8 North Carolina Restaurants That Are Both Affordable And Unforgettable
North Carolina serves up some of the most memorable meals in the South without breaking your budget.
From legendary barbecue joints that have perfected their craft over decades to hidden gems serving fresh seafood and towering burgers, the Tar Heel State offers incredible dining experiences at wallet-friendly prices.
These eight restaurants prove that unforgettable food doesn’t require fancy settings or premium prices.
1. Skylight Inn BBQ – Ayden
Whole-hog barbecue reaches its peak at this legendary pit stop where cracklin’ gets mixed right into the chopped pork. Simple plastic trays hold some of the most flavorful barbecue you’ll ever taste, prepared using methods passed down through generations.
Open Monday through Saturday from 10 to 7, this no-frills joint on Lee Street focuses purely on perfection.
The combo meal featuring both barbecue and chicken alongside a slab of cornbread offers incredible value for hungry travelers and locals alike.
2. Lexington Barbecue – Lexington
Western-style shoulder barbecue defines this town’s culinary identity, and nowhere showcases it better than this iconic establishment. Red slaw provides the perfect tangy complement to tender, smoky pork that’s been perfected over decades of pit mastery.
Located on Smokehouse Lane, this restaurant operates Monday through Saturday from 10 to 9. Ordering chopped or coarse-chopped delivers maximum flavor for your dollar, making every bite worth the drive to barbecue’s unofficial capital city.
3. Stamey’s Barbecue – Greensboro
Pit-cooked Lexington-style pork gets the royal treatment at this beloved Greensboro institution where hushpuppies and slaw complete every perfect plate. Early birds can grab their barbecue fix through the convenient drive-thru window before most places even open.
Two locations serve hungry customers on West Gate City Boulevard and Battleground Avenue from 11 to 9, Monday through Saturday.
The consistent quality and generous portions have made Stamey’s a family favorite for generations of North Carolina barbecue lovers.
4. Wilber’s Barbecue – Goldsboro
Old-school eastern-style whole hog preparation happens fresh daily at this authentic barbecue destination that refuses to cut corners. Traditional sides complement the smoky, chopped pork that represents true North Carolina barbecue heritage at its finest.
My first visit here convinced me that patience pays off in barbecue. Operating Wednesday through Saturday from 11 to 7, plus Sunday until 3, Wilber’s on US-70 proves that genuine pit cooking takes time but delivers unforgettable results every single bite.
5. Red Bridges Barbecue Lodge – Shelby
Generations of pit-cooked pork perfection fill this vintage lodge where vinegar-based dip and golden hushpuppies create barbecue magic. The rustic atmosphere transports diners back to simpler times when slow cooking and family recipes ruled supreme.
Located on East Dixon Boulevard, this barbecue sanctuary operates Wednesday through Saturday from 11 to 7, plus Sunday until 3.
Every bite tells the story of traditional North Carolina barbecue, making Red Bridges a pilgrimage site for serious barbecue enthusiasts.
6. Saltbox Seafood Joint – Durham
Ricky Moore’s chalkboard menu changes with the seasons, featuring fresh flounder, plump shrimp, and oysters when available. Creative sides accompany perfectly prepared seafood, while the famous “Hush-Honeys” add a sweet twist to traditional hushpuppies.
Tuesday through Saturday from 11 to 8, this Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard gem proves that exceptional seafood doesn’t require oceanfront dining.
The casual counter-service atmosphere keeps prices reasonable while maintaining restaurant-quality preparation and presentation standards.
7. 12 Bones Smokehouse & Brewing – Arden
Ribs and smoked meats shine alongside creative sides that elevate traditional barbecue to new heights. Counter-service pricing keeps costs down while generous portions ensure nobody leaves hungry from this Asheville-area favorite.
Open daily from 11 to 8 on Hendersonville Road, this smokehouse proves that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully.
The combination of quality meats, inventive sides, and reasonable prices has created a loyal following among locals and visitors exploring the Blue Ridge region.
8. El’s Drive-In – Morehead City
Car-hop service transports diners back to 1959 when this coastal institution first opened its doors. The famous shrimp burger and massive “Superburger” have become legendary among beachgoers seeking authentic seaside dining experiences.
Planning ahead helps during busy lunch rushes when hungry beach crowds descend on this Morehead City landmark.
The nostalgic atmosphere and consistently delicious food make El’s a perfect stop after long days spent enjoying North Carolina’s beautiful Crystal Coast beaches and attractions.