It’s Officially Patio Season.
Here’s where to Eat & Drink Outdoors around Lake Norman.
This Post Has Been Updated with 2018 Views & News.
Davidson:
Kindred
131 North Main Street, Davidson
Located in historic downtown Davidson, Kindred has been named THE best restaurant in NC. {insert clapping emoji here} If you haven’t had the pleasure of noshing on their drool-worthy milk bread and exquisite cocktails on their enchanting patio… Kindred should be your next destination.
North Harbor Club
100 North Harbor Place, Davidson
This beautiful lakeside patio is the perfect place to bring your out-of-town friends for brunch. Breathtaking views, a vast brunch menu and delicious cocktails. They offer “dock-and-dine” for those of you who are entertaining your guests on the water. Park your boat at their harbor, have an exquisite and memorable brunch and then head back out on the water.
Lake Norman Cottage
200 North Harbor Place Drive, Davidson
Situated next door to North Harbor Club, this charming wine bar & gourmet gift shop is one of the best places {in my opinion} to have a lakeside glass of wine and tapas. The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is homey and welcoming, plus you have a full view of the water. They offer wine tastings and private dining options as well!
Flatiron Kitchen & Cocktails
215 South Main Street, Davidson
Another gem in downtown Davidson, this establishment never ceases to amaze me with their mouth-watering menu. They also offer a free wine tasting the first Tuesday of each month and live music the second & third Wednesday of each month. With daily drink specials and a very friendly and knowledgeable staff, this destination will leave you wanting to return again and again. Their patio is located street-side on both sides of their front door. It’s kid and pet friendly and is perfect for people watching. Another spot we like to sit at is the bar, you just never know who you’ll run into.
The Pickled Peach
202 South Main St., Davidson
A hidden gem of a patio! Situated beside Summit coffee (beside the playgorund) in downtown Davidson, TPP is a great spot to meet a friend for lunch on a sunny spring day. Open 11-7 (closed Mondays) you can nosh on handcrafted sandwhiches, soups and salads. A great spot for gluten free/vegetarian options, or to treat yourself to a coffee and homeade cookie.
Cornelius:
Hello, Sailor
20210 Henderson Road, Cornelius
Lake Norman’s newest hot spot. In the former Rusty Rudder location, Hello, Sailor boasts beautiful views of LKN on a multi level patio complete with an outdoor tiki bar. The upper patio is enclosed and heated for those chilly spring nights. My hands down favorite dish on the menu is the himachi bowl. I’m talking lick the bowl goodness. In addition, they offer lots of fresh seafood on the menu and a cool take on “fish camp favorites.” Make sure and stop inside and capture a memory in the photo booth (located beside the bar). This is definitely on my list of spots to stop for lunch and drinks while out on the boat this summer!
The Harp & Crown
19930 W Catawba Ave., Cornelius
One of the coolest outdoor bars at the lake. This circular bar is surrounded by outdoor seating and offers Irish food (brunch, lunch and dinner) & delicious drinks. This spot is family & dog friendly and hosts lots of fun events & parties during nicer weather. The most drool worthy dishes include the Irish meatloaf, Guiness pot pie & the famous Harp battered fish & chips. A perfect spot for happy hour!
Fork!
20517 North Main St., Cornelius
Fork fine dining is taking their outdoor seating up a notch! Formerly offering front porch dining, they are expanding a garden patio area in addition. The menu is farm to table and doesn’t get much fresher than this. Open for an amaizng Sunday brunch, and dinner Tuesday thru Saturday. This is one of my favorite spots for brunch or dinner. I highly recommend the chicken & waffles for brunch!
Galway Hooker
17044 Kenton Drive, Cornelius
Did you know that this authentic Irish Bar and Eatery was built in Ireland and shipped over peice-by-peice and rebuilt right here in Lake Norman? How cool is that? What should you expect? Unique and scrumptious Irish Fare {hello Irish Egg Rolls & Brown Ale Bavarian Pretzel} with an interesting and loud crowd. On Wednesday nights you can visit their very own Comedy Zone upstairs, which offers live performances from both local and established comedians. The patio is enchanting and makes for the perfect place for a special event or rehearsal dinner. There are vines hanging down the pergola, birds chirping in the background and the privacy of plants all around which makes this patio very romantic.
131 Main
17830 Statesville Road, Cornelius
For the slightly cool evenings with a breeze, enjoy the patio ambiance and fire pit at this fine dining establishment. The food is just as good as the atmostphere. Some must-try items include their grilled artichokes, crab cakes, and banana cream pie.
Patio photo via 131 Main Facebook
Banana Cream Pie via Ye
Port City Club
18665 Harborside Drive, Cornelius
Be prepared for a beautiful lakeside views and equally stunning entrees. They have a climate-controlled patio for hotter days where you would still like to “sit outside” and a beach area for basking in the sun while you eat. You can literally put your toes in the sand! They also have a small harbor for docking your boat. If you’re looking to dine right on the lake, this is your spot.
Patio Photo via Yelp
Huntersville:
Cafe 100
100 Huntersville Concord Road, Huntersville
This casual breakfast/brunch spot is situated inside a renovated house with local paintings showcased on the walls and an eclectic welcoming vibe. This joint is my favorite breakfast spot in Huntersville and I recommend trying their daily specials. Their servers are very knowledgeable and friendly and the patio is quaint and beautiful in the spring; as it is surrounded by flowers and trees.
Patio Photo Via Yelp
eeZ Fusion & Sushi
16925 Birkdale Commons Pkwy, Huntersville
If you haven’t read my review and tasting of this fabulous Sushi restaurant, go read that pronto. Click here. Since they are located in popular Birkdale Village, their patio is perfect for people watching and is kid/pet friendly. The service is unlike anywhere else in Birkdale, as they are attentive, accommodating and simply fabulous. Best sushi in town, in our always humble opinion.
Midwood Smokehouse
16710 Birkdale Commons Pkwy, Suite 103, Huntersville
Be prepared to indulge in massive plates full of yummy and deliciously messy barbeque. They have a great outdoor area which is nice to enjoy the spring weather and a cold brew. It’s the perfect spot to gather with friends & dogs to enjoy the cool evening breeze. Some personal favorites are the pimento cheese fries with brisket, any of the salads, and of course the bbq plate! The offer a lot of great apps perfect for sharing!
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar
8625 A-Lindholm Drive, Huntersville
Did you know that this famous Burger joint serves breakfast on the weekends? Mic Drop. Their breakfasts menu is equally as delightful as their afternoon fare! Walk right in, grab a seat inside or out on their patio and enjoy a delicious, quiet, and relaxing breakfast with the fam. Oh, and see that biscuit? I’m drooling just thinking about it…wish I had the recipe. I wonder if they would slap one of their famous burger concoctions on one of these bad boys? That would be heavenly!
Have a favorite patio spot we missed? Enlighten us! We are always looking to expand our suggestions & of course try new spots around the lake.
