I think there are more Sonics here than a couple. I know there's one on Speedway Blvd. in Concord.
I second the Hickory Tavern at Harris and 21 on the south side of the road. If you like seafood and go there during the week, they have all kinds of specials. It's kind of a sportsbar and I don't know if you would have a problem with it and bringing your kids. Some don't like to bring their kids to bars to eat, can't say I blame them.
We also have a Mexican restaurant in Rosedale Commons called Salsaritas. It's a food line but you can grab a couple of beers if you'd like. Food is good and rather cheap. It is not a bar, more of a restaurant.
There is a City Tavern up at Lake Norman, not cheap but good food. There is also Dressler's and Mickey & Mooch's, anniversary type places or once a year.
Everyone raves about Brooklyn South Pizza and it's not bad. I think there's a better package at Taste of Buffalo across the street from the bowling alley in Huntersville. They have good white pizza, regular pizza, and Buffalo wings.