Hidden gem in Charlotte’s Oakhurst neighborhood where the menu is as creative as the food
May 19, 2026
Our takeout picks for Memorial Day weekend
Relax and let others do the cooking this weekend
by TM Petaccia
Summer season is about to kick off as Memorial Day is just around the corner. Memorial Day is typically a day of cookouts and get-togethers with friends and family, but between rising temperatures, busy schedules, and the simple desire to relax, there’s never been a better year to let someone else handle the cooking.
Across the Charlotte area, local restaurants and food artisans are rolling out takeout packages designed for the long weekend. Whether you’re planning a lake day, hosting neighbors, or just looking to avoid spending hours over charcoal, there are plenty of locally owned options ready to help make the holiday easier and tastier.
Here are our picks for Memorial Day weekend takeout specials worth ordering ahead. All are direct pickups.
Benny Pennello’s (NoDa) — Benny’s massive 28-inch pizzas easily satisfies a good-sized family or gathering of friends. Choose from cheese, pepperoni, half cheese/half pepperoni, and garlic & mushroom. Order online.
Calle Sol (SouthPark) — Bring the flavors of Cuba and Peru with packages feeding up to six or twelve people at prices from $38-$105, plus a range of extra sides. Options range from Cuban pork and roasted Peruvian chicken packages to ceviche trays, Havana bowls, black beans, jasmine rice, sweet plantains, and cafecito brownies. Order from SouthPark location.
El Malo Tacos (Plaza Midwood) — Taco Family Packs come in two sizes: up to six people ($65) and up to ten people ($130) and include a choice of two proteins (chicken, al pastor pork, and beef birria — shrimp and carne asada available at addirional cost), sides, sauces, and flour and/or corn tortillas. Click here to order.
Enzo’s Italian Market (Matthews, Stallings) — For a taste of Italy this holiday weekend, Enzo’s offers full and half trays of everything from antipasto to lasagna to veal parmesan, along with a dizzying array of sides and dessert. Some items are already in the store’s cases to grab without preordering, but always better to reserve ahead. (Note: The store’s website hasn’t been updated for the now-open Matthew location, but the offerings are still accurate and available). Click here for details and ordering.
The Improper Pig (Plaza Midwood, Rea Farms, Fort Mill) — The restaurant’s Improper Party Pack feeds up to eight people for $100 and includes pulled pork, sliced brisket, andouille sausage, St. Louis-style ribs, house slaw, baked beans, mac & cheese, hush puppies with honey butter, pimento cheese, pickled onions, house chips, and a bottle of the house BBQ sauce. Click here to order.
Midwood Smokehouse (Plaza Midwood, Montford Park, Ballantyne, Birkdale) — Party Packs are available to feed up to six ($55), 10 ($80), 16 ($130), and 24 people ($195). Includes your choice of proteins and sides (brisket available for an additional charge). Other entrée packages, sides, and desserts are also available. Click here to order.
Nana Morrison’s Soul Food (Yorkmont / Riverbend) — Order half and full trays of comforting favorites such as smothered pork chops, fried chicken, jerk chicken, meat loaf, turkey wings, and more along with equally large options of sides such as sweet yams, collard greens, mac & cheese, stuffing, pinto beans, potato salad, and others. View catering menu. Order form.
Paco’s Tacos & Tequila (SouthPark, Fort Mill) — Choose from a variety of taco, fajita, enchilada, and nacho Fiesta Packs, in two sizes (up to six or up to ten people), along with numerous sides. Click here to order.
Sweet Lew’s BBQ (Belmont) — In addition to its full takeout offerings, the restaurant has put together a special Memorial Day package consisting of a full rack spare ribs, one quart of potato salad, one quart of baked beans, and a half-gallon tea or lemonade for $62.50. Offer available through Monday, May 25. Click here to order. For other catering/takeout options, click here.
The Smoke Pit (Arboretum, Concord, Mooresville, Gastonia, Salisbury, Monroe) — If you really want to step it up, The Smoke Pit offers full-service staffed buffet setups as well as standard store pick up and delivery services. A variety of options offer a range of meats including pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked sausage, turkey, burnt ends, chicken quarters, pulled chicken, tri-tip, bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin, St. Louis ribs, and smoked honey ham — along with a wide range of sides and desserts. Packages availble for 10-10,000 people (yes, that’s right). Click here for details and ordering.
Taqueria Mal Pan (SouthPark) — Taco Family Packs come in two sizes: up to six people ($70) and up to ten people ($140) and include house-made corn and Sonoran-style flour tortillas, fresh salsas, chicken and/or pork proteins (steak and/or shrimp available for an extra charge), and sides. Click here to order.
YAFO Kitchen (Dilworth, Plaza Midwood, SouthPark, Ballantyne) — The Family Meal (starting at $50, feeds up to four people) includes an entrée choice (such as shawarma chicken, falafel, or Greek lemon chicken), Greek salad, hummus, jasmine rice, two additional sides, pita bread, and sauces. Larger “BYO Bowl” Family Meals serve up to six (starting at $80) or twelve (up to $160), and allow your guests to build their own bowls with proteins ranging from falafel and mushrooms to lamb or chicken. Half-gallon juices and teas can be added. Click here to order.
