11 North Carolina Restaurants Where The Mac And Cheese Deserves Its Own Menu Spot
I’ve been on a deliciously cheesy mission across North Carolina, determined to find the most irresistible mac and cheese the state has to offer.
There’s just something magical about that perfect blend of tender, perfectly cooked pasta and rich, creamy cheese that hits all the right notes, comforting, indulgent, and downright satisfying.
Whether it’s baked to golden perfection or served ultra-smooth and silky, mac and cheese has officially stepped out of the side dish shadows. From upscale restaurants to unassuming BBQ joints, these eleven standout spots have taken this comfort food classic and turned it into the undeniable star of the plate.
1. Poole’s Diner: Mac and Cheese Royalty
Last week I finally experienced the legendary Macaroni Au Gratin at Poole’s, and I’m still dreaming about it. The combination of Jarlsberg, Grana Padano, and sharp cheddar creates this otherworldly flavor that’s somehow both sophisticated and nostalgic.
What makes it special? That perfectly caramelized crust on top gives way to the creamiest interior imaginable. No wonder this dish helped Poole’s earn its title as NC’s best diner in 2024!
My server told me they sell over 15,000 orders annually, and after one bite, I understood why people make pilgrimages just for this mac.
2. Haberdish: Crispy-Topped Southern Comfort
Walking into Haberdish feels like stepping into southern comfort heaven. Their mac and cheese arrives bubbling hot in a cast iron skillet that keeps it warm throughout your meal.
The three-cheese mornay sauce creates this velvety base that clings perfectly to each pasta tube. But the genius move? Adding those optional crispy chicken skins on top for an incredible textural contrast.
Tucked in Charlotte’s artsy NoDa neighborhood, this spot consistently ranks at the top of mac and cheese lists statewide. One bite of this decadent creation and you’ll understand exactly why.
3. The Mac House: Where Cheese Dreams Come True
My cheese-loving heart nearly exploded when I discovered this family-run gem in Wake Forest. The Mac House isn’t just serving mac and cheese, they’re creating edible art forms!
Their rotating menu means every visit brings new cheesy adventures. One day you might find a buffalo chicken mac that makes your taste buds dance, the next a truffle mushroom version that feels downright fancy.
The owners know each customer by name and often experiment with seasonal ingredients. I’ve driven 40 minutes just for their holiday cranberry and brie special, totally worth every mile for that gooey, stretchy cheese pull.
4. Scratch Kitchen & Taproom: Blue Cheese Brilliance
“You have to try the Blue Cheese Mac,” my server insisted with a knowing smile. She wasn’t exaggerating, this dish is memorably massive and magnificently crafted.
Elbow pasta swimming in North Carolina hoop-cheese creates the perfect canvas for tangy blue cheese crumbles. The contrast between the sharp cheese and the crunchy panko topping creates this perfect harmony that keeps locals coming back.
Fair warning: come hungry or bring friends. This generous portion could easily feed a small family, though I’ve been known to tackle it solo and happily waddle home with zero regrets.
5. Beasley’s Chicken + Honey: Salty-Sweet Perfection
Beasley’s isn’t just about the chicken, though that’s fantastic too. Their mac and cheese has this magical salty-sweet balance that makes it impossible to put your fork down.
The cheese sauce has this silky texture that coats each pasta piece perfectly. I watched a toddler at the next table literally face-plant into his portion with pure joy.
Chef Ashley Christensen has created something special here in downtown Raleigh. The combination of sharp cheeses with just a hint of sweetness elevates this from simple side to crown jewel. My out-of-town guests always beg to visit before they leave.
6. Relish Craft Kitchen: Cast-Iron Muffin Magic
The presentation alone at Relish Craft Kitchen deserves applause! Their individual mac and cheese portions arrive in cast-iron muffin pans, creating the perfect ratio of creamy center to crispy edge in every bite.
I’ve watched countless diners whip out their phones for the perfect cheese-pull photo. Beyond the Instagram appeal, the rich flavor keeps me coming back, though locals debate whether it lives up to the hype.
My take? The slightly smoky undertones from the cast iron add depth you just can’t get from regular baking dishes. Plus, there’s something satisfying about having your very own portion that nobody else can steal!
7. Backyard BBQ Pit: Soul-Satisfying Side
Hidden away in Durham, this unassuming BBQ joint serves mac and cheese that outshines even their famous smoked meats. The first time I visited, an elderly gentleman at the counter saw my indecision and simply said, “Get the mac, honey.”
Best advice ever! Their version spills over the edges of the container, molten, cheesy heaven studded with surprise bites of collards and sweet potato.
Nothing fancy here, just generations-old recipes made with love. The cheese sauce has that authentic homemade quality that reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s table, where seconds were mandatory and diet talk forbidden.
8. The Pit BBQ: No-Nonsense Noodle Perfection
Sometimes simple is best, and The Pit proves this with their straightforward, cheddar-heavy mac and cheese. No fancy cheese blends or exotic add-ins, just perfectly cooked pasta enrobed in sharp cheddar with a hint of black pepper that tingles on your tongue.
I love watching first-timers who come for the famous barbecue suddenly get distracted by this humble side dish. “Wait, why is this so good?” is a common refrain at tables around me.
The secret, according to my favorite server, is that they shred their cheese in-house daily. That extra effort creates a smoothness and flavor that pre-packaged stuff just can’t match.
9. The Original Q Shack: Textural Masterpiece
“We broil our mac and cheese twice,” the chef proudly told me when I begged for his secrets. That double-cooking method creates this incredible contrast between the crispy top layer and the molten center that makes each bite an adventure.
Pockets of extra-melty cheddar hide throughout like cheesy treasure waiting to be discovered. The pasta somehow stays perfectly al dente despite the intense heat treatment.
While most folks line up for the smoked brisket, locals know this side dish is the real showstopper. I’ve literally seen families negotiate over who gets the corner piece with the most crispy bits, it’s that worth fighting for!
10. Morgan Street Food Hall: Cheesy Customization Central
Food halls are all the rage, but Morgan Street’s mac and cheese station elevates the concept to art form. The build-your-own approach lets my creativity run wild every visit!
Start with their velvety five-cheese base, then go nuts with mix-ins. Last week I created a masterpiece with roasted garlic, crumbled bacon, and caramelized onions that nearly brought tears to my eyes.
The open kitchen concept means you can watch as they torch your creation for that perfect bubbly finish. My favorite part? The cheese pulls are so impressive that strangers regularly stop to ask what magical combination I’ve discovered. Worth every calorie-laden bite!
11. I Heart Mac & Cheese: Specialty Shop Splendor
Walking into a restaurant entirely dedicated to mac and cheese feels like finding my spiritual home. This place doesn’t just serve mac, they worship it through endless creative variations.
Their lobster mac transformed my understanding of what’s possible in a cheese sauce. Chunks of sweet lobster meat nestled between pasta shells covered in a rich, slightly smoky gouda blend.
The Buffalo Chicken version packs serious heat balanced perfectly by cool blue cheese crumbles. My personal strategy is to bring three friends so we can order different varieties and share bites. Though honestly, sharing becomes increasingly difficult with each delicious forkful!