North Carolina has no shortage of under-the-radar dining options, as made obvious by our article outlining establishments with rather modest exteriors. They're all the prime example of that old adage, 'you can't judge a book by its cover.' In that same spirit, we'd like to introduce a new handful of some of the best hole in the wall restaurants in North Carolina. Whether you're a barbecue fan, burger enthusiast, or have a fondness for fresh and local ingredients, you're bound to find something on this list to suit your palette.
1. Pik N Pig, Carthage
Located on a private airstrip, Pik N Pig is lunch and entertainment rolled into one. A once in a lifetime experience for all BBQ lovers. Check out the official Pik N Pig website to learn more about this hole in the wall barbecue joint in North Carolina.
2. Hap's, Salisbury
If you're craving a hot dog, Hap's is the place to go. They're delicious and the usual wait just proves it even more. More information on this no-nonsense eatery can be found by visiting the restaurant's Facebook page.
3. Granny's, Cherokee
Granny's offers mouthwatering, down-home country cookin' served a-la-carte. If you're looking for an especially delicious meal, go for breakfast on your next trip to the mountains.
4. Keaton's Barbecue, Cleveland
Since 1953, Keaton's has been a North Carolina classic with a BBQ sauce that is unmatched. Of course, the pork BBQ is delicious, but everything else is amazing, too, like the BBQ chicken. You'll just have to visit for yourself to see what makes this North Carolina barbecue joint so special.
5. El's Drive-In, Morehead City
Of course, another delicious shrimp burger joint made our previous list, but another great one is El's. While at the beach, how can you go without a shrimp burger? Between El's and Big Oak, everyone has their favorite, but they both deserve equal credit for deliciousness. One thing's for sure: you'll need your appetite when you visit this fantastic coastal restaurant.
6. Provision Company, Southport
Provision Company is about as coastal as you can get. The exterior is extremely low-key, but the food is amazing. You'll be treated to a wide assortment of the freshest fried seafood in North Carolina .
7. Sugar Plum Shoppe, Wilson
Sugar Plum Shoppe operates mainly as a bakery, but their grab n' go options are amazing. Pro tip: order the chicken salad or pimento cheese from this amazing hole in the wall restaurant in North Carolina.
8. Bill's Hot Dog Stand, Washington
If you're looking for some of the best hot dogs in North Carolina, look no farther than Bill's. They've been in business since 1928...so you know it's going to be good. When it comes to some of the best local restaurants in North Carolina, Bill's tops the list.
9. Grady's Barbecue, Dudley
Collard greens, BBQ, hushpuppies, friendly staff and that hickory-smoked smell in the air. Grady's is the definition of a 'joint.' You must try it if you haven't. Grady's Barbecue in Dudley concludes our list of some of the best hole in the wall restaurants in North Carolina, but that doesn't mean there aren't more to explore.
Well after reviewing this list of some of the best hole in the wall restaurants in North Carolina, I'm officially starving and ready for some down-home, southern-style food. Yum! Did your favorite make the list? What would you add?
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