9 North Carolina Restaurants Where No One Counts Plates
There’s nothing quite like the joy of a restaurant meal so generous it makes your eyes widen with delight.
North Carolina is home to some legendary eateries where portion sizes aren’t just big—they’re downright overwhelming!
I’ve spent years exploring these culinary treasures across the Tar Heel State, discovering spots where you’ll leave with a full belly and probably tomorrow’s lunch too.
These restaurants don’t just serve food; they serve experiences that’ll have you unbuckling your belt before the meal is through.
1. The Pit’s Barbecue Blowout
Walking into The Pit in Raleigh, I made the rookie mistake of ordering the combo platter “just to try everything.” My server actually raised an eyebrow and asked if I’d brought friends. When that mountain of smoked meat arrived, I understood her concern.
Pulled pork piled high enough to cast a shadow. Brisket sliced thick as a paperback novel. Ribs that extended beyond both sides of an already oversized plate.
The hush puppies alone could sustain a person through winter hibernation. My favorite touch? The tiny pickles served alongside this feast—an adorable contrast that seems to say, “We recognize the absurdity of these portions, but we’re not changing a thing.” And thank goodness for that!
2. King’s Barbecue’s Pork Paradise
During a road trip through eastern North Carolina, I stopped at King’s in Kinston on a friend’s recommendation. “Get the large pork plate,” he said. I should have asked for clarification on what “large” meant in King’s vocabulary.
The mound of chopped pork that arrived could have fed my entire extended family. It came swimming in that vinegary eastern-style sauce that makes North Carolina barbecue famous. The Brunswick stew served alongside could qualify as a meal for two on its own.
My favorite part was watching families share single plates between multiple people. When I asked my server if people ever finish the large by themselves, she just laughed and said, “Only the truck drivers, honey, and even they take cornbread for the road.” I left with enough leftovers for three more meals.
3. Parker’s Barbecue’s Family-Style Feast
During a family reunion in Wilson, we decided to feed our crew of 12 at Parker’s Barbecue. “Let’s get the family-style dinner for 10,” my uncle suggested. The waitress smiled mysteriously.
What arrived was nothing short of biblical—platters of fried chicken with pieces stacked like Jenga blocks, mountains of chopped barbecue that could feed a small army, and bowls of sides deep enough to lose a spoon in. The Brunswick stew alone could have satisfied our entire group.
The real kicker? Those famous corn sticks keep coming until you beg for mercy. When we finally surrendered, we still had enough food left to feed another dozen people. My cousin joked, “Do they have wheelbarrows for guests who can’t walk out?” Our server just winked and brought more to-go containers.
4. Brenda’s Good Eats’ Country Cooking Colossus
Tucked away in rural Johnston County, Brenda’s Good Eats became my accidental discovery during a wrong turn on a road trip. Best navigation error ever! Walking in, I noticed every table held plates that looked like they were feeding small gatherings—except they were for individual diners.
The country-fried steak hangs off both sides of an already oversized plate. Mashed potatoes come in portions that could sustain a lumberjack through winter. Their signature corn pudding arrives in a dish deep enough to require mining equipment.
My favorite moment was when I heard a first-timer at the next table ask, “Is this meant to be shared?” The waitress—Brenda herself—just chuckled and said, “Honey, around here, we don’t count calories, and we sure don’t count plates.” That philosophy explains why everyone leaves with a styrofoam container almost as heavy as when they arrived.
5. Beasley’s Chicken + Honey’s Comfort Food Cornucopia
Chef Ashley Christensen doesn’t just cook food; she creates edible monuments. My visit to Beasley’s in Raleigh resulted in chicken and waffles that required a structural engineer’s approval. The golden-fried chicken breast perched atop a waffle was roughly the size of my face!
Side dishes? More like main events in their own right. The mac and cheese custard arrives bubbling in a crock that could double as a personal hot tub. Their biscuits stand tall and proud like the Appalachian Mountains.
A local sitting next to me at the counter noticed my wide eyes and chuckled. “First time?” he asked. When I nodded, he pointed to his half-eaten plate and said, “I’ve been coming weekly for three years and still haven’t finished a full meal.” That’s when I knew I’d found somewhere special.
6. Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant’s Breakfast Behemoth
My first experience at Big Ed’s in Raleigh’s City Market came after a friend challenged me: “Try to finish the pancakes.” Challenge accepted! The three pancakes that arrived were each the size of a hubcap, hanging well over the edges of an already enormous plate.
Their country breakfast platter requires its own zip code—eggs cooked any style, bacon AND sausage, grits that could feed a football team, and biscuits that stand three inches tall. The side of hash browns alone would qualify as a full meal at most establishments.
My server noticed my shock and laughed. “First-timer, huh? Don’t worry, nobody finishes it all.” She was right. Despite my best efforts, I barely made it through half before waving the white napkin of surrender. The wall of photos showing the rare champions who finished everything only made me more impressed with their appetites—and Big Ed’s legendary generosity.
7. Lexington Barbecue (Lexington, NC)
Lexington Barbecue, a legendary establishment in the heart of North Carolina, entices diners with its irresistible smoked meats. Known affectionately as ‘The Hump’, this barbecue haven offers patrons endless servings of tender pork, slow-cooked to perfection.
The rustic charm of the place, with its wooden interiors and friendly staff, creates an inviting atmosphere. It’s not just a meal; it’s a communal feast where plates pile up, yet go uncounted.
Fun fact: Lexington Barbecue has been serving its delicious fare since 1962, making it a staple in the local culinary scene. The secret? A time-honored family recipe.
8. Bullock’s Barbecue (Durham, NC)
Bullock’s Barbecue in Durham, NC is more than just a restaurant; it’s an institution. Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, Bullock’s offers a taste of tradition with every meal. The moment you step in, the smoky aroma of barbecue captivates your senses.
The menu, brimming with southern classics, promises a feast that satisfies both the heart and soul. Families gather here, sharing laughter and stories, making each visit memorable. There’s no rush, no hurry—just pure enjoyment of good food. In true southern fashion, Bullock’s ensures that every guest leaves with a full heart and plate.
9. Big Oak Drive-In & Bar-B-Q (Salter Path, NC)
Have you ever tasted a shrimp burger while hearing the ocean waves crash nearby? At Big Oak Drive-In & Bar-B-Q in Salter Path, NC, you can do just that. This coastal gem serves up seafood delights that keep both locals and tourists coming back for more.
The casual, laid-back atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a beach day meal. Known for its fresh ingredients and generous portions, Big Oak promises a dining experience filled with flavor and fun. Whether you’re a seafood lover or a barbecue enthusiast, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.