30+ things to eat, drink and do in Cornelius, including pontoon rentals and waterfront dining
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The town of Cornelius, situated along the shores of Lake Norman just under 30 minutes from Uptown, is known for its luxury mansions and waterfront dining.
Why it matters: The lakefront suburb is packed with local gems worthy of your time. Plus, it's a quick drive to the attractions in neighboring suburbs Davidson and Huntersville.
We've rounded up over 30 ways to eat, drink and explore all Cornelius has to offer.
Caffeinate
There's so much happening in Cornelius, you'll really want to load up on the caffeine first — good thing there's no shortage of local coffee shops to visit.
The Coffeeshop: A family-owned shop that also serves cocktails and light bites in the former Thigs Cocktail Bar space.
- Stop by: Old Town Cornelius at 21234 Catawba Ave.
Kunu Coffee Co.: A Lake Norman coffee chain offering artisanal coffee and tea lattes.
- Stop by: 18644 W Catawba Ave.
Willow Wood Coffee: This locally owned shop custom roasts its coffee and offers house-made eats like a breakfast tortilla bowl and a brie fig toast.
Stop by: 19801 S Main St.
Eat
Cornelius has a dining destination for every occasion and taste, ranging from lively waterfront restaurants to casual takeout spots.
Hello, Sailor: This sunny waterfront restaurant and bar feels like you just stepped into Palm Springs.
- Stop by: 20210 Henderson Road (Be sure to check out the tiki bar, too).
Ositos Tacos & Tortas: A locally-owned taco joint with creative, Southern-inspired dishes, like "The Osito" taco made with fried chicken, slaw, grilled corn, pico cheese and Osito sauce.
- Stop by: 20700 North Main St.
Cool Fish: A casual Asian fusion joint with sushi rolls, poke bowls, sharables and a stacked cocktail menu.
- Stop by: 21726 Catawba Ave.
Port City Club: A 13,500-square-foot waterfront restaurant on Lake Norman by celebrity chef David Burke.
- If you go: Grab a seat on the covered deck. 18665 Harborside Dr.
G.O.A.T. Pizza: Also owned by Burke, the sports-themed pizza spot opened last spring and serves pizza, pasta, sandwiches, smash burgers and salads.
- Stop by: 9623 Bailey Road
131 Main: A regional chain known for its steak and seafood dishes, this spot offers a low-country vibe in a dimly lit setting.
- Stop by: 17830 Statesville Road (with more locations in Charlotte and Asheville).
Barrel & Fork: This cozy restaurant, located in a charming 1906 house, offers a seasonal menu of comfort dishes — think chicken and waffles or filet mignon with mashed potatoes and a Prohibition-inspired cocktail menu.
- If you go: Don't miss the brunch served every second Sunday of the month at 20517 N Main St.
NY Restaurant: An unassuming Chinese takeout spot in a shopping center off Main Street.
- Stop by: 20121 N Main St.
Drink
Whether you love craft beer, craft cocktails, or your go-to domestic, Cornelius offers plenty of spots to sip your way around town.
Ed's Tavern: The popular Dilworth neighborhood bar now has a massive location in Cornelius with similar vibes to the original, like a spacious patio and an expansive food and drink menu.
- Stop by: 17044 Kenton Dr.
Bin 110: An upscale nighttime spot for whiskey, wine and cocktails, plus live music every Thursday-Saturday.
- Stop by: 19712 One Norman Blvd.
Old Town Public House: A vibrant downtown pub with weekly events like open mics and beer tastings.
- Stop by: 21314 Catawba Ave.
Or, spend a day brewery hopping.
- If you go: Local favorites include D9, Eleven Lakes, Ass Clown and Lost Worlds.
Treats
When sweet treat o'clock beckons, here are a few dessert spots to answer the call.
Handel's: A walk-up ice window with more than 45 flavors of ice cream, sorbets and shakes. Plus, it's right by Cycle Bar for a post-workout treat.
- Stop by: 20545 Torrence Chapel Road
Palm Berries: This local acai bowl chain may not be dessert, but it's definitely a refreshing pick-me-up. Choose from signature acai bowls and smoothies, or build your own.
- Stop by: 19722 One Norman Blvd.
Carolina Cones: This no-frills ice cream shop has operated for more than 40 years.
- Stop by: 20801 N. Main St.
Things to do
Cold plunging, antique hunting, boat days and so much more. If you're looking for both adventure and relaxation, you've come to the right place.
Plunder for unique pieces at Oak Street Mill Antiques LLC. The massive antique store is in a historic cotton mill in the heart of downtown and has over 85 vendors to shop from.
- Stop by: 19725 Oak St.
Relax at Ramsey Creek Beach. The 46-acre waterfront beach also has boat launching and docks, a fishing area, dog park and walking trails.
- If you go: The beach is typically open Memorial Day through Labor Day at 18441 Nantz Road.
Rent a pontoon from Cornelius Pontoon Rentals. Every rental includes gas, a cooler of ice, bottled water, snacks, water noodles and more.
- If you go: Rates start at $455 for a 3-hour sunset cruise. Check out all available rates and time slots here.
Go deeper: 9 boat rentals near Charlotte starting at $200
Get close to nature at lakefront Jetton Park. The 105-acre park has picnic areas, eight tennis courts, walking/rollerblading trails, a tanning beach and more.
- If you go: Park near 19000 Jetton Road. Other nearby parks include Robbins Park, Walter Henderson Park and Torrence Chapel Park.
Take your furry friend to Lucky Dog Bark and Brew. The doggy daycare and boarding facility is also a full-service bar (non-pet parents are welcome, too).
- Stop by: 19607 Statesville Road.
Try popular wellness services like contrast therapy, cold plunging, red light therapy and more at wellness studio Di Thurma.
- Stop by: 9606 Bailey Road
Catch live music, from local performers to tribute bands and more, at BoatYard LKN. Check out their upcoming shows online.
- Stop by: 18418 Statesville Road.
Sing your heart out at Saeed's — this karaoke dive bar behind a snow cone shop has become the unofficial hangout spot for some of the biggest names in NASCAR.
- Stop by: 20832 Catawba Ave
Find live music, vendors, food trucks and kid-friendly activities at the 2nd Friday Street Festival Series in Old Town Cornelius.
- If you go: It's a free event. October 11 will be the last festival of the 2024 season.
Grab a steak to grill for dinner — or dine in — at the NY Butcher Shoppe. The chain has a second location in Dilworth.
- Stop by: 20823 N Main St
For a workout, take a spin class at Cycle Bar (your first ride is $10), plus it's right beside Handel's for a post-class treat.
- Stop by: 20601 Torrence Chapel Road