If you're prone to let appearances fool you, then you may miss one of Charlotte's most genuine culinary gems: Bubba's Barbecue. Renowned all over the Southeast, Bubba's doesn't try to impress customers with smoke and mirrors ­ no, what you get here are a few tables, wood panel walls, some metal chairs and, of course, awesome hickory-smoked Eastern North Carolina BBQ. From ribs to pulled pork, hushpuppies to Southern-style coleslaw, for many a meal at Bubba's is nothing short of life-changing. And if you're in need of directions, just follow I-77 north to exit 16-B ... as the saying goes, "The 'B' stands for 'Bubba.'"

ARBORETUM. Located in the bustling Arboretum shopping complex, Dakotas is a pleasant retreat away from the crowds. The menu draws from a wide range of culinary influences, from Cajun to Italian, all complemented by delicious, hot breads and desserts made in-house. Reservations available.

MYERS PARK. If you slept in late but still want to start the day right, this is the place to go! In addition to receiving high marks for its fun, family-friendly atmosphere, the joint serves breakfast eats and downhome favs like she-crab soup and shrimp-n-grits all day long (that qualifies as brunch, right?). When you go, be prepared to see all walks of life ­ from judges and CEO's to working men and women ­ as just about everyone claims Eddie's one of their favorite places for breakfast and brunch.

FOURTH WARD. Southern grace prevails in historic Fourth Ward, and this romantic, elegantly-appointed restaurant is a major reason why. The opulent space befits royalty, from its woodwork, Victorian furniture, and tiled fireplaces to its fine china, crystal, and silver. The McNinch House's true legacy is its cuisine, and chef-owner Ellen Davis's fabulous prix fixe dinners feature dishes like rosemary- and dijon-crusted rack of lamb and Low Country crab cakes. Wine pairings with the prix fixe menu can be had for an additional $75. The menu, determined weekly, is presented via fax or email to diners holding reservations.

UPTOWN. Located at the Plaza on Tryon, Mimosa gives Southern cuisine a fresh, contemporary twist, and the delicious results have helped this stylish restaurant generate plenty of positive buzz. Dressed in earthy elements of cherry hardwood and Tennessee field stone, Mimosa exudes a sense of cool masculinity that truly engenders it to Uptown expense accounts. "Supper" stalwarts include iron skillet side dishes like baked lobster mac & cheese and Southern-braised greens, as well as main courses of pimento cheese-crusted filet mignon and grilled flat iron steak.