I took an out-of-town friend to the Penguin in May for lunch. They have legit burgers, but definitely fast food-esque. We did get the fried pickles, and although I'm not a fried pickles fan, they are good. Likes: Decent burgers when you're in a mood for fast food, the food came out really quickly and we didnt have to wait for a table. Dislikes: It doesnt really have a divey atmosphere, it more feels like they're trying to hard to be divey. I got pimento cheese on my burger (usually one of my favorite burger toppings) but it was just so-so. I know I'm a Southern girl who is picky about her pimento cheese, but I had higher expectations. Take it or leave it: I'm glad I went once, but I wouldnt go out of my way to go back if I were passing through Charlotte.

negative

The gelato is top notch. Really great flavors. Maybe I just had bad luck with the server but she didn't know how to make a malt, she even said that she thought a malt and a shake were the same thing and I had to tell her how to make it, and to top it off she used way too much milk, not enough gelato and so it was more like a chocolate milk than it was a malt.

positive

Love this place!!! The individual booths are creatively displayed and prices are reasonable. What an interesting array of decor, collectibles,etc. Also love the music and friendly staff.

positive

I've been a regular customer for a few years now like a few others, and the service I mostly get is crap. It took over five minutes of me standing 3 feet away from the front counter for someone to acknowledge me I don't mind having to wait, but seriously? No customer service.
negative