Everyone Goes Nuts For The Food At This Nostalgic Eatery In North Carolina
One quintessential aspect of the 1950s (aside from poodle skirts) was the rise of soda shops and lunch counters. Sharing a milkshake with your sweetie while sitting cozy in a booth, sitting at a lunch counter where the waitress knows your name and order, even just enjoying classic Americana fare like burgers, hot dogs and an ice cold coke. While the 1950s have indeed come and gone, some places are like a time capsule transporting us back to an easier, carefree time. One such place is a small town staple and must-visit for anyone passing through.
Rocky's Grill and Soda Shop, located in downtown Brevard, has been a local go-to since 1995. Part of the original Varner's Drug Store, Rocky's roots trace back to 1942.
Even better, diners can enjoy a delicious meal at the original, 1941 lunch counter. There's even an old school soda fountain to get delicious flavored cokes and coke floats and a good old-fashioned root beer. Soda fountains and soda pops are strictly American, and their roots in drugstores hail from the fact the first inventor of soda water claimed it was medicinal and began to sell it in his drugstores. While like most trends come and go, Rocky's has maintained the original soda fountain for perfected soda pop.
Even past 'pop,' Mr. Varner expanded his drugstore in 1946 opening the luncheonette. Just like many other drugstores, Mr. Varner's was a place for socializing. From neighborhood kids to locals, Rocky's was the place to be. Today, generations have ventured here, including grandparents taking their grandchildren to a spot they once sat at.
While it can be hard to decide just what to get, two staples to go with are either the kosher hot dogs or simple grilled pimento cheese sandwich served on buttermilk bread. The pimento cheese recipe hasn't changed one bit since Mrs. Varner first whipped it up 65 years ago. Safe to say, Rocky's has a retro aesthetic and taste.
If you're more of a hot dog person, you're in luck. Signature dogs include the plain and simple 'Mutt,' the 'Chilly Willy,' the 'Law Me Slaw Me,' the all the way 'Hot Diggity Dogs!' and of course... even a pimento cheese hot dog.
The menu also extends to a variety of delectable sandwiches. A personal favorite? The Elvis - a grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich. There's also a classic PB&J, BLT, Tuna melt, BBQ, Reuben, and the 'Grilled Rachel' featuring smoked turkey with Swiss, kraut and thousand island dressing on rye.
Let's not forget the amazing hamburgers either. If it's a soda shop, you must have three things: burgers, dogs and milkshakes. Rocky's has no shortage of all three. Some of the more popular hamburgers include the Carolina Cheeseburger with (you guessed it) cheese, chili, slaw and onions. The Better "Mac" Burger with thousand island dressing, cheese, lettuce, pickles and onions, and even the basic but delicious 'Classic Burger.'
While it might be tempting to fill up on burgers, hot dogs, or a signature sandwich, you MUST save room for dessert. One of the most iconic aspects of Rocky's is the famous milkshakes. The 'thick and creamy' shakes are made with three scoops (your choice) of hand-dipped ice cream and the malts are blended with real powdered malt. While ingredients make the shake, presentation is key too. You can't beat the frosted, old-fashioned glass it comes served in with a gracious helping of whipped cream and a cherry to top it all off. When you thought it couldn't get more delectable, there are 'Outrageous' sundaes as well as traditional sundaes or even a simple scoop of ice cream.
One thing is for certain - when visiting Rocky's it's crucial to bring your appetite. This blast from the past is a true treasure in terms of North Carolina establishments. From dining at the classic counter to enjoying a hearty hot dog or to-die-for burger, Rocky's is more than the food - it's a whole experience.
Well, my mouth is officially watering! Everything here is SO delicious. Have you visited before? What are some of your favorite items to order?
You’ll find Rocky’s Grill and Soda Shop at:
50 S Broad St
Brevard, North Carolina
