil Thai Cuisine (Uptown)
Pike's Old Fashioned Soda Shop (Southend - same vicinity as The Liberty)
All American Pub -- isn't nearly the same level as The Liberty but has decent pub food; fish and chips, burgers, etc. (also in Southend)

[Edited on March 3, 2016 at 9:13 AM. Reason : .]

3/3/2016 9:13:18 AM

i don't think BLT has had any hype in 10 years.

3/3/2016 3:11:31 PM

I had a BLT for lunch today

3/3/2016 3:43:18 PM

Forgot about Cowfish, I like that one. I really like Sushi at the Lake as well. It's in Mooresville and it is delicious. Basil Thai is good, and they have one in Ballantyne which is a little easier to hit for lunch.

[Edited on March 3, 2016 at 4:52 PM. Reason : a]

3/3/2016 4:50:50 PM

There used to be an upscale Mexican place near the Hornets arena that was awesome. The guacamole was amazing. I don't remember the name and am too lazy to look it up.

3/3/2016 6:48:35 PM

If you don't care too much about atmosphere/fine dining, but want a good bowl of pho, try Pho Hoa on Central Ave. The owners were always very friendly with my friends and I and might offer you their special ghost pepper sauce if they like you and realize you like it EXTRA hot.

3/3/2016 7:46:20 PM

^^ probably this place...http://charlotte.vidacantina.com/

I thought it was pretty good when I lived there; now that I'm in Austin there's a better tex mex place on every corner

[Edited on March 3, 2016 at 8:57 PM. Reason : .]

3/3/2016 8:56:07 PM

Vida is hit and miss. Food is usually pretty good, but I've been there when a co-worker was served undercooked chicken. Not good. Service was average except for the one time where a beer got ordered and it took over ten minutes for them to tell us that they were out. Didn't order a different beer because they were afraid they wouldn't get it until after dinner.

3/3/2016 10:32:24 PM

http://terracerestaurants.com/

Great breakfast, never had anything else.

3/4/2016 12:33:39 AM

If you want a good burger

http://mrkssofticecream.com/
http://zackshamburgers.com/
http://eatbrookschili.com/

in no particular order

3/4/2016 12:39:00 AM

^^never heard of it, but very reasonably priced

3/4/2016 8:41:58 AM

^^just make sure you are there between the tight windows they're open.

3/4/2016 9:19:13 AM

Well yeah, go there on a weekday before dinner

3/4/2016 8:54:34 PM