Charlotte's Restaurant voted #1 Hamburger in the nation!
(980) 939-0655
1921 Commonwealth Ave
Charlotte,
NC
28205
35.2189
-80.813
Neighborhood: Commonwealth
Last updated 10.01.09
What People Are Saying About Penguin
The Owner
Penguin
Owner
Welcome to The Penguin Drive-In! While our menu still features the basic burgers, dogs, and fries, also offers a house-made Brunswick stew, a Ribeye sandwich and soy dogs and burgers for the vegetarian crowd. On any particular day, or night, you'll find what s a "nice mix" of people enjoying a meal or a cold one. Businessmen lean on the bar, mixed in with a few of the "old-timers." Punks with purple hair occupy a booth. A family of yuppies complete with baby stroller sits in the corner. The jukebox plays every kind of music - from doo-wop to country to new age to punk. The Penguin makes…
03/01/09
The best burger on the earth
by shakingmelon
I've traveled all over the world and this is by far the best burger i've had and i gave up meat but for this place i'll suffer the next day
- Pros: Great food and price
- Cons: parking,wait time,staff can be rude
11/18/08
Disappointed
by lakepeople
VERY DISAPPOINTED. Saw all the reviews, so when we went to the Nascar race in Charlotte NC from Michigan,in Oct.2008, we went out of our way to visit the Penguin. First impression was, What a DIVE, and worse was that it Stunk of BURNT GREASE. Believe me, we have been to many other places worse than The Penguin, and have left having a Great time. But the Smell was so strong that we had a beer and left Very Disappointed. Have also went to Guy Fieri Diners Drivins and Dives site at the Food Network and have not been able to find out when he was there. I wanted to read his reviews, as I have seen reviews from Locals and such, saying how good the Penguin was. I'm afraid that all I can figure, is that the people putting in the good reviews must WORK THERE. Sorry, but thats the way we feel.
10/14/08
Fun, Hipster Place to Hang out and get a Burger!
by EmilySchemily
Went to the Penguin last Friday. Both of us are new to Charlotte, and after seeing a clip about The Penguin on the Food Network, I suggested that we try it. First, we didn't know were to park, but found a dirt lot near by. There was a huge line outside, but considering there were like 14 groups ahead of us, we didn't wait long at all. The bar has great specials, $1.50 drafts, $5.00 yeunglin pitchers; they even have firefly, which appears to be hard to find in charlotte. The food is greasy but good. Fried pickles are "the thing to get," but neither of us were that impressed. The area around the restaurant seemed really cool and like there was a lot to do nearby. I will definitely be going to The Penguin again!
- Pros: food, cheap drinks, good service
- Cons: parking can be tight on weekend
The Details on Penguin
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Late Night Dining, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Cheap Eats, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene
Cuisine:
Hamburgers, Traditional American, Hot Dogs, Vegetarian
Bar & Club Special Features:
Message from Penguin
- Award Winning Hamburgers
- Excellent Fried Pickels
- Cheap Drinks
Welcome to The Penguin Drive-In! While our menu still features the basic burgers, dogs, and fries, also offers a house-made Brunswick stew, a Ribeye sandwich and soy dogs and burgers for the vegetarian crowd. On any particular day, or night, you'll find what s a "nice mix" of people enjoying a meal or a cold one. Businessmen lean on the bar, mixed in with a few of the "old-timers." Punks with purple hair occupy a booth. A family of yuppies complete with baby stroller sits in the corner. The jukebox plays every kind of music - from doo-wop to country to new age to punk.
The Penguin makes everyone feel welcome. That's part of the tradition. Stop by now and come early, because it?s first come-first-serve.
Ask for on of our favorites like the "Big Block", Fried Dill Pickles, Sweet Potato Fries, Brunswick Stew, and a cold one to wash it down.
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