Local Food Spots For The Hungry And Thirsty!

Keep It Local, By Barbara Lawrence – Feb. 29, 2012

Eating establishments vary tremendously and, like everything else in the 21st century, have changed considerably. Much of the food preparation today is provided to restaurants as a frozen entree.  Fast food may be your favorite but it doesn't make my "authentic" list of locals. 

This is not an exhaustive list of restaurants in the Catawba River District.  These are a few of my personal favorites throughout our district, and I am getting hungry reviewing the choices from Belmont to Mountain Island Lake. Click on each restaurant name to visit its website or Facebook  page.

Sammy’s Neighborhood Pub, 25 S. Main St., Belmont, since 1994 – My friend's favorite is fries with chili, while fish and chips with a cold brew for me.
Old Stone Steakhouse, 23 S Main St., Belmont – Try the steak and avocado salad.

String Bean Fresh Mkt

The String Bean Fresh Market and Deli, 106 N. Main St., Belmont – A toss-up between house made chicken salad sandwich and the Philly cheese wrap.

The Captain’s Cap, 760 Park St., Hwy 273, near I-85, Belmont, since 1981 – Seafood is so good!  A reminder of the river 'fish camp' history of our area.

Red Bowl Asian Bistro, Mountain Island Lake, at 3538A Mount Holly-Huntersville Rd., Charlotte 28216 - Try it for healthy steamed vegetables, brown rice and your choice of other great choices.

River’s Edge Bar & Grill located at the U.S. National Whitewater Center – A new choice for our area is a visit to the Whitewater Center for trails, bike riding, water activities or watch others have fun while you relax at the River’s Edge Bar & Grill. Hours are generally from 11:30 am to 6 pm.

See the "River" Run Green – Here's an upcoming event to get you to the River's Edge: The Green River Revival on St. Patrick's Day (Saturday, March 17) at the U.S. National Whitewater Center beginning at 1 p.m. with live music and the Green River. A PowerBall Race is at 3:30. Event is free and open to the public (activities such as whitewater rafting are at standard rate).

Backwoods Fancy Vittles, 119 N. Main St., Mount Holly – New to Mount Holly, Backwoods offers appetizers that are more food than I can eat alone.  The taste and the atmosphere are unique anytime you want a special lunch or dinner out.

City Café, 128 S. Main St., Mount Holly – The City Café has been on Main Street for a while. Most people don’t realize the effort and level of fresh food that goes into the meals at City Café.  My personal favorite is the chicken pecan salad with mandarin oranges.

The BrightStar Grill, 205 Madora St., Mount Holly – For an old time local favorite, great hamburger, fresh fries, and milkshake (and more) you have to visit The BrightStar Grill. The 1950s drive-in expanded last year to allow a bit more room for the many visitors.

So, get out and try something new and support our local food entrepreneurs.  Let's eat!  Send in your favorites.

About Barbara Lawrence - Barbara has a background in economic development and real-estate research. Her work has included revitalization of downtown Boone, downtown Gastonia and now Mount Holly.