Concord has grown far beyond its reputation as a racing and shopping destination.
The city’s dining scene now includes chef‑driven Southern kitchens, modern breweries with serious food programs, and cozy neighborhood spots that feel distinctly local.
These five relatively new or newly buzz‑worthy restaurants show why Concord is worth a dedicated food trip.
1. 44 Mills Kitchen + Tap
44 Mills Kitchen + Tap brings a polished but approachable New American concept to Concord.
The interior is modern and airy, with wood accents, an open feel, and a central bar that sets the tone for both casual dinners and more celebratory nights out.
The menu focuses on seasonal, Southern‑influenced comfort food with a contemporary twist.
Think shrimp and grits dressed up with rich sauces, fried chicken with elevated sides, burgers stacked with creative toppings, and mains that spotlight regional meats and produce.
Starters and small plates—like pimento cheese, wings, or shareable flatbreads—make it easy to build a meal for the table.
A rotating tap list and thoughtful cocktail program complete the package, making 44 Mills a go‑to for both food and drinks in one stop.
2. The Speedway Club (Updated Dining Experience)
Located at Charlotte Motor Speedway, The Speedway Club has evolved into more than a novelty with a view—it now offers a modern dining experience that feels like a proper restaurant rather than just a race‑day perk.
The space is sleek and open, with big windows overlooking the track, giving it one of the most unique dining backdrops in the region.
The menu leans classic American with upscale touches: steaks, seafood, pastas, and composed entrees that wouldn’t be out of place in a city‑center restaurant.
Expect refined plating, hearty portions, and nods to Southern flavors in sides and sauces.
It’s especially appealing for special occasions, date nights, or entertaining out‑of‑towners who will appreciate the combination of motorsports history and a legitimate sit‑down meal.
3. Johnny Roger’s BBQ & Burgers
Johnny Roger’s BBQ & Burgers brings a fun, casual, almost retro‑roadside feel to Concord’s food landscape.
The vibe is relaxed and family‑friendly—bright colors, sports on TV, and the kind of place where kids, groups, and solo diners all feel comfortable.
The menu does exactly what the name promises: barbecue and burgers. Expect pulled pork, smoked chicken, ribs, and brisket, plus a lineup of burgers ranging from straightforward classics to more loaded creations.
Sides are firmly in comfort‑food territory—mac and cheese, slaw, fries, baked beans, and onion rings.
It’s not trying to be overly fancy; instead, it focuses on hearty, satisfying plates that hit those Carolina barbecue cravings without requiring a long drive into another city.
4. Cabarrus Brewing Company (Taproom & Kitchen)
Cabarrus Brewing Company has become one of the anchors of Concord’s modern social scene, and its taproom food program has grown right along with its beer lineup.
Housed in a historic textile mill, the space is big, industrial, and lively—long tables, indoor and outdoor seating, and frequent events give it a community‑gathering‑spot feel.
The food leans casual but considered: flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches, loaded fries, nachos, and shareable snacks designed to pair well with a flight of beers.
Expect rotating specials that take advantage of seasonal ingredients or play off current brews, plus the usual crowd‑pleasers that keep regulars happy.
If you’re looking for a place where you can spend an afternoon or evening hanging out, sampling local beer, and still get solid, satisfying food, Cabarrus Brewing delivers.
5. 2 Gals Kitchen
2 Gals Kitchen is a cozy, homey restaurant that feels like a cross between a Southern grandma’s kitchen and a modern cafe. The space is intimate and inviting, with a warm, personal touch in both the decor and the service.
The menu focuses on from‑scratch Southern comfort dishes done with care: meatloaf, chicken pot pie, hearty sandwiches, fresh‑baked breads, and daily specials that change with the seasons and the chefs’ whims. Lunchtime brings a lot of locals in for soups, salads, and handhelds, while evenings lean a bit more into comfort‑food entrees.
Desserts—often pies, cakes, or cobblers—are a big part of the appeal, and everything has that homemade feel that makes you want to come back regularly rather than just for special occasions.
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