Have had some 4 star meals here and some 3 star meals but the former have been outweighed the latter thus the rating of 3 for this review. If you don't stray too far from the Eastern NC style pork, you will generally walk away relatively satisfied. It's some of the other things on the menu where the adventure begins. The fried catfish is usually very good. The wings however are a real crap shoot. No matter where I go, I ask for wings to be well done or extra crispy. I don't care if the meat inside is on the dry side, I just don't want soft, non-crisp skin on them. Lancaster's misses the mark more often than not. Including on my most recent visit this past Saturday.
On this visit I got a half and half wings/pork combo. As usual, the pork was good with mostly lean, pretty well smoked meat but the wings a soggy mess. Aside from the limp skin, they were way under-seasoned and bland. Tasted mostly like grease even with the buffalo sauce they were shaken in. The creamy coleslaw for a side was also in need of a good dose of salt and pepper. The onion rings though... Out of this world good. Light, very crispy batter. Obviously cooked to order and served piping hot and delicious. Some of the best O-rings I've had in Charlotte.
Lancaster's is what it is and as long as it continues in the A-OK 3 star or better range, I'll be back as it is a low key, casual atmosphere and I enjoy just a quick bite at the bar every once in a while. Just remind me to go for the catfish and skip the wings!