12 Underrated Grills In North Carolina That Locals Swear By
North Carolina’s burger scene lives in small-town diners, roadside grills, and walk-up windows that rarely make travel guides.
These spots have been around for generations, quietly building reputations on simple menus done right, char-grilled burgers, hot dogs with all the fixings, and crinkle-cut fries served in paper baskets. The regulars know the staff by name, and the recipes haven’t changed in years.
Tucked away in neighborhoods and off quiet highways, these places keep the tradition alive with every sizzle on the grill and every order called out by heart.
1. Merritt’s Grill (Chapel Hill)
Chapel Hill locals have been flocking to this place since 1929 for one simple reason: the burgers are phenomenal. Everything gets cooked on a flat top grill right where you can watch, and the smell alone will make your mouth water.
The menu keeps things refreshingly simple with burgers, hot dogs, and a few sides. No fancy toppings or complicated orders here, just perfectly seasoned patties cooked exactly how you want them.
Students and longtime residents line up together during lunch rush, creating a wonderful mix of generations. Prices remain incredibly reasonable, making it a go-to spot when you want quality without breaking the bank.
2. Char-Grill (Raleigh)
Fire and smoke billow from the outdoor grills at this Raleigh institution where burgers get kissed by real flames. The charred flavor you get here simply cannot be replicated on a regular stove, and locals know it.
Order at the window, grab your number, and wait for someone to call you up to collect your meal. The casual setup means you can enjoy your food at outdoor tables or take it to go for a picnic.
Their burgers come loaded with fresh toppings, and the grilled onions add a sweet, smoky punch. Multiple locations around Raleigh make it convenient no matter where you are in the city.
3. Sutton’s Drug Store (Chapel Hill)
Walk into this old-school drugstore and you will feel like you have traveled back to the 1950s. The lunch counter still serves up classic grilled favorites alongside milkshakes and fountain drinks that taste like childhood memories.
Burgers sizzle on the grill while pharmacists fill prescriptions just a few feet away. This unique combination of services makes Sutton’s a true community gathering spot where everyone knows everyone.
Their BLT sandwiches and grilled cheese deserve just as much attention as the burgers. Grab a seat at the counter for the full experience and chat with whoever sits next to you.
4. Windy City Grill (Hickory)
Chicago meets North Carolina at this Hickory spot where hot dogs reign supreme alongside traditional burgers. The owners brought authentic Windy City flavors south, and locals could not be happier about it.
Vienna beef hot dogs get grilled to perfection and loaded with all the classic Chicago toppings. If you have never tried a proper Chicago dog, this place will convert you into a believer immediately.
I stopped here on a road trip once and ended up going back for seconds. The combination of snappy casings and perfectly grilled buns creates texture magic in every bite, making it worth any detour.
5. Crossroads Grill (Taylorsville)
Taylorsville might be small, but this grill serves up big flavors that keep folks driving from neighboring towns. The friendly staff treats everyone like family, remembering your order after just a couple visits.
Homemade chili tops their burgers and hot dogs, adding a hearty kick that warms you from the inside out. Everything tastes homemade because it actually is, from the sides to the sauces.
The portions are generous without being wasteful, and the prices reflect small-town values. Local farmers and factory workers fill the booths during lunch, creating a genuine community atmosphere you rarely find anymore.
6. The Roast Grill (Raleigh)
This tiny Raleigh landmark has been grilling hot dogs since 1940 in a building barely bigger than a closet. The menu focuses exclusively on hot dogs, and they have perfected them over eight decades of practice.
Watch the grill master work in the cramped quarters, flipping dogs with practiced precision. The secret chili recipe has remained unchanged for generations, creating a taste that locals crave regularly.
Only cash is accepted here, and seating is extremely limited, so plan accordingly. The line often stretches out the door during lunch, but it moves quickly because everyone knows exactly what they want.
7. El’s Drive-In (Morehead City)
Coastal charm meets classic American grill food at this Morehead City treasure where the ocean breeze makes everything taste better. Families have been pulling up here for generations to grab burgers before hitting the beach.
The drive-in setup lets you enjoy your meal in your car, perfect for sandy kids or when you want to watch the sunset. Their milkshakes are thick enough to require serious suction power, just the way they should be.
Fresh seafood options join the burger menu, giving you the best of both coastal and grill worlds. Locals appreciate having quality fast food that actually supports a local family instead of a corporation.
8. Johnson’s Drive-In (Siler City)
Step back in time at this Siler City institution where burgers still come to your car window on a tray. The nostalgia factor runs high, but the food quality is what keeps people coming back religiously.
Hand-formed patties hit the grill fresh for every order, never frozen or pre-made. You can taste the difference in every juicy bite, especially when paired with their crispy fries.
My grandparents used to take me here as a kid, and now I bring my own children. The recipes have not changed, which feels comforting in a world that moves too fast sometimes.
9. Nick’s Old Fashioned Hamburger House (Lexington)
Lexington is famous for barbecue, but locals quietly know that Nick’s serves some of the best burgers in town. The old-fashioned approach means real ingredients and cooking methods that prioritize flavor over speed.
Thick milkshakes and hand-cut fries round out a menu that celebrates simplicity. Nothing here tries to be trendy or fancy, just honest food done right every single time.
The family-friendly atmosphere welcomes everyone from construction workers to church groups. Prices remain stuck somewhere in the past, which your wallet will definitely appreciate after a satisfying meal.
10. Heff’s Burger Club (Winston-Salem)
Winston-Salem residents guard this secret jealously, worried that too much attention might ruin their favorite lunch spot. The burgers get grilled to order with toppings that go beyond the usual lettuce and tomato.
Creative combinations include pimento cheese and bacon jam options that sound weird but taste incredible. Traditional purists can still get a classic burger that rivals any chain restaurant for a fraction of the price.
The relaxed neighborhood vibe encourages lingering over your meal and conversation. Staff members remember regular customers and their usual orders, creating a welcoming environment that feels like your favorite cousin’s kitchen.
11. Brooks’ Sandwich House (Charlotte)
Charlotte has grown into a major city, but Brooks’ remains a link to simpler times when neighborhoods had corner grills. This place has been feeding locals since 1973, outlasting countless trendy restaurants that came and went.
Their chili cheeseburgers have achieved legendary status among those in the know. The chili recipe stays secret, but the result speaks for itself with layers of savory, slightly spicy goodness.
Breakfast also deserves attention here, with eggs and bacon cooked on the same well-seasoned grill. The combination of decades of use creates flavors that new restaurants simply cannot replicate no matter how hard they try.
12. Melvin’s Hamburgers & Hot Dogs (Elizabethtown)
Elizabethtown locals will fight you if you say anything negative about Melvin’s burgers. This family-run spot has earned fierce loyalty through consistent quality and genuine hospitality that makes everyone feel welcome.
The grill stays hot all day, ready to cook your order exactly how you prefer it. Whether you want it rare or well-done, they nail it every time without making you repeat yourself.
Sweet tea flows freely here, perfectly complementing the savory grilled flavors. Small towns do some things better than cities, and Melvin’s proves that great burgers do not require fancy equipment or complicated recipes.