In North Carolina, we're always on the search for the next best meal. We live in a state that has tied with California for Open Table's 'Top Restaurants,' and if you live in Charlotte, Asheville, Durham, and even the smaller cities, it seems there's always a new place that you must try. Yet some of the best places are tried and true...but sometimes aren't too well known. These 10 restaurants pack plenty of flavor, and while sometimes unknown, are all a must-try on the culinary adventure of North Carolina.

1. Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen, Chapel Hill

There are plenty of places to get biscuits in the morning, but if you find yourself in the Triangle area, Sunrise Biscuits is a must! The drive-thru is easily accessible. The biscuits are handmade and you can fill them with just about anything - like fried chicken, egg and cheddar above. I'm starving!

2. Slappy's Chicken, Winston-Salem

Slappy's is pretty cut and dry - fried chicken and southern sides. Yet, it's absolutely delicious and you can't beat the sauce that makes it so 'Slappy's.'

3. Catch, Wilmington

Catch is low-key on the outside, but it's hiding amazing cuisine. Catch features award-winning seafood easily prepared. It 'swims' under the radar, but it's a must.

4. Roxxi and Lulu's, Elkin

This small town hides a truly amazing gem that really only the locals know about. The attention to detail, fresh ingredients, simple approach yet with really amazing food is what you'll get here. You must try a hearty, cold cut sandwich, or even made from scratch oatmeal pancakes. It's a true gem of the Yadkin Valley region. You also can't leave without trying the sonker, a Surry County specialty dessert.

5. Saxapahaw General Store, Saxapahaw

This little general store serves up five-star food. You can't go wrong with the duck fat fries, a hearty sandwich or even smoked tenderloin. There's a little bit of everything here, but it all feels gourmet.

6. Wildlife Grill and Restaurant, Southport

A 'locals-only' type place, Wildlife Grill has amazing, home cooked and affordable food. Go for breakfast and you won't be disappointed.

7. Shatley Springs, Crumpler

Sit down for a family-style meal of best the south has to offer. Fried chicken, amazing biscuits - and of course, a pitcher of sweet tea. Shatley Springs is a popular spot for tourist and locals, but deserves statewide attention.

8. Ella's, Calabash

When on the coast, some fried and fresh seafood is a must, yet it can be hard to decide which restaurants to visit. Ella's is a bit less well-known as the others, but serves amazing food in a cozy atmosphere.

9. Keaton's BBQ, Cleveland

Keaton's is about as hole-in-the-wall as they come, but don't let the exterior fool you. There are plenty of well-known and well visited BBQ joints in NC, but this one is a true hidden gem. Try something different like the pan fried chicken and even the red slaw that is tangy and sweet.

10. El's Restaurant, Morehead City

There are plenty of places on the coast to get a quick grab-n-go meal, but when it comes to something fresh and delicious like a shrimp or oyster burger you can't go wrong with El's. Plenty of people have made it a yearly tradition. Skip the sit down meal and get it to-go here.

Well, I am officially starving and ready for a biscuit, fried chicken, and of course sweet tea to wash it down! Have you tried any of these restaurants or have others you want to add to the list?

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