Patio season has arrived!
Here’s where you can {and should} eat and drink outdoors around Lake Norman.
Cornelius:
Hello Sailor
20210 Henderson Road, Cornelius
Hello, Sailor still remains as the Lake Norman hot spot to enjoy 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! {Tiki bar will be open Friday-Sunday starting mid-March and will remain open weekly once the warm weather is here to stay!}
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, Guinness pot pie & the famous Harp battered fish & chips. A perfect spot for happy hour!
Galway Hooker
17044 Kenton Drive, Cornelius
Did you know that this authentic Irish Bar and Eatery was built in Ireland and shipped over piece-by-piece 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.
Alton’s Kitchen & Cocktails
19918 Northcove Road, Cornelius
Schedule your next date night at Alton’s Kitchen, sit outside to enjoy the ambiance, variety of cuisine and delightful cocktails. Don’t miss out on weekend brunch with the girls from 10-2pm and bottomless mimosas for $13, cheers!
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 atmosphere. Some must-try items include their grilled artichokes, crab cakes, and banana cream pie.
COWBOY
9615 Bailey Road, Cornelius
COWBOY’s patio has become a very popular outdoor place to be during the spring and summer months. Expect to enjoy a Beer Garden coming to the patio this Spring with live music, games, a putting green and the delicious smell of a wood fire grill!
Port City Club
18665 Harborside Drive, Cornelius
Be prepared for beautiful lakeside views and equally stunning entrees. They have an open patio to enjoy the fresh air while you eat and a beach area for basking in the sun with drinks. 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.
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 tasting their drool-worthy milk bread and exquisite cocktails on their enchanting patio… Kindred should be your next destination.
The Pickled Peach
202 South Main St., Davidson
A hidden gem of a patio! Situated next to Summit Coffee & Elisabeth Rose 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 sandwiches, soups and salads. A great spot for gluten-free/vegetarian options, or to treat yourself to a coffee and a homemade baked good.
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!
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. Pro tip: call ahead to get your name on the waitlist during those busy weekend hours!
eeZ Fusion & Sushi
16925 Birkdale Commons Pkwy, Huntersville
Just celebrating 15 successful years in business this past February, proves that eeZ Fusion is easily some of the best sushi in town! 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. **Don’t forget to ask about their drink specials Monday – Thursday!
Midwood Smokehouse
16710 Birkdale Commons Pkwy, Suite 103, Huntersville
Be prepared to indulge in massive plates full of yummy and deliciously messy barbecue. 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!
Mooresville:
King Canary Brewery
562 Williamson Road, Mooresville
Located right on the lake, this Mooresville Brewery is a beautifully decorated two-story building that was born out of a passion for community, family and quality ingredients to brew craft beer! Head here on a warm spring and summer afternoon, but first be sure to check the events page to see what popular food trucks, DIY workshops, and drink specials they may have going on!
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.
