11 North Carolina Sunday-Only Restaurants That Keep Tradition Alive
Sunday dinners hold a special place in Southern culture, where families gather around tables laden with comfort food after church. Across North Carolina, several restaurants honor this tradition by offering special menus exclusively on Sundays.
These establishments serve up more than just food – they dish out nostalgia, community connection, and flavors that transport diners back to grandma’s kitchen.
1. Timberwoods Family Restaurant – Morganton’s Sunday Feast
Fried chicken reigns supreme every Sunday at this Morganton institution, with rotating specialties like roast beef and country-style steak making weekly appearances.
Children under six eat free on the family-style option, making this a budget-friendly tradition for local families.
The real stars are the bottomless sides – green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, creamy slaw, and warm rolls keep coming until you wave the white napkin of surrender.
Generous portions and homestyle cooking create the perfect Sunday comfort meal.
2. Blanton House Restaurant – Marion’s Grand Sunday Affair
Housed in a historic mansion, this Marion gem transforms Sunday afternoons into a family celebration.
Guests choose their protein while the table selects three sides to share, creating a communal dining experience reminiscent of old-fashioned Sunday gatherings.
At $25 per person, the value matches the generous portions. Reservations are strongly recommended as locals and tourists alike flock to this tradition that bridges generations through passed plates and shared conversations.
3. Milton’s Pizza & Pasta – Raleigh’s Sunday Night Italian Spread
While the buffet runs Tuesday–Sunday at lunch (and the restaurant is closed on Mondays), Sunday evenings at Milton’s transform into a special Italian feast that brings families together over pasta and pizza.
From 4-7 pm, tables fill with multigenerational groups loading plates with homestyle Italian favorites.
I’ve been coming here since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, and watching my own kids pile their plates with the same pasta I loved as a child brings a special kind of joy.
The Sunday evening buffet remains a tradition that keeps Raleigh families connected through carbs and conversation.
4. Prime Bistro & Wine Bar – Morehead City’s Seasonal Sunday Supper
This coastal gem offers a sophisticated take on Sunday traditions with a three-course prix fixe menu available only on Sundays during the off-season months.
At $49 per person, it’s a culinary journey that changes with the seasons, showcasing local ingredients in thoughtful preparations.
Notably absent during summer tourist months and holiday weekends, this Sunday supper feels like a special treat reserved for locals and those in the know.
Reservations are essential for this elevated yet approachable dining experience that honors Sunday as a day for something special.
5. Blue Ridge at The Omni Grove Park Inn – Asheville’s Mountain View Brunch
Perched with stunning mountain views, this legendary hotel dining room elevates Sunday brunch to an art form.
Carving stations, fresh seafood displays, and pastry tables stretch seemingly endlessly, making this a splurge-worthy special occasion destination.
The panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop transforms an already impressive culinary experience into something truly memorable.
Smart visitors book well in advance and arrive hungry to maximize their enjoyment of this lavish buffet that showcases both regional specialties and classic brunch favorites.
6. Oakcrest Family Restaurant – Greensboro’s Sunday Comfort Classics
When Sunday rolls around, Oakcrest unveils special menu items that appear no other day of the week. Fluffy chicken and dumplings and hearty chicken pot pie emerge from the kitchen, drawing regulars who plan their week around these fleeting specialties.
The classic meat-and-three setup allows diners to customize their Sunday dinner experience. My grandmother insists their chicken and dumplings taste exactly like her mother used to make – high praise from a woman who rarely compliments restaurant food.
This unpretentious spot preserves recipes that might otherwise be lost to time.
7. Luxe Soul Food & Cocktails – Greensboro’s Modern Take on Sunday Soul
Crispy fried pork chops, tender pot roast, and cheesy baked spaghetti grace the Soulfood Sunday menu at this contemporary Greensboro establishment.
Despite the sleek lounge atmosphere, the food remains rooted in tradition, honoring recipes passed through generations.
The contrast of classic soul food served in a modern setting creates a unique dining experience. Warm cornbread arrives alongside craft cocktails, bridging the gap between old-school comfort and contemporary dining preferences.
This balance makes Luxe particularly popular with younger diners rediscovering the Sunday dinner tradition.
8. Poole’s Diner – Raleigh’s Sunday Burger Splurge
Chef Ashley Christensen’s downtown Raleigh institution saves its most indulgent offering for Sundays only: the 10-ounce Wagyu “Royale with Cheese.” This luxurious burger appears nowhere else on the weekly menu, making it a coveted Sunday-only treasure.
Arriving early pays off, as quantities are often limited. The famous macaroni au gratin makes the perfect accompaniment to this special burger.
I once witnessed a regular nearly shed tears when told the last Royale had just been claimed – proof of how deeply attached diners become to these Sunday-only traditions.
9. Players’ Retreat – Raleigh’s Family-Friendly Sunday Tradition
This historic campus tavern transforms into a family destination on Sundays, when kids eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. The Sunday brunch menu and drink specials draw multi-generational crowds seeking both value and atmosphere.
Established in 1951, the “PR” (as locals affectionately call it) balances its sports bar identity with family-friendly Sunday offerings.
NC State alumni bring their children and grandchildren to share stories over burgers and brunch favorites, creating new memories in a place filled with decades of Raleigh history.
10. Mad Boar Restaurant & Pub – Wallace’s Comfort Food Sunday
Every Sunday, this Duplin County destination unveils its special Comfort Plate – a hearty, value-priced offering at just $14.99 that draws locals from miles around. The generous portions of stick-to-your-ribs classics provide the perfect Sunday satisfaction.
The restaurant’s rustic setting enhances the experience of these time-honored recipes. When passing through eastern North Carolina one Sunday afternoon, I stumbled upon this gem and found myself surrounded by locals who clearly made this their weekly tradition.
Sometimes the most authentic experiences happen away from bigger cities.
11. Pimiento Tea Room – Holly Springs’ Sunday FUNDAY Tea Service
Sunday afternoons transform into elegant affairs at this Holly Springs tea room, where tiered stands arrive laden with finger sandwiches, savories, and sweets.
Unlike weekday lunch service that welcomes walk-ins, Sunday tea requires reservations, underscoring its special status.
Three-tiered presentations feature carefully crafted bites that balance savory and sweet. The ritual of Sunday tea creates a welcome pause before the week begins anew.
Mothers and daughters particularly cherish this tradition, often marking special occasions or simply celebrating their connection through this refined yet relaxed experience.