When it comes to cuisine in North Carolina, naturally we think – barbecue, southern comfort food, seafood, and even some mix of traditional Appalachia restaurants still serving the good stuff passed down through generations. If you’re eating your way through North Carolina, naturally you want the best mix of all listed above. These 12 restaurants not only take you on a culinary journey through our state’s history and culture, but…the food is pretty darn good too.
- Snappy Lunch
Yelp / Vince M
Yelp / Jenean T A favorite of Andy and Barney, this lunchtime go-to got quite a few mentions on the Andy Griffith show. Today, it’s still serving up the famous pork chop sandwich among other delicious options. Snappy Lunch is part nostalgia and part deliciousness, and the interior exudes Mayberry charm. 125 N Main St Mount Airy, NC 27030
- Dan’l Boone Inn
Yelp / Danielle R. For a ‘southern supper’ many go to Dan’l Boone Inn for delicious fried chicken and fixins’. It doesn’t get more Sunday at Grandma’s than this. 130 Hardin St Boone, NC 28607
- B’s BBQ
Yelp / Mark J A ‘beacon of BBQ,’ B’s is legendary in the tangy, eastern North Carolina style que world. With an exterior like this, you know it’s going to be good. While many BBQ joints pop up or persist throughout the state, B’s is a must-try for the BBQ lover, east or west. 751 Bs Barbecue Rd Greenville, NC 27858
- Lexington BBQ
Yelp / Garret G If you’re more on the tomato-based side, Lexington Barbecue, AKA The Honeymonk, is to Lexington as B’s is to eastern NC - legendary. A must-stop on any BBQ road trip, why not get a true taste of Lexington style right in the heart of Lexington? Bonus points: it’s pretty hard to miss the giant Lexington Barbecue sign. 100 Smokehouse Ln Lexington, NC 27295
- The Roast Grill
Yelp / Meg S
Yelp / Pjs If you’re in the mood for a delicious hot dog, look no further than Roast Grill. This quaint little restaurant has been a downtown Raleigh fixture for decades. 7 S West St Raleigh, NC 27603
- Brooks’ Sandwich House
Yelp / Jen E Brooks’ Sandwich House has two NC staple items that are made to perfection: livermush and an ‘all the way’ burger. While you might even turn your nose up at the word livermush, this classic dish is centered around small towns west of Charlotte. You might be hard pressed to find quality livermush outside of Shelby, but Brooks has a great livermush sandwich. Read more about livermush here. 2710 N Brevard St Charlotte, NC 28205
- Price’s Chicken Coop
Yelp / Esteban L While you’re in Charlotte, save room for another classically southern staple - fried chicken. You might’ve heard the hype about Price’s Chicken Coop, and this South End establishment is well deserving. 1614 Camden Rd Charlotte, NC 28203
- The Colington Cafe
Facebook / Colington Cafe On a summer beach trip we’re all looking for fresh seafood and a great dining out experience. Look no further than Colington Cafe for your next Outer Banks ’night out.’ This signature restaurant serves delicious seafood in an approachable, cozy atmosphere. It’s no wonder it stays consistently busy during the summer months. 1029 Colington Rd Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
- Chef & the Farmer
Yelp / Ed U. While you might have watched Chef Vivian Howard on her show, ‘A Chef’s Life,’ Howard and her two Kinston establishments (Boiler Room and Chef & the Farmer) have done so much more for Kinston than provide amazing food. Howard worked with displaced tobacco farmers to help them transition into growing regional vegetables and fruits, which she soon incorporated at her Kinston establishment. Today, Kinston is a small town on the rise, with two trendy hotels, more restaurants opening, and more interest in what once was a sleep North Carolina town. You might have to make a reservation a few weeks out, but the wait is worth it. Read all about Howard and her journey here. 120 W Gordon St Kinston, NC 28501
- Sunny Point Cafe
Yelp / Sarah T Two things we’ve yet to cover are the Asheville food scene and breakfast. While Asheville restaurants are mainly known for their upscale, trendy vibes, one place that has always kept it real (while still providing five star food) is Sunny Point Cafe. If you’re looking to get brunch or breakfast here in West Asheville, it’s best to come early as to avoid a long wait. Pretty soon, you’ll be craving Sunny Point almost every weekend! 626 Haywood Rd Asheville, NC 28806
- Sweet Potatoes
Yelp / Lorrie N
Yelp / Nate H Vivian Joiner and Stephanie Tyson opened Sweet Potatoes (well shut my mouth!) in 2003 when the Trade Street Arts District was just a shell of what it is today. Bringing soul food and life to this eclectic area, Sweet Potatoes has remained a staple with unique cuisine that’s a mix of cajun, southern, inventive and also approachable. If you find yourself in Winston-Salem, it’s a must! 529 N Trade St Winston Salem, NC 27101
- Angus Barn
Yelp / Bill C If you’re in the mood for a juicy, perfectly cooked steak, look no further than Angus Barn. This Raleigh staple has been around since the 1950s and today is just as popular and timeless. From a beloved destination for special occasions to a fancy Saturday night out, you can’t beat the food and atmosphere here. Read all about the Angus Barn in our article here. 9401 Glenwood Ave Raleigh, NC 27617
All of these restaurants are SO delicious in their own, unique way! Did your favorites make the list? Any you would add?
Yelp / Vince M
Yelp / Jenean T
A favorite of Andy and Barney, this lunchtime go-to got quite a few mentions on the Andy Griffith show. Today, it’s still serving up the famous pork chop sandwich among other delicious options. Snappy Lunch is part nostalgia and part deliciousness, and the interior exudes Mayberry charm. 125 N Main St Mount Airy, NC 27030
Yelp / Danielle R.
For a ‘southern supper’ many go to Dan’l Boone Inn for delicious fried chicken and fixins’. It doesn’t get more Sunday at Grandma’s than this. 130 Hardin St Boone, NC 28607
Yelp / Mark J
A ‘beacon of BBQ,’ B’s is legendary in the tangy, eastern North Carolina style que world. With an exterior like this, you know it’s going to be good. While many BBQ joints pop up or persist throughout the state, B’s is a must-try for the BBQ lover, east or west. 751 Bs Barbecue Rd Greenville, NC 27858
Yelp / Garret G
If you’re more on the tomato-based side, Lexington Barbecue, AKA The Honeymonk, is to Lexington as B’s is to eastern NC - legendary. A must-stop on any BBQ road trip, why not get a true taste of Lexington style right in the heart of Lexington? Bonus points: it’s pretty hard to miss the giant Lexington Barbecue sign. 100 Smokehouse Ln Lexington, NC 27295
Yelp / Meg S
Yelp / Pjs
If you’re in the mood for a delicious hot dog, look no further than Roast Grill. This quaint little restaurant has been a downtown Raleigh fixture for decades. 7 S West St Raleigh, NC 27603
Yelp / Jen E
Brooks’ Sandwich House has two NC staple items that are made to perfection: livermush and an ‘all the way’ burger. While you might even turn your nose up at the word livermush, this classic dish is centered around small towns west of Charlotte. You might be hard pressed to find quality livermush outside of Shelby, but Brooks has a great livermush sandwich. Read more about livermush here. 2710 N Brevard St Charlotte, NC 28205
Yelp / Esteban L
While you’re in Charlotte, save room for another classically southern staple - fried chicken. You might’ve heard the hype about Price’s Chicken Coop, and this South End establishment is well deserving. 1614 Camden Rd Charlotte, NC 28203
Facebook / Colington Cafe
On a summer beach trip we’re all looking for fresh seafood and a great dining out experience. Look no further than Colington Cafe for your next Outer Banks ’night out.’ This signature restaurant serves delicious seafood in an approachable, cozy atmosphere. It’s no wonder it stays consistently busy during the summer months. 1029 Colington Rd Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Yelp / Ed U.
While you might have watched Chef Vivian Howard on her show, ‘A Chef’s Life,’ Howard and her two Kinston establishments (Boiler Room and Chef & the Farmer) have done so much more for Kinston than provide amazing food. Howard worked with displaced tobacco farmers to help them transition into growing regional vegetables and fruits, which she soon incorporated at her Kinston establishment. Today, Kinston is a small town on the rise, with two trendy hotels, more restaurants opening, and more interest in what once was a sleep North Carolina town. You might have to make a reservation a few weeks out, but the wait is worth it. Read all about Howard and her journey here. 120 W Gordon St Kinston, NC 28501
Yelp / Sarah T
Two things we’ve yet to cover are the Asheville food scene and breakfast. While Asheville restaurants are mainly known for their upscale, trendy vibes, one place that has always kept it real (while still providing five star food) is Sunny Point Cafe. If you’re looking to get brunch or breakfast here in West Asheville, it’s best to come early as to avoid a long wait. Pretty soon, you’ll be craving Sunny Point almost every weekend! 626 Haywood Rd Asheville, NC 28806
Yelp / Lorrie N
Yelp / Nate H
Vivian Joiner and Stephanie Tyson opened Sweet Potatoes (well shut my mouth!) in 2003 when the Trade Street Arts District was just a shell of what it is today. Bringing soul food and life to this eclectic area, Sweet Potatoes has remained a staple with unique cuisine that’s a mix of cajun, southern, inventive and also approachable. If you find yourself in Winston-Salem, it’s a must! 529 N Trade St Winston Salem, NC 27101
Yelp / Bill C
If you’re in the mood for a juicy, perfectly cooked steak, look no further than Angus Barn. This Raleigh staple has been around since the 1950s and today is just as popular and timeless. From a beloved destination for special occasions to a fancy Saturday night out, you can’t beat the food and atmosphere here. Read all about the Angus Barn in our article here. 9401 Glenwood Ave Raleigh, NC 27617
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