Off the Square image

Off the Square

Restaurant Bar American restaurant Cocktail bar Brunch restaurant Wine bar

One of the Top rated American restaurants in Albemarle


Address

114 S 2nd St, Albemarle, NC 28001, United States

Contact

+1 704-986-0621

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (439 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 11 am to 2:30 pm, 5 to 9 pm
  • Saturday: 11 am to 2:30 pm, 5 to 9 pm
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 11 am to 2:30 pm, 5 to 8:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 11 am to 2:30 pm, 5 to 8:30 pm
  • Thursday: 11 am to 2:30 pm, 5 to 8:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: service (23) good (18) Great (17) atmosphere (13) great (12) delicious (11) restaurant (10) meal (9) recommend (8) burger (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Lori F. 2 years ago on Google
    Last night we had Off the Square cater an event we hosted in our home for15 people. I worked directly with Billy the chef who made fantastic recommendations for the menu. The food was prepared on time and looked amazing. Everything single thing we ordered was absolutely delicious and all of the guest raved about it all. Billy texted later that night to check in and make sure that everything was OK. The service we received was outstanding, the quality of the food was phenomenal, and the overall experience was so easy and pleasant I don’t ever plan to cook for company again. My only regret is that I didn’t order a bunch of extras so that we would have leftovers for the rest of the week! I cannot recommend Off the Square highly enough to both dine in and for catering. And no matter what you do, don’t forget the desserts, they are to absolutely die for!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael G. 2 years ago on Google
    Incredible big city dining experience in a small town. Off the Square has farm to table fresh food and hand made from scratch deserts. Big portions and delicious tastes! Did I mention half price bottles of wine on Wednesday?! It doesnt get much better than Off the Square. Thank you to the hospitable staff. Next time I'm in town, I will definitely be back!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Suzanne S. 1 year ago on Google
    The food here is great! Call ahead for reservations. They have a very small dining room, and they fill up quickly. They also have seasonal menus, so don't necessarily trust the one you see on their website. The wait staff told us to check their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Annette L. 2 years ago on Google
    Very good! Adequate portion sizes. Delicious fried green tomato BLT. Honey mustard dressing is fantastic. I have docked one star because one person reported their burger tasted a little burnt or overdone, but that could be an anomaly. Also the salad I ordered as a side was listed as a side item, but we were charged a couple bucks more for an unknown reason..... It was a very delightful place to sit outside and eat in downtown Albemarle!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Joseph C. 1 year ago on Google
    Went here a couple of weeks ago while on vacation. My fish entree was horribly salty and overcooked to the point that it was sticking to my teeth. The sides were lukewarm and bland, no seasoning at all. The plating itself resembled a cafeteria, as I could see where the food had been plopped down, and the fish had been slid across the plate. It seems that the kitchen lacks any sort of time management and quality control. Unfortunate because I had heard high praise for this restaurant. This is not the kind of place that would survive in a larger city. The waiter was friendly and helpful, as was the hostess. They were the highpoints of our visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sophie I. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was delicious and our table host Chris was absolutely wonderful and attentive. We ordered the bruschetta for our appetizers, Brussels Sprout Caesar salad for a little snack and for entrees We had 12oz Ribeye and Bourbon pecan chicken. We had an amazing time we will back soon.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel G. 1 year ago on Google
    I love this place. I’ll pass 50 restaurants to come here. Delicious and creative food, knowledgeable and friendly people in a cozy and upscale atmosphere. Just awesome!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Richard I. 4 years ago on Google
    Very good food.

  • 5/5 Christian S. 2 years ago on Google
    It was the perfect day to sit outside but the tables were too close to each other to be comfortable with only two other tables being occupied Other than that everything was perfect. Both the burger and shrimp and grits were very tasty. The fries were so nice and crunchy, they'll be in my top three lifetime fries forever!

  • 5/5 Steve D. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food and atmosphere

  • 3/5 Rebecca S. 4 years ago on Google
    Easy to get to

  • 4/5 Candace S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great sauces and flavor, but meats overcooked.

  • 5/5 Joe W. 2 years ago on Google
    Top notch service and really good food. Chicken was a tad dry for me, but still delicious. Bravo OTS!

  • 5/5 Larry M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great small dining experience.

  • 5/5 Jeff S. 4 years ago on Google
    Good food. Nice atmosphere

  • 5/5 Chris B. 4 years ago on Google
    Good food, nice decor, excellent service

  • 4/5 Carley S. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent coffee and very good entrees

  • 4/5 Catherine S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great atmosphere and terrific service. The brisket special was a little tough and the merlot gravy a bit strong, but overall a very enjoyable dinner.

  • 5/5 Terri C. 4 years ago on Google
    Friendly staff and gourmet delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere!

  • 5/5 Khoa N. 2 years ago on Google
    We took a chance drive off the highway on our way home and we glad we did. The seafood plate that I got was amazing. Fresh and the way they prepared the food was great. We both enjoyed our meal and will be back since the restaurant is only about 45 min from where we live.

  • 5/5 james 1 year ago on Google
    This is a great restaurant the food is Super Fresh and well prepared I haven't been here in so.e time but finally got a chance to return. The waitress was very friendly and attentive and seemed to be doing great despite being the only server. We had a brussel sprouts appetizer which was tasty. I never thought I would say this but the portion was too large for 2 people. I had a grilled pork chop which came with potatoes and brocilini and carrots. The chop was grilled to perfection and was very tender. The seasoning on the fingerling potatoes was phenomenal. Ditto for the veggies. Only disappointment was the dessert which was a key lime pie that was described as having a meringue topping. I didnt see any meringue and the pie wasn't very good. I make a killer key lime pie so I am picky. This pie had a wierd almost grainy consistency. Perhaps it had some zest in it. Despite that I recommend Off The Square and I will be going back.

  • 5/5 KillemallKate 4 years ago on Google
    Our meal was Wonderful! My hats off to the Chief. We will be back

  • 5/5 Chuck 1 year ago on Google
    Stopped here for lunch with some coworkers who are regulars. This is definitely the best food in town! I was torn between several items on the menu but ended up choosing the Wagyu Burger. It was cooked very well and all of the ingredients were quality. Everyone else I was with enjoyed their meals to include the shrimp and grits, the blackened chicken alfredo and the burger of the day. If I'm ever in the area again this will definitely be on my list of places to eat!

  • 5/5 Randy S. 1 year ago on Google
    My meal was outstanding and so was the service. Ordering dessert now.

  • 4/5 Felicia V. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent staff and service. Waitress was very attentive. Only had drinks here, which were great, will be back for dinner soon.

  • 5/5 Amy 1 year ago on Google
    Best gourmet restaurant in Albemarle. Great variety of apps, salads, soups, burgers or sandwiches and entrees. All fresh and delicious. Check hours before going. They have somewhat odd hours. Inside or al fresco dining. Ask for Samantha as your server. She's awesome!

  • 4/5 Ben P. 1 year ago on Google
    Food is good, bar is fully stocked. Overall it’s a very good place for higher end food in a small town. I would say 5 but occasionally have tried to order food and they are out of it more than 1-2 times.

  • 5/5 61drumbum 1 year ago on Google
    Great Food!!! Had 15 guests for a birthday party in December and everyone loved the food. Bourbon Pecan Chicken was my selection and it was fantastic!

  • 3/5 Lisa M. 6 years ago on Google
    My husband and I went in for lunch today. The first thing you notice is the eclectic decor which is beautiful. We started our meal out with two appetizers. The Shrimp Bisque and the Shrimp Bites. Both were fantastic. I could have drank a gallon of the bisque! For our main course we ordered the Quiche and Fish & Chips. Here's were things go south. The Quiche was burnt and the Fish & Chips flavorless. I was able to dig out the inside of the Quiche which was very good. There was no help for the fish and chips. My husband finished it only because he was starving. We will be back to try their dinner menu. Hopefully they redeem themselves. If not we will not go back.

  • 4/5 Jessica W. 1 year ago on Google
    The food is always great and they always have new dishes. They're Shrimp Bisque is really good as well as their cold plate. Sometimes the service can have a bit of a wait but they have a small staff that is always friendly. Would recommend to anyone.

  • 4/5 Bobby V. 6 years ago on Google
    Went there for lunch as our last place in the area. Wow food was fantastic. Service was great. A must, definately place to go. Absolutely am very impress with this place.

  • 5/5 Kim Y. 7 months ago on Google
    What a beautiful spot. A really nice laid back atmosphere, clean and pleasant. The service was over the top good. Great recommendations made and lots of smiles. Food menu was limited but enough choices to satisfy everyone. Recommend!

  • 5/5 Walter Wilson, J. 7 months ago on Google
    Menu slightly offbeat/upbeat. Grilled chicken with pimento cheese double burger with grilled onions. Calamari as a special. Shout out to service and atmosphere. Cold water service in carafes.

  • 2/5 dragonfly p. 4 years ago on Google
    This WAS a favorite place for my husband and I to eat a few years ago... NOT ANYMORE. We were there on a Friday night when it used to be so busy in the past... Only 4 tables and very slow service. The brick wall beside our table was falling apart and all over the floor. The red brick stained my coat hanging on the chair and had to be cleaned. Was told the owner would just sweep up the deteriorating brick once a week but never put a sealant back on it to stop it from crumbling. The place is falling apart and no one seems to care. Food was not like before. Crab cakes were dry... Service with a smile, but very slow. Just sad. Will not be back.

  • 5/5 Rodney C. 4 years ago on Google
    Off the Square has the Best French toast you will ever taste! (You can only get it for brunch on Saturdays) It is a must try!! The environment and customer service is Great!

  • 5/5 Kat R. 6 years ago on Google
    Wow. The food is gourmet. The staff is very pleasant. I had smoked salmon for my appetizer, duck for my main (which I've never been a duck fan, this was rediculously delicious), and this mouth watering chocolate peanut butter truffle pie. My experience was amazing. The price was very good for the flavors and textures I encountered.

  • 5/5 Mitch B. 4 years ago on Google
    Great Steak, and service. Cool ceiling too. The place is small, which made it cozy. Waiter did great too. Love this place. Will go again

  • 5/5 Julie M. 6 years ago on Google
    Great customer service and the black bean burger was super good! We’ll be back again 💕

  • 5/5 Flyak A. 6 years ago on Google
    Wow! We had a wonderful dining experience. A group of seven of us from Charlotte finished a 16-mile hike in the Uwharrie National Forest. We were tired and hungry. We planned to go to another restaurant in Albemarle, but that restaurant had low ratings and poor reviews. We saw the excellent reviews of 'Off the Square' and decided to give the place a try. Let's say our expectations were exceeded. Great service, good drinks, and the food is locally sourced from nearby farms. The food was appropriately seasoned to provide a great taste. This is my type of restaurant! We will certainly be back. I highly recommend this restaurant. I don't believe you will be disappointed.

  • 5/5 C D. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic service and excellent food in a quaint and historic building. I had the 77 cocktail and we shared the cauliflower appetizer, and salmon and trout entrees. Everything was delicious, perfectly prepared and seasoned. Top notch meal that rivals most restaurants in Charlotte. Well worth the drive!

  • 5/5 Laura M. 4 years ago on Google
    Absolutely delicious! We had a large party (9) that they accommodated very quickly. Loved the sweet potato soup as an appetizer. Southern style crab cakes were phenomenal. Several in our party enjoyed seafood (bass, salmon, crab) and I enthusiastically recommend.

  • 5/5 Kristen Webb T. 4 years ago on Google
    Absolutely one our favorite restaurants. My husband and I ate there on our first date!!! Definitely our favorite date night spot! We also love the delicious brunch on Saturdays!!!

  • 5/5 Frank I. 4 years ago on Google
    Food was amazing. Best place to chill after work. Amazing services. Great atmosphere. Bar section was good. Great collection of drinks. Food was fresh and flavorful.

  • 5/5 kasi d. 3 years ago on Google
    I had an amazing experience about a year ago. I live about an hour and a half away so I haven't visited since. However the atmosphere was amazing and I talk about the black bean burger CONSTANTLY. I compare every black bean burger I've had since to their's and none have been edible now I've had it at off the square. I'll be visiting soon👏😊😍💜

  • 5/5 Katie K. 4 years ago on Google
    This restaurant could carry its own in a major city with the quality of food. This is not your "mom's country cooking". It's cuisine. It's food worth getting dressed up for to go out and eat. Highly recommend for special occasions or if you just want some really good food.

  • 5/5 Jason L. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing food and excellent service

  • 3/5 jim p. 4 years ago on Google
    Food is awesome but the service is the slowest.

  • 3/5 Janet D. 4 years ago on Google
    Tbe wait staff and service was slow and on Valentine's Night. The food was mediocre.

  • 5/5 Debbie S. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent cocktails... And i always order a daily special...i can always count on it being great!

  • 2/5 Jeneffer P. 4 years ago on Google
    After reading the overall positive reviews my husband and I ventured in this establishment. It was quiet and rather early in the evening on a Saturday. We were greeted warmly and the server was friendly throughout the course of the meal. The atmosphere is quaint. That's where the good ends. The food is nothing special and overpriced. There wasn't anything bad, but there wasn't anything really good either. My husband had the shrimp and grits and was served a measly five shrimp with a massive amount of grits. Not very balanced. I had the fish of the day ( red snapper), it was bland and nothing I would recommend. We were also charged for a reorder of table bread and not told of this charge. Not cool. I would recommend having dinner elsewhere. Save your money.

  • 5/5 James B. 4 years ago on Google
    Good food, service, and atmosphere

  • 3/5 Corrine M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great if you want a nice bottle of wine. They do not have vegan options.

  • 5/5 JJ P. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic service and excellent food in a quaint and historic building. I had the 77 cocktail and we shared the cauliflower appetizer, and salmon and trout entrees. Everything was delicious, perfectly prepared and seasoned. Top notch meal that rivals most restaurants in Charlotte. Well worth the drive!

  • 2/5 eric j. 4 years ago on Google
    Has lost its luster. Undercooked salmon. Toasted bread served w/o butter or oil. Poor value for the money.

  • 3/5 R H. 4 years ago on Google
    A disappointment tonight.

  • 5/5 JP S. 4 years ago on Google
    Stopped in while working in the area. Great food and wine in a charming, casual atmosphere right in the historic area of Albemarle!

  • 5/5 Bryan M. 4 years ago on Google
    The owner is awesome and personally served us since we were eating early on Veterans Day. The crab cake sandwich, the burger and the pasta were great. Craft beer was available on tap also, very much a must. We’re from Charlotte, we’ll be back for sure.

  • 5/5 Mojo W. 4 years ago on Google
    Didn't eat food you're just had a drink don't know yet

  • 5/5 Anthony G. 4 years ago on Google
    Consistently great food and service!

  • 4/5 Grube D. 4 years ago on Google
    Best place to spend time with your friend. Amazing atmosphere. Reasonable prices. Great drinks. Good food at reasonable prices. Staff were nice. Great selection of drinks.

  • 3/5 Erica M. 4 years ago on Google
    BLT and pasta salad was good

  • 5/5 Patty P. 4 years ago on Google
    Best venue, best food, best service.

  • 5/5 Stephanie C. 4 years ago on Google
    The food was AMAZING!!! New local favorite 😍

  • 5/5 Jeff G. 4 years ago on Google
    Favorite restaurant. We do anniversaries there.

  • 3/5 darie l. 4 years ago on Google
    Husband's dinner was just okay. Chef's vegetable of the day was described as broccoli & cauliflower medley. It came as only broccoli with pickled onion and mushy. Bread was cold, unbothered, sprinkled with parmesan cheese (used to be heated w butter then the cheese). My mixed green salad while tasty the greens needed to be torn some as they were far too large. My meal was supposed to come as chicken breast with tarragon cream sauce , rice pilaf & chef's veggie. It came with a huge amount of garlic mashed potatoes, a watery sauce with no trace of tarragon. They were all out of rice. I sent the dish back. I watched my husband eat his meal and still have to figure out at 10 p.m. what I can do for a dinner apart from fast food. Very disappointed. This used to be a favorite place but under a different chef and different management. We won't be returning. The menu was not appealing as so much was chef's choice for preparation. This was a big disappointment.


Call +1 704-986-0621 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Organic dishes
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Counter service
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Kerbside pickup
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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