Taste Like a Pro: How to Maximize Your Coins and Conquer the Menu at Taste of Charlotte
If you’re heading to the Taste of Charlotte festival, June 6–8, you’re in for a food-filled adventure with over 100 menu items from local restaurants. But with so many choices—you’ll need a smart game plan to get the most flavor for your funds.
Here’s how to taste like a pro and make every coin count.
1. Start With the Menu
Before hitting Tryon Street, check out the full menu online or through the Taste of Charlotte app. Mark your must-tries and highlight dishes that are:
Unique to the festival
Highly rated or buzz-worthy
Offered in smaller portions so you can sample more Pro Tip: Create a shortlist of 8–10 bites and balance it with sweet, savory, and global flavors.
Unique to the festival
Highly rated or buzz-worthy
Offered in smaller portions so you can sample more Pro Tip: Create a shortlist of 8–10 bites and balance it with sweet, savory, and global flavors.
2. Know the Coin Game
Festival Coins are the currency of Taste of Charlotte and the way that you get to taste all the food and beverage offerings. They can be purchased at Coin Booths or via the app. Most dishes range from 1 to 4 coins, so plan accordingly:
Buy in bulk to save time and avoid lines
Budget 20–30 coins per day if you’re planning to eat across meals
Save a few coins for surprise favorites or repeat bites Bonus: Some vendors offer combo items or samplers that deliver more bang for your coins!
Buy in bulk to save time and avoid lines
Budget 20–30 coins per day if you’re planning to eat across meals
Save a few coins for surprise favorites or repeat bites Bonus: Some vendors offer combo items or samplers that deliver more bang for your coins!
3. Split and Sample
If you’re attending with friends or family, share everything. It’s the best way to taste more without filling up too fast. Plus, it creates a fun, collaborative experience as you vote on favorites together.
Order one of each item on your shortlist
Take turns choosing dishes
Try something bold you wouldn’t normally order—this is the time!
Order one of each item on your shortlist
Take turns choosing dishes
Try something bold you wouldn’t normally order—this is the time!
4. Time Your Taste Buds
Food lines can get long, especially for dinner. Here’s when to snack smart:
Arrive early for brunch or lunch bites with little to no wait
Hit popular booths mid-afternoon when crowds dip
Use Friday or Sunday to circle back for top favorites or missed items
Arrive early for brunch or lunch bites with little to no wait
Hit popular booths mid-afternoon when crowds dip
Use Friday or Sunday to circle back for top favorites or missed items
5. Save Room for Dessert
With options like Peach Cobbler Bread Pudding, Tiffwiches, and Cheesecake, the sweet side of the menu is just as tempting. Save 6–8 coins for dessert on your way out—or split one as a reward after every few savory stops.
Final Bite
You don’t need a bottomless wallet to conquer the Taste of Charlotte menu—just a plan, a few coins, and a serious appetite.
Ready to dig in? What’s on your must-try list this year?
tasteofcharlotte.com
