Chef Clark Barlowe enjoys the cheese and charcuterie at Dot Dot Dot. Kristen Wile/UP

Chefs know good food, so we want to know where they eat when they’re not cooking. In this series, we ask a local chef, bartender, or server to share their favorite restaurants in town (not including their own) and what they order there. Clark Barlowe of Heirloom Restaurant shares his top five. —Kristen Wile

Pho Huong Que, East Charlotte
This minimalist dining room is home to some big flavor Vietnamese food
Clark’s order: Large pho with rare steak, well-done flank, and fatty brisket

21 South Drive-In, East Charlotte
Park and pig out at this old-school curbside-service spot that’s been open since the 1950s
Clark’s order: Super Boy Double with extra pickles and fries

PlatoPronto, food truck
Legit tacos and street food can also be ordered for catering
Clark’s order: Chicken and steak tacos with red and green sauce

The penne alla vodka from Mama Ricotta’s. Photo courtesy.

Mama Ricotta’s, Cherry
The first restaurant by Frank Scibelli is a comforting Italian spot
Clark’s order: Fra diavolo or penne alla vodka

Dot Dot Dot, Montford Park
The drinks draw most people at this cocktail bar, but the food can’t be overlooked
Clark’s order: Cheese and charcuterie

More from this series

Good Food on Montford’s Larry Schreiber
Yafo’s Shai Fargian
Zeppelin’s Vince Giancarlo
The Asbury’s Miranda Brown
Chef Nicolas Daniels