The Degenerate — Restaurant in Charlotte

I live up the road and come here on a semi regular basis, probably been here 15-20 times over the last few years since it opened. Here is my breakdown:

In general the food is very good. They change up their menu or how they’re serving a dish on a not quite frequent, but consistent basis. Most items are good to great. The only dish I’ve had there that I thought “wow this is not good” is the Brussel sprouts. I like mine crispy and very tender, these were not that. The flavor was good but the sprout itself was pretty hard to eat.

The hummus is delicious. They pair it with falafel now, which isn’t bad, but is a bit like serving tomato soup with a fried tomato. I’m hoping they go back to serving it with shredded lamb in the future.

The mussels are good, the broth is very tasty and if you don’t like sopping up some mussel broth with delicious bread you are either allergic to shellfish or certifiably insane.

The gnocchi with creamy pesto and chicken is absolutely delicious. Like so good. Would eat it all day if I could, the way they prepare it is awesome and it is almost a comfort food for me.

The steak is always cooked to the proper temp and is seasoned deliciously. It is now served with a root purée which is good, but I preferred when they served it over whipped potatoes. (Some might say I’m living in the past, but it is hard to let go of the ones you love)

The chips are great, good seasoning and great to snack on.

I personally don’t like deviled eggs (texture thing) but everyone I’ve been with has said the deviled eggs are excellent.

The pierogis are top tier, without a doubt, something you should order. Just delicious.

Lettuce wraps are a consistent menu item and always on point. Have a great kick to them.

Brunch is also good. The Turkish eggs are heavenly and I very much enjoy the Monte Cristo.

I’m going to cut off the review now because it is really stretching out, but the cocktails are also very good. All their house cocktails are great and they can make you pretty much whatever you want and it...

I’ve been 3 times now and blown away. It was packed today (rainy sunday) and my group of 4 had to sit at the bar, or wait 30 min for a table. We wanted some coffee and drinks and were quickly welcomed to some strong coffee and some well poured mimosas. It was super busy, as in multiple parties waiting for a table, and our food took just shy of an hour to get.

The kitchen was slammed though and we saw that, and even though the bartender was busy she checked on us multiple times, refilling water and coffee and checking on our food, apologizing for the wait.

We understood completely and know that it wasnt her fault, it was just that busy today. We were getting hungry though and she could tell, and even though she had dishes, a full bar, and a few tables behind….she checked made sure our waters were full, coffee hot, and that I even got my hot sauce when someone else misheard me when the food got there.

I didn’t get my extra order of homefrys with my meal, and her face was so apologetic. I was full from my the main order though (great portions) and I just wanted to take it off. I put it in as a side order after I ordered originally and it ended up being placed togo on accident. She comped that and still gave me them togo.

Long winded, but this was top notch service and even though we had some delays and a hick up (due to a line out the door and while it’s raining mind you) they took care of it. Made sure we were happy, and kept a smile going the entire time.

I doubled my standard tip percentage and added the home fries back in as well as thank you. I’ll be back for birthday...

6-26-22

Has a patio for outdoor seating, indoor seating, bar, and several TVs. Great atmosphere with an industrial, upbeat vibe. I can't speak for the drinks but excellent cocktail selection per the menu.

What we got, all being a reorder:

Pierogis ($12): Menu reads as Potato, cheddar cheese, bacon, shallots, sour cream, apple gastrique. Wow is the only thing that comes to mind. These were fantastic. The sour cream and apple gastrique are great additions but the pierogis don't need either.

Breakfast Tacos ($13): Menu reads as Scrambled eggs, pulled pork, cheddar cheese, Cholula crema, chives, crispy shallots, home fries or grits. You get three tacos and the concoction is flavorful. Do yourself a favor and get the home fries. Seasoned nicely and fried perfectly. Large in portion. Again, wow. Very satisfying.

The Degenerate Burger ($15): Menu reads as Beef, pulled pork, provolone, bourbon confit onions, crispy prosciutto, BBQ sauce, potato bun. Excellent mix of stuff. Juicy and flavorful. This burger was better than most ones I have had a burger restaurants. Homerun. You get chips with this, but we subbed out for home fries. As mentioned before, do yourself a favor and get these.

Frankly, the food we had was outstanding. It also came out quick. I like how you are given a carafe of water for the table. Other joints should take notes. Our server was attentive and vigilant even though it looked like he had most of the restaurant under his wing.

Parking in the back could potentially be tough at peak times so expect...