131 Main Restaurant

Restaurant: 131 Main Restaurant
Location: 1315 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
3 Locations total. (Lake Norman, South Charlotte, Dilworth)
Click here for 131 Main's Map Guide
Website: Official Web Site
Telephone: 704.343.0131 (Dilworth location)
Food Selection: "Fresh Prepared Food Restaurant"...
Health Rating: Didn't see it. It is dimly lit.
Hours:

Dilworth
Sun 10am-10pm
M - Th 11am-10pm
Fri & Sat 11am-11pm

South Charlotte
Sun 10am-10pm
M - Th 11am-10pm
Fri & Sat 11am-11pm

Lake Norman
Sun 10am-9:30pm
M - Th 11a-9:30pm
Fri & Sat 11am-10:30pm

The Initial Walk-In:

131 Main Restaurant is a stylish-urban feeling dining experience. It is one big room, but is seamlessly divided into three sections. The left side has booths and i more secluded while the main area has a huge sleek looking bar area, and the right side has tables along the walls. There is a patio as well.

Course of Meals:

Main Meal: Crab Cake Salad

The initial opinion of the portion size was "$15 for this?" size. But would I be saying that at the end of the meal? It consisted of corn, tomatoes, assorted greens, croutons, a vinaigrette dressing, and a crab cake.

The salad was smooth and light, yet very flavorful. My crab cake had a delicious crust and the inside was good. it had a very light taste to it. (I'm originally from New England, so seafood not at the ocean is a sin for me). The only downer for the salad was the croutons. While they were a thick-ish cornbread, which typically is great, they were very moist, not crunchy. I am not sure if they were stale or what.

After I finished my meal I felt full, almost stuffed. I was surprised the salad accomplished that.

Beverage: The Old Fashioned was not very good. Another bartender needs work on this American Staple. (This was a Sunday night for the record)

Atmosphere/Ambiance:

The atmosphere tries for a stylish, sophisticated, yet simple and intimate vibe. It is certainly dimly lit. There are individual lights over each table, so you can at least read your menu. The tables are dark wood. 131 Main has trend-ish/pop music playing in the background.

One really cool aspect of 131 are the water pitchers and glasses. They are very cool looking and add to the stylish vibe of the establishment.

Server/Staff:

The serving for the most part is excellent. I cannot remember how it came up with the hostess, but my partner-in-crime informed her that she can only eat gluten-free food. When our waiter came, he was already aware of PIC's request. Our server's name was George and he was great. He knew the menu inside and out and was able to recommend dishes easily. He worked with her to ensure her meal was going to great for her. It was only towards the end that the staff began to let us down.

My Complaints:

*After we finished our meals, it took forever to get the check and leave.
*The urban vibe gets in the way of the quality of food I feel.

What's Special about 131 Main:

*Stylish and Sleek
*Servers are prompt (until the end)
*Nice location
*Water Glasses

Closing Everything Out:

My meal (dinner and drink) was right over $25.00 with tip, so 131 isn't cheap, but it isn't expensive. I left feeling full and having enjoyed the relaxed feel. The location is great with a friendly staff that knows the menu. I will try this place again and have something more than a salad-based meal next time.


~the RESTAURANT GUY