- Liz Logan
Looking for Lunch in a Hurry? These Gaston Lunch Spots Have you Covered
Updated: Jan 25
Here is a familiar story: Your morning’s been busy, you’ve snacked at your desk or—dare I say—in the car. You forgot your leftovers from the night before and you’re in a one-hour pinch. Where can you get a quality meal in a short amount of time? While this is not to condone rushing through lunch, or any meal really, sometimes a swift meal is just what you need.
We've covered breakfast, brunch, barbecue, burgers and pizza and now, here is our guide to classic spots in Gaston County to get a quick bite so you can slow down the rest of the day.
Belmont
Cherubs Café
23 N. Main Street, Belmont
If you’re looking for lunch with a purpose, Cherubs Café is the place to be. A Holy Angels restaurant, Cherubs gives back to the community through their intentional hiring process. If you’re in for a sandwich, try The Woodrow—apples, bacon, and cheddar with a cranberry raisin dressing grilled on sourdough.
Nellie’s Pick Me Up
36 N. Main Street, Belmont
Around the corner from Nellie's Southern Kitchen-- Belmont's southern cuisine restaurant owned by none other than the Jonas Family (yes THE Jonas family)-- Nellie's Pick Me Up offers a variety of quick lunches to grab and go.
Sammy’s Pub
25 S. Main Street, Belmont
Sammy’s is a casual lunch spot with a true pub feel. If you’ve got a second to sit, try the fish and chips. If you’ve got to go, grab the grouper BLT on brioche.
Bessemer City
McDonald’s Family Restaurant
617 Gastonia Highway, Bessemer City
No, not that McDonald’s. Even though McDonald’s Family Restaurant opened in 1965 (a few years after the McDonald’s chain began), this family restaurant’s high quality traditional American food has kept people coming back for over 50 years. Try one of the burgers that are hand-ground daily topped with homemade slaw and wash it down with a good, old fashioned sweet tea.
Cherryville
The Shake Shop
505 W. Church Street, Cherryville
Though a seeming misnomer (though no one seems all that concerned over), The Shake Shop is known for its Lotta Burgers dripping with chili and topped with tomato. A Cherryville staple, drive home the quintessential Gaston County experience with a Cherry Lemon Sundrop.
Cramerton
Doffer’s Canteen
119 Center Street, Cramerton
What has quickly become a downtown Cramerton staple, Doffer’s has a variety of items for lunch, with an option to order online. Looking to go meat free? Try the sweet potato and black bean tacos or the Impossible tacos with plant-based “meat”, veggies, and a side of garlic chipotle sauce.
Mayworth’s Public House
115 Center Street, Cramerton
Mayworth’s Public House offers daily lunch specials Monday through Friday, giving customers a variety of options to choose from all week long. Looking for something light? Get your creative juices flowing and build your own salad.
Dallas
Pita Wheel
1108 E. Main Street, Dallas
Pita Wheel’s self-described “epic, fast, fun” take on food service brings in regulars and newcomers alike. While you’re there, grab a classis—The Gyro. With lamb and beef, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato and tzatziki sauce you’ll definitely get the pita experience. When in Rome… (FYI: Pita Wheel will be moving to downtown Gastonia this year, so be on the lookout so you don't miss your fix!)
Tommy’s Drive-in
2708 Gaston Dallas Highway, Dallas
A classic diner dripping in nostalgia, Tommy’s Drive-In’s curb hop service is alive and thriving. You can choose from daily specials or go for a burger and fries.
Gastonia
Arline’s Grill
3039 Union Road, Gastonia
With breakfast and lunch served all day, Arline's Grill has plenty of options no matter the mood. Whether you're looking for a flounder plate, bologna sandwich, omelets or a breakfast plate, Arline is a classic that has kept folks coming back time and again.
Spindle City Café
207 W. Main Avenue, Gastonia
Named for Gaston County’s historic textile industry past, Spindle City Café occupies a 19th century building with original elements throughout. All that charm adds to the convenience and expansiveness of their lunch menu. Whether you’re looking for brats or elevated grilled cheese (like the Mozzarella Artichoke Melt), Spindle City is worth the weekday stop.
Sprouts Café
1012 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia
While they have a reputation for being vegan and vegetarian friendly, Sprouts Café does not exclusively cater to those dietary desires. If you’re going vegan, try the mock chicken salad. If you’re in need of some sustainably sourced meat, try the grilled chicken sandwich. (And don't forget to check out the desserts.)
The Groovy Beast
109 E. Hudson Boulevard, Gastonia
A Gaston County staple, The Groovy Beast boasts an eclectic lunch menu (not to mention the breakfast) that's sure to please. Pick one of their five salad options or check out the Groovin' Cuban with pulled pork, swiss, ham, pickles and mustard on a hoagie roll.
Viva Tequis
238 W. Main Avenue, Gastonia
Viva Tequis offers a variety of Mexican street food and California burritos. If you’re looking for something different, try the Nopal Asado (grilled cactus with pico de gallo). If you’re not feeling horribly as adventurous on your weekday lunch run, try a grilled steak or veggie torta to go.
Lowell
Grits N Greens Southern Cuisine
125 N. Main Street, Lowell
Grits N Greens is known for their southern “cookin’ like granny” cuisine but alongside that are burgers and sandwiches you can take back to your desk. Looking for something southern? Try the Southern Pimento Burger with pimento cheese, lettuce and tomato and a side of sweet potato fries.
McAdenville
Spruced Goose Station
118 Wesleyan Drive, McAdenville
Another Holy Angels restaurant, Spruced Goose Station offers workplace opportunities to a variety of individuals all the while serving up an excellent quick lunch. Try the pecan chicken salad on a croissant for a hearty lunch and top it off with a cup of Dilworth Coffee with a fresh cookie.
Mount Holly
Jack Beagle's
127 S. Main Street, Mount Holly
A recent addition to the Mount Holly food scene, Charlotte-based Jack Beagle's is a great stop for a midweek lunch. Stop in for the pork tacos or the Hawaiian Chicken Wrap and swing back over the weekend to try out the brunch menu.
J.R. Cash's Bar and Grill
1000 Marina Village Drive, Mount Holly
Located on the lake (and one of four South Carolina-based eateries), J.R. Cash's offers an elevated lunch menu with soups, salads and sandwiches. Their Cash Burger, with Monterey Jack cheese, bacon, signature BBQ sauce, fried onion straws, lettuce, tomato & pickles, is the light at the end of a workday tunnel.
South Main Kitchen & Tavern
128 S. Main Street, Mount Holly
Located in the ever-growing downtown Mount Holly, you can find lots of good eats at South Main Kitchen & Tavern. For a yummy and hearty lunch, try the Chophouse Turkey Burger with swiss cheese, lettuce and tomato on a brioche bun.
Ranlo
Wills Doggn’ It Deli & Dogs
1301 Spencer Mountain Road, Gastonia
While yes, this is technically in Gastonia, Will’s Doggn’ It is on the Ranlo side of the city, and has an excellent reputation for quality sandwiches and—you guessed it—hot dogs. Stop in for one of their specials and hang out to eat or grab it to go.
Stanley
Pete’s Grill
124 N. Main Street, Stanley
Located inside Stanley Convenience Store, Pete’s Grill has an expansive menu of burgers as well as a surprising pita menu boasting their delicious Souvlaki Pita with pork tenderloin, grilled peppers and onions with a cucumber sauce.