“Sittin’ in the mornin’ sun
I’ll be sittin’ when the evenin’ comes
Watching the ships roll in
Then I watch ’em roll away again, yeah”
Photo credits: Instagram @northharborclub
North Harbor Club Reopens Friday, March 1st!
Welcome to North Harbor Club in Davidson
North Harbor Club is Lake Norman’s real life version of the classic Otis Redding song, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”. You can watch the boats come in at brunch, lunch, or supper in this casual, yet upscale jewel in Davidson.
Tucked away in a dock-lined cove off I-77 at Exit 30, you might have never driven by it on land or passed it on your boat, but trust me when I say that it is worth finding.
The happy yellow umbrellas beckon you for a shrimp po’ boy or a Korean street taco even on the hottest of summer afternoons.
Arrive by jet ski, boat, car, bicycle or hike in on foot as there are sidewalks leading all the way from picturesque downtown Davidson. The nine daytime slips available for the restaurant are nice and wide to accommodate boats of all sizes.
There are so few opportunities to boat up to a fabulous waterfront restaurant on Lake Norman, so the water is far and away the best recommendation I can make on parking at this establishment. However, they do have a spacious parking lot for cars too.
Lunch, Brunch, or Dinner
North Harbor Club is one of my go-to places for brunch, lunch or a leisurely dinner outdoors, especially when entertaining out of town guests who are eager to explore the lake. The atmosphere is giving “mini staycation.”
The outdoor fire and waterfall feature greet you at the entrance. Like a glowing hearth inside a quaint bed and breakfast, it sets the mood that this establishment is thoughtful, upscale, and warmly welcomes you to linger and enjoy all they have to offer.
There are no reservations for outdoor seating but they have an abundance of tables for groups of all sizes.
If you do find yourself wanting an indoor experience, make a reservation or sit at the well-stocked bar which has a casual neighborhood vibe. People are keen to chat and the drinks flow at just the right cadence.
I always kick off the meal with a craft cocktail. The French 77 is a brunch favorite bubbling with a champagne topper as is the tangy Bloody Mary. At lunch, sip a chilled Pinot Grigio paired with the Warm Pistachio Crusted Brie.
Opt for the classic Dirty Martini at dinner or ask your server for the seasonal cocktail specials.
Exceptional service is one thing that sets NHC apart from so many establishments in the area. The servers are a cut above the typical dock side cafe, providing an elegant experience with fantastic systems to handle rush hours and busy evenings on the lake.
We’re consistently impressed by how bustling the restaurant can be, and yet our meals are well-timed and food quality is never compromised.
My sister-in-law used to be a server at North Harbor Club and she still claims that 20+ years later, they have a filet mignon that rivals any steakhouse in the greater Charlotte area. It’s a must try for steak enthusiasts who don’t want to drive all the way into the city.
If filet isn’t your favorite, the pork chop gets rave reviews from diners. It is topped with a North African barbecue sauce that gives it a distinct flavor and interest for the curious palate.
Finish the meal with a slice of key lime pie to complete your mini staycation while you catch a sailboat drifting along in the distance. Can’t you feel your troubles melting away already?
For seafood lovers, your options are plentiful: Lobster Chowder, Linguine with succulent Crab Cakes, and the uber popular Mango Bango Shrimp.
I personally like the Grilled Salmon atop the Greek Salad tossed in lemon-oregano vinaigrette, but don’t fear, I offset the healthy Mediterranean entree with a side of cast iron Lobster Mac & Cheese.
You know, for balance: sweet lobster chunks, cavatappi pasta, mascarpone cheese and truffle cream. Worth every bite.
After dinner, stroll along the boardwalk to one of these other Lake Norman secret spots that locals frequent: The Cabin (Lake Norman’s only lakefront pub with cozy atmosphere and live music); The Lake Norman Wine Cottage (Enjoy wine tastings, live music, charcuterie, and gift shop).
North Harbor Club is also a solid choice for special occasions as they typically roll out elevated menu items and offerings for events like New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and other holidays throughout the year.
Prices? Fair. Portions? Shareable. Views? Instagrammable. Service? Prompt. Beer? Cold. Gas in the boat? Better double check.
Membership not required: this club is open to everyone! Bring your well-mannered pup along and get that vacation feeling right here at home.
The views at North Harbor Club are a local secret to finding moments of peace, joy, happiness, and serenity when our world seems hectic and we need a mini escape.
Lucky for us, it’s fairly simple to take in those long range lakes views, allow our parasympathetic nervous systems to down-regulate, and toast to that #lakelife.
North Harbor Club
100 N Harbor Pl
Davidson, NC 28036
(704) 896-5559
Special thanks to Freedom Boat Club Lake Norman!
About the author:
Jordan Eicher is a resident of Davidson, NC, and a travel and food blogger who is well-known for her excellent restaurant reviews.
A member of Yelp Elite Charlotte, Jordan can be found at the hottest local restaurants and traveling the world with her family.
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