10 Local Favorite Places to Eat

Eat Like the Locals

Support our community’s independent restaurants! From best-kept secrets to happening hot spots, here’s a list of places to eat that you ought to make time for while dining in Concord, Harrisburg, Kannapolis, Midland, and Mt. Pleasant.

44 Mills Kitchen + Tap
For modern southern cuisine, make plans to dine at 44 Mills. Enjoy an inspired meal composed of seasonal and regional ingredients, and choose from 16 rotating craft beer taps and a variety of creative cocktails. The restaurant’s name is a nod to Cabarrus County history and the area’s 44 textile mills dating back to the 1800s.

73 & Main
This American restaurant and pub is inside the restored, historic Mt. Pleasant Hosiery Mill. Enjoy Sunday brunch or have an upscale dinner in the Mercantile Dining Room. Guest can also grab a quick bite and local beer on the Hosiery Mill Pub side or choose from almost 100 different options at the Bourbon Bar.

E Noodles Asian Bistro
Contemporary and casual, the menu at E Noodles is influenced by Asian flavors. Enjoy delicious classics like fried rice and Pad Thai to steamy, traditional Vietnamese pho and fresh sushi creations paired with the perfect martini.

Gianni’s Trattoria
Located in Downtown Concord, this neighborhood Italian restaurant serves up the most delicious, authentic Italian cuisine in an upscale atmosphere. For a more casual meal, head upstairs to The Pizza Loft for a hand-tossed slice.

Jim ’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q
This freezer-less barbecue joint topped FOX News’ list of best barbecue chains in America (2014), made Southern Living’s Reader’s Pick list for best pork sandwich (2013) and was named Restaurant of the Year at the 2013 Golden Helmet Awards for their tasty cheese biscuits, smoked-to-perfection plates and southern hospitality.

R&R Bar-B-Que
Join the great North Carolina barbecue debate! Owners Bob and Rob share a name and a love for true Eastern NC vinegar-based pork BBQ that has led the railroad-themed restaurant to success since 1998. Their must-try menu item? Fried corn on the cob.

The Smoke Pit
The line often extends out the door, but trust us– it’s worth the wait. Sourced from the quality butcher shop next door, prime cuts are smoked and served with essential southern sides like deviled egg potato salad. Come hungry!

The Speedway Club
This restaurant at Charlotte Motor Speedway offers the ultimate fan and guest experience as it overlooks America’s Home for Racing. Dine as a guest or make dinner reservations during Charlotte Restaurant Week for a bird’s-eye view of the track.

Vortex Bottle Shop
This locally-owned spot offers a menu built from the concept of charcuterie, designed to complement their expansive beverage selection. The Garlic Portobello Flatbread is a Vortex favorite. Try it with one of the 250+ beers or 100 wines kept in stock.

What-A-Burger
At any of the three Cabarrus County locations, try a What-A-Burger with cheese and onion rings washed down with a Witch Doctor, a mix of all the fountain drinks topped with dill pickle slices. Recognize the sign at #13? You may have spotted it in the documentary, “May It Last” featuring The Avett Brothers.

Things To Do in Cabarrus County