The Penguin Drive-In

American Restaurant $$ 4.2Google (460)


The Penguin Drive-In is known for its cozy atmosphere and primarily authentic menu, particularly praised for its burgers and fried pickles. While most diners enjoy the quality of food and delightful service, a few indicated mixed experiences, especially during peak times.

Overall:

4.5

(380 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.1

Atmosphere:

4.4

Service:

4.0


Open until 9:00 PM

Hours from Google · may not reflect holidays or recent changes

Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (704) 444-0603

Address: 1531 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203, USAOpen in Google Maps

Opening hours

Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Menu for Children
  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups
  • Good for Watching Sports

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" I am so happy I stumbled upon The Penguin! The ambiance inspired nostalgia, and the menu had so many delicious options. I decided to be adventurous and tried the spicy shrimp tacos, and they were phenomenal. Perfectly balanced spiciness with delicious flavors! The staff was friendly and made me feel right at home. I highly recommend this place for anyone looking to enjoy great food in a fun environment! " (*Curated Review*)

" The selection of beers they have is impressive, and I really loved their cocktails. I came in for happy hour and the prices were fantastic. The fries are a must-order, they were very crispy and seasoned delightfully! However, I was a bit disappointed that my burger was overcooked; it made the whole experience less enjoyable. I think I may return to give it another shot, as I have heard the wing night is excellent! " (*Curated Review*)

" Oh my goodness! The Penguin is a gem! I stopped in for a quick lunch and tried the Bang Bang Shrimp, and they were absolutely divine! Each bite had amazing flavor and the shrimp were perfectly cooked. The atmosphere is lively and perfect for unwinding with friends. I really enjoyed the attentive service we received, and I felt welcomed from the moment I stepped in. I will certainly make this a regular stop in my dining itinerary! " (*Curated Review*)

" The food was decent but not as impressive as I’d hoped based on the reviews. I had the Philly cheesesteak sandwich, which was good but lacked the authentic flavor I expected. The service was friendly, but it did take a while for our orders to come out. The environment is lovely, particularly the outdoor seating area which is perfect on a nice day. I'll likely give it another try in the future to see if it improves. " (*Curated Review*)

" Great atmosphere but the food left much to be desired. I ordered the rib plate and was shocked when it came out with no flavor to it whatsoever! The ribs were tender but very bland. The fries were good though, just a bit on the small side for the price. The service was friendly and accommodating, which makes this visit a bit frustrating since the food didn't live up to others' expectations. " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (370)

" Not impressed with my visit to The Penguin. The ambiance was pleasant, but the food was lacking flavor. I had a hot dog and it felt overly processed. The service was friendly but not enough to outweigh the underwhelming meal experience. I might give it a another try, but my expectations are low for next time. " (*Curated Review*)

" The Penguin really knows how to satisfy cravings! I stopped by for a brunch and the fried green tomato eggs benedict was divine! The atmosphere is lovely with quirky decorations that really give it personality. The service was quick even though it was packed. A fun spot I will definitely return to for more brunch outings. It's also great for family gatherings. I loved it! " (*Curated Review*)

More reviews not shown...

Have been to The Penguin Drive-In? Share your experience with other people!

Please enter at least 15 characters.
no selection

Top rated nearby

Amélie's French Bakery & Café
Bakery $$

Overall:

4.6

(5461 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.8

Service:

4.5

Address: 136 E 36th St, Charlotte, NC 28205, USA

O-Ku
Japanese Restaurant $$$

Overall:

4.8

(864 reviews)

Authenticity:

5.0

Atmosphere:

4.8

Service:

4.8

Address: 2000 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA

Mama Ricotta's
Italian Restaurant $$

Overall:

4.9

(2409 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.6

Atmosphere:

4.7

Service:

4.7

Address: 601 S Kings Dr AA, Charlotte, NC 28204, USA

Lang Van
Vietnamese Restaurant $$

Overall:

4.9

(1577 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.8

Atmosphere:

4.8

Service:

4.9

Address: 3019 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215, USA

JINYA Ramen Bar - Ally Charlotte Center
Japanese Restaurant $$

Overall:

4.5

(3080 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.3

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.1

Address: 601 S Tryon St Unit 132, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

Amélie's Uptown | French Bakery & Cafe
Bakery $$

Overall:

4.5

(3316 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.3

Atmosphere:

4.6

Service:

4.0

Address: 380 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA

Pho Van
Vietnamese Restaurant

Overall:

5.0

(128 reviews)

Authenticity:

5.0

Atmosphere:

5.0

Service:

5.0

Address: 5615 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217, USA

Cabo Fish Taco
Mexican Restaurant $$

Overall:

4.6

(3171 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.2

Atmosphere:

4.3

Service:

4.4

Address: 3201 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205, USA

La Capital MX
Mexican Restaurant $$

Overall:

4.5

(2690 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.4

Atmosphere:

4.5

Service:

4.6

Address: 1910 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA

Kappo En
Japanese Restaurant

Overall:

5.0

(35 reviews)

Authenticity:

5.0

Atmosphere:

5.0

Service:

5.0

Address: 1941 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204, USA