Tucked into Charlotte’s vibrant Belmont Village neighborhood between NoDa and Plaza Midwood, this compact burger haven has created quite a buzz 🍔.
Despite its modest square footage, Ace No. 3 packs serious flavor and local charm that keeps customers coming back for more. 
The original location opened in late 2019, transforming a small brick-and-mortar space into a burger destination that consistently delivers quality with every order.
How They Won Local’s Hearts
The journey to local burger fame began when founders Andrew Chapman and Paul Manley, already successful restaurateurs behind Sea Level NC and The Waterman Fish Bar, decided to pursue their dream of creating the perfect burger concept.
Their philosophy was beautifully simple: less is more. Instead of overwhelming customers with endless options, they focused on mastering the fundamentals with fresh, local ingredients and house-made sauces that elevate every bite ✨.
The magic formula that captured Charlotte’s attention centered around their signature Ace Burger – a seemingly simple creation featuring two quarter-pound chuck blend patties, American cheese, grilled onions, house-made pickles, and their famous Comeback sauce on a toasted brioche bun.
What sets this burger apart is the careful attention to detail: the patties are cooked flat-top style (similar to In-N-Out), the bun is lightly oiled before toasting, and that mysterious Comeback sauce brings everything together with zesty, chili-mayo goodness that’s full of flavor without being spicy 🌶️.
Word spread quickly through social media and local food enthusiasts, earning them recognition as having some of Charlotte’s best burgers and multiple awards including Charlotte Magazine’s Best Burger from 2020-2023.
Food Highlights
- The Ace Burger: Their signature double patty creation with American cheese, grilled onions, house pickles, and the famous Comeback sauce – consistently rated as a top burger in Charlotte
- The Hangover: A hearty breakfast-meets-lunch option featuring one quarter-pound patty topped with three slices of bacon, fried egg, lettuce, tomato, and garlic mayo 🥓
- Triple Ace Burger: For serious appetites, this monster features three quarter-pound patties with three slices of American cheese, grilled onions, house pickles, and Comeback sauce
- Scratch Made Plant Patty: A house-made vegan option crafted with brown rice, red beans, yellow onion, carrots, peppers, chickpeas, and spices – completely gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and nut-free
- Sweet Potato Tots: Crispy golden tots cooked to order, perfectly paired with their house-made Spicy Dijonnaise
Atmosphere
The vibe at Ace No. 3 Belmont Village is casual and community-driven with a distinctly local feel 🏙️. The compact interior features communal seating with barstools lining the walls and long shared tables that encourage mingling.
The real gem is the brick-paved patio adorned with string lights and picnic tables, creating a perfect spot for enjoying craft beer or one of their famous boozy shakes under the evening sky.
The atmosphere feels like a neighborhood gathering place where regulars feel at home and newcomers quickly become part of the family. The energy is relaxed yet energetic, with the open kitchen allowing diners to watch their burgers being crafted with care 🍻.
ALSO IN CHARLOTTE: Why This is One of THE BEST Hidden Gem Restaurants in Charlotte, NC
Bottom Line
- Award-winning burgers at unbeatable prices: Consistently rated as having Charlotte’s highest-rated burgers on Yelp with 4.5 stars, making every visit exceptional value for your money
- Community-driven atmosphere with genuine local charm: The communal seating, friendly staff, and neighborhood gathering place vibe creates an authentic Charlotte experience you won’t find at chain restaurants
- Fresh, quality ingredients with unique flavors: Everything is made to order with house-made pickles, locally-sourced ingredients, and their famous Comeback sauce that keeps customers craving more
- Inclusive dining options for everyone: From their scratch-made plant patty that’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free to their sustainability focus with plastic-free packaging, plus outdoor seating that welcomes dogs
Address: 1001 Belmont Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204
📞 (704) 910-2200
🕔 Open Mon-Thu: 11 AM–9 PM, Fri-Sat: 11 AM–10 PM, Sun: 11 AM–9 PM