12 Bucket List Worthy Restaurants To Try In North Carolina, One For Each Month Of The Year
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Robin Jarvis
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Dining out in North Carolina is an easy way to relax, unwind, and reconnect with friends and family. Whether you find yourself craving BBQ, steaks, Mexican, or other special tastes, the following 12 bucket-list restaurants in North Carolina will satisfy your every whim. And guess what? With 12 of them, there’s one for every month of the year!
The German Cafe, 316 Nutt St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA
Nothing warms the insides quite like a German dinner filled with the flavors of Old World Germany. Head to Wilmington to check out The German Cafe. Its' wonderful atmosphere and location along the waterfront are perfect for a cold winter day.
In addition to delicious food, The German Cafe has a fascinating history.
In addition to delicious food, The German Cafe has a fascinating history.
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Saxapahaw General Store, 1735 Saxapahaw-Bethlehem Church Rd, Graham, NC 27253, USA
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Both an old-time general store and a restaurant, Saxapahaw General Store serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with delicious American fare that includes burgers made from local grass-fed beef, as well as seafood and a variety of other fare.
Visit the Saxapahaw General Store online to learn more.
Visit the Saxapahaw General Store online to learn more.
Snappy Lunch, 125 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, USA
One of the state's oldest diners is always worth a stop anytime you're nearby to Mount Airy. Feel the Mayberry U.S.A. vibe in this nostalgic diner — and then go explore some other Andy Griffith sights while you're in town.
Take a trip down memory lane as you learn about this oldest diner in North Carolina.
Take a trip down memory lane as you learn about this oldest diner in North Carolina.
Yoder's Dutch Pantry, 4102 NC-118, Grifton, NC 28530, USA
Mennonite food at its best; that's what you'll find at Yoders! If you love everything Amish and Mennonite, then a trip to Yoder's is a must.
Learn more about the cinnamon rolls as big as your head that you can enjoy at this Mennonite bakery in North Carolina.
Learn more about the cinnamon rolls as big as your head that you can enjoy at this Mennonite bakery in North Carolina.
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Gravy Southern Eatery, 1165 Carlyle St SW, Calabash, NC 28467, USA
Head over to the southern coast to Calabash to dine on rich Southern fare like meaty, bone-in pork chops cooked to perfection and more Southern comfort foods, too. Gravy is just the place to find 'em.
Gravy Southern Eatery is a must-visit restaurant in North Carolina.
Gravy Southern Eatery is a must-visit restaurant in North Carolina.
The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant, 910 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720, USA
June is the perfect month to take a trip to the Village of Chimney Rock. Explore the state park, the rock, take a drive over to Lake Lure, and then head back to the Esmeralda for a meal fit for a king.
Visit the Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant online for more information.
Visit the Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant online for more information.
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B's Barbecue, 751 State Rd 1204, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
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Roll down the car windows and take a little road trip over to Greenville to sample what just may be the undeniably best BBQ in the entire state. B's sells out quickly, so get there early!
Learn more about some of the best barbecue in Greenville.
Learn more about some of the best barbecue in Greenville.
Angus Barn, 9401 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617, USA
Calling all carnivores! Angus Barn is one of the most notable steakhouses in the Tar Heel State. Yet it's still a casual, come-as-you-are spot where everyone feels welcome.
Check out the ginormous prime rib you can get at The Angus Barn. Now that's a lot of steak!
Check out the ginormous prime rib you can get at The Angus Barn. Now that's a lot of steak!
Mert's Heart And Soul, 214 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
Soul food never tasted as good as it does at Mert's in Charlotte. From fried chicken to collards and more, Mert's has you covered!
Visit the Mert's Heart & Soul website for more details.
Visit the Mert's Heart & Soul website for more details.
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Taco Billy, 201 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806, USA
The landscape around Asheville should be changing by mid-October and that makes it the perfect time to plan a visit to the mountains! While you're there, head over to Taco Billy where the tacos are almost (ALMOST!) as colorful as the landscape in the fall.
And although it's a tiny Mexican restaurant in North Carolina, it is not lacking in the variety of tacos available on its menu.
And although it's a tiny Mexican restaurant in North Carolina, it is not lacking in the variety of tacos available on its menu.
Merritt's Grill, 1009 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
Chapel Hill is loaded with wonderful restaurants, but you'll be missing out if you don't stop in to Merritt's for one of their enormous BLTs. Yum! They're perfect for game day - or any day of the week, really.
Visit the Merritt's Store & Grill website to check it out further.
Visit the Merritt's Store & Grill website to check it out further.
Dan'l Boone Inn, Boone, NC 28607, USA
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Warm up this winter with a cozy family-style meal at Dan'l Boone Inn. The plates come piled high with enough portions for everyone at the table to enjoy a little of everything. We recommend getting their country ham biscuits... yep, they're also served piled high on the plate! It's the ultimate in Southern comfort food in North Carolina.
It’s easy to see why dining out can sometimes be so difficult in the Tar Heel State. It’s just so hard to narrow down all of the wonderful choices. Hopefully, these 12 bucket list restaurants in North Carolina help to steer you to quicker decisions in the coming year.
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More to Explore
Bucket List Restaurants In North Carolina & Related Info
What are some other bucket list restaurants in the state I should try?
Although they may have a bit of a wait to get in to eat, the following are some other bucket list restaurants in the state that you should check out:
- Kindred, located in Davidson, is a nationally popular restaurant with a constantly changing menu
- Charlotte’s Passion8, which you may be able to get into a little easier for brunch
- Heritage Food and Drink in Waxhaw features simple, yet creative, dishes
- Cúrate in Asheville offers Spanish cuisine
- Colington Cafe in Kill Devil Hills for fresh seafood
- Table 16 Restaurant in Greensboro features a unique four-course tasting menu concept that allows guests to try a bit of everything
- Beasley's Chicken and Honey in Raleigh has southern food and a bar found below the restaurant
- Snappy Lunch in Mount Airy just may have the best sandwich in North Carolina!
- Dan'l Boone Inn Restaurant in Boone, a landmark since 1959
- Catch in Wilmington, another place for some amazing seafood
Which restaurants in NC have the best scenic views?
The following restaurants in NC are a few of the excellent options for dining with a view:
- River’s End Restaurant in Bryson City
- Waterfront Seafood Shack in Calabash with seafood straight off the boat and a view
- Fahrenheit in Charlotte, a rooftop restaurant and bar