Best Pumpkin Dishes In Charlotte

The Daily Meal Staff|Oct. 1, 2014 7:00 am EST

Pumpkin is a fruit, a member of the cucurbit family which includes cucumbers, gourds and squash. It takes a long growing period and can develop to huge size, leading to prizes for proud farmers at county fairs. Even regular-sized pumpkins are in high demand during harvest time. Pumpkin pie may be the usual menu selection for many cooks, but some restaurants in Charlotte offer creative ways to serve pumpkin that everyone can enjoy. "Best Pumpkin Dishes In Charlotte" was written a few years ago, including some squash dishes. It is time for an updated list, especially for those who hunger for the big, orange fruit.

Mugs Coffee
5126 Park Road
Charlotte, NC 28209
(704) 733-9014
www.mugsofcharlotte.com

There are a couple of other Charlotte coffee houses that serve a pumpkin pie latte when autumn approaches. Mugs, however, has a pumpkin pie espresso milkshake suitable for all seasons. Its pumpkin-flavored latte will sate those needing a hot drink. Located in the Park Selwyn Shopping Center, Mugs supports local vendors with its menu offerings. Magnolia Coffee, roasted here in Charlotte, is another one of its specialties. Artwork is displayed at the coffee house and handmade mugs are offered for sale.

ZiZi's Take Out
7945 N. Tryon St., Suite 110
Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 595-9170
www.awesomevegan2go.com

ZiZi's Take Out is a vegan restaurant near UNC-Charlotte. No eggs or dairy products are used. ZiZi herself is responsible for the homemade pumpkin cheesecake offered on the menu. Without revealing her recipe, she confirms that "It's the best!" Note that ZiZi's will deliver as far away as airport hotels for a minimum order and delivery fee. No shortcuts are taken as food is made to order, so try calling ahead if you plan to pick it up.

Tupelo Honey Cafe
1820 South Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28203
(980) 225-9167
www.tupelohoneycafe.com

Well known and loved in the mountains of Asheville, NC, Tupelo Honey Cafe has extended its outreach to Charlotte's South End. The restaurant occupies the location of one of Charlotte's once popular but now defunct restaurant, Pewter Rose, out of business in 2013. Southern comfort food with a creative twist is Tupelo Honey Cafe's claim to fame. Start the day with pumpkin pancakes, one of its signature menu offerings. The Shoo Mercy Loyalty Club Rewards Program gives credits for meals eaten, and discounts if you are celebrating a birthday or wedding anniversary.

Bean Vegan Cuisine
3001 E. Independence Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28205
(980) 939-1234
www.eatatbean.com

Bean Vegan Cuisine is not only for those who don't consume animal products. When autumn comes, pumpkin chocolate chip cheesecake makes its annual appearance on the menu. The combination of ingredients is not only amazing, but full of antioxidants from the chocolate and the pumpkin, also high in vitamins A and C. The gluten-free almond pecan pie crust is a plus for those with allergies to wheat. Homemade pumpkin pies will also be for sale for holiday enjoyment.

5Church Restaurant
127 N. Tryon St., Suite 8
Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 919-1322
www.5church.com

One of Charlotte's newer eating establishments, 5Church is located at the intersection of 5th and Church Streets. Open Table, which lists restaurant reviews and assists with reservations, named 5Church one of the top 100 restaurants in the nation. Its chef was devising his fall menu as this article went to press, but rest assured that there will be pumpkin dishes served. Previous menu items have included pumpkin rolls, cupcakes, pies and lattes.

Jacquelin Celeste Peters has produced award winning radio programs at WPFW Pacifica-Washington. She is a Culture and Events Examiner in Charlotte, North Carolina, which she calls home. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.