Where to Eat in NoDa

Short for “North Davidson,” NoDa was a textile mill village through most of the 20th century. Today, the mill buildings have been renovated into apartments, and you’ll find an array of art galleries, murals, music venues, and some of the city’s best breweries. Dining options include Southern, Cajun, Mexican, and pub grub. Wear comfortable shoes, park where you can, and see where the day (or night) takes you.

THE ARTISAN’S PALATE

1218 E. 36th St., Ste. A

It’s become known for art shows and drag brunches, but this restaurant-cocktail bar-art gallery hybrid still excels with its food. Executive chef and owner Christa Csoka uses recipes from her travels, and each dish has a story behind it. The Firehouse Meatballs were inspired by her grandfather, who was a New York City firefighter. The Scallops Andalusian are based on a dish she had in San Sebastián. She also has one of the most impressive spirit libraries in the city.

BAR À VINS

3206 N. Davidson St.

This neighborhood wine dive bar and shop has a carefully curated selection of natural wines, snacks, and more.

BENNY PENNELLO’S

2909 N. Davidson St., Ste. 100

A full Benny P’s pie is 28 inches, almost double the standard—but if you divide it into eight slices, one is the ideal-sized meal for one person.

Benny Pennello’s serves its signature 28-inch pizza by the slice—or take a whole pie home.

CABO FISH TACO

3201 N. Davidson St.

This “Baja seagrill” serves up the title dish as well as quesadillas, burritos, and salads in a fun, surf-themed atmosphere. 

THE GOODYEAR HOUSE

3032 N. Davidson St.

This historic mill house has multiple dining rooms and a botanical room that opens to a patio with string lights and an outdoor bar. The menu demonstrates Executive Chef Chris Coleman’s talent for taking simple ingredients and creating complex yet familiar dishes like Shrimp & Grits and his signature Goopy Burger.

The Goodyear House’s Goopy Burger with a Shaken Fry Bag.

HABERDISH

3106 N. Davidson St. 

Southern appetizers, fried chicken, and apothecary cocktails draw a hip crowd to this mill town kitchen. 

JACKBEAGLE’S

3213 N. Davidson St.

A mainstay for locals, this place serves unconventional bar bites like Blue-Black-Mac, with blue cheese and bacon. 

BOUDREAUX’S LOUISIANA KITCHEN

501 E. 36th St.

This casual joint serves up a menu of seafood, gumbo, and Cajun-style fare.

SALUD CERVECERIA

3306-C N. Davidson St.

This brewpub’s sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas include the Southernplayalistic (one of several OutKast references): house white sauce, four different cheeses, garlic, and black pepper. 

EVER ANDALO

3116 N. Davidson St.

This Italian spot has the feel of a neighborhood trattoria, and the pasta, made in-house, is the highlight of the menu.

Ever Andalo. Photo by Peter Taylor.

SABOR LATIN STREET GRILL

3205 N. Davidson St., Ste. 105

Get signature arepas, empanadas, and nachos, as well as Taco Tuesday specials, at this popular chain with 17 locations.

OH MY SOUL

3046 N. Davidson St.

Enjoy vegan food, craft cocktails, local beer, and South African wine on the patio. 

GROWLERS POURHOUSE

3120 N. Davidson St.

This craft beer bar serves food that tastes great with a brew; think burgers, oysters, wings, and tacos.

BROOKS’ SANDWICH HOUSE

2710 N. Brevard St.

Head to this humble red hut for rough-hewn burgers with homemade chili and eat them atop the unvarnished wood tables in the gravel parking lot.

LOCAL LOAF

800 E. 35th St.

Come for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and don’t leave without a loaf of artisan bread.

THE DEGENERATE

2116 N. Davidson St., Ste. A

Enjoy shareable plates, sandwiches, cocktails, and weekend brunch.