Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?

The Penguin accommodates mixed dietary needs with high-protein, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian options like shrimp quesadillas and Caesar salads.

What makes this restaurant unique or special?

The Penguin is unique for its famous fried pickles, intimate gastropub atmosphere, and fresh sandwiches served by a highly attentive staff.

What is the restaurant's atmosphere and style?

The Penguin is a lively, modern gastropub and neighborhood staple offering an intimate, welcoming atmosphere with efficient and attentive service.

What should first-time visitors know about this restaurant?

Visitors can expect a budget-friendly gastropub with an intimate atmosphere, efficient service, and fresh sandwiches like the Nashville hot chicken.

How many reviews does this restaurant have?

The provided restaurant data does not contain the specific number of reviews for The Penguin.

What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?

Popular dishes include Nashville hot chicken, smash burgers, famous fried pickles, fresh sandwiches, truffle-dusted fries, and house-made queso.

What is the price range at this restaurant?

This American gastropub is categorized as budget-friendly ($), offering an affordable dining experience for all of its guests.

What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?

The Penguin specializes in American cuisine, featuring elevated comfort food like smash burgers, Nashville hot chicken, and fried pickles.

What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?

Diners seeking a budget-friendly, lively gastropub experience with fresh American comfort food, efficient service, and diverse dietary options would enjoy this restaurant.

Is this restaurant good value for money?

This budget-friendly ($) American gastropub offers good value with a 4.0/5 rating, fresh ingredients, and efficient service in an intimate setting.

The Penguin – American

The Penguin hums with the vibrant energy of a modern gastropub, where the air is filled with the savory aroma of sizzling smash burgers and the irresistible crunch of their famous fried pickles. Guests gather over shareable plates of fiery Nashville hot chicken and truffle-dusted fries, creating a lively atmosphere where elevated comfort food meets the soulful warmth of a neighborhood staple. Every visit promises a playful, indulgent feast, from the rich decadence of house-made queso to the bold, spicy snap of firecracker shrimp.

1531 East Boulevard, Charlotte 28203 https://thepenguindrivein.com/

Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)

Cuisine: American

Price range: $

Currently open

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

What diners are saying

Celebrated for its intimate setting and efficient service, guests frequently praise the attentive staff who ensure a seamless dining experience with regular check-ins. Diners rave about the fresh sandwiches, highlighting the quality of the ingredients and the overall freshness of the meal. This spot is highly recommended by reviewers for those seeking a welcoming atmosphere and reliable, friendly service.

Firecracker Shrimp - $11.99: Bang Bang style sauce and pineapple salsa w/ avocado Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Truffle Parmesan Fries - $5.99: Crispy fries tossed in white truffle oil and grated parmesan Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Spinach & Artichoke Dip - $12.99: Homemade cheese mornay, clam base, organic spinach, tortilla chips Dietary tags: Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders - $9.99: Crispy white meat tenders w/ homemade buttermilk ranch Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Famous Fried Pickles - $8.99: Hand battered pickles, homemade buttermilk ranch Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Mozzarella Rounds - $10.99: Homemade golden fried mozzarella rounds, seasoned herb breadcrumbs with homemade marinara sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Jumbo Chicken Wings - $9.99: 5 wings served with ranch or bleu cheese, choice of honey buffalo, bang bang sauce, bbq, nashville hot Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Homemade Queso and Chips - $8.99: Slow cooked with onions and jalapeno, tortilla chips Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free

Penguin Classic Dip Burger - $14.79: Two house seasoned hand patties, horseradish aoili, caramelized onions, swiss cheese, sesame bun w/ white truffle parmesan french fries and au jus Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Smash Burger - $14.29: Two house seasoned smashed patties, caramelized onions, pickles, American cheese, signature smash sauce, on a toasted local potato bun w/ house seasoned french fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Double Bacon Cheeseburger - $14.79: Two house seasoned hand patties, crispy nueske bacon, aged cheddar cheese, homemade queso, pickles, lettuce served w/ house seasoned french fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich - $14.29: 2 chicken tenders, local potato bun, pickles, cole slaw, american cheese w/ house seasoned french fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Grilled Chicken Avocado Sandwich - $14.29: Grilled chicken breast, chipotle sauce, pickles, shredded lettuce, tomato, red onion and avocado on a toasted brioche bun served w/ house seasoned french fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free

Turkey-Bacon-Avocado Club - $14.29: smoked turkey, nueske bacon, avocado, tomato, american cheese, mayo, shredded lettuce on a sub roll served w/ house seasoned french fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Philly Cheesesteak - $14.79: thinly sliced certified black angus, homemade queso, grilled mushrooms and caramelized onions on a toasted sub roll with au jus for dipping served w/ house seasoned french fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Shrimp Po' Boy - $14.79: crispy shrimp, cole slaw, toasted sub roll, chipotle remoulade, tomato, pickles and shredded lettuce served w/ house seasoned french fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Big Fish Sub - $14.79: crispy golden white fish, cole slaw, chipotle remoulade, tomato, pickles, shredded lettuce on a toasted sub roll w/ house seasoned french fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Chicken Parm Sub - $15.99: breadcrumb-herb breading, chicken breast, homemade marinara, mozzarella cheese on a toasted sub roll served w/ white truffle parmesan fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free

Winky Dinky Dog - $11.99: homemade chili, slaw, diced onions, yellow mustard w/ house seasoned french fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
American Classic Hot Dog - $8.99: Mayo, mustard, onion, relish w/ house seasoned french fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free

Chopped Caesar Salad - $10.99: Chopped romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan, cracked pepper, vegan caesar dressing Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
Grilled Shrimp & Avocado Salad - $17.99: Romaine and greens with champagne vinaigrette seasoned grilled shrimp, tortilla strips, avocado, tomatoes, red onions, fresh cracked black pepper Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, South-Beach, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
Nashville Chicken Wrap - $11.99: Our famous nashville chicken, iceberg lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, chipotle sauce rolled into a warm tortilla wrap Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Grilled Shrimp Wrap - $12.99: Grilled shrimp, shredded lettuce, avocado, chipotle sauce and pineapple pico rolled into a warm tortilla wrap Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian

Famous French Dip - $17.99: roasted prime rib, horseradish aoili on a toasted french roll w/ au jus for dipping served w/ white truffle parmesan fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Chicken Milanese - $18.99: Parmesan encrusted chicken breast topped with lemon butter sauce, capers, tomatoes served w/ truffle parmesan french fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
Vivian's Shrimp Quesadilla - $15.99: Grilled tortilla, shredded lettuce, diced tomato, red peppers, grilled onions, chipotle remoulade w/ caesar salad Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian

Breakfast Burrito - $15.99: scrambled eggs, red peppers, grilled onions, white cheddar, fries, bacon, avocado, homemade queso and chipotle remoulade. Choice of grilled chicken or philly steak Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Brunch Burger - $15.99: two house seasoned hand patties, crispy nueske bacon, aged cheddar cheese, fried egg, homemade queso, pickles, lettuce served w/ house seasoned French fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
French Toast - $10.99: strawberry and blackberry homemade marmalade, creme anglaise, whipped cream, powdered sugar Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian

Penguin Burger (Kids) - $5.99: hand-pattied patty, shredded lettuce and cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Chicken Tenders (Kids) - $5.99: served with homemade queso Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Hot Dog (Kids) - $5.99: ketchup or mustard Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free

Classic Milkshake - $7.99: made with all-natural blue bunny ice cream, topped with whipped cream and a cherry
Donut Holes - $5.99: Doughnut puffs w/ creme anglaise and powdered sugar Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian

Seasoned French Fries - $4.99 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol
House Caesar Salad - $4.99 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Volumetrics
Cole Slaw - $4.99 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, High-Fiber

Penguin Transfusion - $9: salamander vodka, ginger ale, grape juice, lime juice
Green Tea Shot - $7: jameson, peach schnapps, sour mix, lemon lime soda
Martini Flight - $16: your choice of 3: lychee, dirty, banana-caramel, chocolate or espresso martini
Lychee Martini - $12.99: salamander vodka, st germain, triple sec, lychee juice, garnish with fresh lychee
Spicy Margarita - $12.99: RuRu's tequila, house jalapeno simple, lime, pineapple, agave, bitters, tajin
Pina No-lada (Mocktail) - $8.99: pineapple, orange, coconut puree, simple cinnamon, whipped cream
The Big O (Draft) - $5: Sugar Creek blood orange ipa
Daou Cabernet Sauvignon - $12: black cherry, plum, desert sage, sandalwood

Frequently Asked Questions about The Penguin

Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?: The Penguin accommodates mixed dietary needs with high-protein, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian options like shrimp quesadillas and Caesar salads.
What makes this restaurant unique or special?: The Penguin is unique for its famous fried pickles, intimate gastropub atmosphere, and fresh sandwiches served by a highly attentive staff.
What is the restaurant's atmosphere and style?: The Penguin is a lively, modern gastropub and neighborhood staple offering an intimate, welcoming atmosphere with efficient and attentive service.
What should first-time visitors know about this restaurant?: Visitors can expect a budget-friendly gastropub with an intimate atmosphere, efficient service, and fresh sandwiches like the Nashville hot chicken.
How many reviews does this restaurant have?: The provided restaurant data does not contain the specific number of reviews for The Penguin.
What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?: Popular dishes include Nashville hot chicken, smash burgers, famous fried pickles, fresh sandwiches, truffle-dusted fries, and house-made queso.
What is the price range at this restaurant?: This American gastropub is categorized as budget-friendly ($), offering an affordable dining experience for all of its guests.
What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?: The Penguin specializes in American cuisine, featuring elevated comfort food like smash burgers, Nashville hot chicken, and fried pickles.
What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?: Diners seeking a budget-friendly, lively gastropub experience with fresh American comfort food, efficient service, and diverse dietary options would enjoy this restaurant.
Is this restaurant good value for money?: This budget-friendly ($) American gastropub offers good value with a 4.0/5 rating, fresh ingredients, and efficient service in an intimate setting.