Guide to Dining in Lincolnton, NC (Local Favorites Only)

No chains. No food trucks. Just locally owned restaurants.

Looking for the best places to eat in Lincolnton, NC?

We’ve put together a complete guide to locally owned restaurants across town—no chains, just real local favorites. From BBQ and burgers to Mexican, seafood, Southern cooking, and hidden gems, this is your go-to resource for dining in Lincolnton.
Know a spot we should add? Let us know—we’re building this guide with the community.

Fine Dining / Upscale Casual

• Carolina Steak & Rib
1430 E. Main Street, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 240-8856
Classic Southern steakhouse serving hand-cut steaks, slow-smoked ribs, and hearty comfort sides in a relaxed, down-home atmosphere perfect for family dinners and casual nights out.

Court Street Grille
119 W Court Sq, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 732-3242
Upscale American dining with steaks, seafood, cocktails, and a refined downtown experience.

• Local Roots & Provisions
110 E Water St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704)240-9126
Farm-to-table inspired cuisine with seasonal ingredients and elevated casual atmosphere.

Southern Cooking / Comfort Food

• BBQ King
2613 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 735-1112
Drive-in staple with burgers, BBQ, and classic Southern sides.

• Chuckwagon Grill
3051 E NC-27, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 732-4777
Country-style diner serving Southern plates, BBQ, and hearty comfort food.

• City Lunch
113 Court Square SE, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 47203994
Old-school diner known for burgers, chili dogs, and simple Southern comfort fare.

• Lincoln Cafe
986 Reepsville Rd, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 735-4001
Classic Southern kitchen with breakfast, meat-and-three plates, and daily specials.

• Randall’s Grill
1124 S Aspen St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 240-4363
Local grill serving Southern comfort food, burgers, and casual favorites.

• The Home Place
1700 W. Hwy 27, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 732-4371
Local favorite for traditional Southern cooking and homestyle meals.

• Vittles
331 E. Main Street, Lincolnton, NC (confirm address)
(704) 240-4881
Local Southern-style eatery serving homestyle meals and daily specials.

BBQ

• BBQ King
2613 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 735-1112
Traditional North Carolina BBQ with pulled pork, ribs, and classic sides.

• Zhay’s Bar & Grill
144 Vandiver Dr, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 240-3833
Local BBQ spot offering smoked meats, wings, and a laid-back bar and grill atmosphere.

Seafood / Fish Camp

• Capt’n Pete’s Seafood
1855 N Aspen St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 240-8006
Local seafood spot serving fried fish, shrimp, and classic fish camp favorites.

• Cotton’s Seafood of Lincolnton
1942 Gastonia Hwy, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 240-3939
Local favorite for seafood platters, fried fish, and Southern-style sides.

• Lincoln Seafood
2121 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 735-0111 
Longtime seafood staple offering generous portions and classic fish camp fare.

Burgers / Local Classics

• Aspen Grill & Burgers
2511 Aspen St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 735-8800
Local favorite serving classic burgers and comfort food.

• BBQ King
2613 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 735-1112
Hand-patted burgers, fries, shakes, and nostalgic drive-in experience.

• City Lunch
113 Court Square SE, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 472-3994
Classic burgers, chili dogs, and quick local eats.

• Chuckwagon Grill
3051 E NC-27, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 732-4777
Hearty burgers alongside BBQ and Southern comfort dishes.

• The Home Place
1700 Hwy 27, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 732-4371
Known locally for strong burger offerings.

Pizza / Italian

• Brookwood Cafe & Pizzeria
220 Stanford Rd, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 732-1928

• GoodWood Pizzeria
209 N Aspen St., Lincolnton, NC (confirm address)
(704) 240-4897

• House of Pizza
1108 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 735-3000

Mexican / Latin (Locally Owned)

• El Paso Mexican Restaurant
1700 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 735-5050

• Johnny’s Mexican American Bar & Grill
Lincolnton, NC (confirm address)
(704) 240-4949

• Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant
1432 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 736-8008

• Monterrey Mexican Restaurant
2450 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 736-4445

• Taco & Tequila Mexican Restaurant
111 Vandiver Dr, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 735-0357

• Taco King
633 Riverside Dr, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(828) 514-1489

Chinese Cuisine

• China 1
1411 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 735-1181

• China King
2615 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 735-9988

• Panda Chinese Restaurant
104 Stanford Rd, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 748-1800

Japanese / Sushi

• Sakura Japanese Restaurant
2314 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 736-9990

Sandwiches / Deli

• Mom’s Sub Shop
Lincolnton, NC (confirm address)
(704) 735-1840

Breakfast / Coffee / Bakery

• Lincoln Cafe
212 Stanford Rd, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 732-1111

• Lincoln Perk Coffee Shop
104 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 240-4393

• Sweet Side Bakery & Cafe
230 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 240-9755

• The Wooden Spoon (confirm relationship with Sweet Side)
230 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 240-3131

Desserts / Sweet Treats

• Marilyn’s Sweet Addiction (confirm spelling/address)
106 Westview Dr, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(980) 429-2551

• Morgan’s Ice Cream Parlor & More
Lincolnton, NC (confirm address)
(704) 748-2599

• Sweet Side Bakery & Cafe
230 E Main St, Lincolnton, NC 28092
(704) 240-9755

• Sweet Retreat (verify status)
Lincolnton, NC

Hidden Gems (Local Picks)

• City Lunch
• Taco King
• Chuckwagon Grill
• Marilyn’s Sweet Addiction