NASCAR race fans visiting the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, have a lot of dining options to consider. Most are located within a half hour or less from the speedway. I have been to several of them myself. Here’s the skinny on five of the best ones:
1. The Speakeasy Alehouse
Race fans looking for tasty nosh served up in a Prohibition era atmosphere may want to consider a stop at the Speakeasy Alehouse. Personally, I just love the restaurant’s nostalgic atmosphere. It is located less than 15 minutes from the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The place serves a mean Houdini. I’d recommend that you try one. It’s an empanada stuffed with pulled pork that has been dressed with a root beer barbecue sauce. A dish of jazzed up sour cream comes with it. The dish sells for a modest $5. Of course other, heavier meals are available as well. The restaurant is located on 9 Union Street in Concord. Dress is smart casual. Hours of operation vary, so do call ahead to confirm.
2. Fresh Off the Grill
Good food at wallet friendly prices is what visitors will find at the Fresh Off the Grill on Poplar Tent Road. It is a casual restaurant that is located roughly 10 minutes away from the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Those with a hearty appetite should try a triple cheeseburger with all the fixings ($6) or a 50 piece order of buffalo chicken wings ($27). I’d personally recommend the burger. A drink to wash it all down will cost you an additional buck or two. It typically opens at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday.
3. Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar
The Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar is located on George Bay Court. It is a 10 minutes drive from the speedway and usually serves up 50 wings for $35. Another superlative option is the ribs and wings combo for $14. That one is my favorite. It comes with a ½ pound of fall-off-the-bone ribs and a pile of wings. The restaurant opens daily at 11 a.m. Dress is casual.
4. Union Street Bistro
The Union Street Bistro is located on Union Street South. It tends to open for brunch on Sunday and dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays. Depending on when you visit, you may want to try the fork tender, crab stuffed flounder. It is delicate, flavorful and comes with a vegetable and your choice of a starch for $14. Dress is smart casual.
Looking for a thick, juicy steak grilled to perfection? Then set your sights on the Texas Roadhouse. You can even call ahead from the speedway and ask to have your order ready. It is a come-as-you are type of place, that’s why I like it. I’d suggest that you try the 20 ounce ribeye. It will lighten your wallet by $21 and comes with your choice of toppings. You generally have a choice of sautéed mushrooms, pepper jack cheese, sautéed onions or brown gravy. Personally, I’d ask for all of them. Hours of operation vary.
Killeen Gonzalez enjoys watching motor sports events and has traveled extensively. She has also interviewed pro motorcross riders.
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