The String Bean Cafe - Food & Drink

Intro

Located in the cozy little downtown of Charlotte's western neighbor, Belmont, NC, The String Bean is a convenient stop after a day on the trails at Crowders Mountain State Park. Part full-service restaurant, part butcher / seafood counter, and part beer and wine store, "The Bean" is a pleasant departure from standard pub grub.

What Makes It Great

First, grab a beer. You can choose from a half-dozen rotating craft beers on tap, pick from an extensive bottle list, or walk over and peruse a cooler full of singles and 22-ounce bombers. The huge selection covers every beer palate from pale ale to porter. Up for grapes over hops? Have a look at the bottle shop or see what’s pouring by the glass – they’ve won several Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence so you should find something you love.

After hiking 10 miles at Crowders, you should probably get an appetizer. Go for the deviled egg sampler with sugared pork belly, a bison quesadilla, or the quintessential southern shareable the fried pickles.

Now it’s time for the main dish. The burgers are not only thick and juicy, but come in multiple varieties. Besides the standard all beef, you can get an Italian sausage burger topped with mozzarella and red sauce, a black bean topped with avocado spread, a bison patty, or the cow pig (beef ground with smoked bacon).

But don’t overlook the counter. See a tuna steak or filet that’s caught your eye? Just tell them how you like it prepared and they’ll do the rest.

Perhaps the best thing about the String Bean is the atmosphere. It’s laid back enough for a group of grubby hikers to roll in off the trail. And if it’s been a particularly rough day, there’s a spacious patio for outdoor seating away from the clean folks.

Who is Going to Love It

For starters, beer and wine lovers are going to find something new every trip here. There's plenty to love for meatatarians for sure. But The String Bean offers plenty of non-meat options and some choices for gluten free diets as well. Although great for adults, kids are presented with enough choices to keep them happy as well.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

The String Bean is located on Main Street near the corner of Catawba Street. Dogs are allowed on the patio. There is a small parking lot on site but it quickly fills up. Look for parking up and down main street as well as the adjacent side streets.

This content was originally published on RootsRated.com.