Hello Sailor, restaurant #2 of the James Beard Southeast Semi-Finalist, Joe Kindred, was a perfect patio evening out. This restaurant is just north of Charlotte, NC on Lake Norman. I love that this restaurant is on the lake, with multiple patio levels and a tiki bar. Inside has a retro vibe (with some amazing cactus wallpaper.) The menu has a variety of beach-type foods like fried shrimp, and yet they have a few things that really step it up a notch. There is something to say about a restaurant like Hello Sailor where your co-owner Katy Kindred gets to each table and check in on her customers. It really makes for a full experience. 
First, they have super-fun cocktails! This Marlin cocktail not only came in a super cute cup, but it also had a gummy worm in added effects. (Plus, who doesn’t love a lake background for a fish drink? Very Punny!)
The most important tip you need to know before you go? You MUST have the hushpuppies! They are seriously the best I have ever had in my entire life! According to Katy Kindred, they are much more of a beignet and super fluffy. Plus that yuzu kosho-honey butter… you probably need to go ahead and get 2 orders!
Most unique dish, for me, was the Blue Crab claws in a crunchy chili oil, and green coriander. I am big fan of blue crabs, growing up with a beach out in North Carolina and my parents now living in Maryland. This sauce was definitely not a typical crab dipping sauce, but it had a lot of depth to it (including the little crunchies!)
For the entree, this combo had the best of multiple dishes! This Combo #2 platter had baby back ribs & Carolina Calabash Shrimp with avocado slaw and beef fat fries. First, I have never had better fried shrimp! They are so incredibly light, and then the shrimp had such great flavor. I can say the same for the avocado slaw, as I’ve never had a better cole slaw. The ribs were not my personal favorite, but i like my ribs dry (so you may want to ask for sauce on the side), but the fries are very unique and crispy. 
Don’t forget you can see this great view! Head on north, and enjoy!
