South 21 Drive In Closing

[monsoon]

After more than 50 years of operating in the same location, and having some of the best food in Charlotte, the South 21 Drive In is closing.

This was a truely Charlotte unique place and many people from out of town, that were in the know, would specifically go there for the coleslaw, onion rings (best I have ever had), and other curb service food. It will be missed. The owner says the disruptions caused by the light rail construction have caused his business to drop off. I wonder how long it will be until it is replaced by some chain restaurant.

[Charlotteman]

Ah this is real sad......I ate at South 29 as many times as I could, when I visited Charlotte. Excellent food----it will be missed.

[swampfox43]

I still remember those days where we would eat at South-21 Drive In, and then go across the street to the Queens Park Drive In to watch a movie.

Truly a real piece of Charlotte nostalgia that will be missed.

[Justadude]

Fortunately the other locations -- including the 1955 drive-in on Independence -- are staying open.

This has definitely been a bad year for local restaurants.

[monsoon]

I still remember those days where we would eat at South-21 Drive In, and then go across the street to the Queens Park Drive In to watch a movie.

Truly a real piece of Charlotte nostalgia that will be missed.

[MZT]

I thought the place was kinda run-down, and the food wasn't that great. I guess I can't connect with the nostalgia.

Now, if Broasted Chicken on Montford street ever closes ... then I'll be mad!!!

[monsoon]

....

Now, if Broasted Chicken...

[cinco]

i think mzt is referring to THE ROASTING COMPANY... which is great.

i haven't been to SOUTH 21 in many, many years - i usedto go there with my pops before catching a charlotte o's game. i'm sad it couldn't hang in there. i don't buy the reason they're closing is due to the fact of light rail construction - i would say the honest truth is that a drive in burger joint is dated in many ways... not too mention the competition is getting fierce after decades of having the place pretty much to themselves.

[MZT]

Cinco's right - I meant "Roasting Company". Damn, I eat there too much. Best deal in town though for 3 sides and a cornbread. $4.17, and that includes taxes.

[Justadude]

The South Blvd. franchise had been in a bad location for years, so if anything the median was just the final straw.

It seems like South Blvd. is a barometer of the city's development, moreso than any other street I can think of.