Imagine yourself driving along the picturesque highways of North Carolina, the wind in your hair and the sun shining as you explore the Tar Heel State. As you make your way to the charming towns and cities, you can’t help but wonder what fast food delights await you in this southern gem. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina has its own culinary scene, and its own signature fast food that locals and visitors alike can’t resist. Let’s take a mouthwatering journey through the diverse flavors and iconic dishes that make North Carolina a true fast food paradise.
Southern Fried Chicken
Bojangles’
Bojangles’ is a beloved fast food chain in North Carolina that is renowned for its mouthwatering southern fried chicken. The chicken here is expertly seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices that gives it a tantalizingly crispy and golden-brown crust. Bojangles’ has perfected the art of frying chicken to perfection, making each bite incredibly satisfying. Whether you order a classic chicken piece, a chicken biscuit sandwich, or a big box of chicken for the whole family, you can’t go wrong with Bojangles’ delicious southern fried chicken.
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q
Another iconic fast food joint in North Carolina that has gained popularity for its exceptional southern fried chicken is Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q. The chicken here is seasoned with a special blend of spices and marinated overnight, resulting in a juicy and flavorful experience with every bite. Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q offers a variety of chicken options, from chicken tenders to chicken sandwiches, all made with their signature southern touch. If you’re looking for a true taste of North Carolina’s favorite fast food, be sure to give Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q a try.
KFC
While KFC may be synonymous with fried chicken worldwide, it still holds a special place in the hearts of North Carolinians. KFC’s southern fried chicken is undeniably delicious, with its iconic blend of herbs and spices that creates a flavor profile that is uniquely their own. Whether you’re enjoying a bucket of their crispy chicken pieces or biting into a juicy chicken sandwich, KFC’s southern fried chicken is sure to satisfy your cravings. As one of the most recognizable fast food chains in the world, KFC continues to be a go-to option for those seeking a taste of flavorful fried chicken in North Carolina.
Barbecue
Lexington Style
North Carolina is famous for its barbecue, and one of the most notable styles is Lexington Style. This style of barbecue showcases pork shoulder cooked low and slow over hickory wood, resulting in tender and smoky meat. The pulled pork is then mixed with a tangy vinegar-based sauce, often flavored with ketchup, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Lexington Style barbecue is typically served with coleslaw, hushpuppies, and a generous helping of extra sauce. The combination of tender pork and tangy sauce makes Lexington Style barbecue a must-try for anyone visiting North Carolina.
Eastern Style
Another popular style of barbecue in North Carolina is Eastern Style. Just like Lexington Style, it features slow-cooked pork shoulder. However, Eastern Style barbecue differs in its sauce. The sauce used in Eastern Style barbecue is a simple blend of vinegar, red pepper flakes, and salt. This sauce is lighter and spicier than Lexington Style, allowing the natural flavor of the pork to shine through. Eastern Style barbecue is often served with cornbread, coleslaw, and a side of the iconic Carolina vinegar-based hot sauce. If you’re a fan of tangy and fiery flavors, Eastern Style barbecue is a must-try.
Western Style
Although Lexington Style and Eastern Style barbecue dominate the North Carolina barbecue scene, Western Style barbecue also has its own loyal following. Western Style barbecue is known for its use of a tomato-based sauce, which adds a touch of sweetness to the smoky pork. This style of barbecue often includes a mix of pork shoulder and pork ribs, slow-cooked to perfection. The sauce used in Western Style barbecue typically incorporates ingredients such as ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices, resulting in a balanced and slightly sweet flavor profile. If you’re looking for a barbecue experience with a hint of sweetness, be sure to try out Western Style barbecue in North Carolina.
Biscuits
Bojangles’
When it comes to biscuits in North Carolina, Bojangles’ takes the crown as a go-to destination. Bojangles’ biscuits are a true Southern staple, made from scratch using their secret recipe. These biscuits are fluffy, buttery, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying a classic buttered biscuit or indulging in a biscuit sandwich loaded with southern fried chicken or country ham, Bojangles’ biscuits are sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food.
Rise Biscuits & Donuts
Rise Biscuits & Donuts is a breakfast joint that has gained a dedicated following for its delectable biscuits. These biscuits are light, fluffy, and made fresh daily. Rise offers a wide range of biscuit sandwiches with fillings such as sausage, bacon, and cheese, or even unique options like fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese. With their creative and delicious biscuit combinations, Rise Biscuits & Donuts is a must-visit spot for biscuit lovers in North Carolina.
Biscuitville
Biscuitville is another beloved fast food chain in North Carolina that specializes in mouthwatering biscuits. Their biscuits are made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring top-notch quality and flavor. Biscuitville offers an array of biscuit options, including traditional combinations like sausage, egg, and cheese, as well as more unique offerings like their “Chicken Biscuit Taco.” Whether you’re starting your day with a classic biscuit or trying one of their innovative creations, Biscuitville is a fantastic place to experience the deliciousness of North Carolina’s biscuit culture.
Hushpuppies
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q
When it comes to hushpuppies, Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q is the place to go in North Carolina. These deep-fried cornmeal balls are a Southern favorite, and Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q serves up some of the best. Their hushpuppies are crispy on the outside, yet soft and fluffy on the inside, with a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements their barbecue and chicken dishes. Order a side of hushpuppies at Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q to experience this classic Southern delicacy.
Captain Jerry’s Seafood
While Captain Jerry’s Seafood is primarily known for its fantastic seafood, they also serve mouthwatering hushpuppies. These hushpuppies are a perfect accompaniment to their seafood dishes, offering a satisfying crunch and a hint of sweetness. Captain Jerry’s Seafood takes pride in their made-from-scratch hushpuppies, ensuring each bite is filled with true Southern flavor. Whether you’re enjoying a seafood feast or simply craving hushpuppies, Captain Jerry’s Seafood is a fantastic spot to satisfy your cravings.
Cook Out
Cook Out is a popular fast food chain in North Carolina that serves a variety of comfort food favorites, including hushpuppies. Cook Out’s hushpuppies are fried to golden perfection, with a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful center. These hushpuppies make an excellent side dish to complement Cook Out’s famous burgers, barbecue sandwiches, or milkshakes. If you find yourself at Cook Out, be sure to add an order of hushpuppies to your meal to complete the North Carolina fast food experience.
Sweet Tea
Bojangles’
No Southern fast food experience is complete without a glass of refreshing sweet tea, and Bojangles’ is known for serving some of the best sweet tea in North Carolina. Bojangles’ sweet tea is made from high-quality tea leaves, brewed to perfection, and sweetened to just the right level of sweetness. Whether you’re enjoying it alongside a meal or on its own, Bojangles’ sweet tea is the perfect way to quench your thirst and cool down on a hot North Carolina day.
Cook Out
Cook Out is another fast food chain that has gained a reputation for its delicious sweet tea. Cook Out’s sweet tea is brewed with care, resulting in a beverage that is refreshingly sweet and satisfying. With the option to customize your sweet tea with a variety of flavors, such as peach or raspberry, Cook Out offers a unique twist on this classic Southern beverage. If you’re a sweet tea fanatic, make sure to give Cook Out’s sweet tea a try when visiting North Carolina.
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A may not be native to North Carolina, but its sweet tea has won the hearts of many in the state. Chick-fil-A’s sweet tea is made from a blend of hand-picked tea leaves and sweetened to perfection. The result is a smooth and flavorful beverage that pairs perfectly with their famous chicken sandwiches and nuggets. Whether you’re looking to quench your thirst or satisfy your sweet tooth, Chick-fil-A’s sweet tea is a delightful choice in North Carolina.
Pimento Cheese
Blue Ridge Country Store
The Blue Ridge Country Store, located in North Carolina, is known for its delectable pimento cheese. This creamy and tangy spread is made from a blend of sharp cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. The Blue Ridge Country Store takes pride in crafting their pimento cheese using high-quality ingredients, resulting in a rich and flavorful spread that is perfect for dipping crackers, slathering on sandwiches, or topping burgers. If you’re a fan of pimento cheese, the Blue Ridge Country Store is a must-visit destination in North Carolina.
Weaver Street Market
Weaver Street Market, a co-op grocery store in North Carolina, is a great place to find artisanal and locally made products, including their renowned pimento cheese. Weaver Street Market’s pimento cheese is made in-house, using a blend of sharp and mild cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and tangy spices. Their pimento cheese is incredibly creamy, with just the right amount of smokiness and a hint of spiciness. Weaver Street Market’s pimento cheese is perfect for spreading on sandwiches, stuffing in jalapenos, or simply enjoying as a dip with crackers.
Slim’s Downtown
Slim’s Downtown, a popular bar and eatery in Raleigh, North Carolina, is known for serving up excellent pimento cheese. Slim’s pimento cheese is made from scratch using a blend of sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, and spices. The result is a creamy and flavorful spread that pairs perfectly with their burgers, sandwiches, or as a stand-alone appetizer. Whether you’re looking for a casual spot to enjoy some pimento cheese or seeking a vibrant atmosphere for a night out, Slim’s Downtown is a fantastic option in North Carolina.
Calabash Seafood
Captain Jerry’s Seafood
Located in North Carolina, Captain Jerry’s Seafood is highly regarded for its irresistible Calabash seafood. Calabash-style seafood refers to a cooking method that originated in the small coastal town of Calabash, North Carolina. This style involves lightly battering seafood, such as shrimp, fish, and oysters, and frying it to a crispy golden perfection. Captain Jerry’s Seafood embodies the essence of Calabash-style seafood, serving up platters of golden-brown seafood alongside hushpuppies and coleslaw. If you’re craving fresh and flavorful seafood, Captain Jerry’s Seafood is the place to be.
Calabash Seafood Hut
Another notable spot for Calabash-style seafood in North Carolina is the Calabash Seafood Hut. This quaint seafood joint offers a wide selection of Calabash-style seafood, from shrimp and flounder to crab cakes and scallops. The seafood is expertly fried to a light and crispy texture, while still maintaining its natural flavors. Calabash Seafood Hut is a must-visit destination for seafood lovers looking to experience the authentic taste of Calabash-style seafood.
Mac’s Speed Shop
Mac’s Speed Shop is primarily known for its barbecue, but it also serves up delicious Calabash seafood. Mac’s Speed Shop offers a unique twist on Calabash-style seafood by incorporating their signature barbecue flavors into the dishes. Their barbecue shrimp, for example, features jumbo shrimp coated in a tangy barbecue sauce before being fried to perfection. This combination of smoky barbecue and crispy seafood creates a delightful culinary experience that showcases the diversity of flavors in North Carolina’s food scene.
Cheerwine
Cook Out
To experience the iconic North Carolina soda, Cheerwine, Cook Out is an excellent place to start. Cook Out offers Cheerwine as one of their fountain drink options, allowing you to enjoy this famous cherry-flavored soda alongside your meal. The refreshing and sweet taste of Cheerwine pairs perfectly with Cook Out’s diverse menu, from burgers and hot dogs to barbecue sandwiches and milkshakes. Add a cup of Cheerwine to your Cook Out meal to experience a true taste of North Carolina.
Bojangles’
Bojangles’ also proudly serves Cheerwine as one of its beverage options, making it another great destination to enjoy this beloved North Carolina soda. The combination of Bojangles’ southern fried chicken and a refreshing cup of Cheerwine is a match made in fast food heaven. Whether you’re dining in or hitting the drive-thru, be sure to order a serving of Cheerwine at Bojangles’ to complete your North Carolina fast food experience.
BBQ Sundae
The BBQ Sundae, a unique creation originating from North Carolina, is a delightful way to enjoy Cheerwine alongside your meal. This “sundae” features layers of pulled pork, coleslaw, and baked beans, all drenched in a tangy barbecue sauce, served in a cup or bowl. Some restaurants in North Carolina, including specific Cook Out locations, offer Cheerwine as the liquid component of the BBQ Sundae, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savory flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous and looking to experience a truly North Carolina culinary delight, make sure to try the BBQ Sundae with a side of Cheerwine.
Livermush
Abele’s Family Restaurant
Abele’s Family Restaurant, located in North Carolina, is known for its delicious livermush. Livermush is a Southern specialty made from a combination of pig liver, cornmeal, and spices. Abele’s Family Restaurant crafts their livermush using a family recipe that has been passed down through generations, resulting in a perfectly seasoned and flavorful product. They skillet-fry their livermush to achieve a crispy exterior and a tender center. If you’re in North Carolina and looking to try this unique delicacy, make sure to visit Abele’s Family Restaurant.
Keaton’s Original BBQ
Keaton’s Original BBQ is a barbecue joint in North Carolina that also serves fantastic livermush. Their livermush is made using a traditional recipe that dates back decades, ensuring an authentic and delicious flavor. Keaton’s Original BBQ prepares their livermush by pan-frying it to achieve a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist and tender. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or in a sandwich, Keaton’s livermush is a must-try for those looking to explore North Carolina’s rich food heritage.
Callahan’s
Callahan’s, a popular diner in North Carolina, is well-known for its scrumptious livermush. Callahan’s takes pride in using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques to create their livermush. Each slice is pan-fried to achieve a golden-brown crust, while the inside remains moist and flavorful. Callahan’s serves their livermush as a breakfast item, often paired with eggs and toast, allowing you to start your day with a taste of North Carolina’s unique culinary offerings.
Soft-shell Crabs
Captain Jerry’s Seafood
When it comes to soft-shell crabs, Captain Jerry’s Seafood is a top-notch spot in North Carolina. Soft-shell crabs are a seasonal delicacy, enjoyed when the crabs molt their hard shells, leaving their bodies soft and edible. Captain Jerry’s Seafood specializes in preparing soft-shell crabs in various ways, including lightly breaded and fried, sautéed with garlic and butter, or served on a sandwich. Their expertise in handling and cooking soft-shell crabs ensures that each bite is succulent, tender, and full of flavor. If you’re a seafood lover, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the deliciousness of soft-shell crabs at Captain Jerry’s Seafood.
Cape Fear Seafood Company
Cape Fear Seafood Company, located in North Carolina, is renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings, including their delicious soft-shell crabs. Cape Fear Seafood Company sources the freshest crabs available during the soft-shell crab season, ensuring their customers experience the true essence of this delicacy. The crabs are expertly cooked to highlight their delicate texture and sweet flavor. Whether you prefer them fried or prepared in a different style, Cape Fear Seafood Company provides a memorable dining experience for those seeking soft-shell crabs in North Carolina.
The Peddler Steak House
The Peddler Steak House, although primarily known for its steaks, is also a great place to enjoy soft-shell crabs in North Carolina. The Peddler Steak House showcases their culinary creativity by offering delicately prepared soft-shell crabs as a unique surf and turf option. Pairing their expertly seared steaks with a serving of delectable soft-shell crabs creates a combination of flavors that is simply extraordinary. If you’re looking to enjoy the best of both worlds, head to The Peddler Steak House to savor their outstanding soft-shell crabs alongside their savory steaks.
In conclusion, North Carolina is known for its diverse and delicious fast food options. Whether you’re craving southern fried chicken, barbecue, biscuits, hushpuppies, sweet tea, pimento cheese, Calabash seafood, Cheerwine, livermush, or soft-shell crabs, you’ll find a wide range of exceptional establishments to satisfy your every food desire. North Carolina’s fast food scene is a reflection of its rich culinary heritage, blending traditional Southern flavors with innovative twists. So, the next time you find yourself in the Tar Heel State, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in these beloved fast food dishes that make North Carolina a food lover’s paradise.