Despite being one of our staple restaurants for decades, we haven't been back in a long while (mostly due to the distance factor)...and when we did, I was quite disappointed. First of all, they're no longer open for dinner...but just open for for lunch. Luckily, business still seemed good for lunch...as it was a packed house! However, there were some changes (for the worse). First of all, one of the hallmarks of Lupie's was the loud, overhead music. Granted, I didn't always love the music selection (as many tended to be Rockabilly), but music was part of what made Lupie's a fun place to be. Well, this time around, we could barely hear the music from where we were seated (downstairs). The vibe has completely changed from its "Heyday". Once a hipster hangout, the place has become a casual family spot now...with many older folks as well. I guess this may explain the reduction of music. *SIGH* Then the service. First of all, Lupie's has never been the place for sweet, friendly hospitality or anything like that. In fact, the service was always quite swift...but the waiters here have always been competent. Well, this time, it was altogether different. This older guy that showed us to the table was also our waiter. Again, we didn't expect any friendliness...and that wasn't the issue. What was the issue?? He was running around like crazy, sweating the whole time! It was obvious they were short staffed, and I get that...but because he was near hyperventilating (literally running and sweating!), it made me (and surely others?) quite anxious throughout. Definitely NOT a relaxing dining with all of that going on. Plus, I couldn't even get his attention for iced tea refill. At one point, I had to raise my voice to get his attention to order dessert...and he basically snapped back at me. Then as if that wasn't rude enough, hear me out on this! When I finally placed the order ("Kuchen", this peach cobbler dessert), he rushed that back to us WITH HIS THUMB INSIDE THE LITTLE BOWL...NOT ONLY TOUCHING THE FOOD, BUT SMEARING THE WHIPPED CREAM WITH IT. it was disgusting!! I thought about asking him to bring us another one...but decided to scoop out one third of the dessert off instead. I mean, how crude of a service was that?!? Beyond gross! Thank God, the foods still tasted the same...well, almost. I had my usual Texas Chili Mac...and while the meat still tasted good, it was a tad more salty than usual. Also, they no longer use the thicker noodles...a big letdown as far as I'm concerned.. Portions have decreased over the years as well...which was fine actually. The pricing was still quite friendly. As much as I love (LOVED!) Lupie's over the past 3-4 decades, I just can't ignore this. You do not stick your finger into your guest's foods! How repulsive is that?!?!?!? I hate to do this, but for once, our experience merited 1 star, but considering our long history with Lupie's, I'm being generous with 2 stars. I mean, FINGER INTO OUR FOODS....and not even being aware of doing it because of all the rushing about so manically?!? I call this REALLY BAD SERVICE. I'm seriously hoping that things change for the better again. I mean, I hope the management reads this, and informs the staff members not to touch the customers' foods, for one. Also, it would make for a nicer dining experience if the waiter didn't run around sweating so much. Of course, the place could definitely use another waiter or a hostess...as that may prevent all the manic running around (?!?). I seriously hope to upgrade this review the next time...if the place is still open, that is. I'm just wondering if they're in the process of closing down altogether, given the lesser hours. Honestly, as much as I appreciated this restaurant for decades, I can't deal with the running around sweating, barking and "FINGER-IN-YOUR-FOOD" service. We may give this place at one more try in the future (if open)...but if I see this type of repulsive service again, I vow never to return. read more

Lupie's Cafe - Top: Throw-Down Single-Layer Nachos Bottom: Chili Mac w/ Jalapeo, Corn - American Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Lupie's Café has been serving up homestyle comfort food for over 36 years, and it's easy to see why it's still going strong. From the outside, the building gives off pure dive diner energy with faded paint, a crooked sign, and the kind of place your dad probably grabbed lunch at in the '90s. Inside, the vibe is no-frills. Crinkled paper menus printed in black and white, booths that have seen better days, and a focus on food, not aesthetics. They're known for chili: Texas, Cincinnati, Southern, and Vegetarian...and yes, you can sample all four. The Cincinnati style had that Greek cinnamon-tomato flair (not my favorite). Southern was mellow. Texas brought the heat. I ended up mixing the Texas and Southern to balance things out. That combo got ladled over a massive bed of mac and cheese, then topped with a mountain of shredded cheddar and a scoop of sour cream. I skipped the raw onions and got a slice of cornbread on the side, which was a bit dry for me. Service was top-tier. Genuinely friendly and tag-teamed by servers who kept things moving. One of them looked like Jack Black, which he admitted he's heard before. The menu is affordable and portions are huge. Every table around me looked like Thanksgiving. This might not be a weekly stop for me, but I'm glad I finally made it. Lupie's is a nostalgic, no-BS staple that's earned its long-standing reputation. read more

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Aesthetic: Old school, kitschy restaurant with a menu full of comfort food, seasonal specials and desserts. Experience: Wow, this is the comfort food spot near Uptown! I was craving quiche, but I wasn't expecting some of the best I'd ever had. I ordered the chicken fajita quiche special (the quiche flavors rotate) with a side of mashed potatoes and pinto beans. The quiche was so flavorful and cheesy, I was in love. The pinto beans were perfectly seasoned and tender. The mashed potatoes were a little underwhelming and dry today, and they are only served on Mondays. My husband tried the burger with Texas chili and mac and cheese, and he devoured and loved everything. We want to try everything on the menu now, they had so much! Our waiter was attentive and came back to check in often. Conclusion: If you're looking for comfort food, this is it, I highly recommend trying the quiche! read more

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I've probably eaten at this establishment my entire life... family owned and operated, all of the staff feel like family too. Some of the best southern cuisine and home cooked meal vibe that you could ever dream of. I want the EXACT green bean and Texas chili recipes (desserts too). Even tho I know I couldn't replicate. I recently picked up my mom's college bff/sorority sister from the airport, she flew in from Ohio... we were all very hungry. When she realized I was headed in that direction, she said "Oh I hoped we were going to Lupies! I love it there!"... If you haven't been to Lupies before, you're in for a treat. Locals know what's up (midwesterners too) read more

Th waiter was top tier. He was very attentive. I just don't think the food is that great. The Mac and cheese tasted like it was out the box. The side salad had one carrot on a bed of lettuce because I don't eat tomatoes. I was like where is the cheese and croutons. The sweet tea was really good and the chicken casserole was decent. Maybe I should have tried the chili. I wasn't a fan of this place. read more

Chilimac and Cincinnati chili are divine. Service is always good. Have not tried much else on the menu.

Always good ! Native Charlottean been eating here forever! Great food incredible atmosphere!

Always a great meal---totally unhealthy but that is why it is good. Been going to this place for over 40 years and always good food. If you are looking for you won't find it here but you will find a relaxed environment with good service and a great meal. read more

Excellent restaurant, service, and food. Inside is nothing special or glorious but it does the job. read more

Lupie's Cafe - Menu page 2 - American Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Hats off to the staff for being accommodating and creating a takeout order for my family. The assortment of chili bowls and cups with fixings was a hit at my house. They let me sample each type of chili and all were good so I took all of them home for our chili night. The Texas was grown folks hot, Cinci, Southern and veggie for everyone else. read more

Lupie's it's the type of place you want to go when you want no frills comfort food. Part dive bar, part grandmas or your Auntie/Tia's kitchen, and filled with heirlooms and relics of Old Charlotte. The daily specials are just that, special. From the rickety ceiling fan, to the seating arrangements, you just get a sense of familiarity, most importantly, the food is made with love. read more

Lupie's Cafe - 6 BBQ wings with Mac n cheese and potato salad - American Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

A welcoming and unpretentious place for a terrific meal. Peyton has done her momma proud as she takes this venerable restaurant to the next level.. food, service and atmosphere makes the place and EVERYBODY is welcome. read more

Lupie's Cafe - American Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Great Neighborhood restaurant. First time at this restaurant although for years there was a sister Restaurant in Huntersville at the corner of Old Statesville Road and Gilead across the street from Discovery Place Kids. Went there many times and enjoyed it but they closed several years ago. This Lupie's is actually the Original and owned by the same family. We had been to the Southern Christmas Show at the Park Expo and after shopping, decided on a late lunch here. Very crowded so had to wait for a few minutes but no problem. The line moved quickly. Sat down and reviewed the menu and it's basically American Fare with a few Greek Dishes thrown in, My wife ordered Quiche which is one of her favorites. Been while since I've had it but seeing I lived in Ohio for a number of years, I ordered Cincinnati Chili served 5-way style. Server asked what that way and said "this ain't Cincinnatti." Explained it was Spaghetti with a Red Sauce Greek Style more like a Moussaka Sauce with Onions, Cheese and Beans. It was good but not quite as rich and depth of flavor was not there. Should have been a little richer with a hint of chocolate in the flavor profile. Nevertheless, it was still good and I would consider ordering it again. Service was good and our server very pleasant even if it ain't Cincinnatti. read more

Lupie's Cafe - Dining Room Lower Level - American Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Yeah, I'm being generous I'm afraid. Like most others, I want to like this place. It's been here forever and is a Charlotte mainstay for generations, but a lot has happened since the "heyday". Let's face it, anyone can cook a decent chili. It's a reasonably thoughtless event. Even if you are a bad cook, you probably have chili, soup, and burgers in your repertoire. So if you are going to make the "main event" of your restaurant be chili, you really need to own it- have a few GREAT examples of the genre that are significantly different from each other, and they'd better all be really bloody good, again, because EVERYONE when asked says "oh yeah, I make a really good chili". I remember going here years ago and being blown away by each style of chili. Things have definitely changed. There's nothing really special or particularly "southern" about it, I guess except for the nostalgia vote, which, if I'm being honest, squeezed an extra 2 stars out of me. I met the manager person, I think. Very nice fella. And the cook brought out chili to the table, and was probably my favourite person of the meal. Very genuine, and just out there doing his best. I feel like he needs some support- budget or otherwise- to take this food to the next level. My wife got the vegetarian chili on nachos. It was very big, which is often a positive, but it was as "eh" as my chili-mac. I hope they see better times, and up their game, but with those sort of hours and the cutbacks I'm certain they have experienced since COVID, I'm sad to say I don't see it happening. Honestly, maybe they made the decision to keep the prices low. Mission accomplished. Very cheap meal- these are waffle house prices. But I would personally prefer to pay an extra 5 or 10 bucks a plate and get back the thing that used to really distinguish this place - flavour. read more

Lupie's Cafe - These are the real hours - American Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Amazing Cincinnati or Texas chili! This is the cutest cafe! Comfort food on a whole different level. Daily specials are solid. The servings are unbelievably huge. The staff are friendly and the service is excellent. They have veggie options including chili! They close at 4 pm so keep that in mind. read more

My Three As: Awesome: The setting. It has a very humble, honest and rustic look that feels real welcoming and comfortable. The wooden interior and wall decor flaunts that they've been here forever. Appreciate: The chili options. Though I didn't have any, my coworkers had no complaints. Areas to consider: Great novelty setting, but maybe not a date night. Absolutely a family night though; kids would love this place. read more

Lupie's Cafe - Corn Green Peas Chicken Casserole - American Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Lupie's has been a stable in Charlotte for years! My sister and her husband were here over the holidays from LA. We had some last minute shopping to do before we drove back to SC. So, where did I take them? Lupie's of course. They were amaze how good the food was as well of the service and ambience. Something the locals should be very proud of ... awesome place. Michael T read more

Atmosphere is great The chickpea burger was good. It needed more texture, but the combination of toppings is very tasty. I was disappointed in the macaroni and cheese. read more

The chicken and dumplings are great ! This place had a little bit of everything for everyone. They do nothing fried no fryers and no freezers . Definitely would recommend to try them out. read more

Always consistent with them food at movies for the wait staff is helpful any time and if you don't respond out fast for many decades I have gone to this place and it has never let me down. read more

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We have been coming to Lupie's since moving to Charlotte over twenty years ago. The food is delicious definitely comfort food. In the summer they serve fresh tomatoes, cucumbers with onions in vinegar (a staple from our childhood) and summer squash. The vegetables are always fresh and simply done allowing the veggies to sing their own praises. Their spaghetti with meat sauce is my favorite dish there although their chili Mac is also amazing. The service is always friendly. This is a true neighborhood eatery. No, it isn't fancy and if you are concerned about having tablecloths and crystal glasses this isn't your place. But if you enjoy a wide variety of musical selections, friendly service and good homestyle cooking Lupie's is the place for you. We've never been disappointed. read more

I don't know how many years Lupie's has been around but it's definitely been a constant staple in our house. We have visited this cute little restaurant many times and never been disappointed. We have tried all their chili, chili with pasta or nachos, we also had their banana pudding. It's a great place to try out some vegetarian chili as well. During our last visit we had the nachos with veggie chili and let me tell you, while people complain that portions are getting smaller in other places, I feel like at Lupies the portion getting bigger every time we visit! So please put this business on your list for your next dinner and you won't regret it! read more

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Wanted to really love Lupies. The vibe was super cozy and felt really local. We ordered for pick up. Our Cincinnati chili on spaghetti was the best thing 4/5, not fancy but hi the spot, though the cornbread that it comes with was super dry. The Throw Down nachos were a huge let down. The chili was amazing but the chips texture was stale/microwaved. Like it brought the really amazing flavor of the chili down because they were such sad chips. The banana pudding was also only a 3/5, the flavor was good but the texture was a bit floury, and there weren't any crispy wafers for texture, they had all gone soggy (which I don't mind as long as there is a crispy bite). It's is too bad cause I probably would've given this place a 4/5 if the chips & corn bread had been edible. read more

Lupie's Cafe - Cincinnati chili on spaghetti - American Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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I'm in love with the food here specially the corn bread...this is our second time and we just love it...good for price, comes in excellent quantity and quality. Must must must try read more

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Old school character and charm. A native Charlottean recommended this place. The food great, portions are large.

This has been on my list for quite some time so when we got back late on New Year's from holiday travels and didn't have time to go grocery shopping for the week, we decided to try this for dinner the next night. Since they're known for their chili, we had to get it. They have 4 different kinds: Cincinnati, Texas, Vegetarian, and Southern. I really wanted to try them all in some kind of chili flight but there was no option for that. We decided to try 3: Cincinnati with spaghetti, Texas with mac and cheese, and a cup of Southern. Both of us agreed that the Texas was by far the best, followed by the Cincinnati, and we did not like the Southern. The Texas was spicy and delicious with great flavor. It went great with the mac and cheese. My husband loves Skyline chili (from Cincinnati). We knew it wouldn't be the same, but judging it on it's own instead of comparing, it didn't quite do it for me. It was lacking a bit of flavor. I couldn't put my finger on what I didn't like about the Southern, but there was some flavor that neither of us liked at all. All of them came with cornbread. I don't need my cornbread to be sweet, but this cornbread was very dry and lacking flavor. You get a ton of food for the price. We mostly didn't eat the cup of chili we got since we didn't like it and both left stuffed. It's a table service restaurant, but it's incredibly fast. They took our order and had our food out in less than 10 minutes. Once you're done eating you pay at the register. I will say on the service side, our waiter was not very helpful with recommendations. We were trying to ask for recommendations on chili types and what would go best together and he didn't give us any help. All in all, the food was cheap, fast, and some of it was quite tasty. I would come back again for the Texas chili but probably not anything else. read more

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This place has been on my list for a long time and I'm glad we finally made it! Plenty of parking behind the building, we walked right in and got a table. Plenty of things to look at on the walls around you and you get such a comfortable, local vibe. Cheap beers, affordable food. I ordered the chicken and dumplings, Mac and cheese, and cucumber/onion salad. The boys both ordered chili burgers with the southern chili and they really enjoyed the flavor. We already have picked out what we want for the next time we visit! read more

Lupie's Cafe - Chicken and Dumplings - American Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Being from Ohio, I was excited to find a local spot that serves Cincinnati style chili. I was able to order takeout online through Uber eats and it was a pretty quick turnaround (5-15 mins). The food was ready as soon as I arrived and I was able to grab it from the bar. I really liked the vibes inside, somewhat dive-y. The menu has good prices. I would like to come back again and try some other options. read more

Lupie's Cafe - Cincinnati chili with spaghetti - American Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

The food was not great. I had really high hopes for this restaurant but found it to be lackluster. I ordered the chicken and dumplings and they did not taste homemade. I also ordered the Mac and cheese and it tasted like something out of a box. read more

I love supporting these small Charlotte staple restaurants, especially after losing three but the food was just mediocre. The burger meat tasted fine but the bun was extremely dense and dry. My friend got the chili and said the flavor was great, but it was brought out cold. As long as you are prepared for the hole in the wall atmosphere, it's definitely worth the experience. I think we must have hit them on an off day and will surely give it another try. read more

Funky, popular dive with an eclectic following and Cincinnati-style spaghetti sauce. There's a lot to like about this place from it's quirky interior to its hipster staff. And at lunch it's almost always slammed. Today we ordered the Friday Pork Roast with mac-n-cheese and green beans, plus a Texas burger with chili with chips. The quick service and reasonable prices could not, unfortunately, overcome the just OK flavors. Each time I visit a Lupie's I want the food to match the ambience, but it typically falls flat for me. I did think the mac-n-cheese was good and was the most flavor-filled item on the plate. The green beans I cry foul, however . . . straight outta the can. Many people rave about Lupie's, so "Give 'em a whirl" and see if you become an ardent fan standing in line for a seat. read more

Lupie's Cafe - American Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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I have going to Lupie since I was a kid it seems like, they have the best chicken and dumplings. But in the day went I took my grandma who is 90 she couldn't go in so we got take out. The special was baked chicken which was outstanding I got Mac and cheese and greens. They have the best Mac and cheese in Charlotte, we love it. Everything was great customer was outstanding. Huge portions was able to eat on it a few days. It literally took 5 minutes if even for it to be ready. read more

Lupie's Cafe - American Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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This place is the best!!! We drive over 3 hours to come here and it is always so worth it. The Lupies's Burger with Texas chili is what I always order. The wings are also the best. (I was so hungry and forgot to take a picture of it before I devoured it) read more

Lupie's Cafe - Lupies nachos with Texas and Southern chili combined - American Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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The food here is so good and service is excellent. If you are looking for a budget place to eat or date night this is the one for you. The vegan burger is exceptional. read more

I have loved and ate at Lupie's for DECADES! Unfortunately I eat all my food before I think to take a photo for SM (yea I'm old). NEVER a bad meal, service, or warm beer. I will always be a fan! read more

Massive nachos that were delicious. The service was good but found I was looking for my waiter twice for a tea refill. The atmosphere at Lupie's is always great. read more

The front was a deceiving. When you open the door, it's warm and you know it will be some good eating! Friendly, welcome, spot on service. Quiche was buttery and amazing. Vegetarian chilli was a lil too thick for my preference but good. Will definitely be back. read more

Lupie's Cafe - Turkey sausage quiche with cup of vegetarian chilli - American Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Been coming to Lupie's for many years and it's always amazing. The burgers are good, the nachos are awesome. But my favorite thing here is the Texas Chili Mac on spaghetti with cheese and onions. If I'm ever on Death Row that would be my request for my last meal, no doubt about it. read more

I've been wanting to try this place for a while, and finally made it. I ordered to-go, but such a cute vibe here and friendly staff. I got the chili taco salad and would get it again. I got the Texas chili on top and really enjoyed it. If you don't like spice, don't choose this chili option. I'll be back to try some of the specials soon! read more

Love Chicken and Dumplings Thursdays at Lupie's. Best chicken and dumplings I've ever had! Fast service too. Better go early though as they close at 4:00. read more