Nellie’s Southern Kitchen in Belmont, NC serves classic comfort food in a warm, family-friendly restaurant founded by the Jonas family. With fried chicken, fresh biscuits, and indulgent desserts, this iconic Charlotte-area restaurant needs to be on your bucket list!
Quick Look at Nellie’s Southern Kitchen
Cuisine:
Southern comfort food with kid-friendly options
Open Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 11 am – 9 pm
Friday – Saturday, 11 am – 10 pm
Sunday, 10 am – 8 pm
Address:
36 North Main Street, Belmont, NC 28012
We visited Nellie’s Southern Kitchen on a trip to Charlotte and found out why it is such a local favorite. After a long morning spent playing hard with the kids at Daniel Stowe Conservancy, we needed a place to unwind with good food guaranteed—and we found it!
Southern Comfort Food for the Whole Family
Nellie’s menu draws deeply from old-fashioned recipes, inspired by the restaurant’s namesake: Nellie Jonas. Nellie was the great-grandmother of the Jonas Brothers, and the food here tastes just like your grandma made it. We found a menu packed with traditional southern comfort food and some modern flair throughout.
Plan to start your meal by passing around a basket of fresh-baked biscuits and cinnamon butter. The flavors just melt in your mouth, and it’s the perfect starter to calm down some hangry kids. The children’s menu features easy options for picky eaters like grilled cheese, cheeseburgers, chicken fingers, and French fries.
I ordered the crispy fried chicken and oh boy, was it perfect! The creamy mac and cheese made a delicious side item, and the fresh fruit rounded out the meal wonderfully. Other popular menu items include shrimp and grits and pimento cheese fries, and be sure to ask your server about any seasonal specials like the new Nellie’s Deviled Eggs!
And don’t worry… Portion sizes are excellent, so you’ll get to eat your fill!
Comfortable Atmosphere for Every Occasion
When you’re juggling little ones on the go, a restaurant’s atmosphere can make or break your dining experience. After finding easy parking right next to the building, I was met by friendly staff ready to serve us in a warm, inviting space with no wait and plenty of seating.
I was led to a corner booth with wrap-around seating, where my tired kids could stretch out while I figured out what to order. I noticed several other booths, family-sized dining tables, and even high-top seating at the bar and by the window. Be sure to check out their seasonal rooftop seating during the warmer months, which offers a fun view of downtown!
The décor combines the ambiance of rustic comfort and upscale dining, and it’s a place where you can really relax and enjoy a top-notch meal with excellent service. A raised stage on one side of the main dining room promises live entertainment, and the rooftop room is a popular spot for karaoke nights and private events.
Jonas Brothers Restaurant with Real Family Legacy
I actually had no clue about the Jonas Brothers connection when we visited Nellie’s—I was just looking for a great place to eat! A floor-to-ceiling portrait on the wall caught my eye, though. I beheld a mysterious woman with a chicken on one arm and a banjo on the other. I asked my server, and she filled me in: That was Nellie Jonas.
Nellie’s Southern Kitchen was founded by Kevin Jonas Sr. and his wife, Denise, parents of the famous Jonas Brothers band. Kevin Sr. grew up in Belmont and, together with Denise, moved back to the area around 2016 to open the restaurant in honor of Nellie, his beloved grandmother.
Nellie made a generational impact with her heartfelt love of cooking and time-tested techniques in the kitchen. She is fondly remembered by Kevin Sr., Denise, and all their sons. Today, the restaurant pays homage to the way she made people feel, and the home cooking that her family loved so much!
Visit Nellie’s Southern Kitchen
If you’re in Belmont or the greater Charlotte area, make plans to visit Nellie’s Southern Kitchen for a meal. Whether you’re looking for something casual and comfortable with kids, a cozy date night experience, or a classy spot for that special occasion, the food and atmosphere at Nellie’s are just right for it all.
It’s very popular on weekends and holidays, so consider making a reservation through Open Table. Then park in the free lot right next to the entrance, and walk in ready to eat!
Where’s your favorite place to enjoy southern comfort food?