At Off the Square we offer new American modern cuisine with an international flair. We source only the finest fresh and local ingredients to ensure an unforgettable bar and southern dining experience in beautiful historic downtown Albemarle, NC! Our chef is always creating. Book one our tables for your next private event, or contact us directly to discuss renting out the entire space for the evening.
Off the Square was an incredible dining experience and a pleasant surprise for us traveling from Charlotte and frankly not expecting any restaurant to be so outstanding in a smaller town like Albemarle. The "shareables"were outstanding and we opted for them because they looked so interesting and creative.
Off the Square was an incredible dining experience and a pleasant surprise for us traveling from Charlotte and frankly not expecting any restaurant to be so outstanding in a smaller town like Albemarle. The "shareables"were outstanding and we opted for them because they looked so interesting and creative.
Reviews (27)
Kirk F.
Nov 28, 2021
Report
This restaurant may seem a little out of place for a town like Albemarle, NC. Great menu, great food in a fairly small venue downtown. Suggest reservations especially on the weekend. Waitress was nice enough to find us a seat. I had what was the best fillet I've had in a long time time. Perfectly cooked and tender as I've ever had. My wife had a Falafel pita that was extremely tasty too. We topped it off with a Bourbon Pecan pie to die for.
My only complaint was with a waiter, probably new that needs more training in customer service. When I asked for a bowl for water for my dog in the
My only complaint was with a waiter, probably new that needs more training in customer service. When I asked for a bowl for water for my dog in the
Dave M.
Nov 08, 2021
Report
Erik Smydra
Oct 24, 2021
Report
Had a fantastic dining experience in downtown Albemarle! Very quaint space for dinner. Had the brie as an appetizer that was fantastic. Wife ordered the seafood special which was pan seared scallops. Cooked perfectly, slightly salty, which was the reason for 4.5 star, not 5 star. I had the shrimp & grits- was a great tasting dish. Brussel Sprouts tossed in an Asian sauce was a nice addition for a side. Shared an apple blossom for dessert. Pretty good. Drinks were very reasonably priced. Service was FANTASTIC. Great job Chef Billy and staff!!!!!
Kelly Jeffries
Oct 24, 2021
Report
Lynn Allin-Hall
Oct 22, 2021
Report
The only restaurant I take my visiting guests and friends to. The food is always fresh, always interesting and the menu evolves seasonally. They are the only place that won't roll their eyes if you ask questions about diet restrictions and their menu; and I've never had a problem getting a vegan/gluten-free/vegetarian option for my guests or myself. Probably because unlike the majority of places in town, the food isn't reheated cisco fare. The service is top notch, the atmosphere is great and its location is the cute and walkable downtown. Don't miss it.
Bradley H.
Sep 12, 2021
Report
Abigail Abby
Aug 25, 2021
Report
The food was delicious. We tried the crab cake, it was very good and it tasted fresh. Plus the vegetables were so good. Highly recommend. We also had the orange chicken, really good. My son had the Wagyu burger he said it's by far the best burger he has ever had. But the star of the day was the orange cream créeme Brule, you'll have to try it 😉
Keith D.
Jul 31, 2021
Report
Love the place. Never have I had the bad meal here. Now the menu is limited and the specials are not cheap, but the quality and taste of the meal is always spot on. The drinks are good too. The male who always waits on us, don't know his name is always awesome. One of best restaurants in albermarle.
Robert Jimeson
Jul 13, 2021
Report
Off the Square was an incredible dining experience and a pleasant surprise for us traveling from Charlotte and frankly not expecting any restaurant to be so outstanding in a smaller town like Albemarle. But I can say that the imaginative menu, quality ingredients, beautiful presentation, dining room ambiance and the excellent friendly service placed this small, casual and comfortable restaurant on the top of my list for places not to miss. The “shareables”were outstanding and we opted for them because they looked so interesting and creative. And they delivered in terms of flavor and presentation
Kris B.
Jul 03, 2021
Report
We ordered quiche, burger, Mediterranean salad and shrimp bisque. It was all great! The burger came with real potato steak fries. Loved them. Grits was one of the many choices of sides for quiche, and they were great. Biggest bowl of soup I've ever had. Helpful staff. Mellow atmosphere. We will be back!
Kim T.
Jun 11, 2021
Report
Michael Scarboro
Jun 01, 2021
Report
Larysa L.
Jan 31, 2021
Report
It's been awhile since we ate here, covid etc. My husband and I came recently for brunch. WOW! There's a new chef and he has brought deft hand to old favs and bold new dishes. Try the bacon for starters. A spicy praline like you might find in New Orleans. Not too sweet, just enough spice. Yummy jalapeno biscuit, terrific chix sandwich. Excellent wait staff just enough attentiveness. Will be back to try Chef's dinner menu. Great hire I must say. Congrats!
Zach M.
Aug 19, 2020
Report
This was a random find while traveling for work. Small town, small restaurant, big flavors! I ordered their daily special- grilled chicken sandwich with port wine derby cheese. I've never ate purple cheese before but this place took a simple meal and elevated it quickly. Toasted bun, caramelized onions, and port wine cheese, it was a perfect combo. Service was great, quaint atmosphere, and great lunch. I called a few months later and asked if they would share the type of cheese, etc.... they gladly obliged. It was truly an amazing fine while bombing through North Carolina.
Kim S.
Aug 02, 2019
Report
Almost a 5 We were the only customers for a later than late lunch but it seemed to take longer than expected for our order to be brought out.
Enjoyable lunch I had the lunch BLT 1/2 sandwich and the Mediterranean side salad. The salad was very good especially once they brought the falafel "crouton" out, another short wait as they forgot to fry some up. I do recommend getting the full sandwich instead. It also came with the sweet potato chips, a sweet and salty surprise although a little too crispy for my taste.
Hubby had the full crab cake sandwich and side salad which he thought was
Enjoyable lunch I had the lunch BLT 1/2 sandwich and the Mediterranean side salad. The salad was very good especially once they brought the falafel "crouton" out, another short wait as they forgot to fry some up. I do recommend getting the full sandwich instead. It also came with the sweet potato chips, a sweet and salty surprise although a little too crispy for my taste.
Hubby had the full crab cake sandwich and side salad which he thought was
Tera D.
Jul 31, 2019
Report
Cathy L.
Jul 06, 2019
Report
Katie S.
Mar 17, 2019
Report
The food here was so bad I'm surprised the ratings are so high. We were in town for a wedding so we decided to grab a bite to eat beforehand. My kids got burgers and the most dried out flavorless chicken tenders I've ever had. Our food took a full 30 minute to come out which seems crazy because they were not busy. The steak Benedict was basically these sad scraps of well done steak (I had asked for mr) on this birds nest of potatoes which was so crunchy and basically inedible. To top it l off, I was changing in the bathroom which has 2 single unisex stalls. Despite having locked the
Mick W.
Feb 09, 2019
Report
Kat Rogers
Jan 22, 2019
Report
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.
Courtney H.
Sep 29, 2018
Report
What a gem! We found this place thanks to yelp. We needed a quick late lunch on our way to Charlotte and didn't want the chain experience Service was awesome and the wait staff knew their stuff. We can't wait to come back for dinner. Fish and chips were an unexpected surprise with the use of Tilapia and chips were spot on. Soups can't be beat!! Crab cake was the perfect compliment to shrimp bisque. And also don't forget to try the Bloody Mary. I won't tell you the secret but I will start using it at home! If you have the chance to visit this spot you
Dean McCaughan
Aug 14, 2018
Report
We were visiting from out of town and were so happy to find this restaurant. We wanted something local, and I don't think we could have done much better. Good variety, fresh and local meat and produce, great service -- everything I could ask for. The Nest Eggs were amazing, but I could go and eat just the sweet potato chips (yes, I went for the double-carbs). We'll go back next time we're in town.
Tony W.
Jul 27, 2018
Report
This is not my first visit, but they remain so consistantly "great" I went for a simple light lunch, Shrimp bisque and a grilled cheese sandwich. Both perfect, not slimming but hey its Friday.
I recommend this place again and look forward to my next visit Staff are great and very respectful. It's a winner!
I recommend this place again and look forward to my next visit Staff are great and very respectful. It's a winner!
Sarah Blake L.
Dec 14, 2017
Report
When I come home from college this is the first place I want to go and has my highest recommendation to anyone. All of the servers are amazing every time (we miss you Mariah!) and the food is fresh and locally sourced.
The Margarita Pasta will change your life, and the filet mignon is comparable to Ruth's Chris. You will not be disappointed. Oh, and the potato au gratin TO DIE FOR. Don't miss this gem.
The Margarita Pasta will change your life, and the filet mignon is comparable to Ruth's Chris. You will not be disappointed. Oh, and the potato au gratin TO DIE FOR. Don't miss this gem.
Bobby Vongphakdy
Jul 14, 2017
Report
Chris G.
Jul 01, 2017
Report
Great little gem with quality beyond what you would expect in a small city. Great ambiance and architecture.
Our food was all excellent, ranging from burgers and chicken sandwiches to pasta. Lots of neat options, like a mustard seed infused cheese for the sandwiches. Fries and sweet potato chips were were tasty.
Service was professional and prompt. Food took a bit of time but at 2 pm, that's actually a good thing because it shows they were actually preparing it then. The wait was still acceptable.
A great selection of four craft brews was the icing on the cake.
I'll come here again
Our food was all excellent, ranging from burgers and chicken sandwiches to pasta. Lots of neat options, like a mustard seed infused cheese for the sandwiches. Fries and sweet potato chips were were tasty.
Service was professional and prompt. Food took a bit of time but at 2 pm, that's actually a good thing because it shows they were actually preparing it then. The wait was still acceptable.
A great selection of four craft brews was the icing on the cake.
I'll come here again
Kenny R.
Mar 09, 2017
Report
