Ballantyne is a melting pot of dining options. Here are my favorite spots
Where there is food, there is joy. And Ballantyne, though it may be known for its eruption of commercial development through Bissell, or the meaning of its monuments, or its luxurious emerald landscape of a golf course, is a melting pot of dining options.
Trust me, I basically grew up in Ballantyne, a development that was first whispered about in 1991, a year after the birth of yours truly. Observer development writer Doug Smith then referred to the nascent concept of Ballantyne as “one of the most ambitious (developments) ever envisioned for Charlotte-Mecklenburg.”
It could also be one of the most delicious. My top go-to culinary happy places in Ballantyne:
Zapata’s
If no other cuisine existed outside of Mexican food, I would die happy. This spot has seen me through my dark carnivorous days when I craved the chicken tostada with refried beans and rice, and into my light-filled vegetarian lifestyle spotlighting the spinach tostada with guac and extra refried beans.
Not to be overlooked: the patio facing the giant fountain and the top shelf margarita to pair with the view.
Bad Daddy’s
Conveniently located next door to Zapata’s, this restaurant has my favorite black bean burger in all the land. Ask for the Cantina Burger and/or a seasonal ale — the NoDa Gordgeous Pumpkin Ale is on draft here. You’re welcome.
And again, not to be overlooked: the covered patio.
Terrace Cafe
Hello, brunch heaven. This is my family’s go-to for special occasions that require brunch, such as Easter and Mother’s Day. I go after the Berry Split (“banana split with low-fat vanilla yogurt, fresh berries, granola and honey, served with a piece of coffee cake”). And a Bloody Mary — my dad gets the bacon-slice garnish.
Not to be overlooked: The Best Firepit Ever across from the patio. It’s mounted in the middle of this other giant fountain.
Ballantyne Theatre
OK. I’ve never actually tried the food or the drinks (hint: beer and wine) here. But the balcony view is something to savor.
As for my Ballantyne Deliciousness Wish List, which I crafted just now, I have added:
– Gusto!, which promises tapas and sangria.
– Brooklyn Water Bagel Company, which has smooth coffee that I have only been teased with at a nonprofit event. My eye is now on the Maple Brown Sugar Bagel. All made with water replicated as “the natural composition of the water that flows through the Catskill Mountains.”
– The Blue Taj. The menu is begging me to sample the Masala-Chili Cauliflower Florets.
Don’t mind if I do.
Photos: Katie Toussaint
This story was originally published November 16, 2015 at 11:00 PM with the headline "Ballantyne is a melting pot of dining options. Here are my favorite spots."