Eat and run: 14 restaurants within a short walk of Charlotte-area greenways
As the days get longer and the weather turns warmer, it’s the perfect time to go outside and explore Charlotte’s greenways. With more than 74 miles of trails zigzagging their way around the city, you may already have a favorite close to where you live, work or play.
If you’re like me and find that fresh air and exercise pair well with something to nosh, you’re in luck. With a little bit of planning, you can walk, bike or rollerblade your way to some great local dining options.
Here are five trail segments to try and some of the good eats you’ll find five minutes or less from the path. (A few options are about a 10-minute walk, and that’s noted in the description.) And for more, you can check out this guide to other things to do along the trails.
WEST CHARLOTTE
Stewart Creek Greenway
Entrance: Intersection of Woodruff Place and Freedom Drive
Vibe: It’s a tranquil setting with a stream on one side, trees and houses on the other. You’re steps from Freedom Drive, but you don’t hear the traffic.
GOOD EATS NEARBY:
- Pinky’s Westside Grill
Location: 1600 W. Morehead St., Charlotte NC 28208
How to get there: By foot, cross at the traffic light at the intersection of Freedom Drive and West Morehead Street.
Located in a former garage and featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Pinky’s Westside Grill has an eclectic low-key vibe with a varied menu including burgers, salads, fried pickles and banana pudding. Plus, there’s beer on tap.
- Rhino Market & Deli
Location: 1500 West Morehead Street, Suite E, Charlotte, NC 28208
How to get there: By foot, walk on Freedom Drive sidewalk toward West Morehead Street.
Gourmet sandwiches and salads meet upscale convenience store in this cute shop. Whether you go for the “Hot Roast Beef” or the “Chaud Legumes” (with grilled portobello, zucchini and arugula), Rhino Market & Deli’s sandwiches hit the spot.
MIDTOWN CHARLOTTE
Little Sugar Creek Greenway
Entrance: Behind Wendy’s, near the intersection of Charlottetown Avenue and Metropolitan Avenue
Vibe: Heading south, it’s a long narrow park that ultimately brings you down by the creek, past Atrium Health and toward Freedom Park. There are several construction projects nearby, including one to widen the greenway, so once you reach the intersection of East Morehead and South Kings Drive, there’s a detour to get to East Boulevard.
Heading north toward Central Piedmont Community College, you’re on part of the Urban Section of the Greenway, crossing through underpasses in a little secret oasis from the traffic up above. You’re only about a six-minute walk to the intersection of Elizabeth Avenue and North Kings Drive. Another nine minutes and you’ve got a wide selection of local eats. It’s a pleasant walk up Elizabeth Boulevard, but beware it’s uphill if you’re going with kids or anyone with mobility challenges.
GOOD EATS HEADING SOUTH:
- Joan’s Bakery
Location: Greenway side (back) of building, 1100 Metropolitan Ave #190, Charlotte, NC 28204
How to get there: By foot, head south for about three minutes. Joan’s is located on the side facing the greenway.
At Joan’s Bakery, you can grab a slice of Joan’s cheesecake or order a whole one. This takeout bakery will take care of your sweet tooth with the late Joan Dressler’s gourmet recipes. Note: the deli items have recently been discontinued. - Pisces Sushi Bar & Lounge
Location: 1100 East Metropolitan Avenue Suite 120, Charlotte, NC 28204
How to get there: By foot, head south for about three minutes. Pisces is located across from Trader Joe’s.
There are all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner options, and daily lunch specials for sushi fans at Pices Sushi Bar & Lounge. The restaurant also offers a full bar with cocktails and mocktails, as well as a wide variety of sakes.
GOOD EATS HEADING NORTH:
- Elizabeth Creamery
Location: 1535 Elizabeth Ave #100, Charlotte, NC 28204
How to get there: It’s a little tucked away: Turn left at the intersection of Travis Avenue.
Elizabeth Creamery offers a great variety of homemade ice cream flavors. Ginger and Cake Batter are two of the most popular options at this tiny shop. - Big Ben British Pub & Restaurant
Location: 1535 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
This spot for soccer fans offers lots of pub fare to eat and drink. At Big Ben British Pub & Restaurant, try the Haddock & Chips, Bangers & Mash, burgers and more. A brunch menu is also available. - The People’s Market
Location: 1609 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
Food options at The People’s Market span from breakfast bowls to pizza and burgers, including a variety of vegan dishes. And you can find beverages aplenty from coffee and kombucha to beer and smoothies.
BELMONT - EAST CHARLOTTE
Little Sugar Creek Greenway 7th to 12th Street Connector
Entrance: There are several around here, including at East 10th Street and Seigle Avenue.
Vibe: The trail here is alongside I-277, so there’s a steady, white noise whoosh of traffic.
- The Wafflery
Location: 1020 East 10th Street, Suite 3, Charlotte, NC 28204
How to get there: By foot, you’re about two minutes away from The Wafflery when you’re at the Seigle Avenue entrance.
Recently reopened after building issues closed this 2024 newcomer for five months, The Wafflery — a cute upstairs eatery — serves up sweet and savory waffles, biscuits and grits.
SOUTH-CENTRAL CHARLOTTE
Little Sugar Creek Greenway
Entrance: Behind Park Road Shopping Center at the intersection of Brandywine Road and Westfield Road
Vibe: The trail now goes in both directions here. Heading north takes you through quaint residential areas toward Freedom Park. Heading on the newer south portion toward Park Road Park has beautiful views and bridges that make you feel like you’re far from the city.
- Amelie’s
Location: 524 Brandywine Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209
How to get there: By foot, you’re about five minutes from the trail entrance on Brandywine Road.
Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, coffee or gourmet desserts (try the Salted Caramel Brownie!), you can’t go wrong at Amelie’s. There’s plenty of seating indoors and on the patio.
- Suárez Bakery
Location: 4245 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209
How to get there: By foot, cut through the Blackhawk Hardware Garden Center to the front of Park Road Shopping Center. It’s about eight minutes from the trail entrance on Brandywine Road.
You’ll find beautiful sugar cookies, tasty cakes, donuts and more at this OG bakery counter. Authentic Cuban Bread is available on Saturdays at Suárez Bakery after 1 p.m.
- Mug’s Coffee
Location: 5126 Park Road #1d, Charlotte, NC 28209
How to get there: By foot, cross Park Road near Selwyn Avenue to the Park Selwyn Terrace Shopping Center, about five minutes from the greenway trail.
You can find artisan coffee, pastries, snacks and light sandwiches at this neighborhood cafe.
MATTHEWS
Matthews Heritage Trail: Historic Crestdale
Entrance: Right behind Matthews Town Hall and Library
Vibe: Enjoy a country road feel as you follow the train tracks and then turn onto residential streets of one of the oldest African American communities in North Carolina. There’s fascinating local history to discover via easy-to-read panels along the route. The trail connects at John Street to the more picturesque Four Mile Creek Greenway.
- Thai Taste Matthews
Location: 131 Matthews Station Street #1F, Matthews, NC 28105
How to get there: By foot, it’s about three minutes from the trail entrance.
Thai Taste Matthews is a popular spot for Asian cuisine fans. Satisfying daily lunch specials include a choice of soup, ice tea, a spring roll and a choice of main dishes like Pad Thai, curries and more.
- Royal Cafe & Creperie
Location: 131 Matthews Station St, Matthews, NC 28105
How to get there: By foot, it’s about three minutes from the trail entrance.
Find delicious made-to-order crepes with extensive sweet and savory options at Royal Cafe & Creperie, started by an immigrant mother-daughter duo. You can also grab gourmet espresso drinks, loose tea and cold beverages like smoothies, frappes and affogato (espresso over ice cream).
This story was originally published March 24, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
