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.
Here are a few regional classics of the Happy Days era.
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.
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.
This Wilmington pit stop is tiny — and that’s on purpose. At this little diner, breakfast and lunch are served with a personal touch.
In McDowell County, there’s a cardinal rule of eating local: Food should always be fun.
True to their Beaufort heritage, a mother and daughter bring the bounty of the coast to their Winston-Salem fish market and restaurant, where seafood and friendship keep spirits afloat.
In Asheville, one old-school diner serves up the hamburgers and hospitality that have drawn regulars for nearly 50 years. For those loyal customers, all roads lead to Five Points.
Baker’s Kitchen has weathered storms — literal and metaphorical — to keep its community in baked goods and breakfast foods (with a side of butter syrup).
