Three Greek brothers — Sam, George, and Nick Copsis — immigrated to the United States and in 1955 opened a drive-in on South Boulevard in Charlotte small enough to hold a grill, a toaster, two deep fryers, and a drink station. The Independence Boulevard location, which opened in 1959, is the one that has been there ever since — unchanged in the ways that matter. South 21 has been serving more than 20,000 meals a month to Charlotte locals since 1955. The drive-in appeared in Season 8, Episode 6 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “By Request,” which aired February 8, 2010. Guy tried the Super Boy, a signature double burger with scratch-made chili and tangy slaw, and the Golden Southern Fried Chicken. He also schooled viewers on onion ring quality — South 21 serves over 300 orders of onion rings in a single day.
Quick Facts
Restaurant: South 21 Drive-In
City: Charlotte, North Carolina
Cuisine: Burgers / Retro Drive-In
DDD Season: 8
DDD Episode: 6
Episode Title: By Request
Original Air Date: February 8, 2010
Address: 3101 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: 704-377-4509
Website: https://south21drivein.net
Status: Open
What to Eat
The Super Boy is the signature — two patties, house-made chili, and tangy coleslaw, a meal unto itself. The Onion Rings are the side Guy specifically called out as passing his quality control test. The Golden Southern Fried Chicken is the other DDD highlight. The Fish O Burger and hand-dipped Milkshakes round out the classic drive-in order. Carhop service available since 1967 — you can still order from your car. Find a Charlotte hotel on Booking.com.
Plan Your Visit
Check the website for current hours. Carhop service available at the Independence Boulevard location.
Address: 3101 E. Independence Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28205
Phone: 704-377-4509
Website: https://south21drivein.net
Status: Open
Flavortown Approved
Stream the By Request episode on Amazon and bring the drive-in burger spirit home with Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Burger Joint Seasoning.
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South 21 Drive-In appeared in Season 8, Episode 6 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “By Request,” originally aired February 8, 2010. The Copsis family has been operating South 21 since 1955.