Eats
More than Barbeque Find a variety of food choices to fit your every craving BY RENEE ROBERSON One thing people in the Lake Norman area love to talk about is the food scene, because there is such a great variety here. Whether you are looking for fine dining, healthy fare, or international cuisine you can eat on an outdoor patio overlooking a charming downtown or lake view, you’ll never get bored of our food options. North Harbor Club Restaurant and Bar offers casual to upscale New American fare in a waterfront setting. From their signature sandwich, the Turkey and Avocado Panini, to signature entrée Brined Pork Loin Chop, there is something for everyone. Guests can eat and sip hand crafted cocktails in the regatta-themed dining room or on one of three waterside patios. They also offer a private dining experience in “The Boat House,” the perfect venue for business and any special occasion. North Carolina is noted for its barbecue, and the lake area is home to several establishments that have legendary followings, such as Lancaster’s BBQ on Beatties Ford Road in Huntersville or Midwood Smokehouse in Birkdale Village. Slow-smoked pork with sauce served in squeeze bottles on the side is the way to go. Don’t forget to try a side of Brunswick Stew or mac and cheese (considered a vegetable here), and a serving of banana pudding for dessert. The owners of popular The Egg Café in Davidson recently opened up The Crazy Pig, a barbeque restaurant offering award-winning barbeque, local craft beer, decadent sides, and more often than not, live music on the outdoor patio. (We recommend The Wildcat, featuring beef brisket, 2022-2023
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grilled onions and peppers and provolone cheese with bbq ranch). Kindred, owned and operated by Joe and Katy Kindred, has become a must for anyone dining out in Davidson. Their famous milk bread has inspired a new restaurant concept with the same name that opened up this year. Milkbread, billed as an “all-day café,” serves milk bread doughnuts, crispy chicken, vegetable-focused bowls, salads and a variety of beverages. The Kindreds also own the lakeside upscale fish camp Hello Sailor! in Cornelius. Nosh on mouthwatering tacos and nachos at the southern-inspired Osito’s Tacos & Tortas in Cornelius at a more casual atmosphere (plus they have a taco truck for special events!) Link & Pin beckons for a fun date night in Huntersville, as does Antico Italian Restaurant. A walk through pedestrian-friendly Birkdale Village in Huntersville will tempt your taste buds with all kinds of dining options. You’ll feel like you’ve hit the jackpot with casual restaurants offering Asian fusion, woodfired pizzas, upscale burgers, and traditional American favorites, as well as a fancy establishment specializing in steaks and seafood. And if you’re looking to finish things off with dessert, Carolina Cones has been serving up ice cream for the past 41 years. And don’t forget SweetCakes Bakery, also in Cornelius, for a mouthwatering cupcake, or hop on the Bubble Tea craze at ShareTea next door to the popular 131 on Main. Your tastebuds will thank you! Great Lake Living at Lake Norman
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