Harolds Chicken & Ice Bar - Charlotte 440 East McCullough Drive, Charlotte, NC 28262

"I’ve heard of Harold’s but never got the chance to try them out. A CLT location gave that opportunity and my experience went just like this: 11:40 AM - Tried to make an online order but the system said that my items were unavailable until 1/7/2024 at a little after noon. Obviously that wasn’t true because the business had just opened 40 minutes prior to my order. I had read in another review that someone experienced the same thing but I figured that the issue would have been resolved. I then tried to call to place an order but the mailbox was full. 11:48 AM - Arrived to an empty place (with the exception of one person sitting at the bar) and loud music. My partner went later at night when they first opened and said that the music was loud then too. I sit at the bar and wait a few but when no one came to service me, I walked to the back to look for someone. The employees were doing what they do (rolling silverware) in the back end of the restaurant. One of the women came to help me with my order at the front where I ordered what is pictured. I paid and she said my order would take about 15 minutes and that was that. I went to sit back at the bar. This time a guy was behind the bar and he asked if I needed to place an order or wanted a drink. I responded no to each question and he asked me to sit in another area since I wasn’t getting a drink. That’s understandable but I’ve never been asked to leave the bar if I wasn’t drinking at any other establishment and the guy at the other end of the bar didn’t have a drink so I’m not sure of the reasoning. Not a big deal. As I waited for my order, I kept hearing the online order system go off. I’m not sure where the disconnect is for some when trying to order online but apparently it can be done. My order probably took less than 10 minutes and was just as I requested. No coleslaw and sauces on the side. My food remained hot throughout the five minute drive home. The chicken had a good texture and although it was fried on the harder side, it wasn’t overcooked. The tots weren’t anything special but the sauces were what I had difficulty with deciding if I liked or not. The lighter option was sweet and the most likable. The mild sauce (Mambo adjacent) was thick, bland and you can tell that it’s ketchup based. The hot option has potential but reminded me of Frank’s Red Hot and didn’t even bring out a drop of sweat for me. I love hot sauces so I was disappointed. Overall, the food isn’t bad at all and the portion size was good enough for me. I finished the wings but the SP tots filled me up. Harold’s CLT wouldn’t be my first choice when I want chicken and perhaps the experience is different later in the business day but I probably won’t ever experience it. Customer service was nonexistent to say that they had barely opened for the day and that makes the experience all the better."

"So I can never really judge the service cause Im too much if an introvert to eat there, beside some people are allowed to smoke inside. I will say I have waited some time up front to get my order taken during lunch. I try to order online and it doesn’t go through it just says “the items i want are unavailable”. I get the same thing every time: catfish/fries and a pizza roll. The issue here is not alot of employees and this is a very popular restaurant same everywhere. Sadly you’re going to wait if the place is full they just cant say that. The prices are a little much for the portion sizes but whatever. I would like the same seasoning on the fish on the fries but not all request are answered. I have alot of grace for popular restaurants because they’re treated as if they are supposed to work harder than others, but they don’t have enough employees to do so. My request is just to serve me a quality product and have clean bathrooms. If yall not checking these restaurants bathrooms you got alot more to worry about than a wait time or an attitude. An have grace."

"My aunt and I visited when we traveled to Charlotte, NC. This location had opened in February 2023. The food was delicious and customer service was excellent. Seph the manager took good care of us. I couldn’t ask for anything better than this. Whenever you’re in Charlotte stop by and let them know you heard it from Anita the travel agent."

"Came here 7/15 in the afternoon because another restaurant we originally wanted to try, had a 2hr wait. Food was awesome! We both had the chicken and waffles. Chicken taste like it was home made and the waffles tasted like a funnel cake, but with out a lot of grease like you normally get with funnel cakes, (the reason why I don’t get them) but these were awesome, especially if you love funnel cakes but wish they didn’t deep fry them. Drinks were also good and strong! Bartender(will post name once I find receipt) was very helpful and attentive as well. They wasn’t busy so I can’t say how everything will be once they are but my experience was great! Will be coming back."