Sit-down restaurants are the heart of downtown Concord — from Union Street Cafe brunch to Concord Trading Post sandwiches and Chocolatier Barrucand lunch sliders, all within a few walkable blocks.
Sit-down first: these are the lunch, brunch, and dinner places worth planning around. Hover a card to see what's next door.
A full sit-down burger experience tucked inside District Exchange on the Northeast Block. Creative smash burgers in a lively, social setting.
New York-style pizza right on Union Street. Big slices, great atmosphere, and prime position in the middle of all the action on the Northwest Block.
Vietnamese pho, sushi rolls, and Asian-inspired dishes in a sit-down setting. A neighborhood staple for a satisfying lunch or dinner on the northwest side of Union Street.
One of downtown's best sit-down brunch spots. Classic plates, relaxed pacing, and a central Union Street location that makes it easy to build the rest of your day around.
A sit-down sandwich stop on Union Street with an easy lunch vibe. Great option when your group wants a quick table meal without leaving downtown.
A refined casual American spot on the south end of Union Street. A great sit-down option before or after browsing the Southwest Block's shops and galleries.
A sit-down dining destination on the southwest side of Union Street with a magical ambiance. Perfect for a special lunch, dinner, or occasion.
Authentic Mexican dining with full table service on the southwest end of Union Street. Great margaritas, generous portions, and a festive atmosphere.
A beloved downtown staple with a warm, welcoming vibe and comfort food done right. Known for the Reuben, specialty burgers, and homemade ranch. Closed Mon & Sun.
A uniquely Concord experience — a sandwich shop inside a converted gas station on Church Street. Creative sandwiches, weekend brunch, and outdoor seating. A must.
Pizza done with character on Church Street. Sit down, order a pie, and stay awhile. Close to the Dive Bar for a natural dinner-to-drinks progression.
Not the chain — this is the original North Carolina What-A-Burger, a local legend. Old-school drive-in style burgers, a Concord institution. Casual, quick, satisfying.
Craft beers on tap with food inside the District Exchange on the Northeast Block. A laid-back lounge atmosphere — perfect for a long lunch or an evening out.
Not every stop needs to be a sit-down meal. These spots are perfect before, after, or in between.
Every restaurant in downtown Concord is steps from something worth browsing. Here's what's around the corner.
Everything below is walkable from one parking spot. This is the kind of downtown you've been looking for.
Start at Crane Coffee Company or B & K Tea Café for your morning drink. Grab a pastry at Barley Jean's Bakery next door. Both are inside or near District Exchange at 22 Union St N.
Walk the Northwest Block — stop into Old & Odd Curiosities, Wicked Wife Designs, and Shoebeedoo. Swing by The Bead Lady at the corner of Union and Cabarrus.
Take your pick: Union Street Cafe for top-tier brunch, Concord Trading Post for sandwiches, Chocolatier Barrucand for lunch-time sliders, The Chop Box for pho or sushi, or Bae's Burgers. All walkable.
Walk down to Ellis Fine Jewelers and MacPherson's Diamonds on Cabarrus. Pop into Goldberry Books, Palmetto Market, and Chocolatier Barrucand.
End the day at a new neighbor coming soon at 40 Union St S or 2 Gal's Kitchen on the southwest end. Or head to Pump Social on Church Street for something uniquely Concord. Finish with a scoop at Two Scoops Creamery.
Sit-down spots include Union Street Cafe (a local brunch favorite), Concord Trading Post for sandwiches, Bae's Burgers, Hawthorne's NY Pizza, The Chop Box, Press & Porter, Charros Mexican Restaurant, 2 Gal's Kitchen, Pump Social, Benny DaCorsa's Pizza, What-A-Burger #2, and First-N-Flights Taproom & Lounge. For lunch specials, Chocolatier Barrucand also serves lunch-time sliders.
Every restaurant is within steps of local shops. Northwest Block diners walk past Wicked Wife Designs, Old & Odd Curiosities, Shoebeedoo, and The Bead Lady. District Exchange diners have Vintage Vibes Vinyl, Herana, Savedra James, and Red Bird Thread Co. upstairs. The SEU block has Ellis Fine Jewelers and MacPherson's right there on Cabarrus.
Completely. You can park once and walk to every business on this page. The entire downtown dining and shopping district spans about six compact blocks — Northeast, Northwest, SEU, Southwest, Church, and Market. Most people are surprised how much is packed into such a short walk.
Thursday through Saturday are the most lively, with most restaurants and shops open full hours. Union Street Cafe brunch is one of the best local picks, and lunch at Concord Trading Post or Chocolatier Barrucand is an easy follow-up. The district regularly hosts community events — check with the CDDC for the current calendar.