Whether you’re a fan of concession stands or you like to step out and get a bite to eat with your buddies before a game, there’s a lot to explore around the Lenovo Center before you catch a Carolina Hurricanes game. To help you find a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience, we’ve compiled a list of the best local favorites within walking distance so you can fuel up for the big game.
Lenovo Center Food – Nearby Restaurants
Neomonde Mediterranean
Located just two miles from Lenovo Center, Neomonde Mediterranean offers authentic Lebanese flavors to hungry sports fans. Whether you’re hoping to fill up on a high-protein pregame meal like lamb kafta or just need a quick appetizer like baba ghanouj to tide you over, Neomonde has a huge deli case and a Lebanese store attached, so you can find everything you’re looking for.
The Local
If you hope to keep it local with American fare, The Local has you covered. It’s an elevated version of your typical American sports bar cuisine, specializing in no-nonsense southern comfort. From award-winning cheddar jalapeno stone ground grits to buffalo wings and redneck egg rolls, you’ll leave The Local feeling ready to cheer on your state team.
Spring Rolls
In the mood for Asian fusion? Spring Rolls is located across from Lenovo Center in Wade Park and offers the nostalgia of timeless family recipes in a contemporary setting. Whether you’re an avid sushi fan or prefer something more substantial like General Tao’s chicken, Spring Rolls offers good value considering their portion sizes.
Pam’s Farmhouse
There’s nothing like good ol’ American BBQ when pregaming ahead of a Carolina Hurricanes game. You’ll be in good company at Pam’s Farmhouse, which has been drawing in dozens of hungry fans since the early 1990s. They do Carolina cuisine right with their best-selling BBQ chicken, which won’t break the bank.
Bella Monica
Are you in the mood for a solid family-owned Italian with authentic Neapolitan flavors? Bella Monica has been serving sports fans since 2000, offering a genuine taste of Italy in a warm, inviting atmosphere within walking distance of Lenovo Center. If you’re pregaming too, make the most of their award-winning wine selection at the wine bar or sip on a beer on their outdoor patio.
Lenovo Center Food – Concessions Inside the Arena
The BBQ Lab – Sections 105 and 120
The BBQ Lab is an exclusive concession located within Lenovo Center, started by a couple of college buddies in 2017. Whether you’re hoping to get some mouth-watering pulled pork and homemade side dishes inspired by the owner’s childhood memories. The only caveat is that you need to have a Priority Lounge or Club Level ticket. However, it’s worth it if you want an upgrade from conventional concession fare.
Gonza Tacos y Tequila – Section 112
If you’re on the hunt for authentic Mexican-Colombian cuisine that you can enjoy while watching the game, Gonza Tacos y Tequila is the only place you need to visit. Whether it’s nachos topped with chicken tinga or tacos available with grilled steak, chicken tinga, or shredded pork, make the most of the authentic flavor of this Lenovo Center concession.
The Optimist – Section 105
Sometimes you need a pick-me-up before the game, and if you prefer caffeine over alcohol to keep you on your feet, The Optimist will help you maintain those energy levels. Whether you like to go all out with your drinks with a signature creation like hot caramel apple cider or prefer the stone-cold simplicity of a cold brew, The Optimist is a local success story serving sports fans all day.
Buena Papa Fry Bar – Third Level
Sports games and fries go together like sunshine and pickleball, and if you consider yourself somewhat of a fry connoisseur, you don’t want to miss out on this Latin-inspired loaded fries bar. There’s a reason they took the mantle of official loaded fry of the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2022-2023 season. With names like “El Mexicano” and “El Americano”, you can dive into the best of all worlds with this well-loved local.
Buffalo Brothers Pizza – Sections 114 and 318
You can’t go wrong with pizza and wings when watching a hockey game, and if you’re nostalgic for a good ol’ slice of New York pizza, Buffalo Brothers has you covered. With multiple locations throughout the venue, filling up on their signature wings and local draft beers shouldn’t be hard.
Happy and Hale – Section 123
Sometimes, you just need to keep it simple and healthy and get your energy from a fresh, wholesome meal. Happy and Hale is a food eatery offering comforting signature bowls packed with nutrients. If you’re trying to get your protein in for the day before you have your first beer, their protein bowls pack an impressive 60 grams of protein. All of their menu items are prepared with fresh, quality ingredients, helping to keep you full the entire game.
Nutty Bavarian – Sections 101, 116, and 314
Now and then, when you’re going to a game, you don’t feel like an entire meal right before a night of it and would rather find something satisfying to snack on. The Nutty Bavarian should be your first stop if this is the case. It’s one of the few external food brands permitted a concession within the arena, meaning you don’t have to go downtown searching for them. Each variety of their nuts is prepared in German Bavarian style and comes in sweet and savory options.
PDQ – Section 130
PDQ, “People Dedicated to Quality, ” wants to ensure you have the best dining experience possible before the game. They’re a great choice if you feel like a fulfilling signature sandwich, a plate piled high with classic chicken tenders, or even a fresh mac and cheese. You can find them in section 130 of the main concourse.
Primo Hoagies – Section 329
Italian sandwich enthusiasts flock to Primo Hoagies, and for good reason. Bringing authentic old-fashioned specialty sandwiches to Lenovo Center, Primo Hoagies will surely become your favorite concession to revisit quickly. Whether you love a hoagie piled high with sharp provolone or you’re more of a fresh veggie person, you’ll find that Primo Hoagies takes traditional concession fare up a notch.
NC BBQ Company – Sections 107 and 305
NC BBQ Company is the perfect choice if you and your friends want to make the most of the famous local BBQ but don’t want to venture outside the venue. Embodying regional culinary tradition, NC BBQ Company takes their BBQ seriously, offering everything from BBQ nachos topped with cheese sauce and pulled pork to complementary side options to pair perfectly with your meal.
Conclusion
Whether you’ve been to a Carolina Hurricanes game a hundred times or have yet to experience one, rest assured that you’ll find your perfect culinary match. You might have a bit of time before the game to venture outside of the venue so that you can experience some unforgettable local fare, or perhaps you’d rather make the most of one of the many delicious concessions inside to keep you going until halftime. The best part is you don’t have to settle for mediocre food or wonder where you will eat. With the local and international gems we’ve included above, your pregame meal is worth the trip alone.