13 Must-Try Mooresville, NC Restaurants | Best Places to Dine in Mooresville, North Carolina

Mooresville, North Carolina is a historic town that dates back to the 1700s. Huge cotton plantations, cornfields, and tobacco farms stretched throughout the area during the 19th and 20th centuries. Because of the abundance of these crops, the railroad, textile mills, grist mills, and industries were quickly built.

Lake Norman was constructed in 1960 as a result of the construction of a dam on the Catawba River. The lake today has 520 miles of coastline and is home to thousands of people, with many more visiting every summer for recreational activities.

Because of the many NASCAR team shops and racing sector enterprises in the vicinity, Mooresville is now known as Race City USA. All of this history and cultural variety, in addition to the tourist factors, has contributed to the establishment of several great must-try eateries in Mooresville, NC.

Mooresville’s food culture is as varied as its past. There is no need to go to the city for a superb dining experience since it is located on the northeast beaches of Lake Norman, 25 miles north of Charlotte on I-77. Mooresville restaurants vary from real Texas-style BBQ to a five-star cuisine to quirky, entertaining bar and grills with lakeside views and waterfront terraces where you can even dock your boat.

Not in the mood to dine out tonight? Click here to have Grubhub deliver right to your door from the greatest restaurants in town.

Are you planning a trip to other cities in North Carolina? Check out our gastronomy guides to the cities listed below:

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• 7 Must-Try West Jefferson NC Restaurants
• 7 Best Banner Elk Restaurants  & 6 Best Things To Do In Banner Elk NC
• 7 Best Fayetteville NC Restaurants & 9 Fun Things To Do In Fayetteville NC

Are you going to South Carolina next? Check out our list of the Top 9 Things To Do In Spartanburg SC!

13 Must-Try Restaurants in Mooresville, North Carolina

The Greatest Texas-Style Barbecue

Big Tiny’s BBQ 

179 N. Main Street, 704-658-1409.

There are many different perspectives on what makes a good barbeque. The classic BBQ in North Carolina is pork with a vinegar-based sauce. But when you want juicy Texas-style beef BBQ, you head to Big Tinys. Big Tiny’s speciality is Texas-style, mesquite-smoked BBQ brisket, ribs, sausage, and turkey.

All of their meats are available in small, large, and family-sized amounts, along with a variety of sides including green bean casserole, fried okra, sweet potato pie casserole, baked mac n cheese, and coleslaw. Sandwiches, a kids menu, desserts, and daily specials are available. And I’ll tell you right now that the Saturday night special is BBQ Beef Ribs. The bone has enough flesh for two individuals and then some.

When you arrive, the queue may belong at the walk-up order desk, but there is usually plenty of seats at the family-style tables. Friendly wait staff and perhaps the owner serve hot meals to your table. Try this Mooresville restaurant for amazing cuisine and excellent service.

Best Steak and Seafood Restaurant in Mooresville

Chophouse Epic

704-230-1720104 South Main St.

Epic Chophouse is a Mooresville restaurant gem for an excellent fine-dining experience for an anniversary or other special occasions. Exclusively open for supper, you won’t find a finer steak or seafood in such a classy atmosphere with such outstanding service. It offers a one-of-a-kind ambience and superb cuisine, and is set in a renovated 19th-century general store in the middle of downtown.

They maintain high quality standards by using only the best products, particularly with their meat and seafood. The bourbon bar and wine cellar are just as good as the cuisine.

Another feature I like about Epic Chophouse is the separate bar and lounge area for individuals who wish to stop by after work for a drink or meet up with pals for a beverage and mind-blowing happy hour meals from the bar-only menu. This Epic Mooresville steakhouse restaurant offers the best of both worlds: casual eating and elegant dining.

The Finest Elegant Dining With A Southern Twist

Lake Norman Jefferys

704-799-1110117 Commercial Court

Jefferys’ slogan has been “Good Fun and Excellent Eats” since 2006. Another neighborhood favorite in a lovely two-story red-brick structure. Even before you go in, you get a pleasant sensation. Within, there are two stories of seats and a great outdoor terrace with a stone fireplace.

Jefferys’ cuisine has a strong southern flavor, with daily specialities including fried chicken, meatloaf, and roasted turkey served with delicious southern sides.

Fresh soups and salads, burgers, sandwiches, spaghetti, seafood, and steaks fill out the menu. A complete bar with delicious specialty drinks and an exceptional wine selection is available.

When you explore the menu, fresh hot bread with spiced dipping oil is delivered immediately.

We began with crispy calamari that had been flash-fried with banana peppers and zucchini slices. It was accompanied by house-made marinara and Texas Pete Aioli. Being a gourmet on the road, I prefer to assess a restaurant by their calamari. Jefferys were among the finest I’ve ever tasted.

Mooresville’s Finest Genuine Neapolitan Pizza Restaurant

Alinos Pizza Restaurant

500 S. Main Street, 704-663-0010

Alinos is situated in a totally restored and remodeled 120-year-old textile mill in Mooresville’s historic downtown neighborhood. The first thing you see as you walk through the doors are three massive wood-fire pizza ovens imported from Naples, Italy. The ovens are built of Mt. Vesuvius volcanic sand.

Soon you see pizzaiolos throwing dough into the air. The flour for the dough, as well as the tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella cheese, and olive oil, are all imported from Italy on a weekly basis. Other components are fresh and acquired locally. The Toscana, cooked with sausage, San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil, and fresh garlic, is a fan favorite.

Salads change from day to day on the menu. Fresh Caprese is my particular favorite. Try some dolce (dessert) prepared fresh everyday gelato (Italian ice cream), torte (cake), and cannolis to complete off your dinner.

The dining area is spotless and bright, with family-style sitting around long oak tables and benches. Outside patio dining is also available at tables shaded by red and white umbrellas. This Mooresville restaurant offers a taste of Italy while eating in North Carolina.

Best Restaurant for Casual Seafood

Joe Fishing

510 River Highway, 704-662-9880

Joe Fish Casual Seafood is the place to go if you want fresh fish. It’s where the locals hang out. Ronald LeBreton, the owner, has over 30 years of expertise in the restaurant and fish industry. When he started Joe Fish in Mooresville, he carried his experience and a little piece of New England with him.

Fresh, baked, and broiled seafood, including lobster rolls, as well as char-grilled steaks and pasta dishes, are available on the menu.

Ipswich Whole Belly Clams, a house favorite, sell out quickly. The seared sesame-crusted ahi tuna salad did not disappoint, and the lobster bisque alone will have you coming back for more.

There are daily meal deals as well as a fantastic kids menu.

Joe Fish is a quiet small business in a bustling retail complex. So don’t be fooled by it. The interior is open and airy, with lots of seats in the dining area and high tops in the informal full-service bar. If you prefer to eat outside, the patio eating area is ideal.

Sunday Brunch in Mooresville at its Finest

Neighborhood Restaurant and Drinks On The Nines

205 Golf Course Drive, 704-799-4240

On the Nines, located at the Mooresville Golf Course, is gradually becoming the region’s go-to restaurant. On The Nines is open for supper Tuesday through Saturday, but the best-kept secret is Sunday Brunch, which features endless Mimosas or a Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar.

The meal is outstanding. Anything from chicken and waffles to a lobster, shiitake, and Boursin omelet to a nine-ounce bistro burger prepared with ground tenderloin and ribeye is available. Check out this golf course locale for some delicious Mooresville eating.

Mooresville, North Carolina’s Finest Sushi

Sushi Bar and Lounge Pisces

704-662-0062591 River Highway

Looking for excellent sushi? Pisces Sushi Bar and Lounge is the place to be. Pisces is located in a bustling, contemporary retail complex, yet once inside, you will be transported to another planet. The décor is exquisite, providing a setting that you will enjoy and want to return to again and again.

Lunch includes an all-you-can-eat menu as well as quality sashimi and nigiri. The meal is always tasty and fresh. Every day, there is a happy hour with drink promotions. Pisces is a must-try if you’re searching for a new restaurant in Mooresville.

Best Lakeside Restaurant and Bar

The Parrot in Blue

169 Pinnacle Lane, 704-663-1203

This Mooresville eatery is a lakefront bar and grill with a Caribbean motif that is family-friendly (and dog-friendly). Excellent cuisine, wonderful beverages, and fantastic times! Lunch and supper are served in a relaxing setting on the spacious terrace with wonderful views of Lake Norman. Live music is performed on weekends.

The Blue Parrot is the place to be in Mooresville during the summer, whether you order a full dinner (ahi-tuna wraps are wonderful) or simply cocktails and appetizers while watching the sunset. There is plenty of parking for cars, or you may pull up in your boat after a day on the lake. Hours vary according on the season. Open from April until October.

Best NASCAR Themed Restaurant

Lancaster’s Barbecue

Rinehardt Road, 704-663-5807515 Rinehardt Road

Lancaster’s welcoming, cheerful, and casual atmosphere is one of the reasons people return. The slow-smoked, authentic eastern North Carolina Barbecue is the major reason. The racing memorabilia lining the ceiling and walls, as well as the enormous yellow bus and gaming area, are all extras.

The varied menu includes appetizers like as Red-neck Fries and Nachos, salads, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, fantastic wings (the first meal I ever had there), sides, and, of course, authentic eastern North Carolina BBQ. If you like road racing, you should stop by this Mooresville eatery.

Best Coffee Shop in Mooresville, NC

black-eyed peas

Brawley School Road, Ste 107, 704-663-0906862

The coffee is hot, and the meal is what I would describe as good ol’ home cooking. Nothing fancy (or costly), but everything is fresh and tasty, exactly like Mom would make it. On Sunday mornings after church, we like to dine here. Since there are just a few dozen tables, you may have to wait a few minutes. Everyone is nice, both employees and customers. Breakfast and lunch are served. This Mooresville eatery specializes on comfort meals.

Casual American Food at its Finest

Table 31

980-447-901230 Landings Drive, Suite 103

Stepping through the doors at Table 31 is a warm and friendly experience. There’s a lot of wood and red brick, but it’s distinguished by white linen tablecloths and black napkins. There is plenty of seating in three sections, including the bar area with high tops.

The food is fantastic, beginning with Yesterday’s Soup. That’s fantastic. There are also fantastic appetizers, soups and salads (my favorite is the Brussel sprout salad), sandwiches, and house specialities such as creole BBQ shrimp, prime rib, and chicken. Lunch and supper menus are comparable yet distinct. They also feature an excellent children’s menu, specialty drinks, and a comprehensive wine selection. Visit this Mooresville restaurant for family-friendly eating.

The Finest Raw Oyster Bar

Big Daddys of Lake Norman

River Highway, 704-663-42421162

It’s the enormous blue structure with Nascars on the roof. You won’t be able to miss it. For forty years, people have been describing the exterior of Big Daddys in this manner. Inside, there’s a terrific 1970s family-restaurant vibe, a large dining space, and a massive raw oyster bar. It’s a fantastic spot for the whole family.

The menu includes 57 items, including fresh seafood of all kinds, steaks and prime rib, a salad bar, spaghetti, and desserts. On any given night, the raw bar is the place to be. Have a seat and order a drink. Soon after, a waiter enters with a bucket of raw oysters. They begin shucking, and you begin eating. It’s no surprise that the large parking lot out front is full every night of the week. Big Daddys is the place to go in Mooresville for a one-of-a-kind eating experience.

Mooresville’s Finest Brew Pub

Ghostface Brewing Company

East Statesville Avenue, 704-799-7433427

My list would be incomplete without at least one brewpub (brewery and eatery). Ghostface Brewery is at the top of my list in Mooresville. It boasts amazing on-site made beer and cider. They rotate their beers based on brew cycles, so I normally order a flight, which allows me to sample four different beers on tap at any one moment.

Davidson Pizza Company is located in the same building as Ghostface Brewery and complements it well. Chuck Klein, a native New Yorker, has succeeded in delivering great-tasting meals made from fresh, high-quality ingredients to Mooresville. The New York-style pizza, as well as the strombolis, calzones, and hero sandwiches, are excellent (meatball is my favorite). The salads are delicious and fresh (you gotta try the Caprese with locally sourced mozzarella). Appetizers (garlic knots are a must), wings, desserts, a kids menu, and daily lunch specials are all available. Mooresville dining at its finest with beer and pizza!

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Which of these Mooresville, NC restaurants do you want to try the most? Please share your thoughts in the comments box below!