Jake's Good Eats
Restaurant seen on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives

About
JAKE'S GOOD EATS

Tucked away on the edge of Charlotte, North Carolina, there’s a roadside stop that doesn’t look like much from the outside—but walk through the doors of Jake’s Good Eats, and you’ll find a dining experience that surprises, satisfies, and keeps folks coming back for more. Housed in a former gas station, this funky spot run by the Stegall brothers has become a must-visit destination for fans of hearty Southern eats served up with style and a touch of the unexpected.

More Than Meets the Eye

Blink and you might miss it. Jake’s sits just off Albemarle Road, with its modest exterior doing little justice to the full-on flavor and personality waiting inside. But this kind of spot? It’s exactly what we live for on the road: a hidden gem where the food does all the talking.

Step inside and you're met with a Western-inspired dining room, filled with rustic decor, vintage touches, and a casual, lived-in vibe that instantly puts you at ease. This isn’t some flashy, overdone spot—it’s authentic, down-home, and full of charm. Whether you’re a local looking for a favorite weeknight dinner or a hungry traveler following the whispers of good eats, Jake’s delivers every time.

A Menu with Southern Swagger

Jake’s menu reads like a love letter to Southern comfort food, but with plenty of eclectic twists that make it stand out from the usual suspects. It’s American fare through and through, but don’t expect it to play it safe. There’s creativity behind every dish, and the Stegall brothers aren’t afraid to mix things up.

One standout that still has folks talking? The Venison Quesadillas—a bold, flavorful bite that brings together the wild and the familiar in one cheesy, satisfying package. Another heavy-hitter is the Maple-Glazed Pork Chops, which come out thick, juicy, and cooked to absolute perfection. That glaze? Sweet, savory, and totally craveable.

Portions Built for Hungry Travelers

If you’re rolling into Jake’s with an appetite, you’re in luck. The portions are massive, just the way road-trippers and foodies like ‘em. You won’t leave hungry, and you just might need a takeout box for round two later in the evening.

Let’s talk about the Fried Bologna Sandwich—a towering stack of bologna slices, griddled to golden, crisp-edged perfection, then loaded onto bread and served hot. It’s a nostalgic favorite, leveled up and turned into something that sticks in your memory like the best roadside stops always do.

Southern Staples, Done Right

This place doesn’t just serve food—it celebrates Southern culinary traditions. Take their Fried Green Tomatoes, for example. Lightly battered, fried until golden, and served with just the right touch of seasoning and sauce, they’re a textbook version of a dish that too many places get wrong. But not here. At Jake’s, they’re crispy, tangy, and totally addictive.

And if you’re lucky enough to swing by on a Thursday night, you’ll find their Prime Rib Special. Thick-cut, slow-roasted, and served up with all the right fixings, it’s the kind of meal that turns a regular evening into something worth celebrating.

Reasonably Priced, Ridiculously Good

One of the things that sets Jake’s apart is the value. In a city where prices can quickly get out of hand, this spot keeps things reasonable—especially considering the quality and quantity you get. Every dish feels like it’s made with care, not mass-produced or microwaved in the back.

And the service? Top-notch. Friendly, down-to-earth, and always happy to recommend something if you can’t decide (which, let’s be honest, is likely). You’re treated like family the second you sit down—and that’s a big part of what keeps people coming back.

A Family-Run Legacy of Flavor

Jake’s is the brainchild of brothers Tim and Jim Stegall, who transformed an old service station into one of the most beloved restaurants in the region. Their vision was simple: bring people together over bold, delicious food in a space that felt true to its roots. And they nailed it.

What they’ve created is more than a restaurant—it’s a community staple, a gathering spot, and a destination worth detouring for. Whether you’re after a quick bite or a slow meal with friends, Jake’s Good Eats lives up to its name and then some.

Come for the Atmosphere, Stay for the Flavor

At the end of the day, Jake’s Good Eats is everything we love about off-the-radar food joints: no pretenses, just bold flavors, big portions, and a whole lot of soul. It's the kind of place where the food tastes like it was made just for you—and where even the side dishes have stories to tell.

So next time you’re rolling through Charlotte, don’t be fooled by the simple exterior or the humble beginnings. Pull over, walk inside, and let the smell of searing meat and sizzling sides welcome you in. Because this isn’t just a pit stop—it’s a destination.
Aired on May 31, 2010
Updated May 22, 2025

Address / Location

12721 Albemarle Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28227

704-545-4741 website