South 21 Matthews — Restaurant in Matthews

Good food, overall. Consistent from visit-to-visit with good counter service. However, South 21 crossed certain value thresholds with the "value for the money paid" aspect with their most recent price increase which just took place at the beginning of 2025, following having also implemented a price increase near the end of 2024. They took the daily specials off of the menu at this location some time ago, which is disappointing, though it is understood prices have been rising. Now, a double cheeseburger with fries runs $10.01--it was not so long ago that it was $5.27, and if you add a drink and onion rings onto the order, you're looking at around $18.50 for one person after tax. If you use a credit card, the tab will exceed $19.00. This could wind up hurting their business because people are going to begin thinking twice, especially if they bring families. South 21 used to be affordable for families. However, unless you are well-heeled financially, you might want to get your calculator out because this is not the case now. For the price, you might as well go to Chili's for a sit-down experience for their burger, fries, drink, and salsa w/ chips $10.99 special. As much as I have liked the restaurant, it is feared that they are going to lose patronage because of prices that continue to escalate. Due to budget considerations, I am now having to look at the restaurant as a "treat" rather than a regular destination. With this latest increase, I believe South 21 may find that it will need to reinstate daily specials to attract and retain business and keep the registers ringing at levels it has been accustomed to for...

we are frequent customers but that will end tonight. instead of serving us a fresh cup of soda, our cashier took the liberty to dump 2 cups of UNKNOWN liquid into our cup, when i asked what it was, he said it was unwanted soda from previous customer who no longer wanted it. he said he didn't want to 'waste' it.. my bf walked away with the drink not wanting to cause a scene while i stood there.. STUNNED not knowing how to react as the cashier took my credit card and charged me for that cup of 'unknown' liquid.

i am livid beyond words... this is out of this world insane.... and unreasonable. since when is it ok to give your customer OLD DRINKS NOT ONLY THAT BUT CHARGING THEM FOR IT ???? esp when i have no idea what the heck was in it.. who made it.. how long it's been sitting up there on the counter... and where the heck it even came from..... it's not my problem that someone else ordered something and didnt want it.. how do i even know if the cashier is telling the truth?

i filed a complaint with the department of health and with the restaurant. I hope this case will be investigated. it's not right to do this.... and it's shameful that it came out of this establishment that i used to enjoy going to. now i'm disgusted and i know i will never set foot...

South 21 is hands down one of my favorite spots when I’m craving a solid, satisfying meal. From the moment you pull up, you know you're about to get something good. The chicken tenders are next level—crispy on the outside, juicy and tender inside, perfectly seasoned, and cooked just right. Pair them with their golden fries and you’ve got comfort food at its finest.

But it doesn't stop there. Their potato salad deserves a spotlight of its own—creamy, tangy, and clearly made with care. You can tell it’s not just scooped from a tub; it tastes homemade, and it hits all the right notes. And I have to mention the ranch—yes, the ranch! It’s thick, flavorful, and honestly, I’d dip just about anything in it. It ties the whole meal together.

Now, the jumbo cheeseburgers? Absolutely massive, juicy, and loaded with cheesy goodness. The buns are soft, the patties are well-seasoned, and every bite is just delicious. It’s that old-school, no-frills burger that reminds you why classics never go out of style.

The staff is always friendly, the service is quick, and the food is consistently amazing. South 21 is more than just a place to grab a bite—it’s a Charlotte staple that never misses. Highly recommend to anyone who appreciates good...