Sure, lists of the “most prestigious” and “the best” restaurants in North Carolina help us make lists like this one. But, when it comes to unique, off-the-beaten-path, and downright eccentric, we turn to our readers and NC natives to ask…where can we REALLY find the most unique restaurants in North Carolina? All of these 11 one-of-a-kind dining experiences are a must-try AT LEAST once as they are some of the most unique restaurants in NC.

1. Sip on coffee and grab a scone inside of a double-decker bus at Double D's Coffee & Desserts in Asheville.
Double D's Coffee & Desserts, 41 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
Double D's Coffee
Now a coffee and dessert house, Double D's Coffee & Desserts once roamed the busy streets of London as a fully functioning Double Decker Bus. Now Double D's is a unique, and quirky experience right in the heart of Asheville. It's one of the most famous restaurants in North Carolina.

Visit the Double D's Coffee & Desserts website for more information.
2. Dine on some mouthwatering BBQ at Little Richard's Bar-N-Q in Winston-Salem.
109 S Stratford Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27104, USA
Little Richard's Barbeque/Facebook
Little Richard's Bar-N-Q serves some of the most delicious BBQ in the state and is perhaps one of the best places to eat in North Carolina. Between the sliders, the tacos, sandwiches, Pitmaster Plates, and more, you better bring your appetite!

Visit the Little Richard's Barbecue website for more information.
3. Nothing can match the southern comfort food at Daniel Boone Inn.
130 Hardin St, Boone, NC 28607, USA
management /TripAdvisor
As one of the oldest and best places to eat in North Carolina, the Daniel Boone Inn mixes heritage with biscuits and gravy for a down-home dining experience away from home.

Read our previous coverage on Daniel Boone Inn to learn more.
4. Goats, cows, pastures, southern cookin', and MAC N' CHEESE are all found at Mike's Farm in Beulaville.
1600 Haw Branch Rd, Beulaville, NC 28518, USA
Mike's Farm/Facebook
You know it's TRUE southern cooking when you're dining at a gorgeous farm! Mike's Farm Southern Style Restaurant opens at 10 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and you can spend the day taking hayrides and learning about life on the farm.

Read our previous coverage on Mike's Farm to learn more.
5. The true essence of coastal charm can be found at Floyd's 1921 Restaurant in Morehead City.
400 Bridges St, Morehead City, NC 28557, USA
Floyds 1921
Crystal Coast native and executive chef Floyd Olmstead brings a "twist" to classic southern dining. From Asian to Latin American influences, Floyd's is southern comfort food with a cultural facelift. Plus, you can't beat the gorgeous patio and live music on the weekends at one of the most unique restaurants in North Carolina.

Visit the Floyd's 1921 website for more information.
6. Don't let the exterior fool you, it ain't real BBQ unless you get it from a window like the one at B's BBQ in Greenville!
Flickr / Southern Food Ways Alliance

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751 State Rd 1204, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
Flickr / Southern Food ways Alliance
B's BBQ in Greenville is SO good that it has a road named after it. Nothing pairs better than dining beneath the Carolina sunshine with a barbeque sandwich topped with crunchy slaw and served with crisp hushpuppies. YUM!

Read our previous coverage on B's BBQ to learn more.
7. A tiny dining room with BIG flavor at Pass The Salt in Historic Currituck
138 Courthouse Rd, Currituck, NC 27929, USA
Lori S/TripAdvisor
Don't get trapped in the tourist-bait restaurants of the coast, Pass the Salt might look small and unassuming, but with local, organic ingredients southern food gets a soulful seaside twist. It's one of the best hidden restaurants in North Carolina.

Read our previous coverage on Pass The Salt to learn more.
8. Congrats if you find the Hillbilly Hide-A-Way in Walnut Cove.
Hillbilly Hide-A-Way Restaurant, 4375 Pine Hall Rd, Walnut Cove, NC 27052, USA
HillyBilly Hide-A-Way
This amazing restaurant is one of the best kept secrets and hidden restaurants in North Carolina. You really can't go wrong with "home-trained" cooks. Maybe I just spilled the beans, but this one-of-a-kind dining experience must be experienced...well ONCE!

Read our previous coverage on Hillbilly Hide-A-Way to learn more.
9. If you like local, fresh shrimp, then you must try Gary's Down East Seafood in Arapahoe.
7610 NC-306, Arapahoe, NC 28510, USA
Gary's Down East Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar/Facebook
Off the beaten path and a bit unknown, they're hiding the best shrimp and the freshest seafood at Gary's.

Visit the Gary's Down East Seafood website for more information.
10. If you're a fan of juicy steak, you must try the Angus Barn in Raleigh.
9401 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617, USA
Seungmahn/TripAdvisor
As Raleigh's premier steakhouse, The Angus Barn remains in the hearts of locals as a timeless "tradition." The warm, wood-adorned atmosphere, plush comfortable chairs, and low-light makes for a cozy dinner at one of the most famous restaurants in North Carolina.

Read our previous coverage on Angus Barn to learn more.
11. You'll want to drive back for seconds at El's Drive-In in Morehead City.
Flickr / mswine
3706 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557, USA
Holly Mosher/Google
I'm just going to let this picture of this delicious platter of fried deliciousness do all the talking for me.

Read our previous coverage on El's Drive-In to learn more.

These are just a few restaurants in NC that offer unique dining experiences. Which of these unique restaurants in North Carolina are your favorites, and which ones did I miss? Please mention your favorites in the comments!

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More to Explore

Unique Restaurants In North Carolina

Melissa M. | November 02, 2021

What are some of the best places to eat in North Carolina?

Aside from the restaurants listed above, North Carolina has plenty of other incredible eateries we should all try. Honestly, there are soooooo many! In our list of 24 Restaurants In North Carolina You Have To Try Before You Die, you’ll find some mouthwatering local restaurants serving up some of the best food in the state. For tapas and southern cuisine, dine at Mateo in Durham. For an elegant afternoon tea and dining, the Fearrington House Restaurant in Pittsboro is the place to go. If you prefer to dine at a casual establishment that serves sandwiches and biscuits, you have to go to Snappy Lunch in Mt. Airy.

What are some of the best diners in North Carolina?

For some of the best burgers in the state, visit BJ’s Diner located in Cherokee, NC. Haus Heidelburg Restaurant in Hendersonville is a diner-style restaurant serving plenty of classic German dishes. You’ll find schnitzel, spätzle, potato pancakes, sausages, and other favorites. Located in the same building as a motorcycle museum is a motorcycle-themed diner called Heritage Diner in Asheboro. Open for breakfast and lunch, dine on American fare and then go ahead and cruise through the museum!

What foods is North Carolina known for?

Every state is known for certain foods and North Carolina is no different! If you love BBQ, the Tarheel State is the place to be! Some of the best BBQ restaurants in the country are found here. There’s also Mt. Olive Pickles, Krispy Kreme, and Bojangles, all of which originated here.

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