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John's Country Kitchen, 1518 Central Ave., 704-333-9551. A reminder of a culinary tradition we're quickly leaving behind. Brains and eggs, country ham, grits and gravy. Open for lunch too. Cash only. B, L $
Lupie's Cafe, 2718 Monroe Rd., 704-374-1232. This funky, semi-legendary place is home to an eclectic, down-home hip clientele and a kitchen full of some of the best burgers, chili and vegetarian chili in town. L, D $
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. B, L, D $
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. $$
Lake Norman
Brooklyn South Pizzeria & Italian Eatery, 19911-C N. Cove Rd. (Cornelius), 704-948-7728. A typical New York style, family-owned, neighborhood pizzeria where items are served in large shareable portions and kept at a minimal price. $$
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. B, L, D $
Kudzu on South Broad, 259 S. Broad St. (Mooresville), 704-663-1859. Chef-owner Chip Potts filters his culinary training in classical cuisine through his Southern heritage to arrive at a unique combination of tantalizing and mouth-watering dishes. Situated in a quaint Victorian house. L, D $$$
Lupie's Cafe, 101 Old Statesville Rd. (Huntersville), 704-948-3959. This funky, semi-legendary place is home to an eclectic, down-home hip clientele and a kitchen full of some of the best burgers, chili and vegetarian chili in town. L, D $
Mama Mia Too at the Holbrook House, 101 Maxwell Ave. (Huntersville), 704-875-0505. New Yorkers love this place primarily featuring Southern Italian cuisine in a charming house in the center of town. $$$
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. D $$$$
Royal Siam, 8301 Magnolia Estates Dr. (Cornelius), 704-892-4811. Exceptionally fresh Thai food. Everything made to order in house. $$$
Saragoni's Restaurant & Bar, 1459 River Highway (Mooresville), 704-664-6996. A neighborhood restaurant with pasta, pizzas, sandwiches and grill items with a view of Lake Norman. D $$$
Sekisui, 14211 Reese Rd. (Huntersville), 704-992-1234. Co-owner and chef Yoshi Takusagawa creates stunning Japanese cuisine in this neighborhood spot. A popular place during their "all you can eat sushi" hours. $$$$
Southend Brewery & Smokehouse, 19441 Old Jetton Rd. (Cornelius), 704-895-2739. A Charlotte-based brewpub that serves up their well-known Carolina Blonde and Olmstead Red. $$
Sushi @ The Lake, 19732 One Norman Rd. (Cornelius), 704-987-8080. This West Coast styled Sushi bar offers traditional sushi and grilled items. L, D $$$
Thai Grill, 19741 South Main Street (Cornelius), 704-655-8880. A neighborhood restaurant with fragrant soups and flavorful entrees. $$
Thai Marlai, 19700 One Norman Blvd. (Cornelius), 704-892-7191. For 20 years plus, owner Toi Rogers had Thai restaurants in Charlotte before launching this venture at Lake Norman, and she toils to make sure her patrons are happy. The menu features the usual fare, rarely mild, but spectacular specials. $$ L, D
The Soda Shop, 104 South Main St. (Davidson), 704-896-7743. The menu is crowded with gems that will convince you how delicious life can be in a small college town: chili, hot dogs, Reubens, tuna melts, chicken salad, club sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, vegetarian selections, phosphates, and classic sundaes. B, L, D $
Matthews/Southeast Charlotte
Boardwalk Billy's, Crown Point, 1636 Sardis Rd. North, 704-841-8688. This beach-styled place may look like a bar, but offers much more. Their Billy's Steam Party (enough for two) is filled with steamed shrimp, oysters, clams, crab legs, potatoes and corn on the cob. Serves food late. $$
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. $$$
Greg's Famous B-B-Q, 10915 Monroe Rd., 704-847-5035. The menu has everything from barbecue to lasagna, chicken to foot long hot dogs and all at unbelievably low prices. $$
