Flip Flops Grille and Spirits

Although the Charlotte suburb of Gastonia is nearly four hours from the Atlantic Coast, a local bar and restaurant in the Shops at Franklin Square has recreated that beach feel with its surf and sunshine atmosphere.

Flip Flops Grille and Spirits is quickly becoming a favorite for Gastonians who want some good food and a cold summer beer to wash it down with. The walls are covered in music and surfing memorabilia, and the fully stocked bar looks like a Tiki-hut with a surfboard hanging over the bar, but not covering up the three flat-screen televisions.

The food stays true to regional southern favorites like fried pickles, shrimp and grits, BBQ pork sandwiches and several other favorites topped with homemade pimento cheese — a mixture of several ingredients including sharp cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses, mayonnaise, and pimentos. For those who are visiting the south, make sure to at least try this specialty at least once. Flip Flops will pretty much guarantee you order something with the cheese combination as it offers it spread on their burgers, quesadillas and more.

All food and drinks are reasonably priced as appetizers cost $4 - $6, sandwiches from $5 - $7 and specialties from $10 - $12. Beer will set you back $2.50 for bottled summer ales like Landshark or Corona, and just a few more dollars for specialty frozen drinks.

HelloCharlotte tip: The restaurant features a great outdoor patio and will occasionally have live music as well.

- by Mike D'Avria, Charlotte Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Mike D'Avria

Mike D'Avria graduated with a Journalism Degree from Indiana University in 2003.

He worked for the daily newspaper, The Athens Banner-Herald in Athens, Ga. before turning to freelance writing and video production.

Mike is the Executive Editor of CampLeadership.org, and has lived in Charlotte for four years.