6 Hole-In-The-Wall North Carolina Soul Food Restaurants That Taste Like Home
Growing up in North Carolina, food was never just about filling your plate—it was about family, tradition, and flavors passed down through generations.
The smell of fried chicken sizzling in cast-iron skillets, collard greens simmering low and slow, and banana pudding cooling on the counter made Sunday dinners feel sacred. Today, when that homesick craving hits, you don’t have to wait for grandma’s kitchen table.
Scattered across the state are hole-in-the-wall spots serving soulful plates that taste just like home. These unassuming restaurants may not look fancy from the outside, but one bite will remind you why Southern comfort food never goes out of style.
1. The Chicken Hut: Durham’s Soul Food Time Machine
Walking into The Chicken Hut feels like stepping through a portal to 1957 when they first opened their doors. The worn vinyl booths have supported generations of Durham families coming for their famous crispy fried chicken.
I stumbled upon this joint during my college years when my wallet was thin but my hunger was mighty. The sweet ladies behind the counter always throw in an extra cornbread muffin with a wink. “You look like you need it, honey.”
Their mac and cheese could make a grown man weep—I’ve witnessed it happen at the next table over! Don’t miss their Thursday special: smothered pork chops that fall off the bone with barely a nudge from your fork.
2. Taste Of Soul: Henderson’s Hidden Treasure
“Lord have mercy!” That’s what escaped my lips the first time I tasted Miss Bertha’s oxtails at Taste of Soul. Tucked away on a quiet Henderson street, this unassuming spot has no fancy sign—just a hand-painted window and the constant line of locals that gives away its location.
The dining room could generously be called “intimate” with maybe ten tables squeezed together. Everybody ends up talking to each other like old friends by the end of the meal.
Their candied yams deserve their own holiday, swimming in a buttery sauce that balances sweet and spice perfectly. Pro tip: call ahead on Fridays when they serve salmon cakes—they’re usually sold out by 1 PM!
3. Meadow Village Restaurant: Benson’s Country Soul Kitchen
My car broke down outside Benson years ago, and that automotive disaster led me to the greatest banana pudding of my life at Meadow Village Restaurant. This former gas station turned soul food haven sits at a crossroads where farmers and truckers gather each morning.
The breakfast here will fuel you through a day of hard labor—or in my case, a day of pretending to work while actually thinking about coming back for lunch. Their country-fried steak comes smothered in pepper gravy that Miss Doris makes fresh every single morning at 4 AM.
The green beans cook with ham hocks for hours until they surrender all pretense of being a vegetable. Save room for that banana pudding, made the proper way with real vanilla wafers that dissolve on your tongue.
4. K&W Cafeteria: Winston-Salem’s Comfort Food Institution
Cafeteria-style dining might not scream “gourmet experience” to some, but K&W in Winston-Salem has been proving critics wrong since 1937. The line moves with military precision as silver-haired ladies in hairnets dish out comfort by the spoonful.
My grandpa took me here every Thursday after school. We’d load our trays with liver and onions (his choice) and fried chicken (mine, obviously). The carrot soufflé remains my guilty pleasure—a vegetable masquerading as dessert.
Something magical happens to collard greens when they’re cooked by someone who’s been making them for 40+ years. K&W’s taste like they’ve been simmered in wisdom and patience. Don’t you dare leave without their peach cobbler, still bubbling from the oven.
5. Soul Central
Nestled in the heart of Charlotte, Soul Central captures the spirit of Southern comfort. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, this quaint spot serves up soulful classics like fried chicken and okra.
The restaurant’s rustic decor, complete with wooden tables and vintage photos, adds a touch of nostalgia that enhances the dining experience. Each meal feels like a warm embrace, inviting patrons to savor every bite.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Soul Central offers a taste of home that lingers long after you’ve left. The soulful tunes and friendly smiles make it unforgettable.
6. Brenda’s Soul Food – Greensboro’s Family Favorite
Brenda’s Soul Food in Greensboro is a local favorite that serves Southern cooking at its finest. The menu features juicy fried chicken, pork ribs covered in sweet and spicy BBQ sauce, and classic sides like collard greens and mac & cheese.
The atmosphere is family-friendly and relaxed, with portions generous enough to take some home. Locals often say you can taste “real Southern love” in every bite. If you’re looking for a spot where the food warms your soul as much as your stomach, Brenda’s is the place to be.