This restaurant will leave you stuffed, and entertained.
John’s Drive In in Kitty Hawk
Every Dolphin Boat sandwich and milkshake that this stop serves comes with a side of nostalgia.
Allen & Son in Chapel Hill
The owner spends 12 hours making a barbecue sandwich. It’s worth the wait.
The Trailer Bar in Surf City
At this dive bar, everyone has a nickname, and everyone seems to have known each other for decades.
La Vaquita in Durham
Once you’re hooked, there’s a world of flavors to explore.
Dots Dario in Marion
For nearly 50 years, a trip to Dots has been a summer standby.
Waterfront Seafood Shack in Calabash
On any given day in summer, Waterfront Seafood Shack is packed from its first plate at lunch to its final just-about-too-dark-to-eat platter that night.
The Burger Spot: Shake Shop in Cherryville
Shake Shop’s "lotta" style is unique to the shop, and Cherryville: slaw, tomato, and pickle.
At Lanes Ferry Dock & Grill, It Takes Time to Make Fast Food
Regulars swear by this throwback diner near the Cape Fear River in Pender County, where everything — from waffles to burgers to fried bologna — is made to order and just right.
