9 Old Gas Stations In North Carolina That Now Serve Amazing Food
North Carolina’s food scene has embraced an unexpected yet charming trend, turning old gas stations into thriving eateries.
I have spent years exploring these transformed spaces, where the scent of motor oil has long since been replaced by sizzling skillets and smoky barbecue. What were once dusty garage bays and rusted pumps are now filled with cozy dining areas, open kitchens, and loyal crowds.
These repurposed spots blend history with flavor, offering everything from elevated bistro fare to classic Southern comfort food. The result is a dining experience that is both nostalgic and delicious, proving great meals can come from the most surprising places.
1. The Pure & Proper: Black Mountain
Stumbling upon this gem during a rainy Blue Ridge weekend changed my entire trip! The Pure & Proper occupies a lovingly restored Pure Oil gas station, where art deco meets modern culinary artistry.
I couldn’t believe my taste buds when I tried their okonomiyaki, a Japanese savory pancake that seems wildly out of place yet perfectly at home in these mountains. Their roasted lamb belly practically melts in your mouth, while the venison loin showcases local ingredients with global techniques.
The cheesy potatoes might sound simple, but trust me, they’re the comfort food upgrade you never knew you needed. The building’s original blue roof and white-tiled exterior remain intact, creating a dining atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and thoroughly modern.
2. TapStation: Apex
Who knew my favorite family lunch spot would be where my grandpa once filled up his Buick? TapStation brilliantly preserves its automotive past while creating a welcoming atmosphere that has become my go-to recommendation for out-of-town visitors.
Original garage doors now open to reveal a spacious patio where kids and pups frolic while parents enjoy a relaxed meal. The owners cleverly incorporated old gas pump handles as tap pulls, a wink to the building’s heritage that always makes me smile.
The menu features hearty sandwiches and scratch-made sides that satisfy after a long day exploring downtown Apex. I particularly love their retro-themed kids’ meals served in cardboard classic cars that my nieces collect enthusiastically.
3. Star Diner: Marshall
Blink and you might miss this tiny treasure! During my Appalachian Trail section hike, a fellow trekker insisted we detour into Marshall for what he called “the best breakfast in three counties.” Skeptical but hungry, I followed, and discovered the Star Diner.
This hole-in-the-wall occupies a former filling station that’s barely bigger than my first apartment. The original service bay doors have been replaced with windows that flood the cozy space with morning light, illuminating mismatched vintage furniture that somehow works perfectly together.
Their biscuits and gravy, made with local sausage and herbs picked that morning, convinced me to extend my stay in Marshall by another day. Sometimes the smallest places serve the biggest flavors!
4. Jake’s Good Eats: Charlotte
Confession time: I drove past Jake’s Good Eats for three years commuting to work before curiosity finally got the better of me. What a mistake waiting that long was!
The unassuming former gas station on the outskirts of Charlotte doesn’t scream “culinary destination” from the road. Inside, however, the magic happens. The owners preserved just enough of the building’s utilitarian past, exposed brick, industrial lighting, while creating a surprisingly intimate dining space.
My morning meetings now strategically happen nearby so I can justify their breakfast special, local eggs, house-smoked bacon, and grits that would make any Southern grandmother proud. The friendly staff remembers regulars by name, making this converted corner station feel like it’s been a neighborhood gathering spot forever.
5. The Old Fourth Street Filling Station: Winston‑Salem
Celebrating my promotion at The Old Fourth Street Filling Station remains one of my fondest dining memories. This historic West End landmark embraces its automotive origins while delivering an unexpectedly refined dining experience.
The main dining room centers around a stunning fireplace that was once the station’s office, with large windows offering views of the charming neighborhood. On chilly evenings, securing a fireside table feels like winning the lottery, I’ve planned anniversary dinners months in advance just for that spot!
Their seafood dishes showcase Carolina coastal catches with sophisticated preparation that never feels pretentious. What impresses me most is how the staff navigates the space with choreographed precision, turning what could be cramped quarters into an elegant dance of hospitality.
6. Longleaf Swine: Raleigh
From food truck to barbecue phenomenon! My first Longleaf Swine experience was tracking down their mobile operation at local breweries. When they announced their permanent location in a former gas station, I marked the opening date on my calendar like it was a holiday.
The transformation is remarkable, where fuel pumps once stood, a sprawling patio now welcomes hungry patrons. They’ve maintained the building’s industrial bones while adding warm wood accents and string lights that create magic on summer evenings.
Their sliced brisket achieves that perfect smoke ring that makes barbecue enthusiasts weak in the knees. The esquites, Mexican street corn off the cob, provides a surprising twist among traditional sides. I’ve brought visiting Texas relatives here who reluctantly admitted this North Carolina spot rivals their hometown favorites.
7. Picnic Barbecue: Durham
Rain was pouring when I ducked into Picnic, seeking shelter more than sustenance. The converted convenience store/gas station didn’t promise much from outside, but that first bite of whole-hog barbecue changed everything I thought I knew about pulled pork.
The owners cleverly preserved the building’s utilitarian structure while adding rustic touches, reclaimed wood tables, vintage signs, and mason jar lighting fixtures. Large windows where snack aisles once stood now showcase Durham’s evolving landscape.
Their brisket-birria tacos represent the perfect marriage of barbecue traditions, smoky Texas-style beef meets Mexican preparation methods. Even their sides receive star treatment; the collards cook with just enough vinegar tang to cut through rich meats. I’ve since returned in sunshine and storms, always leaving happier than when I arrived.
8. Caffé REL: Franklin
“You want me to eat French cuisine WHERE?” My friend’s skepticism was warranted when I suggested dinner at a bistro attached to a functioning gas station. But Caffé REL has become our favorite surprising recommendation to visitors exploring the western North Carolina mountains.
The intimate dining room feels worlds away from the convenience store next door. White tablecloths and soft lighting transform the humble space into something special. The chef-owner works magic in a kitchen smaller than many food trucks.
Their pork osso bucco falls off the bone with the gentlest fork pressure. The shrimp cognac & cream sauce achieves that perfect silky texture that has me unashamedly sopping up every last drop with fresh bread. Sometimes the most extraordinary culinary experiences hide in the most ordinary places!
9. Lloyd’s Full Service (upcoming): Cary
I’ve been watching the renovation progress of this historic downtown Cary gas station with the excitement of a kid before Christmas! Lloyd’s Full Service promises to be the perfect addition to Chatham Street’s evolving dining scene.
Workers have meticulously preserved the building’s vintage character, original service bay doors, retro signage, and even some antique pumps as decorative elements. Through dusty windows, I’ve spotted gorgeous pendant lighting being installed above what will become the main dining area.
The menu concept hints at elevated comfort food that pays homage to North Carolina’s agricultural heritage. Community buzz suggests outdoor seating will surround a fire pit fashioned from an old oil drum. I’ve already planned to be first in line on opening day, some destinations are worth the wait!