If you’re taking a ride on Charlotte’s streetcar, here are places to dine at each stop
For both public transit nerds and people who just need to get around and find food, Charlotte’s streetcar is a convenient way to traverse the city. The car operates 7 days a week from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. With one of its stops located at the uptown transit center, the CityLynx Gold Line connects nicely to the Light Rail and Charlotte’s bus system.
Opened in August 2021, the streetcar is about 4 miles long and has 17 stops between the West End and Elizabeth. The line is definitely long enough for a rider to get peckish along the way.
As Lana Del Rey once crooned, “I just ride.” If you, too, would like to ride, but would also like a bite to eat at your chosen streetcar stop, here’s our guide. There are restaurants near almost every stop.
Stop: French St.
Situated just past Johnson C. Smith University, this stop is conveniently located to Mama Gee’s, a restaurant (just 400 feet away) serving Ghanaian cuisine. If you wanted to walk a bit further (0.5 miles), check out Original Chicken & Ribs.
Stop: Johnson C. Smith
Near this stop (0.2 miles away) is located Chicken King #2, specializing in, well, chicken. Also nearby are chains Jet’s Pizza (0.2 miles) and Church’s Chicken (0.2 miles).
Stop: Bruns Ave.
There isn’t much in the way of food close to this one. We recommend following the suggestions for the Johnson C. Smith stop.
Stop: Wesley Heights
There’s a Bojangles’ (400 feet away) near this stop. Need more chicken in your life? Trace your steps back up Trade St. for Chicken King #2.
Stop: Irwin Ave.
Located at the gateway of Johnson & Wales University, this stop has a couple options. Try Boba Koala (0.2 miles away) for some tea or dumplings, or Libations Kitchen & Bar (0.1 miles away) for a slightly more upscale dining atmosphere.
Stop: Johnson & Wales University
Whether you want dine-in or take-out, Great Wok (358 feet away) is an option. Or are you ready for a beer after all that studying? Head to Cedar Street Tavern (0.1 miles away).
Stop: Charlotte Gateway Station
From this stop, you can easily walk to the food options accessible from the Johnson & Wales stop and also the Mint St. stop.
Stop: Mint St.
Now that you’re in Uptown proper, there are plenty of options for dining. Some solid spots located close to the stop are Que Onda (144 feet away) for tacos, Haymaker (0.2 miles away) for a boozy brunch and Not Just Coffee (0.3 miles away) for a caffeine break and a light snack.
Stop: Tryon St.
Near this stop, you’ll find many places to eat. Some standouts: Reid’s Fine Foods (about 100 feet away) for artisanal bites, Cowbell (0.1 miles away) for a solid burger and Mert’s Heart and Soul (0.2 miles away) for a taste of an iconic Charlotte establishment.
Stop: CTC/Arena
This stop is at the Charlotte Transportation Center, which offers multiple fast food options. Should you want to branch out a bit from that, some nearby restaurants include RedEye Diner (0.2 miles) and Rooster’s Wood-fired Kitchen (0.2 miles).
Stop: Davidson St.
Dining options dry up a bit on this block, so be prepared to walk a bit more than the other stops require. Walk half a mile for Japanese BBQ at Gyu-Kaku or try the Showmars located inside the Government Center.
Stop: McDowell St.
Not much happening here. We recommend following the Davidson Street stop instructions or getting off at the next stop.
Stop: CPCC
You’re now on the Central Piedmont Community College campus and close to the Midtown area. Trek half a mile for Midtown Tavern, or grab a sushi roll at Pisces (0.5 miles away).
Stop: Elizabeth & Hawthorne
This stop lets riders off on a block full of dining options. Try Customshop (130 feet away) for New American cuisine, Viva Chicken (325 feet away) for Peruvian fare, Elizabeth Creamery (220 feet away) for a scoop of ice cream or Devil’s Logic Brewing (0.2 miles away) for a cold beer.
Stop: Hawthorne & 5th St.
This stop is close enough to the previous one that the same dining options apply.
Stop: 8th St.
At this stop, you can have pizza (Hawthorne’s, 407 feet away), Cajun food (Cajun Queen, 0.2 miles away) or a little wine (Rosemont Market and Wine Bar, 0.4 miles away). Feeling a little fancy? Try The Fig Tree (0.2 miles away).
Stop: Sunnyside Ave.
We’ve reached the end of the line. Luckily for you, the entirety of Plaza Midwood’s dining scene is now within reach. Try The Warmack (0.2 miles away) for sushi or Calle Sol (0.6 miles away) for Latin American fare, and wash it all down with a beer at Common Market (0.6 miles away).
