I love me some Pinky’s. I went there for lunch today and knew I was going to go all in. You just can’t go to Pinky’s and NOT eat fried, delicious food. I ordered a salad there once in an attempt to eat “healthy” and it came with a gigantic pile of fried onion straws on top of it as well as fried chicken bites. At that point, you might as well just go all the way and skip the lettuce nonsense.
The original Pinky’s is located in the FreeMoreWest neighborhood of Charlotte on Morehead St. The restaurant is kind of a big deal considering Guy Fieri came to Charlotte recently and filmed there with Clint Bowyer for his show, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
Pinky’s Westside Grill is very casual with a vintage diner feel complete with a jukebox and old metal signs. The staff is extremely friendly and always on top of refills and checking back with guests. Parking is tricky because there is a very limited amount of parking spaces in the front lot but there is; however, a much larger gravel parking lot behind the restaurant for overflow parking.
The menu consists of gluttonous goodies like the Pinky Dog – a hot dog grilled not the flat top and smothered in pimento cheese and chili, Corn Dog Shrimp (which I think should be re-named Shrimp Puppies) – battered and fried shrimp, and the White Trash Burger – a burger with provolone, fried pickles, onion rings & spicy ranch (yum). My favorites are the corn dog, cheese fries and the White Trash Burger. These are some of my go-to’s when I want to eat all of the calories.
Pinky’s also has an excellent signature cocktail menu and drink specials. Even though I’m not a huge liquor drinker, every time I mention Pinky’s to someone in Charlotte, they usually respond with “Ooh, I love that place. They have a great drink menu too!”
Pinky’s also opened a second location in Huntersville so for you folks north of Charlotte, you now have an opportunity to try their tasty food and cocktails.
Have you been to Pinky’s Westside Grill? Let us know which dishes are your favorite in the comments!