You know the vegetable plates we get at our favorite meat-and-three diners? A growing number of vegetarian and vegan restaurants across the state are taking that old idea to new levels, offering creative vegetable combinations and alternatives to meat that put a contemporary twist on Southern classics.
RESTAURANT
14 Delicious Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in North Carolina
From burgers to comfort food to elegant entrées, the range of plant-based dining in North Carolina is growing. Restaurants on this list are exclusively vegetarian and/or vegan.
Comfort Across Cultures at Durham’s Boricua Soul
A couple with roots in Puerto Rico and the South string together stories and ingredients from their family histories to gather folks around the table — just like their grandmothers taught them.
An Heirloom to Share in Raleigh
Heirloom Brewshop’s menu is a marriage of its owners’ Taiwanese and Laotian cultures, built on a foundation laid by past generations.
The Wonderful World of What-A-Burger
The 1960s architecture, croaking call boxes, and carhops toting plastic trays stacked with steaming fries and frosty shakes: What-A-Burger — the beloved North Carolina chain, not the popular Texas franchise — is a living remnant from a time when cars were king.
Hungry? Try These 7 Classic North Carolina Drive-Ins
Here are a few regional classics of the Happy Days era.
The Story of the Toot-N-Tell
Once upon a time, drive-in customers pulled up to a family restaurant with a funny name. Nearly 75 years later, loyal regulars are still enjoying this classic Southern buffet in Garner.
Over the Moon: The Harvest Moon Grille in Lincolnton
Joy, creativity, and local ingredients — plus a dash of inspiration from around the world — infuse every bright and colorful meal at this restaurant in Lincolnton.
The Original Salt Works Diner Is at Your Service
This Wilmington pit stop is tiny — and that’s on purpose. At this little diner, breakfast and lunch are served with a personal touch.