Alston Bridges Barbecue - Shelby
(620 East Grover Street, 28150 - 704 482-1998)

Ann’s Kitchen – Spencer
(319 North Salisbury Avenue, 28159 – 704 633-3889) Monday – Friday for Lunch and Dinner.

B's Barbecue - Greenville
(NC Route 43)

Back Country Barbeque - Lexington
(4014 Old Linwood Road, 27299 - 704 956-1696)

Baker’s Restaurant – Jacksonville
(3257 Richlands Highway, 28540 – 910 346-6557) Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Monday – Friday; Breakfast only on Saturday.

Bell and Son's Cafeteria - Winston-Salem
(4320 Liberty Street, 27105 - 336 767-0730) Open Monday – Saturday, 10:30 am – 8 pm; Sundays 11 am – 3 pm and 4:30 pm – 8 pm; fried chicken, pork BBQ and Banana Pudding are popular items here; the beef stew is another good dish; tasty sweet potato pie.

Big Ed's City Market - Raleigh (Added June, 2004)
(220 Wolfe Street, 27601 - 919-836-9909) Down home joint serving a killer breakfast; don't forget the country ham.

Big Nell's Pit Stop - Ocean Isle Beach
(6369 Live Oak Avenue Southwest, 28469 - 919 579-6461)

Bill's - Wilson
(5619 U.S. Highway 17, 27893 - 252 239-1627)

Billy's Pork and Beef Center – Goldsboro
(622 North Madison, 27530 - 910 285-6047) Good BBQ served up with the Eastern NC vinegar sauce; pork cracklins and rinds also available for purchase; the country hams are above average and the staff at Billy’s will be happy to slice it up for you; more of a retail outlet than restaurant, but the modest carryout food area in the rear of the small store is worth seeking out.

Bridge's BBQ Lodge - Shelby
(US 74 bypass near King's Mountain)

Blue Mist BBQ - Asheboro
(3409 Highway 64 East, 27203 - 336 625-3980)

Bob Melton's BBQ - Rocky Mount
(501 Old Mill Road, 27804-4212 - 919 446-8513) Originally opened in 1924; Mr. Melton passed away in 1958 … but the restaurant has carried on faithfully in the Melton tradition; try the combo dinner featuring BBQ, Brunswick Stew and Potatoes; Fried Chicken, chicken gizzards, and chicken gizzards are also offered; other entrees include ribs, seafood baskets and fried fish; Captain Bob’s Sampler Platter is a perfect introduction for the first time visitor; save room for the Banana Pudding!

Bob's Barbecue - Creedmoor
(1589 Highway 56, 27522 - 919 528-2081)

Bridges BBQ Lodge - Shelby (Added March, 2004)
(U.S. Highway 74, 28150 - 704 482-8567) On the Bypass near Kings Mountain.

Bubba's BBQ - Frisco
(NC Route 12)

Bullock's - Durham
(3330 Quebec Drive, 27705 - 919 383-3211 or 383-6202) Lunch and Dinner, Tuesday – Saturday; very popular spot for Eastern North Carolina BBQ; menu includes pork BBQ, Brunswick Stew, Country style steak, and much more; sample the delicious pineapple cake for dessert – you won’t be sorry!

Captain Jerry's - Fayetteville
(691 South Reilly Road, 28314 - 910 864-8691)

Cardinal Drive-In – Brevard
(328 South Broad, 28712 - 828 884-7085) Fine old-fashioned drive-in located in the scenic mountain town; a true blast from the past; the food is above average … but it’s the atmosphere that makes this joint special.

Coffee Cup Grill – Charlotte
(914 South Clarkson Street, 28208 – 704 375-8855) Breakfast and Lunch, Monday – Saturday; look for the classic sign (a big coffee cup) out front; great soul food highlighted by homemade casseroles.

Country Kitchen - Midway (Added August, 2005)

Cox Family Restaurant – Morehead City
(4109 Arendall Street, 28557 – 252 726-6961) Open for three squares a day, 7 days a week.

Crook's Corner - Chapel Hill (Added May, 2005)
(610 West Franklin Street; 919 929-7643) The New York Times has called this place "Sacred ground for Southern foodies;" try the shrimp and grits (some claim it all started here) and the delicious Mt. Airy chocolate cake; dinner only Tuesday thru Saturday (they open at 5:30 pm); Sundays from 10:30 am til 2:00 pm, then 5:30 til ???; visit them online at www.crookscorner.com; a cookbook is due by fall of 2005.

Dan'l Boone Inn - Boone
(130 Hardin Street, 28607 - 704 264-8657) Lunch and Dinner, Monday – Friday; Saturday and Sunday, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Opened as a restaurant in 1959; meats include fried chicken and country ham biscuits; side dish choices are highlighted by stewed apples; homemade biscuits and black cherry preserves are served with each meal; don’t miss the bountiful breakfasts.

Delores and Jose Mexican Restaurant – Asheville
(521 Haywood Road, 28806 - 828 253-3557) Fresh, homemade Mexican food in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains; a true Mom and Pop establishment; check it out!!!

Dip's Country Kitchen - Chapel Hill
(405 W Rosemary St - 919 942-5837) Owner Mildred Council serves up authentic soul food to students, faculty and others at UNC; Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner; now in a new, more spacious eatery located across the street from the original; same great food and down-home service.  Visit them online at www.mamadips.com.

• Mama Dip’s Brussels Sprouts with Baby Okra

¼ cup lean country ham, cut into thin strips
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups water
salt to taste
1 teaspoon sugar
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 ½ - 2 lbs. Fresh Brussels Sprouts (see note below)
8 – 10 pods of fresh small okra, stem ends removed

- Use a pot that is 10-12 inches wide at the bottom. Wash and dry the ham pieces and put them into the pot with the oil over medium to medium-low heat. Spread out to cook evenly. Let the ham cook until crisp, stirring as it cooks. Add the water, salt, sugar and red pepper. Turn the heat to medium-high and let the water come to a boil. Put in the Brussels Sprouts and cook, stirring now and then, until all the ingredients are hot, about 10 minutes. Place the whole okra on top of the Brussels Sprouts and cover the pot. Cook slowly for 10 to 15 minutes.

- Note: Trim off the stems of the sprouts and soak the sprouts for 15 minutes in 1 quart cold water with 2 teaspoons salt. Cut the sprouts in half and rinse well before using. 

Don Murray's Barbeque & Seafood – Raleigh
(2751 Capital Boulevard, 27604 – 919 872-6270) Diners in the Research Triangle area rave about Murray's Pork Chops, Hush Puppies and Collard Greens; the Fried Chicken, Chopped BBQ, and Fruit Cobblers are also recommended; buffet available every day.

Fat Buddies Ribs and BBQ - Franklin (Added January, 2004)
(311 Westgate Plaza; 828 349-4743) Featured in the January 2004 issue of Southern Living; the bbq chicken and baby back ribs are both highly rated; they have opened a second eatery (same name) in nearby Waynesville, NC (193 Waynesville Plaza; 828 456-6368); check 'em out online at www.fatbuddiesribsandbbq.com; no beer or liquor is served, but you can order up a fine glass wine with your smoked swine --- no kidding!

Fran’s Front Porch – Liberty
(6139 Smithwood Road, 27298 – 336 685-4104) Thursday – Saturday, Dinner only; Sunday, Lunch only; located in an old home just south of Greensboro; dinner buffet here is a real treat; locals rave about the lemon chess pie.

Fuller’s – Lumberton
(3201 North Roberts Avenue, 28360 - 336 427-4130) Take I-95 to Exit 20. Buffet-style restaurant; Eastern Carolina BBQ with peppery vinegar sauce; other menu staples include chicken gizzards, greens, fatback, chicken and pastry, and good vegetables.

Fuzzy's - Madison
(407 North Highway Street, 27025 - 336 427-4130)

Hazel's Kitchen - Durham

Holland Grill - Holly Springs
(600 Irving Parkway, 27540 - 919 557-2001)

Hot Shot Cafe - Asheville [Photo]

Hursey's Barbecue - Burlington
(1834 South Church Street, 27217 - 336 226-1694)

J & G Bar B Que - Haw River (Added March, 2004)
(2703 North Church Street, 27258 - 336 578-0729)

The Jarrett House – Dillsboro
(Intersection of US 23 and US 441 South – 828-772-2616) Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner … 7 days a week; lunch features include ham, fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, catfish, and more; dinner options are highlighted by deep fried rainbow trout, fresh from mountain streams; try the unusual Vinegar Pie on the dessert menu.

Jimmy's Barbecue - Lexington
(1703 Cotton Grove Road, 27292 - 336 357-2311)

Jordan's House of Seafood & Oyster Bar - Emerald Isle (Added May, 2005)
(8106 Emerald Drive; 252 354-5722) Simple, no frills concrete structure; good broiled seafood and hush puppies.

Keaton's Barbecue - Cleveland (Added July, 2004)
(17365 Cool Springs Road; 704 278-1619) A rustic BBQ chicken shack featuring all the traditional side dishes (baked beans, slaw, etc.); leave room for the Red Velvet Cake.

Ken's Grill - LaGrange
(7645 U.S. Highway 70, 28551 - 252 566-4765)

King's BBQ - Kinston
(409 East New Bern Road, 28501 - 800 332-OINK or 919 527 2101) Eastern North Carolina hand chopped Pork BBQ and much more.  Other menu highlights include the Fried Chicken, Fried Sea Trout, thick Brunswick Stew, and the famous Pig in a Puppy (a unique sandwich made with hushpuppy dough and Pork BBQ).  Daily lunch specials.  For dessert, sample the Homestyle Pies or Banana Pudding in an edible waffle bowl.  Find them online at www.kingsbbq.com.  Order their BBQ worldwide by calling 800-332-OINK.

Knightdale Seafood and BBQ – Knightdale
(706 Money Court, 27545 – 919 266-4447) Lunch and Dinner, 7 days a week.

Lexington BBQ - Lexington
(10 Highway 29 at 70 South, 27292 - 336 249-9814)

Little Pigs Bar-B-Que - Asheville (Added March, 2004)
(384 McDowell Street, 28803 - 828 254-4253)  They also have a second location at 100 Merrimon Street (828 253-4633).

McCall's Barbecue and Seafood - Goldsboro
(US 70 and NC 111)

McDonald's Cafeteria - Charlotte

The Magnolia Grill - Durham
(1002 9th Street, 27705 - 919 751-0072) Gourmet eatery with a distinctively Southern flair; known far and wide as one of the finest restaurants in the Research Triangle area; Jean Anderson of Bon Appetit writes: "In an area where new restaurants pop up like hush puppies in deep fat -- and collapse faster than a cooling souffle -- Ben and Karen Barker's Magnolia Grill still packs them in. Indeed people will drive a hundred miles just to eat there." Check out their great new cookbook, "Not Afraid of Flavor" (UNC Press) by surfing to www.magnoliagrillcookbook.com; this attractive volume includes 125 recipes and some eye-catching color photography; a terrific find for the gourmet chef with a weakness for down home ingredients such as sweet potatoes, pork chops, and freshly cooked greens.

Marvin's Hot Seafood - Winston-Salem
(2300 North Patterson Avenue - 336 727-9911)

Mecca Restaurant - Raleigh
(13 East Martin Street, 27601 - 919 832-5714)

Meta's - Winston-Salem
(102 West Third Street, 27101 - 336 750-0811)

Mitchell's BBQ - Wilson

Mollie's - Surf City
(5 Shell Court, 28443 - 910 328-0505)

Mom's Country Store - Boone
(1601 Blowing Rock Road - 704 262-0916)

Moore's BBQ - New Bern
(Hwy 17 S - 919 638-3937)

Moose Café – Asheville
(570 Brevard Road, 28806 – 828 255-0920) Open Monday – Saturday 7 am – 9 pm; Sunday 7 am – 8 pm; located adjacent to the Asheville Farmer’s market … so they have great fresh vegetables here; they also serve a nice Fried Chicken and country ham.

Nu-Wray Inn – Burnsville
(Town Square, 28714 - 828 682-2329)

Olde Place – Townsville
(NC 39 – 252 438-4770) A favorite hang-out for fishermen; they serve a mean catfish chowder here; good all-you-can-eat buffet; open for Dinner only on Wednesday – Friday; Saturday and Sunday for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Pan Pan Diner - Durham
(1810 Hillandale Road, 27705 - 919 471-6644) Open 24 Hrs.

Parker's - Wilson
(2514 U.S. 301 South, 27893 - 252 237-0972) BBQ and Brunswick stew are the staples here.

Price's Chicken Coop - Charlotte (Added May, 2005)
(1614 Camden Rd; 704 333-9866)

Pulliam's BBQ - Winston-Salem
(4358 Old Walkertown Road, 27105 - 336 767-2211)

Ralph's BBQ - Weldon [Photo]
(1400 Julian R. Allsbrook Highway, 27890 - 252 536-2102) "An institution".

Ray's Elbow Room - Durham
(4204 Hwy 55 - 919 544-4210)

Rich's Cafeteria - Graham
(118 Northeast Court Square, 27253 - 336 227-1497)

River Forest Manor – Belhaven
(738 East Main Street, 27810 - 252 943-2151)

R.O.'s Barbecue - Gastonia (Added February, 2003)
(1318 Gaston Avenue, 28052 - 704 866-8143) Home of R.O's famous BBQ Slaw --- featured in the January issue of Saveur magazine; visit them or order online at www.rosbbq.com.

Rosa's Cafe - Durham (Added March, 2004)
(950 East Main Street, 27701 - 919 682-1084)

Sam & Omie's - Nags Head
(7228 South Virginia Dare Trail, 27959 - 919 441-7366) A comfortable gathering spot on the Outer Banks; perhaps most famous for breakfast.

Scott's BBQ - Goldsboro
(1201 North Williams Street, 27530 - 919 734-0711)

Short Sugar's Pit BBQ - Reidsville
(1328 South Scales Street, 27320 - 336 342-7487)

Skylight Inn (Jones' BBQ) - Ayden
(1501 South Lee Street, 28513 - 252 746-4113)

Snappy Lunch – Mount Airy
(125 N. Main Street, 27030 – 336-786-4931) Breakfast and Lunch, Monday – Saturday; the Snappy, which opened its doors in 1923, was once mentioned on the Andy Griffith TV show; home of the world famous Pork Chop Sandwich, created by the Snappy’s owner Charles Dowell; he tenderizes the chops for a real taste treat; tourists and locals alike rave about the end result; highly recommended! Don’t forget to get your haircut next door at Floyd’s City Barber Shop.

Sonny’s Grill – Blowing Rock (Added February, 2004)
(1119 Main Street, 28605 - 828-295-7577) Sonny Klutz has been a fixture at this grill for almost 50 years. Yes, I said 50 years!!! Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, ham biscuits and liver-mush.

Stamey's BBQ - Greensboro
(2206 High Point Road, 27403 - 919 299-9888)

Stephenson's Barbecue - Willow Spring
(11964 NC Highway 50 North, 27592 - 919 894-4530)

Sunny Side Oyster Bar – Williamston
(1102 Washington Street, 27892 - 252 792-3416)

T & W Oyster Bar – Swansboro
(3231 NC Highway 58,28584 – 252 393-8838) Open Monday – Saturday, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Sunday for Lunch and Dinner.

Ted's Famous Kickin’ Chicken - Winston-Salem
(4630 S. Main Street, 27127 - 336 650-0290)

The Todd House - Tabor City [Photo]
(102 Live Oak Street, 28463 - 910 653-3778) Terrific down-home lunch buffet in the small, Eastern NC town known for it’s annual Yam Festival; good fried chicken; pork BBQ can be found on Wednesday buffet; friendly faces abound here; famous diners at the Todd House have included UNC Basketball legend, Dean Smith, Boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, and actress Drew Barrymore; highly recommended!

Toot-N-Tell – Garner
(903 Garner Road, 27529 – 919 772-2616) Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Monday – Saturday; Breakfast and Lunch on Sunday; originally opened as a drive-in back in 1946; now more of a sit-down restaurant featuring a very popular dish of fried salt pork; some refer to it as “Streak-o-lean;” the owners here say they fry up about 500 lbs. Of the stuff each week! Chitterlings are also offered here.

Tupelo Honey Cafe - Asheville
(12 College Street; 828 255-4963); Southern cooking with an uptown twist; casual, comfortable surroundings featuring a lunch counter overlooking the kitchen and slowly circulating ceiling fans; breakfast is highlighted by Petunia's Pain Perdu (a top notch New orleans style french toast topped with fluffy Amaretto cream and slivered almonds) and Sweet Potato Pancakes served with 100% maple syrup; noteworthy appetizers include fried green tomatoes (served over goat cheese grits), salmon croquettes with remoulade, grit cakes with a red pepper coulis, and homemade pimento cheese served hot with tortilla chips; entrees served later in the day include a Peachy Grilled Chicken Salad, Shari's Shrimp and Grits, Jimmy D's BBQ sandwich, and Cajun Catfish; the veggie plate is popular here thanks to choices like sautéed greens, Benne coated asparagus, summer succotash, and the Two Cheese macaroni; dessert items on the day we visited were Peach Cobbler, Banana Pudding, and Bread Pudding; open 8 AM to 3 PM Tuesday - Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday, closed Mondays; they are also open from 10 PM to 4 AM on Fridays and Saturdays only.  Check 'em out on the Web at www.tupelohoneycafe.com.

Wagon Wheel – Beulaville
(169 NC Highway 111 – 910 298-4272) Good home cooking with a wildly popular “Collard Day” every Wednesday; Lunch and Dinner, Wednesday – Saturday; Lunch on Sunday.

The White Swan - Clayton
(11306 Highway 70 West, 27520 - 919 550-2551)

Wilber's BBQ - Goldsboro [Photo]
(4175 U.S. Highway 70 East - 919 778-5218)

Wilma's Southern Kitchen - Durham
(202 N Corcoran St - 919 683-2093)

Woodland's BBQ & Pickin' Parlor - Blowing Rock (Added March, 2004)
(8304 Valley Boulevard, 28605 - 828 295-3651)

Zack's - Burlington (Added February, 2004)
(201 West Davis Street, 27215 - 336 226-4746)

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