City Lunch

4.7 ( 621 reviews )
$1–10
115 Court Square, Lincolnton, NC 28092, United States
+1 704-472-3994

City Lunch is a cherished gem located at 115 Court Square, Lincolnton, NC. Renowned for its affordable, home-cooked American fare, this family-owned restaurant strikes a nostalgic chord with locals and visitors alike. Customers rave about the scrumptious hot dogs and top-quality burgers that defy the typical frozen patty experience. The inviting atmosphere, adorned with local memorabilia, fosters a sense of community and camaraderie.

According to Cody Carpenter, it's one of "the best hot dogs anywhere," offering deliciousness without draining the wallet. Joshua fondly recalls his family's history with the restaurant, emphasizing the warmth and connection found within its walls. Chef's specialties like the homemade mac & cheese and stewed beef sandwich garner rave reviews from patrons like Renee Hill, who finds no fault in their menu.

The breakfast and lunch offerings shine with signature classics, including hearty plate lunches and vibrant Southern comfort food. As D 28092 notes, the consistency and quality remain unparalleled after decades, making City Lunch a timeless destination. Whether you're a resident or just passing through, this is a place where everyone knows your name and where great food brings people together.

Amenities and More

  • Service options
    • Delivery
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Fast service
    • Great coffee
    • Great tea selection
  • Popular for
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Offerings
    • Coffee
    • Comfort food
    • Food
    • Quick bite
    • Small plates
  • Dining options
    • Breakfast
    • Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Dessert
    • Seating
    • Table service
  • Amenities
    • Toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Historic
    • Quiet
  • Crowd
    • Groups
    • Tourists
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Cash only
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Parking

Reviews For City Lunch

Cody Carpenter
Jun 23,2025
Great food and is affordable. These are some of the best hot dogs anywhere. Grateful to have this place in town because people can eat here without emptying their wallets like other places nearby.
Joshua
Jun 22,2025
First price amazing! Feed family of 5 with a 20 and have a tip left over! Top it off burgers are not frozen junk patties and dogs ain't bad either. I give the atmosphere 5 because it's not change in the 30 yrs ive been going. Reminds me of my dad bringing me in there, while there with mine now. One of the last family owned businesses at heart of Lincolnton. Servings memories of times when people not only talked to each other but cared for each other, knowing or first meeting.
RENEE HILL
Jun 21,2025
All the food is made from scratch and I’m not gonna lie. I love to cook, but they had a home run with their mac & cheese and beef tips. I’ve eaten here twice and it has become my favorite place to come. Not one negative thing to say about it
D 28092
May 31,2025
Maybe I'm not the one to ask, since I've only been coming here for parts of 7 decades...but, honestly...I cannot think of a better place to enjoy breakfast or lunch. The food is consistently great, and at ridiculously low prices. I've never gotten my fill of their famous hot dog. I've always just run out, or stopped from embarrassment. Breakfast is fantastic if you like hot, home cooking. Lunch menus are varied, and always offer good southern cooking, square meal plate lunches, as well as hot dogs, burgers and more. Heck, most people I know get the plate lunch and a dog or two. Burgers are a secret, and sometimes live in the shadow of the famous hot dogs, but they are first rate. Pro tip: order the stew beef sandwich when stew beef is on the menu...you'll get two pieces of bread with stewed beef inside and over the top. Mushy deliciousness. Dang. At the prices they charge, just get it all. There's a reason this family-owned cafe has been in business so long. It's good. Every time. Or at least that's what I've experienced for 55 years. That photo is a livermush and egg on bun, with mayo and a tomato. I'll let you know when I get tired of it, lol. Oh, and it cost a total of 2.75, with the drink...
See No Evil Wrestling
May 15,2025
Local favorite. Great breakfast and great lunch. Love the way the inside looks with local stuff hanging up. Price is great and the staff is friendly. The hotdogs are awesome.
Roman Around
Apr 2,2025
Small town eatery at its finest! Nothing fancy, continuing to do things the old school way. Got a hotdog and hamburger “All The Way” and it was amazing and quick. Service was great and had a great conversation with the wonderful ladies that worked there. Excited to come back and try their breakfast!
rhonda vilardo
Mar 11,2025
Reminded me of home and our Coney Island hot dogs, the sauce on the dogs was as close to my hometown as possible. I'll go back for sure!
Taylor Watts
Mar 6,2025
Very considerate people, make sure you bring cash because that's all they take. The food was delicious as well.

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