A shot of Lake Norman, North Carolina after the sun set at the shore along the marina near Charlotte.

I grew up on the water so eating outside, always meant we were waterfront dining. There is just something so comforting about being able to watch the waves while dining. I almost feel like it makes the food taste better too.

Once I moved, I was a little bummed to find the ocean was so far away. Since I have always been a fan of enjoying my meal shoreside, I needed to find a place to satisfy my seaside craving. Sadly, there aren’t any ocean views near Charlotte, North Carolina. However, we have lots of lakes and ponds to get that water fix.

If you are like me and find eating by the water more enjoyable than being stuck indoors, this list is a must to check out. I have made it my goal this year to visit each one.

  • Papa Doc's Shore Club

    The Papa Doc’s Shore Club can be found at 3990 Charlotte Hwy Lake Wylie, SC 29710.
    The waterfront overlooks the stunning Lake Wylie and is a perfect location to dock and dine. There is something for everyone at Papa Doc’s, from tiki cocktails to live music on the water. The menu includes mouthwatering dishes such as the Big Papa 3 lb steamed seafood tower, char-grilled oysters, a Lakehouse burger, a Shore Club sandwich, Flounder Filet, and more. Visit the website for more information. I can’t wait to try this one out this Summer.

  • Hello, Sailor

    This restaurant is my favorite. This hotel has a vibe of a 1960s motion picture, and the view of Lake Norman is beautiful. A tasty cocktail and some tasty seafood awaited me here last year in July. The address is 20210 Henderson Rd Cornelius, NC 28031. Visit their website for more information here.

  • Drift

    Drift is located at 315-M Lanyard Ln. Belmont, NC. They are open Monday – Thursday from 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Enjoy a great day or night lakeside at Drift on Lake Wylie and enjoy a great view while eating great food. This fine-dining restaurant offers dinner, dessert, and libations for all of its guests. The restaurant opened officially on May 9, 2022, with limited reservations during the first week. This is your chance to enjoy such foods including shrimp cocktail, lobster crab cakes, scallops, salmon, creme brûlée, and more. I’ve yet to go here but I’m excited to try it this year.

  • Boardwalk Billy's Raw Bar and Ribs

    Boardwalk Billy’s Raw Bar and Ribs has been a favorite of mine since college. When I was in college, I would go there almost every day. There is a nice little view of the pond and ducks, even though it is not a large waterfront. They serve bar food, Fresh seafood, award-winning barbecue, and class-A southern hospitality. It is located at the Shoppes at University Place 9005 J M Keynes Dr #2, Charlotte, NC 28262. It is open seven days a week from 11 am-11 pm. They also have an additional location on Sardis Road North. You can see more on their menu here.

  • River’s Edge

    It might be the waterside view of an artificial river, but it still counts. At the U.S. Whitewater Center, you can eat at the River’s Edge. This restaurant is a full-service dining experience with a wide selection of food, beer, and wine. You can eat inside or on the patio overlooking the man-made whitewater river. The hours of operation vary, so be sure to check their website here.

  • Edgewater Bar & Grille

    Located inside the Hilton in University City, you can eat at the Edgewater Bar & Grille. There’s a nice little view of the water, and they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are so many options on their menu to please everyone’s taste buds. Their menu features Farm-to-Table southern cuisine. It’s a great place for family dinners, after-work gatherings, drinks, and shared plates with friends. Visit their website for more information here.

    Need a bite to eat? Enjoy a unique dining experience morning, noon and night at our on-site Lakefront Restaurant!

    Posted by Edgewater Bar & Grille on Friday, January 31, 2020
  • North Harbor Club Restaurant and Bar

    Located at 100-D North Harbor Place Davidson, NC 28036 is the North Harbor Club Restaurant and Bar. The North Harbor Club offers waterfront dining at its finest! North Harbor Club offers fine dining using fresh ingredients and the perfect touch of our Executive Chef for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Click here to see more on their hours and dining menu.

    Come try our new cocktails!!! This is our Razztini!

    Posted by North Harbor Club, Davidson NC on Saturday, March 5, 2022
  • The Pump House

    This is a short drive away from Charlotte. Located at 575 Herrons Ferry Rd Rock Hill, SC 29730 is The Pump House. This waterfront dining is such a cool experience. Locally sourced food that is inspired by the south is served at the restaurant. While you eat and drink, you can an amazingly-beautiful setting on the Catawba River. This celebrates our rich history and our exciting future. You can see more on their menu here.

  • Eddie's on Lake Norman

    Ann-Margaret Wagner brings her hospitality and restaurant expertise to Lake Norman from New York. The view and food are both great at this restaurant. The address is 643 Williamson Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117. Although I haven’t been yet, I heard they offer a wide selection of seafood, raw bar, and Italian and American burgers. You can see more on Eddie’s menu here.

  • Port City Club

    Located at 18665 Harborside Drive Cornelius, NC 28031 is the Port City Club. The Port City Club is a 13,500-square-foot waterfront restaurant located on beautiful Lake Norman. Fun fact, did you know Lake Norman is the largest man-made lake, known as the “Inland Sea.” At the restaurant, they use fresh ingredients to make tasty food for you. They even serve fresh line-caught Charleston seafood. Everything is made from scratch including pasta and bread. You can click here to see more about their hours and menu. I have never been but now it is on my list.

  • The Blue Parrot

    This is a favorite spot of mine. Where I grew up we had tons of tiki bars so I am a sucker for them. Located at 169 Pinnacle Lane Mooresville, NC. Blue Parrot Grill is a Patio Tiki Bar & Grill on Lake Norman. They have a large outside patio with an outdoor Tiki Bar. Their drinks are great. They also offer live entertainment Thursday thru Sunday. The menu is your classic tiki bar eats with fish, shrimp, burgers, sandwiches, salads, pasta, ribs, and more. You can see more on The Blue Parrot hours and menu here.

  • J.R. Cash

    J.R. Cash is a fresh, scratch-made, classic American grill. This restaurant actually had five different locations. The location that is closest to us is 1000 Marina Village Dr. Mount Holly, NC 28120. I have yet to visit this restaurant but it is now on my must-visit list. You can see more on their menu here.

    Try out our patio the next time you join us!

    Posted by J.R. Cash's Grill and Bar NC Mount Holly-Lake Wylie on Wednesday, May 4, 2022

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