OK- be careful around that area after dark - lots of crime in those neighborhoods. During the day you should be fine. I have family who live in that area and I know it well.
To eat? here goes:
Just down Little Rock Rd you have two choices - Showmar's a Charlotte staple. It's a quick restaurant - just a cut above fast food. It's owned by a Greek - they are the best cooks in town. You can get Greek food or country food! They do both! Their flounder sandwich is world renowned.
Back " behind it" on around the curve is Miguel's - a hole-in-wall Mexican place that's really quite good. I've eaten there for years but I haven't been in a couple of months.
Coming on down I-85 a couple exits to Belmont ( just across the river). Get off on the first exit after the river and turn left. Down the road a few feet and on the left ( on top of the hill) is Captain's Cap. Great seafood ( and other dishes too). It's also owned by a Greek. But they specialize in good old Carolina Calabash style seafood.
Want a good steak? Take Little Rock back out toward the airport. Turn left onto Highway 74 ( Wilkinson Blvd) and just up the street on the left is The Ranch House. It's a 1950s style steak house with the best bleu cheese dressing in the world and a shrimp cocktail that will blow your head off. You'll probably see US Airways people eating in there.
There's an upscale steakhouse in downtown Belmont called " Old Stone". It has modern decor and a chic crowd with a little more gourmet offering ( and the price to match). But, if you want that - it's there. The steaks are decent.
Well - I'll let some others make some suggestions - that's what comes to mind within minutes of where you will be.
Best wishes.
