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These 10 Iconic Foods In North Carolina Will Have Your Mouth Watering

North Carolina offers a variety of iconic southern dishes that are a must-try for food enthusiasts.

Updated Mar 31, 2023

Written by 

OnlyInYourState Staff

In our professional opinions, we think southern cuisine is some of the most amazing cuisine we've ever tried. Sure, a lot of it is fried and cooked in a lot of butter...but who cares? You only live once. So you might as well try all the amazing and iconic dishes North Carolina has to offer, like all this staple NC food:

1. BBQ

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Flickr / Jimmy Emerson DVM

It doesn't matter if you get Eastern or Lexington style, a BBQ sandwich or even plate with hushpuppies and slaw is a dish you MUST try.

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2. Fried green tomatoes topped with pimento cheese.

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Yelp / Helen A.

When two very southern foods come together...you know the results will be amazing.

3. Krispy Kreme Cheerwine Doughnuts

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Flickr / Chris Short

This is about as North Carolina as it gets...but your tastebuds will thank you.

4. Bojangles

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Flickr / kazamatsuri

Everything is southern, fried, and delicious at Bojangles (but a cajun filet biscuit always wins in our opinion). Bojangles is a southern treat and a North Carolina tradition.

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5. Cookout

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Flickr / Gerry Dincher

It really doesn't matter what you get because everything is delicious here. It's especially delicious after a long night at 2 a.m. The Cookout tray is one of the best deals you can find, and don't forget to wash it down with a milkshake.

6. Deviled eggs

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Flickr / Patsy

This southern side dish is a great twist on your traditional 'egg.' Yeah, we get creative down here in North Carolina...and deviled eggs is something you must try.

7. Fresh seafood from the coast

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Flickr / bnhsu

Nothing can beat fresh caught seafood, and coastal North Carolina restaurants are the best place to try it.

8. Shrimp n' grits

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Flickr / La Belle Province

Speaking of seafood, shrimp n' grits is found throughout the south, but the ones in North Carolina are especially delicious.

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9. Carolina-style anything

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Flickr / Gerry Dincher

You can't go wrong with chili, slaw and onions topping your favorite piece of meat (usually hot dogs or burger).

10. Cheerwine Float

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Yelp / Dung N.

Root beer floats can move aside, cause here in Carolina we prefer ours with the deliciously sweet Cheerwine.

Ok, now we're officially starving! We think we know which one we'll have first...what about you? Are there any you would add to this list? What good ol' NC food calls to you the loudest? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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/

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