At least one person called the prices at DaBaby’s new restaurant “diabolical,” and many people in Charlotte seem to agree.
No Knife Chicken & Waffles debuted in Charlotte on Sunday morning, bringing waffles, wings, seafood and more to Atando Avenue. I waited in line for a few hours to try the food, and it was great.
But the prices weren’t.
Customers who want waffles at No Knife will pay anywhere from $15 for a plain one to $45 for a waffle topped with collard greens, candied yams, and mac and cheese. And the cheapest drink — bottled water — is $6.
The strawberry shortcake waffle at No Knife Chicken & Waffles. Evan Moore CharlotteFive
I posted a video about my experience at the grand opening, and the comments from CharlotteFive readers came flooding in.
“That plain sorry a** looking waffle needs to be $8,” John Saric said. “Chicken doesn’t look good. Just a celebrity exploiting his fan base and community. Support for this business can only last for so long with that pricing.”
“Ain’t no way I’m paying $25 for a waffle,” Instagram user the_12th_sign wrote, while another who goes by the name Jasmin Jasmin argued that $25 “would be okay if the chicken was included.”
Diners can add six chicken wings to any waffle order for $10.
The lemon pepper wings at No Knife Chicken & Waffles. Evan Moore CharlotteFive
The restaurant’s $6 bottled water became another recurring punchline.
“A bottle of water is $6, smoking straight dope smh,” J. Seed wrote.
“Did it come from Jesus’ pond?” Tony joked.
The debate also prompted Charlotte diners to recommend alternatives. Suggestions included Uptown Yolk, The Wafflery and Ten58 Sports Bar & Lounge, with one commenter highlighting a $10.58 six-wing lunch special there.
‘His prices are his prices’
Not everyone was convinced the restaurant deserved criticism.
Some commenters defended DaBaby’s right to set his own prices and argued that customers who don’t like them can simply choose another restaurant.
“His prices are his prices,” Big Tiff wrote, adding that they would not personally support the business but also did not feel the need to speak negatively about it.
I waited in line for three hours before trying the food at No Knife Chicken & Waffles. Evan Moore CharlotteFive
Another commenter argued that the criticism shouldn’t automatically be dismissed as coming from people who can’t afford the food.
“Everyone is not broke in the comments,” Akasha Roberts wrote. “Some people want to pay for a great dining experience.”
There were also plenty of positive reactions.
“I support this establishment & I believe DaBaby has given job opportunities in his local community,” Vella Rose wrote. “Trust the process.”
Alex Austin summed up the sentiment among some supporters more simply: “I hope his restaurant does well.”
No Knife Chicken & Waffles
Location: 700 Atando Ave, Charlotte, NC 28206
Menu
Cuisine: Brunch
Instagram: @noknifeclt
Related Stories from Charlotte Observer
Evan Moore
The Charlotte Observer
Evan Moore is the food insider for CharlotteFive. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.
Dining and Cooking