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Just about 10 years ago, I hit the road for the first time for EdNC.
Since then, our team has driven a lot of miles, visiting each county at least three times and each community college at least twice.
Along the way, we have tried to connect people, plates, place, and policy, and in that pursuit we have found purpose.
We have a 100 county spreadsheet where we have kept up with our favorite restaurants to stop and grab a bite, hold office hours, have a meeting, or host an event. It has been important to us to invest in local businesses along the way.
We’ve learned a lot on the road — thank you — and we continue to find that the lines of difference we bump into often dissipate over coffee or when you sit down together, talk, and break bread.
Enjoy.
1. Alamance
Freebird McKinney calls Prego’s Trattoria best overall for the county he calls home.
2. Alexander
Scotty’s Hometown Grill in Taylorsville serves breakfast from 6-11 a.m. and then lunch and dinner from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. except on Sundays. Don’t miss the homemade pies.
3. Alleghany
For a much beloved buffet, travel to The Pines Restaurant in Sparta.
We host events at Muddy Creek Cafe and Music Hall.
4. Anson
Here is a good list of hometown eats in Anson County.
5. Ashe
You can find us on Saturdays in Lansing at Old Orchard Creek General Store for some live music along with a cider. Order a pizza next door at Pie on the Mountain.
For blueberry picking and events, check out Old Orchard Creek Farm.
6. Avery
The Liar’s Table in Elk Park is our go-to when in Avery County.
Artisanal, which is open seasonally, made Open Table’s Top 100 in 2012.
7. Beaufort
Many weekends, you can find Katie Dukes in Beaufort County on the water. Here is her scoop on good eats locally:
My introduction to everything downtown has to offer started with what was absolutely one of the best sandwiches of my life at Down on Mainstreet. Their BLT features a fried green tomato with the option to add pimento cheese.
There’s no shortage of delicious eateries in Washington. Anyone who’s been to Washington will tell you that Bill’s Hot Dogs can’t be skipped, and they’re right. Newer additions include Bank Bistro & Bar, The Hackney, and Mulberry House, which has gorgeous rooftop views of the river.
Grab yourself a pick-me-up in Bath in the form of coffee or ice cream at the Duke & Dutchess Coffee Shoppe, with the motto is “Making friends one cup at a time.”
Continuing east will bring you to Belhaven, a popular stop for boaters traveling the Intracoastal Waterway. Any time I’ve ever told someone I was going to Belhaven, they asked me if I was going to go to Spoon River, so be sure to make a reservation if you’re planning to be in town.
Across the street is Farm Boys Restaurant, a popular takeout spot. Around the corner you’ll find Gingerbread Bakery & O’Neal’s Snack Bar, a local favorite. A few doors down is Cloud 9 Creamery, which touts “Ice Cream + Candy + Good Vibes.” I can attest to all three! Cross one more street for some of the best fried pickle chips you’ll ever have at Fish Hook’s Cafe.
Eating dinner alone at The Tavern at Jack’s Neck in Belhaven, the woman I made small talk with gave me her phone number and invited me to stay at her place the next time I’m in town.
Katie also notes that The Hackney’s executive chef, Jamie Davis, was a finalist for the prestigious James Beard award for 2024 Best Chef Southeast. And if you’re a fan of cheese biscuits, you can’t skip local legend Mom’s Grill in Little Washington.
8. Bertie
Tara Kenchen, our equity auditor, has ties to Bertie County, and she recommends the Heritage House. Daily menus are posted on Facebook.
9. Bladen
Rupen Fofaria says Melvin’s Hamburgers and Hotdogs in Elizabethtown are “the best hamburgers known to man.”
10. Brunswick
The Provision Company in Southport is right on the water, featuring fresh seafood and Southern hospitality.
My favorite thing in Brunswick County is the Kindred Spirit Mailbox on Bird Island.
11. Buncombe
For double breakfast, don’t miss Taco Billy — we suggest the Migas Taco for breakfast and ask for the hot sauce! — and then Hole Doughnuts right down the street. Nation Hahn says, “Laurie will greet you with a warm welcome and the best doughnuts.”
Cúrate, which has the best tapas in North Carolina, is a go-to for us for business dinners.
Freebird McKinney, Rupen Fofaria, and I love Ukiah — haiku spelled backwards — a Japanese smokehouse.
In Black Mountain, Caroline Parker suggests Recess Coffee and Baked Goods.
12. Burke
“Little Guatemala is a family business that shares Guatemalan culture in Morganton, North Carolina, and serves as a bridge among neighbors in a diverse community,” says the website. It is all things coffee, chocolate, and cultural connections.
Our State has written about Asian Fusion in Morganton, and we can attest it is worth a stop.
13. Cabarrus
Here is the list of local favorites we use when we are in Cabarrus County.
14. Caldwell
Nation Hahn, Emily Thomas, and I all have deep roots in Caldwell County.
We agree on the Happy Valley Filling Station. It features, Nation says, “woodfired pizzas with local meat and produce in a beautiful setting.”
The local meat he is referencing is from 4440 Ranch and Cattle Company just down the road, where you can buy F1 Wagyu beef.
You can also find Marshallberg Farm near Lenoir, producing Osetra caviar right here in the United States.
Nation also has long loved Cheeks Convenience and Grill for the “fluffy biscuits, livermush, and staff who have served folks forever.”
15. Camden
Don’t miss Belcross Bake Shoppe. Katie Dukes writes, “I don’t care where you live in North Carolina, it will be worth the drive out to Camden County just to eat here. They offer breakfast every morning except Sunday, and prayers all week long.” Hannah Vinueza McClellan says to ask for the sweet potato biscuit.
Kathy’s Kreations Bakery-Cafe-Market is another team favorite.
16. Carteret
It is not a rumor that I have driven from Raleigh just to cop a squat on the beach and eat a shrimp burger from the Big Oak Drive-In and Bar-B-Q.
The Shark Shack in Atlantic Beach has a really good blackened fish sandwich.
We love the tuna fish salad from the Atlantic Beach Seafood Market.
Carteret Community College caters incredible events, but President Tracy Mancini makes the best chocolate chip cookies.
17. Caswell
The Caswell Messenger recently featured the Happy Pelican Seafood N More in Yanceyville.
18. Catawba
Umi Japanese Restaurant in Hickory has a “handful of tables, is family-owned, and is loved for its unbelievably good sushi,” writes Nation Hahn.
19. Chatham
Johnson’s Drive In has been operating for 77 years in Siler City. It was recently written up in Chatham Magazine along with Al’s Diner and Virlie’s Grill in Pittsboro.
Hannah Vinueza McClellan recommends the tacos al pastor from La Jarocha.
Lauren Castillo loves S & T’s Soda Shoppe, which is my favorite place to go just before the Duke at Carolina basketball game.
20. Cherokee
Dragon Ass Smoked BBQ is in Andrews but you can sometimes find their food truck in other parts of the county. It is worth turning around for. Try the Dragon’s Flaming Hot sauce.
21. Chowan
Read the story of the Herringbone in Edenton on the waterfront. It has a great space for private events.
22. Clay
There is a restaurant in Brasstown in Clay County called The Crown. It is 432 miles from Wilmington, 357 miles from Raleigh, 240 miles from Charlotte, and 113 miles west of even Asheville. It is worth the drive.
23. Cleveland
Emily Thomas says her favorites in Shelby are Pleasant City Woodfired Grill and New Grass Brewing.
EdNC’s list of places to stop in Cleveland County includes Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge, and Lily Bean Coffee and Creamery.
24. Columbus
When we are in Columbus County, you can find us at Chef and the Frog, which has a great story that starts with “once upon a time, while living in Paris, France, a Cambodian princess met a frog.”
We also love Joe’s Barbecue in Whiteville, where we learned about “God winks.”
Also on our list is Penn’s Grill and Sophie’s Café-Bistro in Whiteville, and Simply Barbecue in Supply.
25. Craven
We have a long list of favorites in Craven County, including The Chelsea, MJs Raw Bar & Grille, Bella’s Café and Catering for coffee, Persimmons, Cypress Hall Kitchen + Bar, and Bridge Towne Pizza & Subs.
26. Cumberland
Turkey is not just for Thanksgiving at The Fried Turkey Sandwich Shop in Fayetteville.
El Tucan Restaurante Mexicano in Spring Lake gets rave reviews.
Don’t miss the indoor skydiving experience. It’s terrifyingly amazing.
27. Currituck
Hannah Vinueza McClellan is from Currituck County. When she is home, she frequents Currituck BBQ and Pass the Salt, where she says not to miss the pie.
Knotts Island Market is a deli, a grocery store, a convenience store, and pretty much the only place to get anything on the island.
28. Dare
Sam and Omie’s is where you will find the locals hanging out with the tourists, especially once the fishing boats come in.
Basnight’s Lone Cedar Cafe is great for events.
The Dolphin Motel is a go-to for a pulse check on politics in North Carolina.
29. Davidson
We love Lexington Barbecue’s #1 course chop. Period. The end.
30. Davie
We like this guide to the best restaurants in Davie County. From breakfast to snacking to brunch to specialties, it’s got you covered.
31. Duplin
Duplin County is home to beloved classics.
Ken Boham held court with a whole bunch of us at The Filling Station in Kenansville one day. I’m not sure if the burgers (made with daily ground fresh chuck) or the stories were more memorable. Others swear by the BLT and the roast pork sandwiches.
The Country Squire is worth a visit even if you just at least peruse the website.
The Mad Boar Restaurant & Pub is another treasure.
32. Durham
Chef Zweli Williams delights at her new restaurant, Ekhaya, featuring Bantu fusion tapas. Her husband is Leo, now the mayor of Durham and a former educator!
Other EdNC favorites include Saltbox Seafood Joint, Little Waves Coffee and Cocoa Cinnamon, Mike D’s BBQ, and Namu, especially if you want to eat outside in the Zen garden.
Make your way through this list of taco restaurants in Durham.
33. Edgecombe
On the Square in Tarboro is our local favorite for lunch or dinner, and they have sushi on Wednesdays! It is known for its wine selection and sommeliers. Please order Stephen and Inez Rubistello’s wonderful new cookbook.
To us, she is Inie, and we love her. For years, we held events at Tarboro Brewing Company aka TBC, where we used Reach NC Voices to engage with the community.
Her book, Life After Windows, is an important read: “What happens when the life you’ve always dreamed of disappears in the blink of an eye? For Inez Ribustello, that day came twenty years ago on September 11th, 2001.”
And her dad makes the best peanut brittle ever.
The cheese biscuits at Abrams BBQ are worth however many calories they may be. It opens at 6 a.m. on weekdays.
Please stop by and see Reverend Richard Joyner at the Conetoe Family Life Center, where they are “sowing the seeds of change” and where you can find the produce filled with the most love in North Carolina.
EdNC’s very first documentary was about a food access partnership between Cape Hatteras Secondary School and the Conetoe Family Life Center. This is vintage Alex Granados…
34. Forsyth
Educator Stuart Egan introduced me to the Greek Grill in Clemmons. The greek salad with chicken is my go-to on the way home from Raleigh.
Sweet Potatoes in Winston-Salem is a “well shut my mouth” restaurant, where “friends have been made and relationships forged over a basket of fried green tomatoes and okra.”
35. Franklin
Check out 210 Nash, a restaurant and bar in historic Louisburg.
36. Gaston
When you dine at Webb Custom Kitchen in Gastonia, Derick Lee recommends sitting upstairs so you can have a better view of the black and white films they screen.
37. Gates
We stop at the Will-O-Wisp Café in Gatesville, which serves made-to-order pizzas.
38. Graham
Caroline Parker loves T. Dubb’s, and it is so good it sometimes sells out of BBQ. Right now it is only open for lunch while Tracy handles a health issue. If you are out that way, please stop by and give them a shot of love.
Graham County Schools does its own entertaining with a food truck, a culinary department, and a coffee shop for the high school. Read more about the mini biscuits, quiche, pastries, coffee and cider they served on the Extra Miles Tour.
We are looking forward to this coffee/sandwich shop!
39. Granville
The Strong Arm Baking Company in Oxford is legendary.
Bethany Bonnemere, the principal at West Oxford Elementary, recommends Harvest Restaurant and Family Diner as well as Plumpeez in Butner.
40. Greene
The Farmer and the Dail in Snow Hill is a bakery and a kitchen. Rouse’s Restaurant has a mission of “local farmers — local flavors.” Both are liked by Principal Patrick Greene.
I hear Morris Barbeque in Hookerton, which is only open on Saturdays, is a real treat.
41. Guilford
EdNC hosts all of our events at the Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, and we love the sister property’s restaurant, The Green Valley Grill.
42. Halifax
Social studies teacher and incoming legislator Rodney Pierce says Logan’s Roadhouse in Roanoke Rapids is his favorite.
43. Harnett
This article in Our State is a great guide to Dunn.
44. Haywood
During the mornings I’m in Haywood County, you can find me at Papertown Coffee in Canton or Orchard Coffee in Waynesville.
Or you can find us at the J Street Café at Sorrells Marathon. That’s Sorrells as in Mark Sorrells, the president of Fayetteville Technical Community College. Sorrells grew up in Haywood County on a farm up the hill behind the cafe, and this cafe has long been where locals grab a bite after they fill up their tanks with gas or purchase something at the hardware store. Last time we were there, we ran into his brother, Mike Sorrells, who served as a Haywood County Commissioner.
Independently, several of us on the EdNC team fell in love with Grateful Table Cafe and Provisions.
We host larger events at Southern Porch.
None of us have ever been, but have you heard about The Swag? It costs (at least) $1,225 a night, but is worth a virtual look.
45. Henderson
Lauren Castillo is from Henderson County, and her family still calls it home. Her favorite is Three Chopt Sandwich Shoppe.
HenDough Chicken and Doughnuts closes at 3 p.m. Here is the menu.
46. Hertford
Mug Shotz Cafe and Quick Trigger Brewing Company in Ahoskie are both on our list.
47. Hoke
The Mill at Puppy Creek in Raeford is located in a 100+ year old building that was recently renovated but “maintains the rustic, southern charm of the old grist mill.”
48. Hyde
People on the mainland and in neighboring counties rave about SmacNally’s on Ocracoke.
Eduardo’s Ocracoke, featuring authentic regional Mexican cuisine, is also not to be missed.
The Quarter Deli in Swan Quarter caters to ferry arrivals and departures.
49. Iredell
Anna Pogarcic on our team gives Lake Mountain Coffee and Broad Street Burger in Statesville the thumbs up.
50. Jackson
We know a lot about the food and beverage landscape in Sylva because of the role the Small Business Center at Southwestern Community College (SCC) is playing in building and supporting the local economy.
Thanks to Emma Maney, an educator, in the morning, you will find us at White Moon Cafe. Don’t miss the strawberry-rhubarb-jalapeno preserves.
We love Dalaya Thai Cuisine, whose chef, Kanlaya “Gun” Supachana, was a semi finalist for Best Chef: Southeast in the 2024 James Beard Foundation Awards. Check out her book shelf when you visit, which features Thai Street Food, Xi’an Famous Foods, The New Southern Basics, Thanksgiving, and World of BBQ.
At Ilda, you’ll find rustic Italian-Appalachian cuisine. The Appalachian caviar is incredible.
Baxley’s Chocolates, a father-daughter business, is owned and run by Steve Baxley and Lauren Baxley. Many of the recipes were inspired by Russell Baxley, Steve’s father and a food scientist who worked on incorporating peanuts into new foods. Baxley’s chocolates are made by hand with high-quality ingredients in the smallest of batches.
Visit Innovation Brewing with us to see and hear how this small business strives to be community first. And visit yourself to taste! It is worth the drive, I promise.
During the summer, there are “Concerts on the Creek” on Friday nights from 7-9pm.
51. Johnston
Cricket’s Grill in Smithfield is known for its hotdogs and egg rolls. Molly Osborne Urquhart notes, “There’s always a line!”
52. Jones
Check out the photos of the biscuits at the Farmer’s Kitchen in Maysville.
53. Lee
El Burrito Mexican Restaurant, Los Charros Mexican Restaurant, and Cafe 121 in Sanford are our go-to’s when in Lee County.
54. Lenoir
Once upon a time, Vivian Howard helped us reimagine school lunch. Don’t miss The Kitchen Bar @ Chef and the Farmer.
55. Lincoln
We like Local Roots & Provisions in Lincolnton.
56. McDowell
When Superintendent Mark Garrett was in McDowell County, he told me about TJ’s Cafe for breakfast and lunch at Tom Johnson’s Camping World. There are daily specials, but it is worth planning your trip to be there on a Tuesday or Friday when they serve catfish.
And don’t miss the livermush festival the first Saturday of June in Marion.
57. Macon
Gazebo Creekside Cafe and Gracious Plates on Main are the places to stop in Franklin.
58. Madison
Jeremy Gibbs first told me about Highland Station Coffee in Marshall. The locally roasted coffee and espresso is great, but the handmade empanadas are out of this world.
We love Sweet Monkey Catering for events.
59. Martin
Sunny Side Oyster Bar in Williamston opened in 1935, and it is open from October to April each year. Try the “Red Rooster,” and let me know how that works out for you. Note the slathering of horseradish.
60. Mecklenburg
When in Charlotte you can find me at Queen Street Grounds in 4th Ward for breakfast and coffee.
counter-, which is an adjective that means “contrary to intuition or to common-sense but often nevertheless true” is unlike any other dining experience anywhere. It combines art, recipe preservation, and storytelling with food and wine in a way that redefines what it means to enjoy a meal.
Other favorites include Supperland, which is in an old church and features custom Villeroy & Boch china with Southern birds, flowers, and vegetation.
Think of Yunta Nikkei as Peruvian sushi. Yunta translates to “friend” and nikkei “is a culinary adaptation that originated in Peru more than 100 years ago.”
John Tate loves Lang Van for Vietnamese food in the Queen City.
Kindred in Davidson is always wonderful.
We love this list of Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants in Mecklenburg County by Axios.
61. Mitchell
DT’s Blue Ridge Java Coffee Shop and Cafe is located in a historic building and has world-class sandwiches. If you look under the doormat, you can see what the building used to be.
Mayland Community College operates Blue Ridge Boutique Hotel as well as an observatory and planetarium.
Did you know there is a castle in Mitchell County? Check out Smithmore Castle.
Also found in Spruce Pine are these Christmas snowflake ornaments that once adorned the White House Christmas Tree.
62. Montgomery
Try Uwharrie Mercantile when in Troy.
63. Moore
Nation Hahn recommends The Buggy Factory in Carthage. He says, “it’s in a beautifully restored building with incredible pizza.”
64. Nash
The Prime Smokehouse is an EdNC favorite. I took Derick Lee there the night I asked if he might like to come work with us. We held dinner for our spring team retreat there. We love it.
Ask Ed Wiley III about his background in journalism, and please go and “see what the fuss is all about.”
65. New Hanover
If you have never tried it, you have to try Britt’s Donut Shop in Carolina Beach.
No one on our team has done this either, but for $1,950, family-style dining is featured on an adventure weekend offered out to the Frying Pan Shoals Light Tower (FPSLT), which is 32 miles southeast of Bald Head Island. It’s a decommissioned Coast Guard lighthouse and the proceeds are used for preservation.
66. Northampton
The Stir Fry Grill is not far from the Piggly Wiggly in Gaston.
67. Onslow
Nate Barilich grew up in Onslow County, was an executive fellow at EdNC for years, and is now an assistant principal in Wake County. He says Riverview Cafe in Sneads Ferry has been the local classic since 1946, but also raves about Duck’s Grill and Bar and Marrakesh.
68. Orange
In Chapel Hill, you can find us at Kipos, a favorite of Kelley O’Brien, Analisa Sorrells, and Mary Ann Wolf. In Carrboro, Hannah Vinueza McClellan swears by Napoli Pizzeria & Gelateria.
Hillsborough Bakeshop and Pasta Company is on also our list of favorites.
69. Pamlico
If you have the opportunity to meet Chef Keith Reese, the career and technical education teacher for culinary arts at Pamlico County High School, it is true treat, and he puts together the most welcoming spread for visitors.
Also, in Oriental, “overlooking the harbor, The Bean is a quaint little coffee shop where you can catch up on local goss.”
70. Pasquotank
Katie Dukes is a native of Pasquotank County. She loves Muddy Waters Coffeehouse in Elizabeth City.
Katie is also EdNC’s ice cream connoisseur, and she says Nu-Quality is her very favorite. “I don’t usually mess with soft serve,” she says, “but this is the exception.”
Known for its new south cuisine, Hoppin’ Johnz is a great place to host a dinner.
71. Pender
From coffee to food trucks to late night, here is a great guide to good eats in Pender County. We love the Beach Shop and Grill on Topsail.
72. Perquimans
If you are in Perquimans County, you should try the school district’s food. Seriously.
Especially during oyster season, the 252 Grill in Hertford is the place to be.
73. Person
Brookland Eats in Roxboro is “owned and operated by Chef David Gaydeski, who served for nearly a decade as Executive Chef to three governors at the North Carolina Executive mansion in Raleigh.”
74. Pitt
Skylight Inn BBQ, started by the late Pete Jones, has been honored as an American classic by the James Beard Foundation.
“In 2015, Pete’s grandson, Sam Jones, partnered with longtime friend and former Skylight employee Michael Letchworth to open Sam Jones BBQ in Winterville,” according to the website.
The night before I had heart surgery, Michael served me and my favorite people the best BBQ you can imagine. They now have a location in Raleigh just down the street from my old house, where they served countless dinners as we all danced the night away. I’m partial to this one.
In 2023, Garden & Gun profiled B’s Barbecue in Greenville. Ask for the ribs. And note the photo on the wall of a very young Brownie Futrell and the Washington Daily News when they won the Pulitzer Prize for Meritorious Public Service on April 12, 1990.
75. Polk
We love Campagna Italian Cuisine, but here is a great list of local restaurants.
In addition to being a great superintendent, Aaron Greene is also a great DJ.
76. Randolph
Caroline Parker loves The Table in Asheboro.
77. Richmond
Try Pattan’s Downtown Grille in Rockingham.
78. Robeson
Robeson Community College does the best catering, featuring a taste of local favorites like black-eyed pea hummus, corn bread chips, pickled okra, egg rolls with local jams and chutneys, and more. Seriously the best.
Try Mi Gallo Giro Mexican Restaurant in Fairmont.
79. Rockingham
Here is our go-to guide for RoCo, and there even is an old fashioned Mayberry Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor in Reidsville.
80. Rowan
We first heard of Keaton’s Barbecue from Jeni Corn back in the day when she was traveling to districts in her work with the Friday Institute. It is the best dipped, fried chicken in the state. It’s not too far off I-40 and is worth the detour.
A review from June 27, 2002, that is framed in the restaurant says, “I have been to the mountaintop…”
Hill’s Minnow Farm near High Rock Lake has the best ice cream around.
Tamarac Marina and Gas has a restaurant, where it is worth it to take the time to sit and watch all the action as the boats come and go. Note the beautiful handwriting on the specials board.
81. Rutherford
Emily Thomas loves Rutherford Thai.
82. Sampson
Check out Ezzell’s Something Good food truck, catering, and more.
83. Scotland
The Railroad Bar & Grill in Laurinburg has collard green egg rolls.
84. Stanly
Explore the events at the amazing Juneberry Ridge in Stanly County.
85. Stokes
This best of Stokes tour, complete with places to eat, is not to be missed!
86. Surry
Eric Frederick recommends Southern on Main in Elkin. Save room for sonker, the local word for cobbler, which is baked to order.
Laura Browne says Thai Cafe in Mount Airy “is always awesome. We go there almost every time I’m in town.”
87. Swain
We love Cardinal Coffee in Bryson City. The website says, “Cardinal Coffee has been a hot spot for locals and tourists alike. Nestled just outside the Nantahala Gorge of the Great Smoky Mountains, you will find an early 1900’s farm home turned coffee bar. Funky atmosphere and eclectic design give way to a unique experience unmatched in this sleepy little town of Bryson City.”
88. Transylvania
Jeremy Gibbs and I agree on places to eat in Brevard.
Don’t miss the drunken noodles at Love, Eat, Thai Kitchen.
Smoke on BBQ is a drive-through BBQ in Brevard. According to the website, “We smoke our meats fresh daily. All of our Barbecue Sauces, Marinades, and Seasonings are made in house. We use Boston Butts and pull them by hand throughout the day as needed.” The burnt ends on the brisket are to die for.
Jeremy also suggest Bracken Mountain Bakery and Morning Social.
If you are visiting the Land of Waterfalls, the Sunset Motel is a classic.
89. Tyrrell
Warren and Denise Cressel own and run Stick Burnin BBQ on Main Street in Columbia, where “the community’s response has been overwhelming — they’ve really embraced us.”
90. Union
According to their website, “The Hilltop Fish Fare & Steakhouse has been serving the finest Seafood, Italian, Greek and American dishes in the Monroe and Charlotte areas since 1930.”
91. Vance
George’s is at the top of the list for restaurants in Henderson County.
92. Wake
We buy all of our coffee for gifts from 321 Coffee, a coffee shop and roastery staffed by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities “who have a lot of love to give.”
Poole’s, especially on a Sunday evening, is what I think of when I think of food in North Carolina.
For years, Ferrel Guillory, Gerry Hancock, and I met at Taverna Agora on Monday nights to catch up on all things EdNC.
Nation Hahn recommends Akami Sushi in Apex. He writes, “it’s gas station sushi from one of the best sushi chefs around.”
93. Warren
Our colleagues Amy Strecker and Emmy Coleman, who were once upon a time both educators in Warren County, recommend: The Hardware Cafe for lunch, Middleburg Steakhouse, and George’s of Warrenton.
94. Washington
The mission of Riverview Cafe is to “promote the economic development of downtown Plymouth, North Carolina, by bringing in more foot traffic with our delicious food and beautiful scenery.”
95. Watauga
Watauga County is home for me.
Joel Olsen, one of the first funders of EdNC, is the founder and CEO of O2 Group Ventures. “Our companies operate in clean energy development and services, agrivoltaics (the dual use of land for solar and agriculture), local food and the sustainable hospitality industries,” says his bio. During the pandemic, he bought a bed and breakfast off King Street in Boone. The Lovill House Inn is an incredible property known for its culinary events.
Mint is our hometown favorite. The website says, “Combining all tastes possible, the Indian cuisine is bound to satisfy spice-lovers, ‘salty’ people and persons with a sweet tooth alike.” The crab masala on the lemon rice is the best I have ever had. Try it with the rosemary naan.
We also love Hatchet for coffee and avocado toast, Vidalia (where we first had Captain Crunch Ice Cream), the rooftop bar at the Horton Hotel, Taqueria La Monarca, and when I am home you might find me having lunch with Scott Elliott at Dos Amigos where the ceviche is off the hook.
Learn more about this local food is medicine coalition.
Choose your own adventure in the high country with this guide we published back in 2018.
96. Wayne
Did you know that “Goldsboro-Wayne County is just home to some of the best barbecue locations in North Carolina. It’s also home to over 30+ international cuisine eateries ranging from Peruvian Fusion, Korean, and Ecuadorian to Japanese, Mexican and Italian.” Here is the best list for eating local in Wayne County.
97. Wilkes
Jeff Cox, then president of Wilkes Community College and now president of the N.C. Community College System, first took me to the Santa Lucia Market. This family-owned taqueria is wonderful.
98. Wilson
Check out Parker’s Barbecue, La Rancherita, and especially Varee in Wilson.
99. Yadkin
Explore the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center Facilities, including the The Center Bistro.
100. Yancey
When in Burnsville, try Appalachian Java in the morning, and then Pigs and Grits later in the day.
Places of the past and future
Along the way, some of our favorites have closed. We miss Joule in Raleigh (where EdNC had a dedicated table in the back for the first several years), Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill, Chicken Kitchen in Edenton, Crabby Oddwaters in Sunset Beach, and Bunn’s BBQ in Windsor.
Please email me your favorites for our future travels at mrash at ednc.org.
Behind the Story
Thank you to Alli Lindenberg for pulling all of the local eateries that supported the Extra Miles Tour.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated.
