Let’s Go Out and Eat in Rowan County, North Carolina
If any of you have a hard time trying to decide where to go eat sometimes… welcome to my world. “Where do you want to go”? “I don’t care where do you want to go”? On and on it goes… I just had Mexican, or I’m not in the mood for seafood… the struggle can be real for sure! It got me thinking about checking out some local favorites in Rowan County. So where do you go to find out where people like to eat? Social media of course. I have highlighted a few of what people across our county found to be tasty and worth a visit.
The Getaway Bar and Grill
Located at 5245 Richfield Road, Richfield, North Carolina sitting just on the county line. Close enough for residents at High Rock Lake and not a bad drive out for Rowan residents. The Getaway was previously known as Happy Days with mainly pool tables and snacks. The new owners, Dave and Amy Mecham, reopened The Getaway in May of 2021. You know as soon as you drive up that they are a patriotic family. The buildings are red, white, and blue. The interior also shows a love of our country from the walls to the curtains. However, let’s get to the nitty gritty of The Getaway… their food. We ordered pizza and it was fantastic! They are cooked in their pizza oven to order! If you have a hungry crowd with you consider ordering the “Big Ass Pizza” that is 30 inches of deliciousness or maybe a “Big Ass Burger”. They have hand-cut steaks and live music on weekends. I give them a 10/10. Family friendly as well and in the summer, you can enjoy live music outside.
Queso Salsa
Newly opened in the Fall of 2022 is Queso Salsa located at 320 Salisbury Avenue, Spencer, North Carolina. This Mexican restaurant has been a welcomed addition to an ever-growing Town of Spencer. They serve delicious food and have great beverages as well. They have inside and outside seating and comely highly recommended from all around including myself and Vivian Koontz. This family-owned business also has locations in Rockwell, Oakboro, and Locust. Great for lunch or dinner.
Pinnochios
A very authentic Italian restaurant also located in Spencer, North Carolina at 518 South Salisbury Ave., offers you a great Italian home feeling as soon as you walk in the doors. This restaurant has been open in the community for a long time. They offer weekly specials and highly recommend if you want seating you need to call ahead for a reservation because they fill up quickly for a good reason. The food is delicious. According to Beth Dixon, “you can’t beat Pinnochios”!
Hap’s Grill
If you know you know right? Hap’s Grill located at 116 North Main Street, Salisbury has been filling the bellies of folks near and far for many years. The hand-made burgers and the great hot dogs have pleased many, which you can see as you walk up and get in the long line to order your food. Also let’s not forget their great chili. Don’t let the line discourage you as I am told they wait on about 4 customers a minute! Christian Foster, who now lives in Arkansas, said “I miss it so much”. Come back home and grab you some Christian!
Ivans
A great place to celebrate just about anything or if you just want a great steak is Ivans. Located at 2024 Old Mocksville Road, Salisbury, North Carolina you will find some great dining and Joe behind the bar mixing up one of my favs, a lemon martini like no other I have ever had. You can expect top notch service and food as you dine. You will be glad you planned a visit for some excellent eating! People come from near and far… even a girl I went to high school with from Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Janet Pittman Kea, recommended Ivans to me on social media! That’s how good it is!
Stag & Doe
Another if you know you know favs is Stag & Doe, located at 1770 US-29 South, China Grove, North Carolina. The Stag & Doe has been around for a very long time and during the pandemic many of us that love this establishment were worried they would never open again. However, they did, and it was a happy day for the patrons. They started back slow by just taking orders at the window (yes you can walk up to the window and order a to go meal) and then they opened back up for dinner Wednesday-Saturday. Known for their steaks and pizzas, you can also find nightly specials including a whole fried flounder. Nightly specials go quickly so be sure you get there early if that is what you are craving.
Kaye Hirst recommended Stag & Doe and she also recommended Gary’s Barbecue. Yet another great tradition in South Rowan located at 620 Highway 29 North, China Grove. Gary’s is open for lunch and dinner and has a great-tasting barbecue that will have you wanting to take some home with you. They have been open since April 21, 1971, and there is a good reason. Great food and great service.
Chophouse 101
Kannapolis has a great downtown area that offers a variety of foods and beverages. Sarah Hunter Icard recommended Chophouse 101 to me, and it is located at 101 West Avenue, Kannapolis, North Carolina. A great date night or girl’s night out location to enjoy food and libations. They are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. I have eaten there, and they stay busy. You may want to consider reservations for dining at night.
Sabor Latin Street Grill
Another great place to eat is Sabor Latin Street Grill located at 203 West Avenue, Kannapolis, North Carolina. This restaurant has a great selection of Latin foods that will make you smile. Carne Asada Fries, and Empanadas are just a few of many selections. This casual dining location will be on your “I’ll be back again” list! Thanks, Stephanie Frantz, for your recommendation.
Pull up a Chair
As you can tell from just a few of the many recommendations I received we are heavily blessed here in Rowan County with a large variety of foods to eat. Whatever place you finally decide to visit you will be happy and just know next time you can visit another one of the great places mentioned above. So, pull up a chair and start eating!
Listed below are links for the above-mentioned restaurants if they have one! Thanks to everyone for telling me your favorites!! I got so many I could do another blog just on eating here in Rowan!!
