June 1, 2024
When the sun is shining or the stars are out, head for the nearest patio and dine under the Carolina sky. Let this sampling of spots to eat outside inspire your al fresco meal. Then, enjoy everything from brunch to barbecue to locally made condiments that complement any charcuterie board.
Local Eats With Outdoor Seats
44 Mills Kitchen & Tap
As a nod to local history, this Concord restaurant and tap house was named for the 44 textile mills that operated in Cabarrus County between 1829 and 2000. The menu is local, too. Request a table on the patio and pair something from the outstanding craft cocktail menu with salads and sandwiches, plus Southern favorites like fried pickles and mac and cheese that are made with local ingredients. 44 Mills also serves a rotating selection of craft beers on tap.
Café Lentz
A staple of the Mt. Pleasant dining scene, Café Lentz has one of the best patios in town. Visit the European-inspired neighborhood cafe to start the day with coffee and pastries outside on the upper level or spend the evening sipping beer and wine on the dog-friendly patio.
Johnny Roger’s BBQ & Burgers
In search of outdoor dining near Charlotte Motor Speedway? Located minutes from the track, Johnny Roger’s BBQ & Burgers offers picnic table seating plus a menu featuring delicious daily specials, gourmet burgers and barbecue covered in sauces and seasonings made from family recipes.
My Sister’s Place Ice Cream & Fudge
Don’t forget dessert when dining in downtown Kannapolis! This charming sweets shop is brimming with a variety of indulgent ice cream and fudge flavors. It’s located in the West Avenue District along with plenty of local boutiques and Atrium Health Ballpark where you can grab classic ballpark fare from Boomer’s Bistro or snag a seat alongside the outfield at the new Towel City Tavern.
The Smoke Pit
The smoked meats and made-from-scratch sides attract crowds to The Smoke Pit, and coveted patio seating fills up fast when the sun is shining. Menu favorites like Texas brisket, hickory-smoked pulled pork and burnt ends are served with smoked pork BBQ beans, baked mac and cheese, kickin’ collard greens and other sides that are worth the wait.
Tutti’s Italian Market & Deli
This local spot is perfect for enjoying an al fresco lunch and picking up something delicious to enjoy at home for dinner. Along with gourmet hot and cold sandwiches, Tutti’s Italian Market & Deli offers a range of imported ingredients, Italian beer and wine, and grab-and-go meals such as baked ziti, stuffed shells and eggplant parmesan.
What-a-Burger #13
What-a-Burger #13 is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving burgers, hot dogs and barbecue for more than 50 years. Take your order to a table outside or get it to go and walk across the street to Mt. Pleasant Town Park for a picnic lunch. Don’t forget to order a Witch Doctor — the signature soda, made with a combination of soft drinks and dill pickles, is a local favorite.
Vortex Bottle Shop
Harrisburg-based Vortex Bottle Shop is devoted to local sips. In addition to a cooler filled with Carolina craft beverages, the taps highlight beers from Cabarrus County and across the Carolinas. The beverages — along with flatbreads, poke bowls and tapas-style dishes like pimento cheese, pork belly canapes, and blackened shrimp and artichoke dip — are best enjoyed on the patio. Stop in on Sunday for an al fresco brunch featuring open-faced biscuits and a mimosa flight.
Beer Gardens & Brewery Patios
Cabarrus Brewing Company
Tucked inside Gibson Mill, a restored textile mill in Concord, Cabarrus Brewing Company pulls pints of award-winning craft beers like Driveway Sesh and Baller Beer. The Beer Garden is always popular, but it comes alive on Friday nights for Food Truck Fridays. Order from your favorite mobile kitchen and pair your meal with a cold pint. Or grab dinner on any evening from CBC’s in-house kitchen and enjoy it with a frozen drink on the patio.
The Eatery at Southern Strain Brewing
Also located inside a former mill, The Eatery at Southern Strain Brewing Company pairs handcrafted dishes with small batch beers. On the menu, you’ll even find the winning burger of Cabarrus Burger Madness 2024, “Life’s Gouda With Bacon.” Place your order and pick up at the walk-up window inside the taproom.
Old Armor Beer Company
When hunger strikes at this laidback local brewery, snack on eats from their tasty on-site food options from Armor Grille or swing by for a meal at one of their neighboring restaurants such as Sabor Latin Street Grill or Chophouse 101.
For the Perfect Picnic
Shop Local Provisions
Places like Cannon Honey Mill, Union Street Market, Leo’s Gourmet Market and others carry tons of specialty snacks and locally made food items. Visit one of Cabarrus County’s farmers markets to round out your spread. Now that you’re stocked up on fresh, local goodies, grab your blanket and find some greenspace.
Rocky River Vineyards
This picturesque vineyard grows acres of grapes for sweet muscadine wines and dry varietals like cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. Order a tasting flight, a charcuterie plate and cheese straws and spend the afternoon soaking up the scenery at Rocky River Vineyards.
Village Park
The 16-acre Village Park is the perfect picnic spot. Order from the concession stand in the park when attractions are open or bring lunch to enjoy at a table under a picnic shelter. After fueling up, ride the train, play in the splash pad, walk the greenway or listen to live music during Concerts in the Park.
Harrisburg Park
With trails, disc golf, a splash pad and regular special events, Harrisburg Park is another great place to pack a lunch and play all day. Burn some energy walking, mountain biking, playing horseshoes or splashing around, then find a seat to eat and recharge.
This list highlights additional parks in Cabarrus County, such as Rob Wallace Park in Midland and Franke Liske Park in Concord. Visit each of them online for more information, including guidelines on outside food and beverage.
Explore More Eats
Where are your favorite spots to eat outside in Cabarrus County? For more outdoor dining options, check out our full list of places to eat in Cabarrus County!
