6 Fast-Food Chains North Carolinians Count On & 6 Burger Joints They Swear By
North Carolina’s food scene is a treasure trove locals hold dear. From crackly fried chicken to juicy burgers crowned with pimento cheese, the Tar Heel State delivers serious flavor. Driving from mountains to coast, I ate widely and took notes.
Bojangles’ biscuits, seasoned fries, and sweet tea hit like home. Cook Out’s char-grilled trays, hushpuppies, and crazy milkshakes never disappoint. Biscuitville owns breakfast; Krispy Kreme still glows hot.
Classic Lexington and Eastern barbecue spark friendly debate, while Cheerwine washes everything down. After dozens of stops, these fast-food chains and burger joints clearly earned permanent space in North Carolinians’ hearts—and mine.
1. Bojangles: The Chicken and Biscuit Champion
Morning commutes in North Carolina just aren’t complete without a Bojangles stop. I’ve witnessed business meetings delayed because someone was making a biscuit run!
Their perfectly seasoned chicken has that distinctive Cajun kick that wakes up your taste buds faster than any coffee could. The buttery, flaky biscuits practically melt in your mouth, making even the grumpiest Monday bearable.
Founded in Charlotte in 1977, Bojangles has become as essential to North Carolina culture as college basketball. The sweet tea alone—liquid Southern sunshine in a cup—keeps folks coming back day after day.
2. Cook Out: The Late-Night Legend
Remember that time after the concert when everyone piled into my car at midnight and unanimously shouted ‘Cook Out!’? That’s the power this place holds over North Carolinians.
Cook Out’s trays offer an unbeatable value with your choice of burger, two sides (the hushpuppies are non-negotiable), and a drink—often under $7! Their milkshakes come in over 40 flavors, and deciding between banana pudding or chocolate cherry feels like life’s biggest decision at 1 AM.
Founded in Greensboro, this drive-thru marvel stays open late, making it the unofficial gathering spot after football games, proms, and everything in between.
3. Biscuitville: Breakfast Bliss in 15 Minutes or Less
Grandma’s kitchen has nothing on Biscuitville’s fresh-baked magic. Every 15 minutes they pull a new batch from the oven—you can literally set your watch to it!
My morning routine crumbled when I moved away briefly and couldn’t get my hands on their country ham biscuit. The locally sourced ingredients make all the difference, from the flour to the country ham.
You can taste the North Carolina pride in every bite. The drive-thru line wraps around the building most mornings, but locals know it moves quickly. Pro tip: their spicy chicken filet biscuit with a drizzle of honey will change your breakfast game forever.
4. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q: Eastern-Style Perfection
Family reunions in eastern North Carolina aren’t complete without Smithfield’s catering. The vinegar-based BBQ sauce has started more than a few friendly arguments at my dinner table about which style reigns supreme.
Their fried chicken stays impossibly crispy even during the drive home. The Brunswick stew, packed with tender pork and vegetables, feels like a hug in a bowl. Don’t even get me started on those hushpuppies—golden, crispy outside with that sweet, tender center.
Founded in 1964, Smithfield’s has maintained that small-town, family-run feel despite growing to dozens of locations. The sweet tea comes in buckets large enough to quench a softball team’s thirst!
5. Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries: Retro Roadside Happiness
Walking into Hwy 55 feels like stepping through a time portal to the 1950s. Pink and teal décor, chrome accents, and oldies playing on the jukebox transport you to simpler times when food was cooked right in front of you.
The John Boy & Billy BBQ Bacon Burger converted me from a burger skeptic to a true believer. Watching the cooks flip patties on the open grill while chatting with customers creates that community vibe that’s increasingly rare.
Founded as Andy’s Burgers in Goldsboro, Hwy 55 has expanded while keeping its small-town charm. Their frozen custard shakes are so thick you’ll need that wide straw—and possibly a spoon!
6. Krispy Kreme: Winston-Salem’s Sweetest Export
Nothing causes more spontaneous car detours than seeing that glowing ‘Hot Now’ sign at Krispy Kreme. I’ve literally U-turned across three lanes of traffic when that red light called my name! Founded in Winston-Salem in 1937, these pillowy rings of joy have become North Carolina’s sweetest ambassador to the world.
The original glazed donuts, when hot, practically dissolve on your tongue in a sugary cloud that makes all problems temporarily disappear.
North Carolinians take pride in explaining to out-of-state friends that yes, fresh Krispy Kremes are indeed life-changing. College students still celebrate end-of-semester exams with boxes of these glazed treasures, creating sticky fingers and lasting memories.
7. Al’s Burger Shack: Chapel Hill’s Tiny Burger Giant
Tucked away near UNC’s campus, Al’s tiny shack serves burgers so good they’ve been crowned America’s best. My first Bobo Chili Cheeseburger experience left me speechless—except for the occasional ‘mmm’ between bites.
The pasture-raised NC beef patties are smashed thin on the grill, creating those perfect crispy edges burger enthusiasts dream about. Each creation comes loaded with locally-sourced toppings on a buttered potato bun that somehow holds everything together despite the delicious mess.
The outdoor picnic tables fill up fast with a mix of professors, students, and locals who know better than to miss out. Their rosemary fries with aioli will ruin regular fries for you forever—consider yourself warned!
8. Johnson’s Drive-In: The Burger Worth Waiting Hours For
Folks start lining up outside Johnson’s in Siler City before they even open. I’ve seen people drive two hours just for a chance at their legendary cheeseburger—then wait another two hours in line! Owner Claxton Johnson uses the same beef from his family’s farm that they’ve used since 1946.
These hand-pattied burgers are topped with perfectly melted cheese that creates those coveted crispy edges that extend beyond the bun.
The velvet-smooth texture comes from grinding the beef multiple times. They close when they sell out, which happens daily. Cash only, no phone, no website—just burger perfection that’s remained unchanged while the world around it constantly shifts.
9. Hops Burger Bar: Gourmet Burgers with Greensboro Pride
The first time my taste buds encountered Hops’ North Carolinian burger—topped with pimento cheese, bacon, and fried green tomatoes—I nearly proposed marriage to the chef. This place elevates the humble burger to art form status!
Their hand-crafted patties come in unexpected options like lamb, bison, and tuna. Each creation balances flavors that complement rather than overwhelm the quality meat. The pretzel buns somehow maintain structural integrity despite the mountain of toppings.
Named TripAdvisor’s #1 burger joint in America (2015), Hops pairs local craft beers with their creative burgers. The sweet potato fries with cinnamon honey butter should be mandatory with every order—I’ve considered drinking that butter straight.
10. Brooks’ Sandwich House: Charlotte’s No-Frills Burger Institution
Brooks’ isn’t much to look at—just a tiny red building with a walk-up window—but the burgers speak volumes. My Charlotte friends threatened to revoke my NC residency card until I made the pilgrimage to this cash-only landmark.
The ‘all the way’ burger comes with homemade chili, mustard, and onions on a steamed bun. Simple perfection that hasn’t changed since 1973. The beef is ground fresh daily, giving these burgers a distinctive homemade quality you can’t find at chains.
Twin brothers David and Scott Brooks ran this family business for decades, creating a community gathering spot. After tragedy struck with David’s passing in 2019, Charlotte rallied around this beloved institution, proving its place in the city’s heart.
11. Burger Warfare: Greensboro’s Battle-Ready Burger Bunker
Walking into Burger Warfare feels like entering a military-themed sci-fi movie set. The restaurant’s industrial design with metal accents and weapon replicas creates an atmosphere unlike any other burger joint in North Carolina.
The Lock & Load burger—topped with bacon, cheese, and a fried egg—has enough protein to fuel an actual battle. Their house-made sauces range from slightly spicy to ‘sign this waiver’ hot. I still dream about their parmesan truffle fries that somehow balance elegance with comfort food appeal.
Created by filmmaker and restaurateur Marty Kotis, this place takes themed dining to new heights. The attention to detail extends to the custom-built tables and chairs that make you feel like you’re dining in a futuristic military mess hall.
12. Cowbar: Durham’s Ethical Burger Revolution
Cowbar changed my perception of what a conscientious burger could be. Their grass-fed beef comes from North Carolina farms where cattle are raised humanely—and you can taste the difference in every bite. The Durham Double features two smashed patties with house pickles and special sauce that creates an explosion of flavor without overwhelming the quality meat.
The buns are baked fresh daily by a local bakery, completing the farm-to-table circle that makes Cowbar special.
Located in Durham’s vibrant downtown, the minimalist space with reclaimed wood accents reflects their sustainable philosophy. Their seasonal milkshakes using local dairy and fruit have created a cult following—the blackberry bourbon shake nearly caused me to miss a flight because I refused to leave without finishing it.