CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The VW Bug on the roof is your first clue that Pinky’s Westside Grill in Charlotte will be a unique experience. 

The menu boasts items like sweet chips, pimp'n' fries, and homemade pimento cheese.

Co-owner and chef, Greg Auten, says his take on food is a little different than most.

"I like to to pull in different fusions and, you know, I like to always keep the crowd guessing,” said Auten.

Auten's ideas work. He's been featured on the Food Network show Diners, Drives-Ins, and Dives twice.

There are a few key standards to his success. "We don't cut corners.  We make everything here homemade, except the mayonnaise.  Everything else pretty much is made from scratch,” he said.

It's a diverse menu - all made to order. Cooking is in Auten's blood. At age 5, he started helping his dad at their family's food booth. Fast-forward a few years, and Auten still follows his dad's advice.

While culinary artistry fills the tables, glance around on any wall and artwork comes to life. It's part of the building's transformation, because Pinky's actually sits inside a former auto shop. If you pop in, you'll probably leave with a Pinky's specialty.

"We always try to make sure they leave with some banana pudding,” said Auten. And next time you visit, try a best seller like the white trash burger made fresh with friend pickels.

 

Locations:

1600 W.Morehead St. Charlotte, NC 28208 

M-Sat 11 a.m. -11 p.m. Sun Noon-10 p.m.

 

9818 Gilead Rd. Ste. B-101 Huntersville, NC 28078 7

Sun/Mon 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Tu-Th 11 a.m. -10 p.m.

Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.