The Agenda guide to eating, drinking and shopping in Pineville-Matthews

There’s a range of houses on the market, from luxury to downright affordable. You’re still close enough that you can commute into Uptown comfortably. Children can play on cul-de-sacs and you get to know your neighbors.

And if you look hard enough, there are plenty of top-notch places to eat and drink.

Here’s your guide to the best places to go in and around Pineville-Matthews Road in south Charlotte, which, as you probably guessed, stretches between Mecklenburg County’s two southern towns.

Eat

D.D. Peckers. A classic dive bar that does a brisk take-out business. Their wings are good, but the fried pickle spears are the best in the city. 10403 Park Road.

Amelie’s. The NoDa staple has a south Charlotte location right on Pineville-Matthews Road, and it closely captures the ambiance of the original. The best place for breakfast or dessert on this side of the city. 7715 Pineville-Matthews Road

Riccio’s. This place is always on the short list of Charlotte’s best pizza. You can eat there, but their take-out game is where it’s at. 9213 Baybrook Lane

Great Wall of China South. You’ll never find it unless you’re looking for it, tucked away on the far side of a shopping center. But it’s the best Chinese food I’ve found in the area. The patio is always packed. 6666 Carmel Road

Chaupaati. Casual Indian street food from Mumbai. Entrees range from $10 to $12. 9101 Pineville-Matthews Road.

Viet-Thai Noodle House. Their Pad Thai holds its own against the best in the city. 8314 Pineville-Matthews Road.

New South Kitchen & Bar. This spot is tucked into the Arboretum. Classic cocktails and Southern food. 8140 Providence Road.

Drink/Party

The Lodge. If you’re part of the divorced dating scene, this is the place you want to be. Great beer specials. 7725 Colony Road.

Vintner Wine Market. Another Arboretum classic. Beer and wine by the glass, plus bottles to take home. 8128 Providence Road.

Kit’s Trackside Crafts. Technically in Pineville where N.C. 51 becomes Main Street. Cozy vibe. Options to buy half-pints so you can try more stuff. 330 Main Street

Pintville. Right across the street from Kit’s, so you can have yourself a Pineville bar crawl. Nice small patio area and tons of room to spread out. 329 Main Street

Shop

This part of town has everything you’d need in terms of big boxes — after all, Carolina Place Mall and the Arboretum are here. Here are a few local shops worth checking out.

Gratefully, Danielle. Neat little boutique run by a mother-daughter duo in the Piper Glen Shopping Center. Bags, lamps, hand-crafted items. 6414 Rea Road

Consignments on Park. High-end home furnishings and home decor. 10701 Park Road

Blacklion. If you’ve been missing the one in Dilworth, you can trek down here. The line is out the door when Santa comes in the winter. 10635 Park Road

The Book Rack. Top-notch used bookstore. Start with the bargain books on the racks outside and then work your way in. 10110 Johnston Road

Events

Matthews Food Truck Fridays. Held on the second and fourth Friday nights from March to September in Stumptown Park. Live music and vendors as well as food. 130 South Trade Street

Downtown Pineville Farmers Market. Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon starting May 20 and lasting through the summer. 100 Dover Street