Over its 70 years, the Players Retreat has played many roles in Raleigh: hangout for NC State actors after performances, shrine to Wolfpack athletics, sports bar with a fine-dining pedigree. Plus, it serves a heck of a burger.
3 North Carolina-Inspired Burgers
That which we call a burger by any other name would taste as delicious. But the names of these burgers symbolize much more than what’s sandwiched between the buns.
Mema’s Famous Strawberry Cake in New Bern
In a cheerful kitchen in Craven County, a grandmother created a recipe that delighted her young grandson. That grandson grew up to be a chef, and the cake still holds a special place in their family — and on his menu at Cypress Hall.
Making a Splash: An Ode to the Shrimpburger
Drive-ins and restaurants around the Crystal Coast turn tiny shellfish into shrimpburgers that are big on flavor. The sandwich is unquestionably one of our most iconic. But is it a burger? One writer investigates.
Barbecue, Born & Bred
A pitmaster in Chowan County was raised on North Carolina pork. At Old Colony Smokehouse in Edenton, he draws on his family’s heritage — as well as barbecue traditions from across the South.
9 Spots for Delicious Bites After a State Park Adventure
Enjoy a day of hiking, walking, climbing, or kayaking, then sit down to some tasty brews and bites.
Fried Chicken Champion
When an experienced chef brought her skills to a corner gas station in Asheville, the unlikely space became a hot spot for those in search of big breakfasts, flavorful burgers, and famous fried chicken sandwiches.
3 Spots to Celebrate Black History Month at the Table
Dig into authentic Jamaican food in Rocky Mount and Wilson, sip sparkling wine at Charlotte’s only Black-owned winery, and savor a bourbon “banoffee” pecan cinnamon roll in Greensboro.
A Taste of the Sea at Boro Low Country Kitchen
This restaurant’s signature dish — complete with house seasoning and butter sauce — provides ultimate Low-Country comfort.
