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September 21, 2026
Where Chefs Eat: Customshop’s Matt Moore
Fine dining chef prefers playing it low key when dining out
by TM Petaccia
Folks in the restaurant industry 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, restaurateur, or food artisan to share their favorite restaurants in town and what they order there.
This week, we interview Matt Moore, chef de cuisine at the Michelin Recommended Customshop. When at work, Moore focuses on creating and expertly executing the Elizabeth restaurant’s fine dining menu, but when he’s not on the clock he prefers heading to more casual haunts close to home, including his own home. These are his go-to spots.
Clark’s Snack Bar, Plaza Midwood
From the original owner of The Good Wurst, breakfast and sandwich shop
Moore’s order: Chicago dog, Clark burger
Moore’s take: “One of my favorite places to eat on my days off. The food is always good, the staff is incredibly friendly, and it feels like a true Charlotte institution.”
Angry Ale’s, Madison Park
Popular neighborhood dog-friendly hangout since 2001
Moore’s order: Buffalo chicken wrap, nachos
Moore’s take: “The staff is always incredibly kind and welcoming, and they’re dog-friendly, so my dog Jax gets to come along too. His go-to is a plain burger patty or grilled chicken tenders. It’s a spot where we can enjoy a day off.”
Pasta & Provisions, Madison Park
Pasta shop, Italian grocery, and deli
Moore’s order: Italian cold cut or meatball sub
Moore’s take: “I always enjoy stopping in, catching up with the staff, and having a really good sandwich. While I’m there, I always take home some pasta and other groceries.”
Sweet Lew’s BBQ, Belmont
Awarding winning smokehouse, featured on Top Chef: Carolinas
Moore’s order: Chopped pork, brisket, potato salad, mac & cheese
Moore’s take: “My go-to order is the ‘build your own platter’. Lew and his team are incredibly kind and do a great job making delicious BBQ. Don’t forget the ‘pork sauce’ to put on everything.”
“My House,” by way of The Chop Shop Butchery, Myers Park
Asheville butcher with a second location in Charlotte focusing on N.C. raised meats
Moore’s order: “Whatever steak looks best.”
Moore’s take: “Some of the best steaks in Charlotte. I love stopping in, picking out a great cut, and taking it home to grill. What makes it even better is knowing the beef is coming from North Carolina. A great local steak on the grill and hanging out at home with my dog Jax is pretty hard to beat on a day off.”
Bonus Pick! “Wind down space”
Brawley’s Beverage, Madison Park
Finely curated craft beer and wine shop with a laid-back neighborhood taproom and patio
Moore’s order: Whatever’s on tap
Moore’s take: “My favorite place to unwind on a day off. It’s a great spot to grab a pint, and spend some time on my laptop.”
See where other Charlotte chefs and industry pros eat
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UNPRETENTIOUS PALATE is a digital publication covering food and drink in Charlotte. At UP, you’ll find ethical food journalism that isn’t based on free meals. We’ll be your taste testers around the city, letting you know where you can’t miss and where to skip. And we’ll ban any condescending food-writer speak. We’ll tell you the dishes we love, where to go on date night, and the best places for cocktails. You can trust us.
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