3 Underrated Eats in Mooresville, North Carolina

By: Asha Ellison

Copy to clipboard

Thirty-three miles north of Charlotte, ravenous eaters can find Mooresville, North Carolina. A hub for NASCAR racing teams, the popular Quarry at Carrigan Farms, and a town with a scenic seat overlooking Lake Norman, Mooresville is in Iredell County, one of 14 counties that make up the growing Charlotte metropolitan area.

According to the latest census data, Mooresville is home to more than 50,000 residents and is becoming an increasingly popular destination for food and tourism—including expeditions for local excursionists.

If immersing yourself in nature and lakeside views aren’t enough to move you, Mooresville is worth its weight in delicious food. Once you’re back from exploring downtown, you can get your fill of fabulous fare—from Italian cuisine to perfect cuts at Epic Chophouse. And, some of the town’s most notable eateries have roots in the Queen City (Charlotte) before expanding to Mooresville.

I won’t leave you guessing about where to go and what’s good. Think burgers, Mexican and Asian cuisine. You could—and should—have it all!

Bae’s Burgers

246 North Main Street, Mooresville, NC 28115
When it comes to smash burgers, Bae’s Burgers is a top contender. After a successful run with their food truck in Charlotte, husband and wife Fabian Elmes and Claire Connelly decided to plant their first brick-and-mortar location in the heart of Mooresville. Today, the duo and their team serve fresh, locally-sourced smash burgers that are known for their juicy, succulent texture, crispy edges, and epic flavor. All seasonings and sauces are made in-house. On the menu, you’ll find classic and premium toppings, a fried chicken sandwich (and tendies!), fries and more.

Bae’s Burgers is set to open a second location in nearby Concord, North Carolina, soon —and there’s a reason they’re growing!

burger spread Courtesy of Baeâs Burgers — Image courtesy of Bae’s Burgers

Joel’s Asian Grill

110A Marketplace Ave. Mooresville, NC 28117
Joel Jose and his family have served up Asian flavors in Mooresville since 2001—and their fusion-style menu features favorites from Thailand to the Philippines. And though diners can find just about anything to satisfy their palates, the Filipino cuisine is the star of the show. Find classics like lumpia, a variety of specialty sushi rolls, or spicy red or green curry dishes. In addition to rice bowls, stir-fried noodles, and savory soups, Joel’s also offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Find the menu here.

Rio 150

482 River Hwy Mooresville, NC 28117
What began in 2015 as La Unica Mooresville, the 11-year-old Iredell County favorite was renamed and rebranded as Rio 150 in 2023. Named to honor its original River Highway location, the restaurant is now so popular it has expanded to six locations in and around Charlotte. The eatery’s claim to fame? Its baja-California style cuisine, huge margaritas, and made-to-order guacamole Mexicano—chopped avocado chunks mixed with pico de gallo and fresh jalapeños. Rio 150 serves one of the largest margaritas on Lake Norman, coming in at a whopping 56 ounces! If the flautas dinner doesn’t entice you (my favorite!), order any of their authentic tacos, the fajita nachos, or one of more than 200 items on their menu.