Saturday, September 28, 2013

Southern Style Big Block Burger at The Diamond- Charlotte, NC

Featured on George Motz's hit food show 'Burgerland' The Diamond is a classic American diner that opened way back in 1945 and serves up home cooked diner food with regional inspirations.

The Diamond is located near Charlotte's Uptown neighborhood of Plaza Midwood, the location of an active bar and after hours scene.
The Diamond. Charlotte, NC
Burgers, dogs, sandwiches, and classic diner meals like meatloaf are staples on the menu, while fried pickles, pull pork sandwiches and calabash fried fish add regional food flair.

The Diamond only uses 100% Angus beef and their burgers vary in size from 1/3 lb Small block size to the full blown 1 lb Hemi. I went for something in between- the Big block ($6.95) with 2 x 1/3 lb patties ordered "southern style" topped with chili, mustard, onions and slaw. I added pimento cheese a southern cheese favorite- which is a spread consisting of processed cheese, cheddar cheese and mild pimento peppers. 

The burger patties are hand formed and are reminiscent of the shape that mom used to make 'em- shaped like fat little hockey pucks. 

The meat came out cooked to medium-well, juicy and flavorful. The no-bean chili was a welcome addition. It added some additional complexity that was quickly cut by the coleslaw, layered with onion pimento cheese and mustard. All on a soft burger bun. No brioche bun here...the bun was nothing special, but it was fresh, and sometimes that's all that matters.

The Southern Style Big Block Burger
This is what you'd expect from a classic diner that's been open for over 60 years- good and simple regionally inspired home style cooking served without attitude. Highly recommended.

Aburgeraday rating: 7.5/10

Diamond Restaurant on Urbanspoon