From the the ambiance to the food, going out to eat is more than a meal but an entire experience. While many of us look for both stellar food and stellar ambiance, sometimes we get in a restaurant rut and feel as if we’re going to the same places or same style restaurants over and over again. When it comes time to change it up, sometimes adding another element to the mix is best. Listed below, these six restaurants are more than just eateries but fishing piers, general stores and even family-owned farms offering loads of seasonal events and fun.
- Mike’s Farm
Trip Advisor / Matthew W
Mike’s Farm This charming Beulaville restaurant is much more than a ‘farm’ or ‘restaurant’ but an entirely quaint experience wrapped in several different packages. While Mike’s is known for its down-home country cooking that rivals Grandma’s, there’s so much more to this place than the fried chicken. From seasonal events on the farm that include hayrides and Christmas lights, to a great gift shop chock full of local provisions and even just the lovely scenery - it’s a must visit. Read our full article on Mike’s Farm here.
- Foster’s Market, Durham
Facebook / Foster’s Market Foster’s Market is much more than a brunch pot, or local marketplace, or even that one stop for a rare find - it’s all these things combined into a cozy, eye-catching whole that keeps people coming back for a wide array of reasons. Visit for brunch but don’t forget to spend time browsing the marketplace. You might even want to pick up some cold salads or packaged goodies for the week ahead. Read our full article on Foster’s Market,here.
- The Country Squire Restaurant, Inn and Winery
Facebook / The Country Squire Restaurant, Inn and Winery On the surface it might seem that the Country Squire got a mention due to the fact that it’s also an inn and winery…but that’s not why. The Country Squire is believed to be haunted and here, you could very well be enjoying your 72 oz. ‘Kilt Buster’ with a spirit from the afterlife. Some weird things have occurred to everyone from paranormal investigators to unassuming diners. Read our full article on The Country Squire here.
- Saxapahaw General Store
Facebook / Saxapahaw General Store Deemed a ‘five-star’ gas station, Saxapahaw General Store is packed to the brim with local provisions while tables invite you to order one of their many specials and kick back for a bit. There’s also plenty of craft beer and assorted wine to choose from to accompany your visit. Open from breakfast until dinner, Saxapahaw also offers catering services for big events. This little general store is more than just a ‘five-star gas station’ - it’s a five-star eatery.
- Common Market, Charlotte
Flickr / James Willamor Common Market is the lively center and heart of Plaza Midwood’s eclectic culture. Although the store has now expanded to other locations throughout Charlotte, the Plaza location will always be the original and the best way to get an idea of everything Common Market is. From breakfast, lunch that includes a variety of wraps and sandwiches and now ‘hot plate’ dishes for dinner - you can eat, drink and take in all the culture while visiting Common Market.
- Fish Heads
Facebook / Fish Heads Half restaurant and wholly pier, Fish Heads is a popular summer destination to take in the views while enjoying your meal. Located in Nags Head, a meal here perfectly accompanies a long weekend getaway or even a short trip. Fish Heads offers happy hour special, live music, and ocean views. Fish Heads also made our list of ten best outdoor restaurants.
What other restaurants would you add to the list?
Trip Advisor / Matthew W
Mike’s Farm
This charming Beulaville restaurant is much more than a ‘farm’ or ‘restaurant’ but an entirely quaint experience wrapped in several different packages. While Mike’s is known for its down-home country cooking that rivals Grandma’s, there’s so much more to this place than the fried chicken. From seasonal events on the farm that include hayrides and Christmas lights, to a great gift shop chock full of local provisions and even just the lovely scenery - it’s a must visit. Read our full article on Mike’s Farm here.
Facebook / Foster’s Market
Foster’s Market is much more than a brunch pot, or local marketplace, or even that one stop for a rare find - it’s all these things combined into a cozy, eye-catching whole that keeps people coming back for a wide array of reasons. Visit for brunch but don’t forget to spend time browsing the marketplace. You might even want to pick up some cold salads or packaged goodies for the week ahead. Read our full article on Foster’s Market,here.
Facebook / The Country Squire Restaurant, Inn and Winery
On the surface it might seem that the Country Squire got a mention due to the fact that it’s also an inn and winery…but that’s not why. The Country Squire is believed to be haunted and here, you could very well be enjoying your 72 oz. ‘Kilt Buster’ with a spirit from the afterlife. Some weird things have occurred to everyone from paranormal investigators to unassuming diners. Read our full article on The Country Squire here.
Facebook / Saxapahaw General Store
Deemed a ‘five-star’ gas station, Saxapahaw General Store is packed to the brim with local provisions while tables invite you to order one of their many specials and kick back for a bit. There’s also plenty of craft beer and assorted wine to choose from to accompany your visit. Open from breakfast until dinner, Saxapahaw also offers catering services for big events. This little general store is more than just a ‘five-star gas station’ - it’s a five-star eatery.
Flickr / James Willamor
Common Market is the lively center and heart of Plaza Midwood’s eclectic culture. Although the store has now expanded to other locations throughout Charlotte, the Plaza location will always be the original and the best way to get an idea of everything Common Market is. From breakfast, lunch that includes a variety of wraps and sandwiches and now ‘hot plate’ dishes for dinner - you can eat, drink and take in all the culture while visiting Common Market.
Facebook / Fish Heads
Half restaurant and wholly pier, Fish Heads is a popular summer destination to take in the views while enjoying your meal. Located in Nags Head, a meal here perfectly accompanies a long weekend getaway or even a short trip. Fish Heads offers happy hour special, live music, and ocean views. Fish Heads also made our list of ten best outdoor restaurants.
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