North Carolina

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Food

10 More Burger Joints In North Carolina Guaranteed To Make Your Mouth Water

Published May 17, 2015

Written by 

OnlyInYourState Staff

Last week when my burger article went viral, I was faced with the dilemma that there were still so many greasy, cheesy, burger joints I didn't cover...

While "foodie" websites can be helpful resources, sometimes you just have to turn to the comments section to get the REAL scoop! Here are ten more burger joints you should try out in North Carolina...

1. Hap's Grill, Salisbury

alt
Pinterest

Hap's is known to have some of the best 'Carolina Style' hot dogs in the state, but don't forget to try a burger while you're there!

advertisement

2. Ward's Grill, Whiteville

alt
Yelp
alt
Urban Spoon

This hole in the wall burger joint doesn't have any seating, but you'll be perfectly content grabbing an awesome Carolina Style burger to-go. Simple, greasy, and delicious... Ward's is a must try!

3. The Shake Shop, Cherryville

alt
Yelp
alt
Yelp

This local shop has been around for over 50 years so you know it's good! The 'Lottaburger' is the signature dish. Yelp users say the secret to the amazing flavor is in the grill...as it should be!

advertisement

4. Yacht Basin Provision Co., Southport

alt
Pinterest

For a 'true' shrimp burger, nestle up right beside the water and grab a bite from Provision Co. This waterside joint is a famous pit stop for vacationers and a favorite grab-n-go for locals.

5. Dixie Drive-In, Lumberton

alt
Yelp

What goes great with a flat-top burger? Hand-cut, breaded fries cooked in lard. Mmmm...just the thought made my arteries clog up a bit, but this little drive-in is seriously a must try if you live in North Carolina. The traditions, and cookin' haven't changed since the Dixie first opened 50 years ago. It's well worth the drive!

6. Kearney's Drive-In, Lexington

alt
alt
Facebook

Pop in the window and grab a 'Kearney Burger,' 1/2-lb of fresh daily, hand-patted meat, 3 slices of scrumptious bacon, and local home-made Conrad & Hinkle Food Market pimento cheese with a smudge of mayo. Is your mouth watering yet? I'm planning to pop in soon and grab a Kearney Burger, the heavens align when you find that perfect pimento cheeseburger!

7. Crossroads Grill, Taylorsville, Alexander County

alt
Facebook
alt
Yelp

Simple but delicious, Crossroads Grills has been featured in both state and local magazines. This unassuming joint should be on every burger fan's list!

advertisement

8. What-A-Burger

alt
Roadside Architecture

This drive-in is not to be confused with the Texas chain, Whataburger. What-A-Burger is found in Kannapolis and Concord. This drive-in is about as simple and delicious as it gets!

9. Tri-County Music Bar and Grill, Vale

alt
Facebook / Carrie Carpenter Hartman

Nothing beats a delicious cheeseburger and a cold beer! This little local hotspot flies under the radar, but not for flavor! Bring cash with you!

10. Beef Burger, Greensboro

alt
Trip Advisor

Called "biff burger," by locals, the burger dipping sauce is out of this world! Stop by this joint on your next trip to Greensboro, you won't regret it!

Did your favorite joint make the list? Post a comment and tell us all about it!

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Food

Word On The Street Is That Huli Sue’s Serves The Best BBQ In North Carolina

Published Aug 26, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

Huli Sue’s BBQ & Grill in Asheville is an eatery with a phenomenal reputation in North Carolina. This Hawaiian-Texan-inspired cuisine offers a unique and delicious taste that stands out in an area with plenty of traditional barbecue options. Find out why this barbecue joint in North Carolina is a step above the rest.

advertisement

Constructed in 1928, the Grove Arcade has undergone many phases during its interesting existence.

A bustling outdoor dining area with umbrellas, surrounded by trees and parked cars, near a historic building.
Grove Arcade/Facebook

The Grand Opening took place in 1929 and became home to local shops and businesses offering a variety of services and products over the years.

In 2021 the historic Grove Arcade welcomed the addition of Huli Sue’s BBQ & Grill opened by Lisa Vann and Ben Krueger who also have The Fish and The Hog in Waimea, Hawaii.

Outdoor dining area of a restaurant with blue umbrellas, yellow chairs, and colorful flowers in front.
Huli Sue's BBQ and Grill/Facebook

It didn't take long for this to become an eatery with a phenomenal reputation in North Carolina.

You can taste the island's influence on the Texas barbecue and Hawaiian dishes.

A vibrant restaurant interior with colorful decor, seating areas, and a mural of a cowboy on a horse.
Joel R/Tripadvisor

For example, folks are impressed to find an authentic and scrumptious poke bowl in Asheville.

A bowl of rice topped with diced tuna, avocado, seaweed, and orange roe, alongside a refreshing drink and flowers.
Management/Tripadvisor

This version comes with ginger-sesame-shoyu seared sashimi-grade fish, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, avocado, and aioli.

But first things first as cocktails evocative of another era - crafted with fresh juices, fruits, and adorned with lovely flowers and umbrellas - shouldn't be overlooked.

advertisement
Three colorful cocktails are raised in a toast, featuring garnishes like flowers and umbrellas, in a lively restaurant setting.
Ashley R/Tripadvisor

The Lava Flow has rum with cream of coconut, pineapple, strawberry, and lime.

For the table, a nice order of Rueben Spring Rolls contain house-made pastrami, Swiss, crunchy sauerkraut, and Russian dip.

A plate of crispy fried snacks filled with meat and cabbage, served with a dipping sauce on the side.
Management/Tripadvisor

Be warned - these cultivate a mean craving that hits you in the middle of the night.

And speaking of pastrami, you can also find it on a sandwich here - deli-style - with a choice of house-cut fries, sweet Maui Onion Chips, or a salad.

A plate featuring a grilled sandwich, a pickle, and a side of crispy sweet potato fries.
Lockie H/Tripadvisor

If you come with barbecue in mind, however; The Sampler plate delivers with brisket, baby back ribs, pulled pork, and house-made sausage.

A plate of barbecue featuring ribs, pulled pork, pickles, and baked beans, with drinks and onion rings in the background.
Management/Tripadvisor

The desserts are worthy of time all on their own for a sweet date night.

A slice of layered dessert with a graham cracker crust, banana, cream, and chocolate drizzle on top.
Huli Sue's BBQ and Grill/Facebook

Try the Banana Cream Pie, Pineapple Upside Cake, or the Haupia (coconut) Layer Cake.

advertisement

Discover more about this eatery with a phenomenal reputation in North Carolina on the Huli Sue's website. While you're in this eclectic city, find out why you might fall in love with Asheville. And check out some very cool overnight or weekend options on Vrbo.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Food

A Pure Oil Station Is Now North Carolina’s Best New Place To Find A Duck Confit Grilled Cheese

Published Aug 7, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

It's a special event when you run into an all-day eatery with excellent food in North Carolina — especially in the heart of Black Mountain. This restaurant opened in December of 2022 offering some delightful cuisine. But the most interesting feature of the historic building turned restaurant in North Carolina is that it once was a Pure Oil Station. While those memories are gone, the community spirit in this saved building is intact. Read on about The Pure & Proper.

advertisement

A Pure Oil Station that opened in the 1940s was the beginning of a bond with the Black Mountain community.

Historic black-and-white photo of a vintage gas station with a distinctive architectural style and old gas pumps.
The Pure And Proper

The cool, historic structure stood as a beloved landmark reminding folks of the simpler times. It was lovingly saved and turned into The Pure & Proper.

A charming white building with a sloped roof, decorated for the holidays, illuminated by a vintage streetlamp at dusk.
The Pure And Proper

New life brings a warm and welcoming repurposed space with a cozy open upstairs dining room and another intimate dining room downstairs.

This all-day eatery is decorated with elegant and creative details in a variety of materials.

Cozy restaurant interior with wooden tables, chairs, and a bar, featuring warm lighting and rustic decor.
The Pure And Proper

We love the furry seats, exposed beams, and rough bricks where you'll find lunch, a cocktail hour, dinner, and Sunday brunch.

Start with the Cheese Board featuring three local cheeses, seasonal pickles, mustard, olives, marcona almonds, and stecca bread.

A wooden platter featuring assorted cheeses, olives, pickles, nuts, and crispy bread slices.
Mixa's Travels/Tripadvisor

This is a very nice item to share and goes well with one of the signature cocktails or mocktails.

While Brussels sprouts come as a side with sorghum and sherry vinaigrette, try the elegant way they are served as an entree.

advertisement
A bowl of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with crumbled cheese, crushed nuts, and a drizzle of sauce.
Lockie H/Tripadvisor

Topped with whipped ricotta, tomato jam, spiced cashews, and fresh basil, they are a piece of art.

And speaking of art, the Flat Iron Steak with crispy potatoes is a sculpture of hearty love.

A plate of steak topped with crispy fried onions and sauce, served with a knife and fork on a marble table.
LanSluderBelize/Tripadvisor

This eatery in North Carolina also makes a convenient stop for lunch after hiking up the Lookout Mountain Trail with a fresh salad, a ham and cheese, and your favorite beer or wine.

A plate of salad with greens, nuts, and cheese, alongside a sandwich, drinks, and a bottle on a table.
Harriet T/Tripadvisor

When it's nice, take advantage of the patio, and find the hike on the AllTrails website.

While the aforementioned entrees are delicious, the Duck Confit Grilled Cheese is the best grilled cheese you will ever eat.

A grilled cheese sandwich with crispy edges, served on a plate with a dark beverage in the background.
Miriam S/Tripadvisor

It's comprised of pulled duck leg confit (duck legs slow-roasted in duck fat), griddled onion, arugula, Gruyere cheese, and tomato jam.

Discover more about this historic building turned restaurant in North Carolina on The Pure & Proper website. And find out why Black Mountain is also a great place to visit in the winter.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/snowiest-town-winter-getaway-nc/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Nature

This Natural Wonder in North Carolina Is the Definition of a Hidden Gem

by Kelly Carroll
on Nov 14
Walking path in the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in North Carolina
Food
Restaurants

The off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurant in North Carolina That Is Worth the Day Trip

by Beth Copenhaver
on Nov 14
alt
Food

The New Louisville Location of Locals Food Hub and Pizza Pub Brings Fresh, Local Eats to a Food Desert

by Kelly Carroll
on Nov 14
Pizzas from a Louisville restaurant called Locals Food Hub and Pizza Pub.
Food
Bars & Nightlife

This Family-Owned Cidery in Lexington Is the Place to Be on a Chilly Evening

by Kelly Carroll
on Nov 14
Three glasses of Wise Bird Cider Co. apple cider on a wooden surface.
Food
Bakeries & Dessert

The Decadent Treats at This Dairy-Free Ice Cream Parlor in New Jersey Are My New Favorite Indulgence

by Raymond Goldfield
on Nov 14
alt