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Charlotte Observer
Yes, they’re open: Where to shop and eat in downtown Concord (even during construction)
By Heidi Finley, Ebony L. Morman,
2 days ago
While Charlotte is a place where there’s always something fun to do, it’s surrounded by a variety of nearby cities that have their own aesthetic and pockets of excitement that can be a breath of fresh air.
Right now, its locally-owned businesses are struggling through a streetscape construction project and could use a little extra love. While shops and restaurants remain open, it is a bit of a challenge to navigate the area. The personal service and welcoming small town vibes you’ll find there are more than worth the inconvenience, however.
Start your day at Press & Porter , drinking a custom latte. Order a single or splurge for a double Build a Latte. Add vanilla, caramel, coconut, Irish cream or hazelnut syrup. The coffee and pourhouse also stocks a small case of pastries, so you can pair your drink with a cinnamon roll, chocolate chip scone or cream cheese danish.
Sisters Emily Cordero and Anna Pinto own Press & Porter Coffeehouse in downtown Concord, and you’ll meet them working behind the counter. Heidi Finley/CharlotteFive
Next, stop on in at MacTabby Cat Cafe , where you can play with adoptable cats in a historic building from 1886. (Reservations are encouraged.) There, you can also pick up a second coffee if you need a little something extra to power you through the day.
Mac Tabby Cat Cafe’s Concord location opened in 2020. Courtesy of Mac Tabby Cat Cafe
Stop to shop around at The Bead Lady , which makes custom jewelry and memory flower petal jewelry to commemorate weddings, funerals and other personal occasions. You can pick up a gift for create something meaningful for yourself at the store, whose work has been featured in pageants and television, as well as in Southern Bride Magazine, Shape Magazine and other recognizable publications.
Make your way down the street, checking out the National Register of Historic Places signs as you go. Once you step inside 2 Gals Kitchen , you can take a seat and browse the menu of salads and sandwiches. We recommend getting a burger, though — 2 Gals is a two-time Cabarrus Burger Madness winner, and the receipts are all there. Treat yourself to a slice of pie, too.
The ABC Burger at 2 Gals Kitchen in Concord. Heidi Finley/CharlotteFive
Head just a short walk away from downtown for some incredible nature views on the Carolina Thread Trail . The McEachern Greenway is about a mile walk from downtown. The section of the trail spans about one mile and is a part of the four-mile downtown greenway loop. Pose for a picture on one of the wooden pathways, or take a break at one of the many picnic benches along the way.
Explore a section of Concord’s 4-mile greenway loop. Ebony Morman/CharlotteFive
Wade through the construction to cross the street and head down the other direction. If it’s a Friday, you can enjoy a pint at one of the area’s most well-known bars, Lil’ Roberts Place . What started as a bottle shop is now a must-see experience in downtown Concord, thanks to a collection of found items and the addition of The Mullet at Lil’ Roberts Place thrift store. Owner Robert Burrage put a bar in The Mullet, too, so Monday through Saturday you can look through vintage clothing, home goods and all kinds of interesting items while you have a beer or cider.
Lil Robert’s Place on Union Street in downtown Concord. Alex Cason/CharlotteFive
Speaking of bottle shops, you can pop into Cellar Door Wine Shop and peruse wine selections from around the United States and the world. Staff at the family-owned business can help you pick the perfect varietal for your palate or something new to explore.
Robin Angell, co-owner of Cellar Door Wine Shop in Concord. Alex Cason/CharlotteFive
If you have a sweet tooth, nearby places to add on to your stops might be:
Finish your downtown Concord adventure with dinner and a tropical cocktail at Havana Carolina , a family-owned and operated Cuban restaurant and bar. At Havana Carolina, expect to be transported to Cuba (bonus points for not having to board a plane) as dining at the restaurant is more than eating food, it’s an experience. Its eclectic decor creates a homey vibe that makes you feel like you’re dining in a Cuban home. Order the Cuban Sandwich, which is a classic Cubano with mustard, roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese and pickles on pressed Cuban bread. You’ll want to order a traditional Cuban mojito, too, for the full experience.
Note: An earlier version of this story was published in 2022 and has been updated.
Kathleen Reeder, owner of The Bead Lady; Ashley Howell, owner of The Lenz Studio; and Cindy Sheppard, owner of ShoeBeeDo, congregate at Local Bottle Shop in downtown Concord. Alex Cason/CharlotteFive
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