Dining out in North Carolina is an easy way to relax, unwind, and reconnect with friends and family. Whether you find yourself craving BBQ, steaks, Mexican, or other special tastes, the following 12 bucket-list restaurants in North Carolina will satisfy your every whim. And guess what? With 12 of them, there's one for every month of the year!

1. JANUARY: The German Cafe - Wilmington

Nothing warms the insides quite like a German dinner filled with the flavors of Old World Germany. Head to Wilmington to check out The German Cafe. Its' wonderful atmosphere and location along the waterfront are perfect for a cold winter day. In addition to delicious food, The German Cafe has a fascinating history.

2. FEBRUARY: Saxapahaw General Store - Graham

Both an old-time general store and a restaurant, Saxapahaw General Store serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with delicious American fare that includes burgers made from local grass-fed beef, as well as seafood and a variety of other fare. Visit the Saxapahaw General Store online to learn more.

3. MARCH: Snappy Lunch - Mount Airy

One of the state's oldest diners is always worth a stop anytime you're nearby to Mount Airy. Feel the Mayberry U.S.A. vibe in this nostalgic diner — and then go explore some other Andy Griffith sights while you're in town.Take a trip down memory lane as you learn about this oldest diner in North Carolina.

4. APRIL: Yoder's Dutch Pantry - Grifton

Mennonite food at its best; that's what you'll find at Yoders! If you love everything Amish and Mennonite, then a trip to Yoder's is a must. Learn more about the cinnamon rolls as big as your head that you can enjoy at this Mennonite bakery in North Carolina.

5. MAY: Gravy Southern Eatery - Calabash

Head over to the southern coast to Calabash to dine on rich Southern fare like meaty, bone-in pork chops cooked to perfection and more Southern comfort foods, too. Gravy is just the place to find 'em.Gravy Southern Eatery is a must-visit restaurant in North Carolina.

6. JUNE: Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant - Chimney Rock

June is the perfect month to take a trip to the Village of Chimney Rock. Explore the state park, the rock, take a drive over to Lake Lure, and then head back to the Esmeralda for a meal fit for a king.Visit the Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant online for more information.

7. JULY: B's Barbecue - Greenville

Roll down the car windows and take a little road trip over to Greenville to sample what just may be the undeniably best BBQ in the entire state. B's sells out quickly, so get there early!Learn more about some of the best barbecue in Greenville.

8. AUGUST: Angus Barn - Raleigh

Calling all carnivores! Angus Barn is one of the most notable steakhouses in the Tar Heel State. Yet it's still a casual, come-as-you-are spot where everyone feels welcome. Check out the ginormous prime rib you can get at The Angus Barn. Now that's a lot of steak!

10. SEPTEMBER: Mert's Heart and Soul - Charlotte

Soul food never tasted as good as it does at Mert's in Charlotte. From fried chicken to collards and more, Mert's has you covered!Visit the Mert's Heart & Soul website for more details.

10. OCTOBER: Taco Billy - Asheville

The landscape around Asheville should be changing by mid-October and that makes it the perfect time to plan a visit to the mountains! While you're there, head over to Taco Billy where the tacos are almost (ALMOST!) as colorful as the landscape in the fall. And although it's a tiny Mexican restaurant in North Carolina, it is not lacking in the variety of tacos available on its menu.

11. NOVEMBER: Merritt's - Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is loaded with wonderful restaurants, but you'll be missing out if you don't stop in to Merritt's for one of their enormous BLTs. Yum! They're perfect for game day - or any day of the week, really.Visit the Merritt's Store & Grill website to check it out further.

12. DECEMBER: Daniel Boone Inn - Boone

Warm up this winter with a cozy family-style meal at Dan'l Boone Inn. The plates come piled high with enough portions for everyone at the table to enjoy a little of everything. We recommend getting their country ham biscuits... yep, they're also served piled high on the plate! It's the ultimate in Southern comfort food in North Carolina.

It's easy to see why dining out can sometimes be so difficult in the Tar Heel State. It's just so hard to narrow down all of the wonderful choices. Hopefully, these 12 bucket list restaurants in North Carolina help to steer you to quicker decisions in the coming year.