12 Family-Owned Southern Restaurants In North Carolina That Locals Hold Close To Their Hearts

North Carolina’s culinary soul lives in its family-owned Southern restaurants. These beloved spots carry generations of recipes, stories, and traditions, turning every meal into something special.

Smoky barbecue joints, cozy country kitchens, and old-fashioned dining rooms keep locals coming back with flavors that feel both timeless and heartfelt.

These 12 family-run gems have earned their place in the state’s heart through authentic cooking and genuine hospitality.

1. Stamey’s Barbecue: Greensboro’s Hickory-Smoked Treasure

Since 1930, the Stamey family has been serving Lexington-style barbecue that’s become synonymous with Greensboro dining. The intoxicating scent of hickory smoke greets you before you even park your car.

The chopped pork shoulder comes with that signature red slaw – vinegar-based with a touch of ketchup that cuts through the rich meat perfectly.

Don’t forget to order extra hushpuppies; these golden-brown beauties disappear quickly from the basket and are worth every calorie.

2. Sam Jones BBQ: Modern Twist on Family Legacy

Carrying the torch from his Skylight Inn heritage, third-generation pitmaster Sam Jones created something special in Winterville. His restaurant honors tradition while bringing whole-hog barbecue to a new generation.

My first visit coincided with a summer downpour, but the moment that smoky aroma hit me, nothing else mattered.

The sweet potato cornbread alone is worth the drive, but don’t leave without trying the banana pudding – it’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes in silent appreciation.

3. Skylight Inn BBQ: Where Cracklin’ Meets Tradition

The Jones family has been perfecting whole-hog barbecue since 1947 in their iconic building, topped with a little “Capitol dome” in Ayden.

Wood-fired pits produce that unmistakable Eastern NC style that keeps folks coming back decade after decade.

Order the chopped pork with cracklin’ mixed right in, tangy slaw, and cornbread that’s dense enough to hold in one hand while you eat with the other.

It’s barbecue in its purest form – no frills, just flavor that speaks for itself.

4. Lexington Barbecue: The “Honey Monk” Experience

Known affectionately as “Honey Monk” after founder Wayne Monk, this 1962 institution defines Lexington-style barbecue.

The pork shoulders cook slowly over oak and hickory coals, developing that distinctive smoky flavor that’s impossible to replicate.

Growing up, my grandpa would drive 40 miles just for their chopped pork plate. He’d always say, “The dip makes the difference” – referring to their thin, tomato-tinted sauce that seeps into every bite.

Paired with their tangy red slaw, it creates barbecue perfection.

5. Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge: Shelby’s Three-Generation Legacy

The Bridges family has kept true pit-cooked barbecue alive in Shelby since 1946. Their retro-styled restaurant feels like stepping back in time – in the best possible way.

Their coarse-chopped pork trays come with some of the best hushpuppies in the state – crispy outside, fluffy inside.

The smell of hickory smoke permeates everything, a testament to their commitment to traditional cooking methods.

Even on weekdays, expect a healthy crowd of regulars who’ve been coming for decades.

6. Grady’s Barbecue: Dudley’s Hidden Smokehouse Gem

Steve and Gerri Grady have turned their tiny smokehouse into a pilgrimage site for Eastern NC barbecue lovers since 1986. This unassuming spot might be easy to miss if you’re not looking, but your taste buds will never forget it.

Their whole-hog pork practically melts in your mouth, but locals know to pair it with their equally fantastic fried chicken.

The collard greens and candied yams taste like Sunday dinner at grandma’s – slow-cooked with love and seasoned to perfection.

Arrive early; they regularly sell out by early afternoon.

7. B’s Barbecue: The Early Bird’s Reward in Greenville

This family-run favorite operates by its own playbook – no phone, no website, just exceptional barbecue served until it’s gone. Located on a road named after itself, B’s embodies barbecue dedication.

I once arrived at 11 am to find myself 15th in line. The wait was worth it for their legendary pit-smoked chicken, which rivals their excellent pork BBQ.

The sides are beautifully simple – just enough to complement the star attractions without stealing focus.

When they’re out, they’re out – sometimes by 1 pm on busy days.

8. Keaton’s Barbecue: Cleveland’s Unique Chicken Sensation

Since 1953, the Keaton family has been serving something you won’t find elsewhere – “dipped” barbecue chicken.

This singular North Carolina style involves frying chicken, then dunking it in a spicy vinegar-tomato sauce that defies categorization.

The result is crispy, tangy, and utterly addictive. Located in rural Cleveland, the restaurant’s no-frills approach lets the food speak for itself.

First-timers often look confused when receiving their chicken – it’s not red and sticky like traditional BBQ – but after one bite, they’re inevitably converted.

9. Daniel Boone Inn: Boone’s Historic Family-Style Feast

Stepping into this historic building feels like traveling back to simpler times. Since the 1950s, the Daniel Boone Inn has been serving family-style Southern meals that bring people together around the table.

When those heaping bowls of fried chicken, country ham, and biscuits start making their way around, conversation stops and appreciation begins.

The stewed apples, sweet and tender, provide the perfect counterpoint to the savory offerings.

Generations of Appalachian State students have celebrated special occasions here, creating lifelong memories.

10. Magnolia 23: Asheboro’s From-Scratch Southern Kitchen

TThe Simmons family pours its heart into every dish at this downtown Asheboro gem. Their motto of food “made with love” isn’t just marketing – you can taste the difference in every bite.

Their fried chicken achieves that perfect balance: crackling golden exterior giving way to juicy meat that practically falls off the bone. The meat-and-three plates showcase seasonal vegetables that actually taste like vegetables should.

Save room for pie – whether it’s sweet potato, pecan, or chocolate, these family recipes have stood the test of time.

11. Meadow Village Restaurant: Benson’s Buffet Wonderland

Since 1980, the Raynor family has been filling plates and hearts at this beloved buffet spot in Benson. Unlike chain buffets, everything here tastes homemade because it actually is.

The country-cooking spread features all the classics, but locals know to save room for the seafood offerings – especially the crispy fried flounder.

My grandmother always headed straight for the dessert table, claiming their chocolate pie was better than hers (though she’d never admit this publicly).

Multiple generations often dine together here, continuing family traditions.

12. Time-Out Restaurant: Chapel Hill’s 24/7 Comfort Food Haven

Since 1978, this Chapel Hill institution stays open 24/7 – serving Southern comfort food around the clock to hungry students, night-shift workers, and everyone in between. The walls could tell countless late-night stories.

Their legendary chicken-and-cheddar biscuit has saved many a student during exam week. The breakfast casseroles somehow taste even better at 3 am than they do at normal breakfast hours.

Despite changing times and tastes, Time-Out remains steadfastly itself – a reliable beacon of Southern cooking that never sleeps.