Dining out is always part food and part experience. Many high-end restaurants offer an ambiance unlike any other, and most of the time that requires reservation. While there are plenty amazing five-star restaurants in North Carolina totally worth the wait, there are also simple hole in the wall eateries that are just as amazing.
- B’s BBQ, Greenville
Yelp / Mark J Deemed one of the best eastern style BBQ joints in the state, you might be waiting in life for a bit, but ordering from the window and dining at one of the various picnic tables outside is an experience unlike any other. One taste of this classic, hickory-smoked whole hog slathered in a vinegar and pepper sauce will have you coming back for more. 751 Bs Barbecue Rd Greenville, NC 27858
- HenDough, Hendersonville
Yelp / Anne S You might’ve tried chicken and waffles…but have you tried chicken and donuts? While HenDough usually separates the two…sometimes specials feature perfectly fried chicken sandwiched between an ooey-gooey donut. You also can’t go wrong with a classic chicken biscuit and a half-dozen donuts to save for later. 532 Kanuga Rd Hendersonville, NC 28739
- The Roast Grill, Raleigh
Yelp / Meg S A downtown Raleigh landmark since 1940, you can find one of the best hot dogs in the state here. Keep it classic Carolina with an all the way style dog. 7 S West St Raleigh, NC 27603
- Cast Iron Kitchen, Wilmington
Yelp / Dan M
Yelp / Dan M Perhaps one of the best brunch spots in Wilmington, you might encounter a long wait on the weekends, but call ahead to avoid a wait. Serving perfectly southern options like chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, and even a pimento BLT everything here is delicious and home cooked. If it’s your first time dining, try the dirty south biscuit; fried chicken tenderloin topped with runny egg, cheese and slathered in sausage gravy….it’s heaven in a dish! 8024 Market St Wilmington, NC 28411
- Slappy’s Chicken, Winston-Salem
Yelp / Ben B The low-key exterior and interior is hiding some of those most delicious sweet and spicy chicken in the state. The classic ‘Slappy’s sauce’ adds a tangy kick and you really cant beat eating it alongside mac n’ cheese topped with Ritz crackers. If you’re feeling adventurous, stop by the arcade bar next door. 200 W Acadia Ave Winston-Salem, NC 27127
- Proper, Boone
Yelp / Eric B Proper attracts more than college students and their visiting families; locals and High Country residents also love it. Situated in an old house, it’s like dining at home with a menu chocked full of southern favorites - catfish, collards, fried chicken, mac n’ cheese, and even sweet potato casserole. 142 S Water St Boone, NC 28607
- Three Amigos, Charlotte
Yelp / Aimee C
Yelp / Brett G We’ve been covering a lot of southern classics in this list, but besides southern food…another can’t live without is Mexican food. Three Amigos mixes Central and South American cuisine for some of the best enchiladas, tacos, chimichangas…and even all day breakfast you’ll taste. 2917 Central Ave Charlotte, NC 28205
- Saxapahaw General Store
Yelp / Jim K
Yelp / Jacob C Saxapahaw General store is like a five-star bistro meal…yet it’s situated in a cozy general store. Items range from a rare roast beef sandwich, a burger topped with green chilis and ‘cooked in lard,’ biscuits and gravy topped with scrambled eggs and even a veggie lasagna. Best part, all ingredients are locally sourced and help support local farmers. 1735 Saxapahaw Bethlehem Ch Rd Saxapahaw, NC 27340
All of these eight restaurants are DELICIOUS and simply low-key. Of course a fancy night out is always nice, but sometimes you just want a great meal without the reservation. Have you dined at any of these restaurants?
Yelp / Mark J
Deemed one of the best eastern style BBQ joints in the state, you might be waiting in life for a bit, but ordering from the window and dining at one of the various picnic tables outside is an experience unlike any other. One taste of this classic, hickory-smoked whole hog slathered in a vinegar and pepper sauce will have you coming back for more. 751 Bs Barbecue Rd Greenville, NC 27858
Yelp / Anne S
You might’ve tried chicken and waffles…but have you tried chicken and donuts? While HenDough usually separates the two…sometimes specials feature perfectly fried chicken sandwiched between an ooey-gooey donut. You also can’t go wrong with a classic chicken biscuit and a half-dozen donuts to save for later. 532 Kanuga Rd Hendersonville, NC 28739
Yelp / Meg S
A downtown Raleigh landmark since 1940, you can find one of the best hot dogs in the state here. Keep it classic Carolina with an all the way style dog. 7 S West St Raleigh, NC 27603
Yelp / Dan M
Perhaps one of the best brunch spots in Wilmington, you might encounter a long wait on the weekends, but call ahead to avoid a wait. Serving perfectly southern options like chicken and waffles, biscuits and gravy, and even a pimento BLT everything here is delicious and home cooked. If it’s your first time dining, try the dirty south biscuit; fried chicken tenderloin topped with runny egg, cheese and slathered in sausage gravy….it’s heaven in a dish! 8024 Market St Wilmington, NC 28411
Yelp / Ben B
The low-key exterior and interior is hiding some of those most delicious sweet and spicy chicken in the state. The classic ‘Slappy’s sauce’ adds a tangy kick and you really cant beat eating it alongside mac n’ cheese topped with Ritz crackers. If you’re feeling adventurous, stop by the arcade bar next door. 200 W Acadia Ave Winston-Salem, NC 27127
Yelp / Eric B
Proper attracts more than college students and their visiting families; locals and High Country residents also love it. Situated in an old house, it’s like dining at home with a menu chocked full of southern favorites - catfish, collards, fried chicken, mac n’ cheese, and even sweet potato casserole. 142 S Water St Boone, NC 28607
Yelp / Aimee C
Yelp / Brett G
We’ve been covering a lot of southern classics in this list, but besides southern food…another can’t live without is Mexican food. Three Amigos mixes Central and South American cuisine for some of the best enchiladas, tacos, chimichangas…and even all day breakfast you’ll taste. 2917 Central Ave Charlotte, NC 28205
Yelp / Jim K
Yelp / Jacob C
Saxapahaw General store is like a five-star bistro meal…yet it’s situated in a cozy general store. Items range from a rare roast beef sandwich, a burger topped with green chilis and ‘cooked in lard,’ biscuits and gravy topped with scrambled eggs and even a veggie lasagna. Best part, all ingredients are locally sourced and help support local farmers. 1735 Saxapahaw Bethlehem Ch Rd Saxapahaw, NC 27340
Another amazing dining spot that doesn’t require a reservation (just maybe a wait time) is also one of the most beautiful once the leaves reach their peak fall colors.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
