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Nova's Bakery, 1511 Central Ave., 704-333-5566. A great Eastern European bakery. Wonderful cranberry pecan and orange chocolate bread, focaccia, baguettes, country bread, brioche, potato pizzas and more. $
The Penguin, 1921 Commonwealth Ave., 704-375-6959. Reopened in 2001 after being refurbished to the original red, black, and chrome 1950s interior. Menu features burgers, foot long hot dogs, Eastern-style barbecue, veggie burgers, fried pickles and pimento cheese sandwiches. $$
Swing 1000, 1000 Central Ave., 704-334-4443. Familiar dishes in a glamorous neo-1940s/Lounge/Rat Pack setting. Entertainment and dancing with a dose of swank. $$$$
Lake Norman
Brooklyn South Pizzeria & Italian Eatery, 19911-C N. Cove Rd. (Cornelius), 704-948-7728. A typical New York style, family-owned, neighborhood pizzeria where items are served in large shareable portions and kept at a minimal price. $$
Ferrucci's Old Tyme Italian Market, 20910 Torrence Chapel Rd. (Cornelius), Shops on the Green, 704-896-3190. A few tables let you eat some of their homemade lasagna in-house, or take home some eggplant parmesan, or meats, cheeses and cold cuts. They grind their own Italian sausage. $
Greg's Famous B-B-Q, 233 S. Broad St. (Mooresville), 704-664-4848. The menu has everything from barbecue to lasagna, chicken to foot long hot dogs and all at unbelievably low prices. $$
Mickey & Mooch, 9723 Sam Furr Rd. (Huntersville), 704-895-6654. This stylish locally-owned restaurant has an infectious energy. Steaks and chops are served Pittsburgh style. Menu also has many Low Country dishes, pastas, barbecue baby back ribs, chicken, and seafood. $$$$
Royal Siam, 8301 Magnolia Estates Dr. (Cornelius), 704-892-4811. Exceptionally fresh Thai food. Everything made to order in house. $$$
Sekisui, 14211 Reese Rd. (Huntersville), 704-992-1234. Co-owner and chef Yoshi Takusagawa creates stunning Japanese cuisine in this neighborhood spot. A popular place during their "all you can eat sushi" hours. $$$$
Southend Brewery & Smokehouse, 19441 Old Jetton Rd. (Cornelius), 704-895-2739. A Charlotte-based brewpub that serves up their well-known Carolina Blonde and Olmstead Red. $$
Sushi @ The Lake, 19732 One Norman Rd. (Cornelius), 704-987-8080. This West Coast styled Sushi bar offers traditional sushi and grilled items. $$$
Thai Grill, 19741 South Main Street (Cornelius), 704-655-8880. A neighborhood restaurant with fragrant soups and flavorful entrees. $$
The Soda Shop, 104 South Main St. (Davidson), 704-896-7743. The menu is crowded with gems that will convince you how delicious life can be in a small college town: chili, hot dogs, Reubens, tuna melts, chicken salad, club sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, vegetarian selections, phosphates, and classic sundaes. $$
Matthews/ SE Charlotte
Boardwalk Billy's, Crown Point, 1636 Sardis Rd. North, 704-841-8688. This beach-styled place may look like a bar, but offers much more. Their Billy's Steam Party (enough for two) is filled with steamed shrimp, oysters, clams, crab legs, potatoes and corn on the cob. Serves food late. $$
The Fish Farm, 1200 Sam Newell Rd., 704-847-8578. Traditional fish camp food mixed with Southern country, steaks, and ribs. Set in a barn. $$$
Greg's Famous B-B-Q, 10915 Monroe Rd., 704-847-5035. The menu has everything from barbecue to lasagna, chicken to foot long hot dogs and all at unbelievably low prices. $$
Kristopher's Sports Bar & Restaurant, 250 N. Trade St., 704-845-6200. Popular sports bar with New York styled pizza, Buffalo wings, soups and sandwiches. $$
Mi Tierra Latino Grill & Fritanga, 11450 East Independence Blvd., Matthews Plaza, 704-845-0400. The Herrera family owns this gem which features a selection of Nicaraguan, Colombian, Cuban, and a few Mexican dishes. Feast on yuccas, plantains, flavorful grilled dishes and the Latino sauce triad: chimichurri, salsa encurtido, and mojo.
Raucci's on East John Street, 131 E. John St., 704-841-8282. Family owned Italian restaurant serving New York-styled southern Italian cuisine. Pizza at lunch only. This is hearty, but unobtrusive fare. $$$
Taste of Asia, Vietnamese & Chinese Restaurant, 9626 Monroe Rd., 704-846-2515. Fresh, large-portioned, and flavorful Vietnamese, Hunan and Szechuan cuisine prepared in an open kitchen. Eat in or take out. $$
Township Grille, Matthews Festival, 10400 East Independence Boulevard, 704-847-2480. Matthews' version of Buffalo, NY, with great wings, roast beef on kummelweck rolls and a large selection of beers, including Genesee beer and cream ale. $
Yen's, 9010 Monroe Rd., 704-845-9444. Small, family owned Chinese restaurant which prepares many Chinese cuisines and offers solicitous service. $$
Myers Park
Fenwicks, 511 Providence Rd., 704-333-2750. Smaller than some bathrooms, but cozier, and a fun place. The menu runs to standards like steak and pasta, with fresh vegetables daily. $$$
The Meeting House Restaurant, 801 Providence Rd., 704-334-6338. Located in a charming house in the center of Myers Park, this is a meeting place for the neighborhood crowd. Talented chef and owner Chris Zion was trained at Le Cordon Bleu, yet the dishes are American bistro. $$$
