Winston-Salem is known for its hip brunch spots, but venture off the beaten path to Alex’s Café, a modest neighborhood spot, before heading to campus for the game. The dishes are simple and classic, and the waffles are out of this world.
750 Summit Street, Winston-Salem • (336) 725-0112
The nondescript sign on top of the roof may only read “RESTAURANT,” but the American fare at Putters certainly isn’t forgettable. This popular game-day spot has the reputation of serving some of the most juicy, flavorful, and tender steaks in the area. The beer-battered onion rings also make the cut as one of our favorite appetizers.
3005 Bonhurst Drive, Winston-Salem • (336) 724-9990 • putterspatioandgrill.com
From pork chops to chicken gizzards, if it’s soul food, Prime Tyme serves it. Take a seat and enjoy down-home comfort where the servers are just as sweet as the homemade banana pudding.
2730 University Parkway, Winston-Salem • (336) 785-0914 • primetymesoulcafe.com
The landscape of Franklin Street has changed a good bit over the years, but locals and a rotating rank of students alike have been getting their fill at Ye Olde Waffle Shoppe, a Chapel Hill institution since 1972. On weekends, the line outside can be long, but the waffles are worth it. We recommend the M&M’s waffle dusted with powdered sugar.
173 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill • (919) 929-9192 • yeoldewaffleshoppe.com
When the downtown crowd builds as game time nears, head west to the less explored side of Franklin Street. West Franklin Street offers many fine dining options, but for lunch, we recommend the informal, vibrant Mediterranean Deli. Just like the never-ending cases of light-yet-filling Greek and Middle-Eastern dishes, seating is plentiful.
410 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill • (919) 967-2666 • mediterraneandeli.com
There’s a reason why everyone makes a beeline for Top of the Hill at the conclusion of an afternoon game: A coveted patio table is a great place to watch the sunset and sip a beer or spirits made at the on-site brewery or nearby distillery. You might be celebrating a Carolina victory, but the Arizona Chicken entrée is also a winner with its creamy gemelli pasta and chipotle heat.
100 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill • (919) 929-8676 • thetopofthehill.com
On chilly game days, you’ll want to stop for a cup of locally roasted coffee that’ll warm your hands, but don’t skip out on the baked goods. The homemade cinnamon rolls are perfectly sticky and topped with cream cheese icing at Stick Boy Bread Company, which has a location right across the street from the university.
345 Hardin Street, Boone • (828) 268-9900 • stickboybread.com
Whether the Mountaineers win or lose, you’re guaranteed to feel good following a visit to the Hob Nob Farm Café. The eatery boasts organic and local ingredients on its worldly and eclectic menu, which draws on flavors from Watauga County, Thailand, and everywhere in between.
506 West King Street, Boone • (828) 262-5000 • hobnobfarmcafe.com
If you love the down-home comfort of tailgating food but don’t enjoy the prep work, sit down for a hearty, family-style meal at Dan’l Boone Inn, Boone’s oldest restaurant. With so many just-like-Grandma-made-them dishes on the menu, a trip to this restaurant requires strategy. Save room for an extra helping of mashed potatoes.
130 Hardin Street, Boone • (828) 264-8657 • danlbooneinn.com
A restaurant where the coffee selection is as good as the breakfast is a rare gem, and The Scullery fits the bill. Cheering on the team requires some serious sustenance, so order The Hungry Pirate, which comes with pancakes, crisp bacon, and eggs topped with a generous portion of cheese.
431 Evans Street, Greenville • (252) 321-1550
Ask current East Carolina students and they’ll be quick to tell you: A four-year degree nowadays also requires at least one visit to Sup Dogs. The atmosphere is as fun as the menu, which features hot dogs and hamburgers smothered with toppings like slaw, chili, and jalapeños.
213 East 5th Street, Greenville • (252) 752-7682 • supdogs.com
A buffet serving Indian food might not exactly be on your radar following a football game, but trust us on this one. The quality and freshness of food at Cinnamon 419 makes it one of the best Indian restaurants in the area.
419 Evans Street, Greenville • (252) 551-3253 • cinnamon419.com
The ultimate neighborhood restaurant, Elmo’s Diner serves classic, from-scratch dishes the way you love them, with the consistency of a well-oiled machine. Get there early and grab a booth to watch the morning unfold. You’ll be there a while; the portions are large.
776 9th Street, Durham • (919) 416-3823 • elmosdiner.com
Located in an unassuming commercial complex, NOSH is an eclectic eatery with spunky décor and a strong sense of community. Owney’s Crunchy Chicken Sandwich is well seasoned and a local favorite. While you wait for your order, unwind with the restaurant’s collection of board games.
2812 Erwin Road, Durham • (919) 383 -4747 • noshfood.com
Make your way downtown for a post-game celebration at Satisfaction, a popular alumni hangout known for its specialty pizzas. Check out the many local beers on tap and stick around for a pint. If you feel so inclined, belt out Queen’s “We Are The Champions” during Saturday night karaoke. We won’t judge.
905 West Main Street, Durham • (919) 682-7397 • satisfactiondurham.net
Haley and the Hound is a North Carolina-based lifestyle brand “for living the good life.” The inspiration originated with a love for the coast and the vividness that the coast inspires.
The unique name came about before the line was launched. The founder, Booth Parker, decided to take up sewing as a hobby after her son was born. She started making outfits for her son, décor for her home, and collars for her dogs. One day while sewing, her beloved yellow lab, Haley, and her hound dog, Bella, were under her feet, and in frustration she asked them, “What do y’all think this is, Haley and the Hound?” While it was a few more years before the name became a business, she knew the name was perfect for her vision. Dogs are a huge part of her life and, of course, they have living the good life down pat in the Parker household.
The Southern lifestyle is all about good times with family and friends. So whether it’s an evening boat ride, tailgating, or sipping mint juleps on Derby Day, Haley and the Hound can outfit you in style and comfort. The line is machine washable and is proudly made in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
North Carolina is known for many things, but nothing more important this week than the qualities of endurance, resilience, and hope.
By day, this adventure park in the Triad is a fall festival to die for. By night, the undead come alive for Halloween tricks. Welcome to one man’s vision of year-round merrymaking.
North Carolina’s border dances across the mountains as it traces four different states. Life here can be more remote, but good neighbors are never far away.
The Blue Ridge Parkway stands out among America’s national parks: Unfurling across six Appalachian mountain chains, it connects dozens of rural communities and binds together generations of families through shared memories.
