10/09/09

Old fashioned, feel good dining

by sh21

Pikes is in South End across the street from the light rail by Tremont Street in an old warehouse. The menu is pretty simple burgers, sandwiches and a few home cooked "feeling" daily specials. But the main thing that they are known for is milkshakes and hand crafted beverages.

Every time I have been to Pikes the dining room is quite cramped, especially if it is busy. But it is worth a stop to have some decent food, good deserts and a shake.

Also, fun fact for this place is that part of Shallow Hal was filmed here with Jack Black and Gwenyth Paltrow.

• Pros: Friendly atmosphere, milkshakes and specialty drinks
• Cons: Tight dining

12/15/08

Yummy & Nostalgic!

by EmilySchemily

This restaurant/soda shop is a gem compared to Charlotte's more upscale eateries. I'd say it's just a fun place to go for lunch on the weekend and it's an adventure in itself... just fun to be at an old school soda shop. The milkshake and burgers were very good and they had a pretty large menu for somewhere that is just known for their milkshakes (wow, the cupcakes looked good, too). The service was very good! This is a great place to take a family, but not annoying for a 20-some like me, just lots of cute kids enjoying ice cream : )

• Pros: great food, friendly service
• Cons: slightly hard to find, parking on street

04/20/08

still open

by ucdburritolover

funny, I just called them and Lisa answered the phone and said they're open until 2pm. Probably not closed for business. the phone number is 704.372.0092

03/16/08

It's closed!

by Doxylady

We went there this morning for breakfast and it is "no more" , gone, out of business. Guess the bad reviews were right.

• Pros: Closed
• Cons: closed

01/21/07

Great for breakfast and dinner!

by hh143

We were a little hesitant to try Pike's based on the negative reviews, but decided to try it and form our own opinion. We were pleasantly surprised!!!! We went on a Friday night for burgers and shakes as well as on a Sunday morning for brunch. We thoroughly enjoyed it on both occasions and have recommended it to others as well. The burgers were good and prepared just as requested, and the shakes were awesome. Perfect for a casual dining experience before a movie or when in the mood for comfort food. The Sunday brunch had a lot of choices for those who want a little of everything. The food was good and reasonably priced. On both occasions there was not a long wait as you might experience at other restaurants and the service was prompt and courteous. We recommend you try Pike's if you are looking for good, casual and family friendly dining. Don't let the negative reviews scare you, some people are just hard to please. And no, I am not an employee :)

01/17/07

WHAT A GREAT PLACE ! GREAT SERVICE, FOOD AND ATMOSPHERE!

by hduncan1

We love this place. We eat either brunch, lunch and dinner here at least once a week. This is a true neighborhood eatery. We always see the same people in there eating and many of their patrons you will recognize as local and national celebrities. It is a great place for any occasion. The menu is diverse and every item we have ever eaten is spectacular, the service staff is always hospitable and very effecient and the atmsophere is comfortable and very relaxing. They have a very good beer and wine selection and the desserts are the best around.

It is always slammed at lunch and for Sunday brunch but the service is quick, so arrive early, the best time is in the evening.

We recommend this place to all our friends and they always rave about it after their visit.

11/29/06

Worst dining experience in Charlotte! AVOID!!!

by dan_e

Normally somewhat mediocre food can be forgiven with excellent service, and vice-versa. Pike?s Soda Shop unfortunately fails in both categories.

After reading the great reviews online concerning their brunch we decided to try them out. When we arrived there we discovered they were no longer serving brunch. A fact their website neglected to mention. Deciding to opt for lunch instead we were quickly seated and approached by our server Frank. He brought us our drinks after making a face when we asked for an unsweetened iced tea. During the 40 minutes we where there he never once returned to fill our drinks.

Upon taking our orders he again made a smirk when we asked for a sandwich without mustard. At that point we had considered leaving but decided to stick it out. Especially considering how good some people had reviewed the food. To our disdain when the food finally did arrive, instead of the blacked Grouper sandwich I had ordered, I was presented with a hamburger and fries. Frank never returned to our table and I had to ask another server for the Grouper. She fortunately was friendly and took care of it right away. Albeit too soon, because when my sandwich did come; it was horribly undercooked.

Frank finally did return, not to apologize, but to say that he thought I ordered a blackened hamburger. His customer service and personality were without a doubt some of the worst I have ever experienced and perhaps his duties should be limited to those involving positions that do not require human contact.

When we described our experience to the manager after paying the bill he was friendly and apologetic but did nothing to compensate us or encourage us to return. Overall Pike?s Soda Shop may be a hit-or-miss. The food is comparable in quality to what you would find at a Denny?s and the service from at least SOME of the servers seemed friendly and cordial. From others however, you wonder what you ever did to deserve such treatment!

• Pros: Nice location, outside seating
• Cons: Almost the entire dining experience

11/21/06

Not the place for Sunday Brunch

by katiemco

This past weekend, my husband and I decided to try Pike's for the first time. Pike's claims to have a good Sunday brunch, but nothing could be further from the truth. The buffet only had the staple breakfast items and only one lunch entree. The food was average at best and the price far exceeded the quality. We both came away very disappointed.

• Pros: The servers were promt and courteous
• Cons: Very little selection on the buffet and the poor was below average

06/20/05

Skimpy Portions / Food Mediocre

by lindees12

Recently went to the Pike's at Birkdale Village. Ordered the tuna melt - probably the worse I ever had. Also ordered an ice cream soda...sure was small for the price! Need bigger portions and lower prices on the ice cream offerings. I won't be going back. They need to offer more ice cream flavors as well.

01/09/05

Disappointed

by janice funderburk

Maybe ok for Ice cream, shakes, etc. Food is bad, Worst meal we ever had. Would never eat there again.