Like a fine wine, some things just get better with time. Some of those things include delicious cuisine that hasn’t changed, but only evolved with the changing times over the years. These ten restaurants in North Carolina have literally stood the test of time. They’ve managed to satisfy customers and continue to make delicious food that has created a North Carolina legacy through the years. You’ll want to add these ten to your ‘must-try’ list immediately.
- The Roast Grill, Raleigh
Yelp / Meg S. For generations, The Roast Grill has been a Capitol City staple. Located in historic downtown Raleigh, this little but delicious restaurant fits right in with the historic charm.
- The World Famous Open Kitchen, Charlotte
Yelp / Kevin W. Since 1952, Open Kitchen has been serving some of the best Italian in the QC.
- Mecca Restaurant, Raleigh
Yelp / Rod O. Mecca Restaurant has been around since the 1930s. The quaint, cozy setting has stood the test of time.
- The Historic Harvey Mansion and Inn, New Bern
Yelp / Harvey Mansion Dating back to 1804, Harvey Inn is one of the last remaining remnants of the thriving seaport New Bern once was. It’s history and a delicious meal rolled into one.
- Canyon’s Historic Restaurant, Blowing Rock
Yelp / Gwendolyn S. For centuries, travelers and locals have passed through Canyon’s for a delicious meal and breathtaking view.
- Dan’l Boone Inn and Restaurant, Boone
Facebook / Dan’l Boone Inn Located in one of the oldest buildings in Boone, this restaurant and inn is a beloved stop for visitors and locals. You’ll get a great home-style meal here, you can’t beat the southern cuisine.
- Kelly’s Outer Banks Restaurant, Nags Head
Yelp / TJ C. For 31 years, Kelly’s has been serving delicious seafood and southern fare. A great place to stop on your next trip to the beach.
- Shatley Springs, Crumpler
Yelp / Cliff H. For decades Shatley Springs has been a landmark destination for simple country cooking that is always delicious and (almost) better than what Grandma can cook up. Don’t forget the fresh spring water and gorgeous mountain views.
- Snappy Lunch, Mt. Airy
Yelp / David H. Snappy Lunch has stood the test of time since 1923. This Mt. Airy and Mayberry staple is the perfect place for a great burger or iconic pork chop sandwich.
- Thompson’s Store and Ward’s Grill
Thompson’s Store Thompson’s store was opened in the late 1800s. In the 1950s, Ward’s Grill was opened by Roy Ward with his eldest son Jack. It was his daughter’s idea…and she had a good one, because the store is still open today. Stop by in the gorgeous and quaint town of Saluda for an atmosphere and meal you haven’t experienced before.
These are North Carolina’s oldest restaurants and for good reason. Have you dined at any of these places for? If not, which ones would you add to the list?
Yelp / Meg S.
For generations, The Roast Grill has been a Capitol City staple. Located in historic downtown Raleigh, this little but delicious restaurant fits right in with the historic charm.
Yelp / Kevin W.
Since 1952, Open Kitchen has been serving some of the best Italian in the QC.
Yelp / Rod O.
Mecca Restaurant has been around since the 1930s. The quaint, cozy setting has stood the test of time.
Yelp / Harvey Mansion
Dating back to 1804, Harvey Inn is one of the last remaining remnants of the thriving seaport New Bern once was. It’s history and a delicious meal rolled into one.
Yelp / Gwendolyn S.
For centuries, travelers and locals have passed through Canyon’s for a delicious meal and breathtaking view.
Facebook / Dan’l Boone Inn
Located in one of the oldest buildings in Boone, this restaurant and inn is a beloved stop for visitors and locals. You’ll get a great home-style meal here, you can’t beat the southern cuisine.
Yelp / TJ C.
For 31 years, Kelly’s has been serving delicious seafood and southern fare. A great place to stop on your next trip to the beach.
Yelp / Cliff H.
For decades Shatley Springs has been a landmark destination for simple country cooking that is always delicious and (almost) better than what Grandma can cook up. Don’t forget the fresh spring water and gorgeous mountain views.
Yelp / David H.
Snappy Lunch has stood the test of time since 1923. This Mt. Airy and Mayberry staple is the perfect place for a great burger or iconic pork chop sandwich.
Thompson’s Store
Thompson’s store was opened in the late 1800s. In the 1950s, Ward’s Grill was opened by Roy Ward with his eldest son Jack. It was his daughter’s idea…and she had a good one, because the store is still open today. Stop by in the gorgeous and quaint town of Saluda for an atmosphere and meal you haven’t experienced before.
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