Hickory Tavern Opens in Huntersville

We made the trip down Sam Furr Road/Hwy 73 the other week to try out the new Hickory Tavern, located in Huntersville next to Birkdale. Since we were there, they have opened outdoor seating but the inside venue is very nice. Just don't be surprised when you walk in because no matter what the name (Tavern?) this is all sports bar. I lost count of the TVs and the menu was not varied enough for my taste.

The food and service were good and I would certainly dine there again. But if you are looking for something a bit more upscale, you will want to drive down the road a bit more. Still, for a sports bar, this is a great place to be.

LKN LOCAL RECOMMENDATION

A Taste of the Caribbean near Lake Norman!

Technically, Anthony's Caribbean Cafe is not in what I would consider the Lake Norman area but he is so close to LKN and the food is so darn good that I have to give Anthony a big recommendation. 

Located in the Cheshire Commons Shopping Center at the corner of West Sugar Creek and Harris Blvd, Anthony's is only a 20 minute drive from Huntersville and Cornelius. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. The decor is a nod towards the Caribbean and there are a few flat screen TVs so you can watch the latest game, so Anthony has figured that just because you want to feel the vibe of the islands doesn't mean you want to remove yourself from civilization. But what really matters is the food and man is it great. It is a great selection of Caribbean favorites (try the goat) but there are a few island versions of traditional American foods. And don't forget to top it all off with a slab (yes, a slab) of their coconut cake, it is fantastic. 

While I am not one to venture too far for a dinner out and while Harris Blvd isn't the ends of the earth, I will be making the drive to Anthony's on a very regular basis. 

THIS IS A LKN LOCAL RECOMMENDATION!

A Toast to and in Huntersville

If you are looking for a good dinning experience, try Toast. This is a great little place in the heart of downtown Huntersville. We've had breakfast and a Valentine's Day dinner there. Both meals were good and the service was good. Aside from the glass of tea spilled on me during Valentine's dinner, things were really good (Note to the owners, good form would have been to offer dry cleaning). 

One thing, this is not a cheap joint, so bring some coin. However, for a special occasion dinner, like Valentine's Day, don't go on the cheap and Toast is a good choice. 

Las Brisas at Lake Norman

Fortunately for my wife, we dine out regularly. Fortunately for me, there is a great Mexican place here in Cornelius and Mexican is my true food guilty pleasure. Las Brisas Mexican Restaurant  is a local establishment with really great food, reasonable prices, and a very friendly staff. Located in the old Mom's at I-77 and Exit 28, this is a place where you will feel like a regular on your first visit. 

They have a full bar, extensive menu, and a great family atmosphere. Small group or big party, this place can handle whatever you throw at them. So, the next time you have a taste for something a little spicy, give Las Brisas a try, you won't be sorry!

This is a LKN Local Recommendation!

Sangam Indian Cuisine at LKN

When you think Lake Norman, you most likely think of casual living, a slower pace, and fewer of the options that living 15 miles down I-77 can offer in Charlotte. However, coming to LKN does not mean giving up your dinning options. Sangam Indian Cuisine at Lake Norman is a great not-so-secret to LKN Locals. 

Located at Shoppes on the Green (Torrence Chapel Road behind Lake Norman Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge) at Exit 28, this is a great place that locals know and love. For the non-local, it is a nice break from the burger and pizza joints that seem to be on every corner. The food is very good and the staff is genuinely interested in making your visit the absolute best. Expect a dinner meal with tip to run about $20 and if you add alcohol and/or appetizers, you can expect a bit more. But you will not be disappointed. 

This is a LKN Local recommendation!