The Quirkiest Restaurant In North Carolina That’s Impossible Not To Love
North Carolina has no shortage of quirky attractions, from strange statues, to dive bars, to museums, and even things you might pass on the road that deserve a second glance or even a stop and picture. One of those places that immediately catches your eye is what at first appears as almost an ode to every single fast food statue known to man. The good news is that, after you take a few pictures outside, you can step inside for a delicious meal.
Harry's Grill and Piggy's Ice Cream, located in Hendersonville , is a favorite with locals and travelers alike. Harry and Sallie Thompson first opened Piggy's Ice Cream Parlor in 1979. Piggy's sold ice cream and antiques, and was open from May-November each year. The family-run business operated with the help of the owners' three sons. In 1992, they decided to expand and open a restaurant on the same site. Sadly, Harry passed away suddenly from a heart attack four months after the restaurant opened in May 1993. In honor of Harry, the family decided to name the new restaurant Harry's Grill and Piggy's Ice Cream. Known simply as Harry and Piggy's to locals, the year-round restaurant, ice cream shop, and antique shop is a must-visit.
The outside might catch your eye, but the inside is just as quirky.
If you're just in the mood for ice cream, grab a scoop or two. You can go big or go home here. Get a hot fudge bonanza, banana split, or Hooterville Cooler with orange sherbet + OJ. The ice cream flavors include classics like moose tracks and new, refreshing flavors like cherry chocolate chip or wild mountain blackberry.
If you're looking for a full meal, Harry's serves classics like burgers any way you want them, pulled pork, hot dogs, fries, onion rings, and general fried goodness.
Harry's and Piggy's has one of the largest collections of fiberglass statues in the state. You might see some you recognize off the bat, but you can't beat the other statues like the circus commander with his caged tiger or the pig hanging from the sign with BBQ written across his side. Even if you pop in for a scoop of ice cream, you'll find yourself staying quite a while to take pictures of this whimsical collection.
Harry's and Piggy's is open year-round, but closed on Sunday during winter hours.
You can find this delightful restaurant at 102 Duncan Hill Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792. On their website they note "When you see the critters, you're here." SO true!
Have you dined here before or simply stopped by to take some pictures? What do you think? What are some other quirky restaurants in North Carolina?
If you're looking for more roadside attractions that put the B in bizarre, you can't miss these 15.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!




















