17 of the best places to eat and drink before a Carolina Panthers game
Sure, there’s nothing wrong with a good tailgate. However, there are also a number of establishments where you can eat, drink and be merry within walking distance of Bank of America Stadium.
To help narrow down your choices, here are seventeen places that you can visit prior to kickoff. If we failed to mention your favorite eatery, let us know in the comments below.
BRUNCH
204 North Kitchen & Cocktails
204 N. Tryon St.
Think of this place as your “home away from home.” I often come here when I want a home-cooked meal, but I don’t feel like cooking. This cozy, stylish saloon serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and offers Panthers themed food and drink items on game day. Make sure to grab a craft cocktail with your meal, because they taste just as good as they look.
Famous Toastery Uptown
330 S. Tryon St.
When you’re looking for something familiar and comfortable, look no further than this traditional breakfast joint. Since they open bright and early at 7am on both Saturday and Sunday, you can arrive in Uptown early and sightsee after a leisurely breakfast.
La Belle Helene
300 S. Tryon St.
If you’re looking for delicious French fare in a glamorous setting, this is your spot. Brunch is served on Sunday only from 10:00am-3:00pm and I highly recommend the Avocado Toast, Onion Soup and Golden Mary.
Loft & Cellar
305 West 4th St.
Enjoy a three-course brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 3pm for $25 per person. Hungry fans can look forward to an eclectic menu that includes crab beignets, short rib hash and cornmeal pound cake (just to name a few).
Mimosa Grill
327 S. Tryon St.
If you’re looking for a brunch buffet, head here. Mimosa Grill serves up Southern classics with a modern twist. Patrons can expect an all-you-can-eat spread including iron skillet eggs, prime rib, smoked salmon with capers, a salad bar and various desserts. Brunch is served both Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. It serves the regular menu as well, and I suggest getting one of the decadent burgers or sandwiches.
Ri Ra Irish Pub
208 N. Tryon St.
This dual-level eatery serves brunch every Sunday starting at 10 a.m. with live jazz music. If you’re looking to sit down to some authentic Irish pub prior to the game, this place has got you covered. It even has a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. To read more about their brunch menu, check out my brunch visit here.
Stoke
100 W. Trade St.
Located inside the elegantly designed Marriott City Center hotel is a restaurant that sources its ingredients from local farmers, shakes up some adventurous cocktails and houses 24 rotating craft brews on tap. Traditional brunch fare is served all week until 4pm. I highly recommend the Avocado Toast and Garbage Fries.
BARS
The Belfast Mill
144 Brevard Ct.
Tucked away behind historic Latta Arcade is an authentic Irish pub with no frills or fancy décor. The reason you come here is for their vast supply of whiskey, cold beer and dart boards for entertainment. They don’t serve any food here, but there is a large selection of quick bites within a 30-second walking distance.
Courtyard Hooligans
140 Brevard Ct.
Located next door to the Belfast Mill is another bar that’s great for watching the game if you’re not headed to the stadium. It has 24 beers on tap and the bartenders are extremely friendly. It’s a hole-in-the-wall sort of place with several TV’s, so don’t expect something fancy. It’s small and cozy with an ambiance that is unapologetically geared towards soccer, but it’ll play the Panthers game as well.
Draught
601 S. Cedar St.
Located in the backyard of Bank of America Stadium, Draught is a convenient place for a pregame drink. It has drink specials and giveaways on Panthers game days along with 40 beers on tap.
Duckworth’s Grill & Taphouse
330 N. Tryon St.
This restaurant is overflowing with televisions and has more than 100 beers on tap, so it’s a great spot to watch the game if you don’t have a ticket. It will often have specials on game day and offers an extensive menu that will appeal to just about everyone.
Fitzgerald’s
201 E 5th St.
A no-frills Irish pub with 37 TVs, game sound for select games, daily drink specials and American-Irish fare. Whether you’re in the mood for buffalo wings, shepherds pie, or a classic reuben, this eatery has got you covered.
GRAB & GO
Avenue Market
210 N. Church St.
There’s a small counter inside this mini market that offers a tasty menu of traditional Korean fare. The Bulgogi sub is my go-to item, but make sure to bring your appetite because it delivers some gigantic flavors smothered in mayo and melted cheese. Insider tip: I like to add jalapeños and kimchi into the mix.
B.Good
400 S. Tryon St.
This fast-casual joint is family friendly and serves meals made in collaboration with local farmers and ingredients (they list the farms right there on the wall). I recommend the West Side Burger with sweet potato fries. If you would rather dine-in, they have tables where you can eat inside are open from 11am – 8pm on Sunday.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
320 S. Tryon St.
When you’re in the mood for a toasted sandwich, Potbelly’s has a collection of tasty options to choose from with a number of inventive concoctions.
[Related: Here’s what to order from Potbelly’s secret menu.]
Queen City Beer and Chili
135 Brevard Court
This is a laid-back spot that serves hearty burgers, beer by the pint (or growler — hello tailgate party!), and some great chili (the white chicken chili is my favorite). You are more than welcome to eat here, but I also like to order it to-go and eat across the street at Romere Bearden Park.
Rhino Market
420 Church St.
There’s a small section of tables to dine-in, however, those fill up fast. The line to order your sandwich may sometimes look long but I promise it goes by fast. They are open from 9am – 9pm on Sunday and I highly recommend the Raw Rhino, Hot Roast Beef and Reuben sandwiches.
Photos: Jessica Bentley
This story was originally published December 7, 2018 at 12:01 AM with the headline "17 of the best places to eat and drink before a Carolina Panthers game."