Davidson, NC Help us welcome Smokey J’s BBQ to their new Davidson location at 1827 Shearers Road. They moved from their Broad Street – Mooresville, NC location and will serve up their awesome BBQ Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
They offer take-out only, but will have delivery options coming soon.
They specialize in BBQ pork, chicken, brisket and ribs. All the homemade sides you’d expect including mac and cheese, baked beans, green beans, coleslaw, potato salad and Banana pudding. Yum.
Open Thursdays 11am – 2pm for lunch & 4:30-8pm for dinner
Fridays 11am – 2pm for lunch & 4:30-8pm for dinner
3/18/2020 ***Article updated to reveal who is OPEN*** Please check for accuracy taken from Social Media and a Visit LKN compiled list***
Why was Davidson, NC recently ranked the #10 Food Town in the South by Southern Living? article. Visit our great, local restaurants to find out why. Here is a list of your dining options in Historic Downtown Davidson, NC. All of these are easy walking distance from Davidson College. Enjoy!
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DAVIDSON
The Bar at Flatiron – Community gathering
Flatiron Kitchen and Taphouse – 215 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
*** Open for Take out/Cubside Delivery and Delivery 4-8pm
Want to hang out with friends for a drink, meet for lunch or have a locally sourced dinner, Flatiron is a Davidson staple. You will see neighbor and friends around the circular bar. A personal favorite is Hickory Grilled Wagyu Beef Sliders, Cheddar, Bacon-Onion Jam, House Pickles $12.
Specials: First Tuesday of every month – Join them for a Wine Education class & tasting with our in-house Certified Sommelier, Kevin Parks at 7pm.
Mandolinos Artisan Pizza – 208 South Main Street, Davidson, NC 28036
***Open for Takeout/Curbside – 4-8pm
Mandolinos has become the pizza place in Davidson. Great event/music space upstairs, outside seating and a cool vibe. Look out for the musical acts they host some weekends. They host trivia every Wednesday night. The sheet pan pizza is scratch-made and brick-oven baked at 700 degrees, a style historically known as “Grandma Style Pizza.” Personal favorites include The Tupelo Honey (Ricotta, Gorgonzola, Fig Honey, Calabrian Chiles, Thyme) – $23 and Pigs On The Wing ( Red Sauce, Mozzarella, Italian Sausage, Fennel) – $23. The innovative topping combinations really work!
Ben and Jerry‘s – 202 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
*** Ben & Jerry’s in Davidson, in light of Covid -19 and new regulations, will be open 3-9 pm each day for takeout, and deliveries. Each customer coming in will receive a Buy one, Get one free waffle cone coupon to use on their next visit. Need a shake, or pint fix, you can order online with @UberEATS, @grubhub, @postmates and @doordash or order a cake via https://www.benjerry.com/davidson/cakes to pick up. Thank you for all your support and supporting the safety of my staff. We are grateful to our Davidsonians for the support over the last 26 years. Allow us bring a smile to your face and tummy during this time.
Not much to add except FREE cone day creates lines around the block. You will see that this location/manager continue to win awards in the Ben and Jerry’s family for good reason!
Great indoor and outside space with a new market. Farm to table sandwiches and salads. Very nice drink selection. Personal favorite is the Meatball sandwich.
The iconic Soda Shop defines historic downtown Davidson. The decorations are 1950s and Davidson Wildcats related. The broad menu is perfect for family outings. Lots for kids. Floats, sundaes and shakes are awesome and classic. The Carolina Burger is a personal favorite.
The Famous Toastery – 101 N Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
***Open Normal Hours for now – Takeout/Curbside & Delivery
Davidson is where this fast-growing franchise began. Toast offers an extensive breakfast and lunch menu with quality food. They are dog friendly outside on their patio, so it is a popular spot with the region’s giant, canine population. Personal favorite is the Buffalo Chicken Wrap.
Mestizo Contemporary Mexican Cuisine – 121 N Main Street, Davidson, NC
***Open Normal Hours – Takeout/Curbside & Delivery
High quality, tasty Mexican food with a full bar. Mestizo offers two exquisite dining areas. The outside dining has absolutely the best views of all the outside dining options in Davidson and features the natural gardens of the Post office as well as a view of the Village Green and the College Church. In the fall and spring the trees are absolutely glorious and the patio faces the southwest direction and absorbs all the spectacular sunsets. The indoor dining room space is both very intimate and elegant with its eclectic antique nostalgic thread hanging lights with steeple and intricate filament designs. The walls are painted in very appealing calming colors that accentuate both your pallet and your mood. Some of my antique redwood cedar fixtures from the “old Drugstore” in Davidson are beautifully highlighted in the restaurant as well as the antique “weight scales” from same.
***Open Normal Hours – Takeout/Curbside & Delivery/$5.00 Fee
Kindred is a chef-driven restaurant run by Davidson natives Joe and Katy Kindred. It has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation and is widely consider one of the top restaurants in the country. Kindred is a continual draw to the area and is loved by locals and visitors. Make sure you make a reservation. Kindred offers dining inside and outside. Personal favorites are the milk bread and any squid ink pasta dish they create.
Davidson Wine Co – 121 Depot St, Davidson, NC 28036
***Open Carryout/Curbside T-Sat 4-8pm
Another brand new entry into Davidson dining scene.
Nestled in the historic business district, their location was once an organ making shop. You will see the rich history reflected throughout The space. The Wine Co offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for enjoying wine while spending time with friends and family.They offer wine tasting, wine drinking, bottling parties, and more! The crab cakes were very nice.
Offering regional Italian cuisine and a wide variety of hand selected Italian wines to pair with seasonal menus created by Chef Joseph Hermann. Menus include regional antipasti, homemade pasta, and meat dishes as well as daily seafood and dessert specials. Seasonal menus change frequently to exhibit fresh ingredients and recipes from throughout Italy. Personal favorite is the mussels.
Travel down Main Street toward Cornelius and you’ll find a selection a great food establishments.
Yummy Bowls at Davidson Ice House
Davidson Ice House – 416 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
***Open Normal Hours Takeout/Curbside & Delivery
Chef & national food writer, Jenny Brulé created Davidson Ice House as a healthy, tasty alternative in a historic Davidson building. Built in 1922, the building is packed full of historic charm, from exposed brick walls, to steel girder beams, to the original wide pine floors. Personal favorite – Build your Own Bowl.
Very cool menu at this bistro. Enjoy a mix of classics, soul food and mediterranean entrees. A fun spot in SOMA Davidson. Known for a great brunch and dinner.
Whits Frozen Custard – 428 S Main St, Davidson, NC 28036
***Open Normal Hours – Takeout/Curbside
Ready for dessert or an afternoon treat. Whits is the spot. Frozen custard chain with vanilla, chocolate & a rotating weekly flavor, plus a range of toppings.
Carrburritos is a Mexican taqueria featuring fresh and sophisticated flavors served in generous portions and made daily on location. Insider tip – Their catering is awesome and reasonable. Used them when we hosted cards and it was easy and delicious! Love their chicken burrito.
Located in an historic cotton mill, the Brickhouse Tavern offers an extensive menu of classic dishes and bold flavors. Guests have their choice of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, C.A.B. burgers, pastas, seafood, pizza, and other Brickhouse specialties. As a compliment to the superb food, The Brickhouse Tavern offers more than 70 beer selections, including a wide-range of Carolina Craft brews. The largest selection in the Lake Norman area! Tip: A great place to watch the Davidson Wildcats or any sports. Occasional live music. Great pizza. Easy walk from Davidson College.
The Egg at Davidson – 231 Griffith St, Davidson, NC 28036
***Open 8am-6pm Takeout/Curbside & Deliver + offering wholesale items too
This is a great family style restaurant to meet with friends and family for breakfast or lunch! Owners Robert and Eileen McCrary invite you to sit down for a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner seven days a week. Enjoy one of their many flavorful omelettes, or a mouth watering Bacon Ceddar Burger in the cozy dining room or outdoor covered patio.Come see for yourself why The Egg Cafe is the premier breakfast spot in the Lake Norman area. From their many Homemade Egg’s Benedicts, to their tasty Ruben Sandwiches…there’s a reason Lake Norman residents choose The Egg Cafe over anywhere else.
Our Town Cinemas – 227 Griffith St, Davidson, NC 28036
***Closed – per their FB page 3/18/20
Not only is Our Town the coolest movie theater out there, but it offers a wide selection of wine, craft beers and food to enjoy during your movie. This is the best place to enjoy a movie in the area.
***Open Normal Hours – Takeout/curbside & Delivery
Sabor Latin Street Grill is an independently, locally owned metro Charlotte concept that focuses on authentic menu offerings from countries such as El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico & Colombia. Tip: $1 Taco Tuesday – enough said.
The Original New York Bagels – 610 State Rd 2402, Davidson, NC 28036
***unknown***
Great for breakfast and lunch. They offer a full range of deli and breakfast sandwiches on their bagels as well as selections of cream cheese. The breakfast is really good!
Chargrill – 624 Jetton Street Davidson Commons Shopping Center, Davidson, NC 28036
***Closed per their FB and Visit LKN
From All-American favorites such as their famous “grilled-in-your-backyard”, char-rock, flame-cooked burgers and too-thick-to pour milkshakes to mouth-watering French fries and crisp apple turnovers, CHAR-GRILL serves up quality menu items at affordable prices.
Sabi is Davidson’s go to for Asian Food. Always consistently great with a full bar. The Sushi is awesome with many specialty rolls that will please. The Wildcat Roll is my favorite.
North Harbor Club – 100 N Harbor Pl, Davidson, NC 28036
***Closed per their FB and Visit LKN
Regatta-themed New American fine-dining destination with waterfront patio & 9 boat slips for guests. Great for brunch. Nice to sit outside and enjoy the lake views.
SoMa Davidson is the new trendy name given to the area of Davidson that is much less known than Historic Downtown. Its geographic boundaries are from under the bridge entering Davidson on 115 until around Lake Norman Realty, It has been known as the South Main Street Arts District, but was too long, and now will be branded as SoMa Davidson.
Next Sat. Oct 6, from 2-7pm will be the first introduction of this geographic area SoMa Davidson Fall Fest with activities at the businesses & stores from Wooden Stone Gallery on one side of the street to Fuel Pizza on the other side of the street.
During the day, from 2-4pm there will be kids activities such as pumpkin decorating, face painting, coloring sheets, pictures with a large scarecrow and build a small pizza at Fuel Pizza.
For the Adults there will be an Art Demo at Wooden Stone Gallery, AR Workshops will be making Fall blocks. Find Fall decorations for inside & outside the home & clothing at Honeysuckle Homes
Try the new Fall Beers, take advantage of food & drink specials from Carburritos. Davidson Ice House, Restaurant X & Fuel Pizza. Whits Custard will have an amazing Fall flavor – Bourbon Praline Pecan – who could resist?
Extra parking is available at the Archers Car Wash area.
Davidson, NC Don’t miss Mayor Rusty Knox take on Allen Tate Davidson’s Susan Tillis in a battle for tips Thursday at Alton’s to support Big Brothers Big Sisters. FYI She’s the boss. Tour de Food Saturday. Film Club Movie.
5:30-6:15pm Celebrity Bartenders Rusty Knox vs Susan Tillis – Cocktail Throw down at Alton’s – Charity event for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Who will win Davidson? – Details
7pm LIVE Music – Summit Coffee – Songwriters Showcase – Details
7-10pm LIVE Music – The Cottage – Riley Byrnes – Details
8pm LIVE Music – Old Town Public House – Rusty Knox – Details
Friday 6/15
12-1:45pm Now Showing: Coco – Davidson Public Library – Details
7pm LIVE Music – Summit Coffee – Rusty Knox – Details
8:30pm LIVE Music – The Cabin – Cory Wells – Details
Davidson, NC One of my co-workers mentioned that this place had the best chicken sandwich in the area so I had to check it out and, yes, it is true.
Located next to Pine Lake Prep off of 115 in a converted gas station is LKN2Go. (formerly the Buttery and Beanery) Everything is made to order on the grill when you order so it took a few minutes. I had the Mushroom and Swiss Chicken Sandwich. For $7.95 it came with seasoned fries and a drink. It was excellent on a toasted Brioche Roll.
You will be surprised how nice the restaurant is inside, the quality of the food and the cooks.
The burgers looks amazing too. Next time.
Really nice seating options indoors and outdoors.
LKN2Go, 1653 Mecklenburg Highway, 704 360-0434
Next time I will call in my order so it is ready when I get there.
Davidson, NC Ok. Where is the best breakfast sandwich in Davidson? Coddle Creek Grocery of course. At the end of E Rocky River where it meets route 3 you’ve always enjoyed the convenient gas, but did you know it hosts a kitchen that turns out amazing breakfast sandwiches.
Bacon, sausage or steak with egg and cheese on your choice of hamburger roll or bread. I was amazed how much bacon was piled on it for $3.59.
Davidson, NC We were lucky to check out the newest Davidson restaurant at a pre-opening Friends and Family event Friday night. First impression was great. We were seated downstairs and had a great server. The decor is cool with vintage-looking sketches of mandolin players on exposed brick walls.
Our server recommended a salad and pizza. We had the green goddess dressing on romaine with feta, cucumbers and garbanzo beans (a “kitchen sink” salad). The ingredients were so fresh and well prepared. Our server also recommended the Tupelo Honey pizza. A combo I would never imagine, but was outstanding. Ricotta, Gorgonzola, Fig Honey, Calabrian Chiles, and Fresh Thyme. Definitely was concerned about the heat of the chiles, but the honey offset so well. Even my 9 year old picky eater loved. (he did pick off a couple chiles).
The portions are large, The pizza is a sheet pan style with an amazing crust. One pizza was too much food for us so we took some home.
Dessert was not needed, but we ordered a root beer float. It was amazing. Served in a fun jar with vanilla gelato and root beer. Very cool presentation.
After dinner we checked out the upstairs of Mandolino’s. It’s going to be a cool place to hang for a few drinks, listen to music or watch the game.
They open Tuesday and are worth a visit. Our server said they will have outdoor seating eventually. We heard they will start having live music later in the spring. We are lucky to have a great variety of restaurants in Davidson, but Mandolino’s is a great addition to the scene.
Davidson, NC Thursday night we ordered from one of our favorite local Pizza and Wing shops, DiMaggio’s in Renaissance Square in Davidson, on the corner of Poplar Tent and 73. They deliver to our neighborhood and are great for the Pizza and Wings combo. We ordered the medium cheese pizza and small wing combo for $16.99. We get the wings hot – extra crispy with blue cheese. Very well done Buffalo wings – sauce is what you’d expect. Deliver took about 45 minutes and does have an additional delivery fee.
Call them and see if they deliver to your address in Davidson. 704 439-4787. They do deliver to all of River Run but keep mostly within a 4 mile radius of the restaurant. If they don’t deliver it is worth picking up from them!
Davidson, NC Here is an event I’ve never tried, but sounds like a blast.
DAVIDSON – LAKE NORMAN FOOD TOURS
Take a tour of Davidson. A quaint little town full of history and rich in flavor. We will start our tour at the Old Cotton Mill now known as The Brick House Tavern found at 209 Delburg St. From there we will wind our way through historical Davidson down Main St, stopping at 5-6 different restaurants from upscale dining to the soda shop along the way. We will sample some of the finest culinary delights these establishments have to offer. At one of the stops enjoy a local beer or wine tasting. You will get to meet the owners and chefs for a very personal experience unlike any other. Come see how innovative these independently owned restaurants can turn farm fresh food into the most delectable dishes. Eat – Drink – Walk with us through Davidson.
The Davidson Weekend Calendar is sponsored by Clark Goff at Allen Tate Davidson. Friends looking at Davidson? Have them contact Clark for expert real estate advice. 704 996-0948 clark.goff@allentate.com.
Davidson, NC Ok Davidson let’s learn sushi from the best! Ken at Sabi is a great guy. I remember he quizzed my daughter on her Chinese while we sat at the sushi bar and gave us a memorable experience. Ken is offering a cool course Saturday at 3:30 through Davidson Park & Rec at Sabi. You will learn sushi….learn rice… and make sushi. Hopefully there is an edible payoff. We are lucky in Davidson to have this restaurant. Ugh! Getting hungry while writing,
Davidson, NC Here is a fun take on our little town. People across the country are discovering where we live. Kinda scary, but nice that others see all that Davidson offers.
Davidson, NC Davidson College Wildcats Football opens their season Saturday Sept 2 at 7pm versus the Brevard Tornados at home at Richardson Stadium.
Should be a fun night for the entire family. Get dinner in town before the game at one of Davidson’s excellent restaurants. See a list of all Davidson restaurants here.
Davidson, NC We came across a website for Off Main Brewing in Davidson. Does anyone know when or where it’s coming? We love the idea. Please comment on our blog if you know anything.
The site says:
Good beer. Good food.
Good times. Always on tap.
Welcome to Off Main Brewing! We have a passion for creating good beer for good times.
While still under development, Off Main Brewing will create the Town of Davidson’s first, uniquely community-centric craft brewpub experience, providing a place for family, friends and colleagues to gather, expanding upon Main Street’s historic legacy while pushing forward the art of craft beer.
Davidson, NC Kindred remains an excellent option for lunch. With reasonable prices and scrumptious food, there is something there for everyone. Of particular note is the skillet burger, a double patty affair with cheddar cheese, grandfather pickles, onions, and aioli sauce. Arguably the best burger in the Lake Norman area, you can’t go wrong for $11.00. You also get your choice of side from a fairly extensive side menu, including cucumber salad, potato frites, coleslaw, and pickles. Of personal importance, the coffee is also excellent at Kindred, with each serving brewed to order in small batches. While Kindred has a renowned dinner selection. Those looking for a great, and more reasonable lunch will find that Kindred has the perfect offerings.
The Davidson Weekend Calendar is sponsored by Clark Goff at Allen Tate Davidson. Friends looking at Davidson? Have them contact Clark for expert real estate advice. 704 996-0948 clark.goff@allentate.com.
