Hello, Sailor: Spicy chicken sandwich with fries
April 14. With the weather turning more pleasant by the day, there’s no lack of choices for an outdoor lunch at a Cornelius restaurant. On those pleasant days—and even not-so-pleasant days—eating outside is like a mini-adventure.
We picked nine places with patios and a view, even if the view is just cars in a parking lot. (I mean, there might be a new Lamborghini.)
There are plenty more restaurants, but we also curated our list around diversity and every-day lunch spots, not necessarily where you’d take your No. 1 client.
• Let us know about your own favorites in 50 words or less for the May edition.
Email: corneliustoday@gmail.com
8321 Magnolia Estates Drive, Cornelius. (704) 987-6582.
Al’s Bar and Grill: Classic burger with cheese and a side of cole slaw
Located in Magnolia Plaza, Al’s has a friendly bar atmosphere inside with tables on the patio. Excellent and friendly service. Can’t go wrong with any of the burgers, wings or wraps. Are you a Buffalo Bill’s fan? Then this is the bar for you on game day!
Outdoor seating: Ten tables on the wrap-around patio with mostly a parking lot view.
Food Style: American with variety.
Price range (lunch): $10-$14.
Dish ordered: Classic burger with cheese, no onions and a hefty side of cole slaw, $11. The many burger choices include with an egg, southern style, with hot dogs, mac n’ cheese or served with grilled cheese sandwiches on top and bottom instead of a bun.
20430 W Catawba Ave. Cornelius. (704) 895-6058
A lunch-time staple in Cornelius,
thanks to consistently good Greek-American fare and reasonable prices. Order at the counter and someone will bring it to you, inside or outside. Strike up a conversation with John, the owner. The view is of cars and more cars but you’ll see plenty of local people from elected officials to auto mechanics.
Outdoor seating: A half-dozen tables on the patio/sidewalk
Food style: Greek American
Price range (lunch): $9-$14 (Daily lunch specials are about $1.50 less than usual)
Dish ordered: Flounder plate, $14. Polý nóstimo! The chicken salad is amazing. Take some home for $13 a pound.
17044 Kenton Dr. Cornelius. (704) 997-6058
Ed’s Tavern LKN: French Dip with fries
Ed’s Tavern opened in Kenton Place late last year and offers a traditional pub style menu and Monday through Friday features $10 daily lunch specials with items like Country Fried Chicken and Fish Fillet Platter. Ed’s spacious outdoor patio has TV’s for sports fans and is dog friendly.
Outdoor seating: 100 seat capacity with heaters and covered area
Food style: American Pub
Price range (lunch): $10-$13
Dish ordered: French Dip with fries, $12. Classic take with shaved roast beef and Swiss with au jus to dip.
The Shops at The Fresh Market, 20609 Torrence Chapel Rd., Cornelius. (704) 896-4999.
Sister to the equally popular Fresh Egg restaurant, Fresh Chef opens at 11am for lunch, then dinner. Serves vegan and has a kids menu.
Outdoor seating: Limited, on the sidewalk along the parking lot.
Food Style: American.
Price range (lunch): $11-$17
Dish ordered: Smoked Salmon Salad, $17. Feel like chicken, try the Hawaiian Chicken Salad, $14. Want to go meatless? You won’t regret the Portabello Sandwich, $11.
19930 W Catawba Ave., Cornelius. (704) 892-9641
Harp and Crown: Fish and Chips
Whether you want fish and chips, bangers and mash or a hamburger, this English and Irish pub has an awesome outdoor area encircled by more than a dozen tables, all centered on a circular full service bar. We were impressed by knowledgeable and attentive service as well as the variety of items on the menu. Aye, laddies and lassies forget your diet and try the Shepherd’s Pie ($16.50)
Outdoor seating: 16-ish tables of various sizes
Food style: English/Irish
Price range: $12.50 to $17
Dish ordered: Fish and chips, $17.50. The Harp Lager battered cod was served with slaw and hand-cut fries.
20210 Henderson Rd, Cornelius. (704) 997-5365
Entering Hello, Sailor you’ll pass through a bright spacious interior on your way to one of the few outdoor patios overlooking Lake Norman. Come by boat or by car to this waterfront restaurant and enjoy a craft cocktail at the Tiki Bar or the popular popcorn shrimp basket. Reservations are recommended as the weather warms up.
Outdoor seating: Dual level patio seats appx. 75 in the covered area and 80 in lower level
Food Style: American Pub/Seafood
Price range (lunch): $15-$25. Note that you can also get a 16 oz NY Strip for $65.
Dish ordered: Spicy Chicken Sandwich with fries, $17. The saucy sandwich was a generous size and heat level.
8301-1 Magnolia Estates Dr., Cornelius. (704) 892-4433
Jack’s Corner Tap: Blaze Burger with pub chips
Jack’s is a local hangout in Magnolia Plaza that’s great for watching sports and listening to live music inside or out. The daily menu features a large variety of burgers and sandwiches and on the weekend offers brunch. The patio is parking-lot-adjacent but large enough to not feel you’re dining in traffic.
Outdoor seating: Open and covered area seats 50-60.
Food style: American Pub
Price range (lunch): $12-$17
Dish ordered: Blaze Burger with Pub Chips, $15. This burger has it all. Topped with an over easy egg, bacon, American cheese and a crispy onion ring.
18059 W Catawba Ave, Cornelius. (704) 892-9133
Pho Nam: Pho Tai
A favorite among restaurant chefs in Cornelius. John and his family serve up traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho (noodle soup), com dia (meat and rice), bun (vermicelli bowl) and bahn mi (not listed on the menu but available at lunch). If you never had Vietnamese you’re missing out—start with the pho tai or the pork clay pot.
Outdoor seating: A few tables on the patio/sidewalk
Food Style: Vietnamese
Price range: $8-$16 (Daily lunch specials are about $1.50 less than usual)
Dish ordered: Pho Tai $13. Low-key atmosphere with traditional fare, vegan dishes.
9615 Bailey Rd., Cornelius. (704) 237-3247.
Waterman Fish Bar LKN: Shrimp Po’ Boy with slaw
Plenty of parking. Friendly service. Comfortable bar and booths for watching sports. The house oysters come right from the NC Coast.
Outdoor seating: Can seat 50 at about 8 tables. The wrap-around patio runs along the Bailey Road and Hwy. 21 sides.
Food Style: Seafood.
Price range (lunch): $10-$14.
Dish ordered: Shrimp Po’ Boy, $10. Loaded with shrimp and tasty! The Fisherman’s Pick is another good lunch option. Not in the mood for seafood, try the Hot Chicken or The Sedgefield. Nice variety of sides.
