Where are the best places to eat along the light rail in Charlotte? Here’s our list.

Inflation has left us feeling like the popular TikTok sound “My money don’t jiggle jiggle. It folds.”

A good solution could be the Lynx Blue Line, Charlotte’s light rail system. The 18.9 mile, 26-station system runs from I-485 at South Boulevard to UNC Charlotte’s main campus in University City.

Riders have multiple ticket options: $2.20 for per trip, $4.40 for a roundtrip pass, $6.60 for the day pass, $30.80 for a weekly pass and $88 for a monthly pass. Riders 62 years of age or older, disabled riders and K-12 students can get a 50% discount on on the one-way and round trip passes. Riders can purchase tickets on the CATS-Pass app or at the station’s pay station.

Earlier this year, reporter Kristen Kornbluth found places to eat at each stop along Charlotte’s streetcar. So naturally, I had to find places to eat along the Lynx Blue Line:

I-485/South Boulevard Station

Address: 9508 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28273

Neighborhood: Sterling

You won’t find locally owned eateries nearby, but Steak ‘n Shake, McDonald’s and Popeye’s are all within a few blocks.

Sharon Road West Station

Address: 8815 Crump Rd, Pineville, NC 28134

Neighborhood: South Charlotte, near Montclaire South

Skip this stop if you’re after food — there are only a couple of gas stations close to the stop in this industry-heavy area.

Arrowood Station

Address: 7717 England St, Charlotte, NC 28273

Neighborhood: Montclaire South

After a long day at work or school, what’s better than a nice hot meal? La Catracha Restaurant, just 0.2 miles from the station, serves just that. The Carne Asada con Tajadas, translating to grilled steak with fried plantains, is made with grilled steak, green plantain slices, and cabbage with red and white sauces.

If Korean is more your style, head to Choi’s Korean Kitchen, 0.3 miles from the station. The family-owned restaurant specializes in Korean jajangmyeon and traditional Korean barbecue like bulgogi, spicy pork and spicy squid. Make sure to try the Korean Spicy Chicken Wings, which are Korean style fried chicken wings tossed in spicy sweet garlic sauce.

Archdale Station

Address: 6230 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28217

Neighborhood: Montclaire South

Lempira Restaurant is a Latin American restaurant that is 0.2 miles from the station. One of the menu options at the restaurant is Desayuno #1 (translating to Breakfast #1), made with two eggs cooked to order, refried beans, plantains, cheese, sour cream and avocado.

If you’re craving pizza instead, 500 Degrees Pizza is 0.2 miles and across the street from the restaurant. Formally known as New York Style Pizzeria, the restaurant offers authentic New York style pies — which you can get by the slice.

Tyvola Station

Address: 5703 Old Pineville Road, Charlotte, NC 28217

Neighborhood: Montclaire South

If you’re looking for any vegan options, we’ve got you covered. Romeo’s Vegan Burgers, just 0.2 miles from the station, serves 100% plant-based burgers, fries, shakes and more. Treat yourself with the Where Art Thou Romeo Burger — made with a plant-based patty and topped with house sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, grilled onions, vegan cheese and pickles — Chilli Cheese Fries — French fries topped with vegan cheese and chili and onions — or a Tobacco Road Burger — a plant-based patty topped with coleslaw, vegan chili, onions and pickles.

If Latin food is more your style, Morazan Restaurant offers authentic South American cuisine and is 0.2 miles from the station. The restaurant offers a variety of meals, including all day breakfast. One option is Breakfast #8 — your choice of grilled or fried pork, two eggs cooked to order, beans, sweet plantains, cheese, sour cream and avocado.

Woodlawn Station

Address: 4756 Old Pineville Road, Charlotte, NC 28217

Neighborhood: Montclaire South

Are you hungry after riding the Lynx Blue Line? If so, celebrate that Brasas Arepas & Grill is located just 190 feet away from the station. The Colombian and Venezuelan restaurant serves “Platos Fuertes,” translating to “Strong Plates,” meaning prepare to be absolutely stuffed afterward. Try the Pabellon Venezolano, made with rice, black beans, shredded steak, sweet fried plantains, fried eggs and white cheese.

If you’re more into barbecue, then McKoy’s Smokehouse and Saloon located 0.2 miles from the station may be the choice for you. Try something like the McKoy’s Barbecue Sandwich, made with smoked pecan wood and topped with coleslaw.

Scaleybark Station

Address: 3750 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28209

Neighborhood: York Road

Seoul Poke Bowl is situated just 0.2 miles from the station. The restaurant offers several poke bowls like the Classic Bibimbap Bowl, made with bulgogi beef, bean sprouts, carrots, cucumber, daikon and fried egg served with handmade Gochujang chili sauce and sesame oil.

If you’re not in the mood for a poke bowl, head to The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, situated 0.7 miles from the station. The brewery offers several beers using the oldest beer purity law, the German “Reinheitsgebot” law stating that beer should only contain four ingredients: water, malt, hops and yeast.

New Bern Station

Address: 129 New Bern Street, Charlotte, NC 28203

Neighborhood: Sedgefield

Relax after a long day at work by heading to Suffolk Punch Brewing, just 0.2 miles from the station. The brewery has a culinary cafe, cafe and taphouse. Try the SPB Burger — an Irish Oaks Cattle Co. ground beef patty topped with smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, fried egg, drunken pickles and shaved cabbage tossed in Many Islands dressing, all on a grilled brioche bun.

If you’re more in a sandwich mood, Link & Pin is just 443 feet from the station. The restaurant serves a taste of everything like the Ahi Tuna Poke — made with Ahi tuna, housemade poke sauce, lime zest and wonton crisps — Cajun Chicken Pasta — made with pipette pasta, smoked Cajun cream sauce, blackened pesto marinated chicken and andouille sausage — and the House Burger — black garlic aioli, Swiss cheese, pickled green tomatoes, a sunny side egg and candied jalapeno bacon, served with hand-cut fries.

East/West Boulevard Station

Address: 1821 Camden Street, Charlotte, NC 28203

Neighborhood: Wilmore

Are you hungry because you ran out of snacks at your desk? Knock out your snack problem and hunger at the Salted Melon Market & Eatery, located 0.1 miles from the station. The Burger — made with ground turkey breast, Boursin cheese, caramelized onion-bacon jam and mixed greens on a toasted brioche bun — is served with hand-cut truffle fries.

If you want something different, try Bulgogi Box, located 220 feet from the station. Try the Korean Corn Dog — choose between a mozzarella and smoked fish sausage corn dog, or a mozzarella and potato corn dog or get both. Other options include the Bibim Bowl — made with beef or spicy pork bulgogi, a soft boiled egg, cucumbers, corn, carrots, collard greens, mushroom, radish and kimchi on top of white rice — and the B.B. Salad — made of beef or spicy pork Bulgogi and Korean fried chicken or crispy tofu served on top of mixed greens with Asian coleslaw, pickles, corn, chickpeas, carrots, radish and chives.

Bland Street Station

Address: 1511 Camden Road, Charlotte, NC 28203

Neighborhood: South End

If you want a restaurant with several options, Blacow, located 0.1 miles from the station, has just that. Consider the Avocado Salad Bacon Crunch Salad — made with spring mix, tomato, bacon, shredded cheese, pecans and honey mustard — Chicken Wings — tossed in medium Buffalo, garlic parmesan, sriracha honey, Carolina sweet barbecue, lemon pepper, Korean barbecue, sweet Thai chili or teriyaki — or the Gangnam Burger — marinated in bulgogi sauce with kimchi, baby arugula, green onion and cilantro.

If you love breakfast at all hours of the day or night, Early Girl Eatery, located 0.1 miles from the station, has everything you need. Try the restaurant’s Bow to the King — Southern fried chicken tenders with cinnamon-battered, made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits, topped with fresh house-made whipped cream and fresh seasonal fruit served with maple syrup — a Two-Egg Breakfast — served with grits or organic home fries and your choice of toast or a made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuit — or the Buttermilk Multigrain Pancakes — three made-from-scratch buttermilk pancakes served with maple syrup.

Carson Station

Address: 218 E. Carson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203

Neighborhood: Dilworth

Just 338 feet from the station is Midnight Diner, where you can get breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night bites. One of the diner’s specials is the Midnight Special — two eggs cooked any style, hash browns, creamy grits or fruit, your choice of Applewood bacon, sausage patties or links, turkey bacon or sausage plus two buttermilk pancakes, a waffle or two French toast slices.

If a bar-like place is more your vibe, then Tavern on the Tracks, located 0.3 miles from the station, is the place for you. One of the restaurant’s specials is the Meaty Affair — a flatbread pizza topped with sausage, bacon, pepperoni, ham, mozzarella cheese and pizza sauce.

Stonewall Station

Address: 260 E. Stonewall Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

Neighborhood: Third Ward/Uptown

If you’re a caffeine addict, take the Lynx Blue Line to Javesca Coffee Uptown, 289 feet from the station. This shop serves lattes and other coffee drinks that will alert your taste buds. For each pound of coffee grounds sold, one pound of food will be donated to those around the world who have little to no food.

After your coffee run, get a nice meal at Rhino Market & Deli, 0.2 miles from the station and the coffee shop. Whether you’re a meat eater or vegetarian, the deli has something for you. Try the ABLT — Boar’s Head applewood smoked bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato and mayo on your choice of bread — the Tofu You — barbecue tofu, pickled veggies, lettuce and vegan mayonnaise on sourdough — or a Breakfast Burrito — scrambled egg, potato, hash, sausage, Boar’s Head sharp cheddar cheese and salsa wrapped in a tortilla.

Third Street Station

Address: 305 E. 3rd Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

Neighborhood: Second Ward/Uptown

After work, head to Johnny Burrito, located 0.2 miles from the station, and maybe bring some of your friends. All nachos and burritos include your choice of rice, beans and toppings. Or grab a homemade tamale served every Tuesday and Friday and don’t miss the chicken, beef, barbecue pork and veggie fillings — they are usually sold out by 1:30 p.m.

If Mexican is not really your style, head to Red Eye Diner, located 0.3 miles from the station. Keep your hunger at bay with one of the diner’s entrees like the Hamburger Steak — 8 oz. of Angus beef topped with grilled onions, mushrooms and the homemade gravy served with a biscuit and two sides.

Charlotte Transportation Center Station

Address: 303 E. Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

Neighborhood: First Ward/Uptown

Bring your friends to MOA Korean Barbecue, located 0.3 miles from the station. The restaurant serves Mandoo — five pieces of deep-fried Korean vegetable dumplings — Korean Tacos — made with tofu, chicken, spicy pork or beef and your choice of iceberg lettuce, homemade pico de gallo, sour cream, spicy mayo sauce and shredded cheese, served with crispy Parmesan truffle fries — and Hotteok with Ice Cream — a deep-fried Korean pancake filled with cinnamon, brown sugar and a mixed nut filling topped with vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup and matcha powder.

If you need something a bit quicker, Not Just Coffee is located 0.3 miles from the station. Breakfast is served until 2 p.m. and includes:

• Yogurt — made with whipped yogurt compote, the shop’s signature granola, fresh fruit and spiced honey;

• Avocado Toast — avocado, pickled onion, sun-dried tomato, rosemary olive oil, salt, pepper and chili flakes; and

• Cinnamon Sugar Toast — butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, sugar and spiced honey.

Seventh Street Station

Address: 260 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

Neighborhood: First Ward/Uptown

There is so much to do on 7th Street, including going to The Market at 7th Street, located 66 feet from the station. The market has many vendors to choose from including Geno D’s Pizza, Momo Station Asian Fusion and Sweet Crunch Liege Waffles.

Too many options? That’s fine, because Crunch Bistro is not too far, only 0.2 miles away. The restaurant serves a variety of wraps, salads and bowls. Try the Asian Crunch Salad — made with a spring mix topped with grilled chicken, sliced almonds, mandarin oranges, fresh basil, chow mein noodles, shredded carrots and house Asian dressing — a Turkey Bacon Ranch Wrap — made with romaine lettuce, roasted turkey breast, bacon, mozzarella, tomatoes, red onions and ranch dressing — or the Barbecue Chicken Flatbread — marinara sauce and mozzarella topped with grilled chicken, red onions, roasted red peppers, fresh cilantro, parmesan and barbecue sauce.

Ninth Street Station

Address: 237 E 9th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Neighborhood: First Ward/Uptown

Just 0.3 miles from 9th Street Station, Pizzeria Sapienza CLT serves New York-style pizza made from 30+ years of family pizza and pasta recipes. One of its non-pizza menu items is the Italian Mix sandwich, made with spicy capocollo, salami and provolone cheese.

Need a little pick-me-up? Just 472 feet from the pizzeria is Queen City Grounds on North Church Street. Take home a bag of the shop’s Nightflyer Roastworks coffee grounds, sold online and in the North Church Street shop.

Parkwood Station

Address: 327 Parkwood Ave, Charlotte, NC 28206

Neighborhood: Optimist Park

Situated 0.6 miles from the station, Optimist Hall has so much to offer in terms of food and nonfood businesses. (You can browse the options here.) One spot, Undercurrent Coffee, offers a variety of coffees, teas and light food that will fill you up without putting you in a food coma. And hey, if you take the light rail, you don’t have to pay for parking!

[MORE TO EAT: Your guide to Charlotte’s Optimist Hall.]

A little further than the rest, The Hobbyist is located 0.8 miles from Optimist Hall. The shop offers coffee and tea, beer, wine and light foods such as croissants. Make sure to visit on Friday nights from 7-10 p.m. for live music.

25th Street Station

Address: 2227 N. Brevard Street, Charlotte, NC 28206

Neighborhood: Optimist Park

One of the most classic meals is a hot and juicy burger. Brook’s Sandwich House, 0.4 miles from the station, serves both burgers and sandwiches. When ordering a burger, ask for it “all the way” which includes chili, mustard and onions.

Treat yourself to something sweet after that burger with doughnuts from Pepperbox Doughnuts, located 0.5 miles from the station. The doughnut shop has a wide variety of vegan options, so everyone can have some. Some choices include Classic Glazed, Vanilla Glazed Donut Holes and Chocolate Frosted Donut.

36th Street Station

Address: 434 E. 36th Street, Charlotte, NC 28205

Neighborhood: NoDa

Rain or shine, hot or cold, ice cream is always a good option. Head to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, located 400 feet from the station. It has several unique and creative flavors like Brambleberry Crisp — vanilla ice cream with sweet-tart brambleberry jam and oat streusel mixed in — Gooey Butter Cake — vanilla cake crumbles and caramel-butterscotch sauce mixed into cream cheese ice cream — and Blackout Chocolate Cake — chocolate cake, chocolate pieces and extra-bitter chocolate fudge mixed into chocolate ice cream.

Sugar Creek Station

Address: 644 E. Sugar Creek Rd, Charlotte, NC 28213

Neighborhood: NoDa

Just 0.5 miles from the station you’ll find Asian Corner Mall, a haven for foodies seeking authentic cuisine. If you lean toward Chinese food, try Dragon Court Chinese Restaurant, which offers an extensive dim sum menu, along with traditional Cantonese favorites such as Szechuan beef, and Seafood Hot Pots. Or go for Vietnamese at Le’s Sandwiches & Cafe, with a lemongrass grilled pork banh mi.

Old Concord Road Station

Address: 5442 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28213

Neighborhood: Eastway

Do you have an unhealthy love for seafood? Guess what — Mr. Seafood is located just 0.4 miles from the station. The restaurant serves both seafood and landfood — chicken wings and tenders. Try the Mr. Seafood basket — your choice of whiting, swai or flounder, four oysters, four scallops and four shrimp served with crinkle fries and hushpuppies.

Tom Hunter Station

Address: 6505 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28213

Neighborhood: Hidden Valley

Are you absolutely starving after riding on the light rail? Fear not, dear reader, for La Casita is only 0.1 miles from the station. The Mexican restaurant serves tortas — similar to a sandwich — large plates and lunch specials. Choose the Grilled Steak Torta — roast beef, with rice and a handmade salad with tortillas — the Deviled Shrimp Torta — shrimp cooked in red sauce with onion, and served with rice and salad — or a burrito — rice, your choice of beef, chicken or meat al pastor, beans, lettuce, queso and cream.

If you prefer Chinese, you can dine in or take out from Cottage Restaurant, located 0.3 miles from the station. The restaurant has a lunch menu, all-day menu and Japanese menu. Try the Beef Hibachi Bento Box — served with rice, a four piece California Roll and your choice of 2 sides: garden salad, edamame or maki roll, sweet carrot, dumpling or steam veggie — Shrimp Lo Mein Special Combo — served with fried rice and an egg roll — and Fried Chicken Wings — comes as a 6 piece, 25 piece, 50 piece or 100 piece and tossed in honey spicy sauce, honey barbecue sauce or lemon pepper sauce.

University City Boulevard Station

Address: 7205 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28213

Neighborhood: Mineral Springs/Rumple Road

When you’re craving something classic, 21 South Junior is just 0.4 miles from the University City Boulevard Station. Dive in to a Super Boy burger, with two patties, mustard, tomato, lettuce and onion, served with a dill pickle and French fries. Or savor the Golden Fried Chicken, hand dipped and fried to order with French fries, housemade coleslaw and a roll.

A bit further away, 07 miles from the station, awaits El Taco Velo, where a variety of tacos are available for every taste. Try the Suadero Taco — made with pork — a Barbacoa Taco — with shredded beef — or the Taco Veloz, with bacon, grilled steak, Mexican sausage and cheese.

McCullough Station

Address: 8312 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28262

Neighborhood: Mineral Springs/Rumple Road

If you want a nice hot meal after riding the light rail, Le Kebab Grill located 0.5 miles from the station will serve you the best in Middle Eastern cuisine. Try the Falafel Wrap — fried falafel, lettuce, tomato, pickle, tahini and hummus wrapped in white or whole wheat pita or flatbread — the Shrimp Kebab — two shrimp skewers marinated in a variety of spices —- or a Philly Cheese Steak — made with beef, green peppers, onion, mushroom, provolone and mayonnaise.

JW Clay Blvd. Station

Address: 9048 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28262

Neighborhood: University City North

After a long day of classes, take the light rail to JW Clay Station to get to Ninety’s Milkshake Bar. The milkshake bar, which sports Niner Pride all over, is just 0.9 miles from the station in the Shoppes at University Place shopping center. The milkshake bar offers several delicious ice cream and milkshake options.

After that milkshake, have some breakfast at the Famous Toastery, situated 75 feet from the milkshake bar, to get ready for that test. The toastery offers all day breakfast, all day drinks and all day lunch. (As long as it’s open, that is — the restaurant closes at 3 p.m.)

Golden Owl Tavern lies just 384 feet away from the station. This destination restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus brunch on the weekends, with elevated food such as its Nashville hot chicken deviled eggs and baby back ribs.

For something more casual, keep going and you’ll find a Sabor Latin Street Grill location just 472 feet from the station. Order the black bean arepa off the “secret menu,” or enjoy a Three Amigos Burrito, with your choice of protein, beans and rice doused in queso.

UNC Charlotte — Main Station

Address: 9025 Cameron Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28262

Neighborhood: University City South

Hopefully, you filled up at the JW Clay station before heading to the UNC Charlotte Campus, but if you didn’t, we got you covered. Whether you’re a student or you’re just visiting the campus, we all get emergency cravings: Head 0.3 miles to the food hall and mini convenience grocery store inside the Popp Martin Student Union.