Charlotte may be a few hours from the nearest beach, but we still have plenty of options to dine waterfront in our city. From spots on Lake Wylie and Lake Norman to the Catawba River and even some man-made watering holes, we’ve got you covered for your dining on the water all summer long.
Lake Wylie
Drift
315-M Lanyard Ln, Belmont, NC
Drift is a local chophouse situated on the shores of Lake Wylie. Enjoy steak, seafood and dishes made with local ingredients while overlooking the lake. No meal on the water is complete without a drink, so don’t forget to indulge in one of the cocktails, or a beer or wine off the menu.
Papa Doc’s
3990 Charlotte Hwy, Lake Wylie, SC
Boats can dock right up to Papa Doc’s, making it the perfect place to break up a day on the lake. The causal seafood spot has refreshing cocktails, fresh entrees, live music, and even a kids menu for little ones. Eat your meal on the spacious outdoor patio overlooking the lake before hopping back on the boat.
Lake Norman
LakeHouse Wine Bar & Grill
18665 Harborside Dr, Cornelius, NC
LakeHouse is a waterfront dining destination. The menu boasts delicious seafood, steaks, pasta and cocktails, and the location has views that can’t be beat. There are 22 boat docks to provide easy access from the lake, but LakeHouse is open year round so you can dine indoor or outdoors any day you please.
Toucan’s Lakefront
167 Pinnacle Ln, Mooresville, NC
At Toucan’s Lakefront, dishes are crafted with fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy your favorite dishes from a menu including lobster rolls, grouper, oysters, fajitas, and steak. Finish off your meal with something sweet with gazing out onto Lake Norman.
Hello, Sailor
20210 Henderson Rd, Cornelius, NC
For a more upscale waterfront dining experience on Lake Norman head to Hello, Sailor. The bright and sunny restaurant is open all day, so you can grab brunch before heading out for a lake day, or get dressed up for dinner overlooking the water at night.
North Harbor Club
100 N Harbor Pl, Davidson, NC
North Harbor Club offers lake views, delicious food and even some unique decor. You’ll be greeted by a large sailboat upon entering and in the dining room don’t forget to look up, as there is a historic watercraft mounted on the ceiling. The main menu is plentiful, and there’s also options for brunch.
Eddie’s on Lake Norman
643 Williamson Rd, Mooresville, NC
Eddie’s on Lake Norman is serving up Italian and American cuisine with stunning water views. The dinner menu includes burgers, wings, sandwiches, a raw bar, Italian specialty dishes and steak and seafood entrees. For dessert, try Eddie’s famous ice cream crepe.
WaterSide Bar & Grill
7774 Hudson Chapel Rd, Catawba, NC
This casual eatery on Lake Norman has great views of the lake, live music and all your favorite classic pub fare. You can dock your boat directly at the restaurant or walk in and snag a picnic table right on the lake.
Havana 33
637 Williamson Rd Unit 100, Mooresville, NC
Get a taste of Cuban food right on Lake Norman at Havana 33. The menu includes Cuban classics such as Miami Cuban Dip, ropa vieja, vaca frita, mojito chicken, paella and more, plus there’s also classic burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads to munch on while you gaze out onto the lake. Havana 33 offers a dining experience unlike anything else you’ll get on Lake Norman!
Catawba River
The Pump House
575 Herrons Ferry Road, Rock Hill, SC
At The Pump House, you’ll literally be dining on the water as the restaurant is built five stories over the Catawba River. The menu is locally sourced and Southern-inspired featuring cocktails, an extensive wine list, and a chophouse menu. It’s a great place to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a fancy night out.
J.R Cash’s Grill & Bar
1000 Marina Village Dr, Mt Holly, NC
The covered patio at J.R Cash’s is a great place to grab a bite and take in views of the Catawba River. The classic American joint has a menu of salads, oversized sandwiches and larger dishes such as a mouthwatering prime rib. The casual vibe paired with great water views makes for a memorable, low-key dinner.
Man-Made Water
Carolina Harbor Shore Club
14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Believe it or not, you can dine on the water at Carowinds, in the newly opened shore club within Carolina Harbor Waterpark. The adults-only section includes a swim up bar called Paul Metto’s Boathouse Bar, as well as a large pool, lounge chairs, cabanas, and lawn games.
River’s Edge
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC
River’s Edge is the Whitewater Center’s full service restaurant which overlooks the man-made whitewater rapids on grounds. There’s a large selection of food, beer and wine to select from, plus you might even catch someone rafting on the water during your meal.
Author’s Note: This article was written by Alex Maloney. You can find more of her foodie content on Instagram, @slicesandsushi.
