rev:text
| - Tavern on the Tracks is another good place for WNY transplants. I don't frequent it nearly as much as I did when I lived closer. One of the former co-owners opened a similarly themed restaurant in Fort Mill called Towne Tavern, but the menus have become more and more separated over the years since they aren't affiliated. TOTT is a rare place for Charlotte. It's much more of a blue collar bar than a lot of the places in the area that are more yuppyish. The inside seems cavernous with high ceilings, a huge bar, a split level, and a big outdoor patio. The building dates back to the early 1900s so it's rustic. I used to see a lot of local celebrity athletes in there, but not so much anymore.
The food is mostly above par, but I think they may have expanded their menu a little too much and not everything is good. The wings are extremely good, reminiscent of those found in WNY, but WNY's not as famous staple - the beef on weck sandwich - is not a true beef on weck. The fish fry is inconsistent and the pizza, once served on Nirtsche's dough (a former nearby pizza place operated by WNY'ers) is now served on pre-made dough. My wife ordered shrimp once and it smelled very foul. There are some decent menu options though like steak in the grass. This is normally a sandwich in WNY but the take on it here is that it is served as a filet with melted mozzarella and spinach and mashed potatoes on the side. It's very good. The pastas and apps have always been halfway decent too.
My recommendation is too check the Buffalo Bills and Sabres schedule and stay away when they're playing. The parking can be very tight, so use the light rail if that's an option (that is why it's called Tavern on the Tracks). There are some train themes going on in there too. When an order is ready, a whistle sounds, and they also have a drink called "Wreck of the Ole' 97."
Tavern on the Tracks is definitely a decent place to hang out, have some drinks, and eat some decent bar food. If you're a Buffalo transplant, have the wings here, but go to Lebowski's for beek on weck and haddock fish fry's.
|