Cuban

Havana Restaurant & Bar

Franklin St. in back of Bank of America Plaza

Comments:  Cuban food, good lunch menus

Mexican

Armadillo Grill

120 E Main St, Carrboro     (929-4664)

Comments:  Great Tex-Mex.  You MUST try their Armadillo Wings

Bandido's

159 1/2 E Franklin St., Chapel Hill    (967-5048)

Comments:  A very good Mexican restaurant. Great tortilla chips, cordial atmosphere.

Carrburritos

711 W Rosemary St., Carrboro    (933-8226)

Comments:  Best burritos in the Chapel Hill area.  Ask for Gail, tell her you are from the SOP.

Chipotle

301 W Franklin St

Comments: The newest burrito chain to come to Chapel Hill.

Chubby's Tacos

748 9th St, Durham      (286-4499)

Comments: A variety of salsas. Try them all! 

Cosmic Cantina

Franklin St

Comments: These burritos can talk to you if you stare at them long enough.  Get $1 off coupons in the Daily Tar Heel.  Great Franklin St late-night option.

El Rodeo

1404 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill also in Durham and Raleigh  (929-6566)

Comments:  Very good Mexican food at a reasonable price.  Good margaritas

Fiesta Grill

3307 NC Highway 54 West, Chapel Hill

Comments: Authentic, family-run joint outside of town.  Good if you’re up for an adventure or you’ve had your fill of in-town options.  The fajitas and ceviche are tested and approved.

Flying Burrito

746 Airport Road, Chapel Hill     (967-7744)

Comments: Great vegetarian burritos.  Try the Flying Mayan.

La Hacienda

1813 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Chapel Hill   (967-0207)

Los Potrillos

220 W Rosemary St, Chapel Hill    (932-4301)

Comments: Decent Mexican food 

Margaret’s Cantina    

Timberlyne Plaza, Chapel Hill  (942-4745)

Comments: Tex-Mex, casual atmosphere, reasonable prices

Monterrey Mexican Restaurant

237 South Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill    (969-8750)

Comments:  Very similar to El Rodeo but not as well known.  You'll get a table here a lot faster.  Frozen Margaritas for $1.19 Monday and Tuesday nights!

On the Border

15-501 (4600 Chapel Hill Blvd)     (493-5092)

Comments: General Mexican food, crowded on weekends

Patio Loco

407 W Franklin St      (967-9060)

Comments: Live music, dancing, eating, who knows what, good food

Qdoba Mexican Grill

100 W Franklin St            (929-8998)

La Taqueria Vaquita

2700 Chapel Hill Rd, Durham     (402-0209)

Comments: Cow statue on the roof. Can’t miss it!

Asian

35 Chinese Restaurant

143 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill    (968-3488)

Comments: Buffet is the best around.  Good variety. 

Akai Hana

206 W. Main St., Carrboro     (942-6848)

Comments: Great sushi. Get there early if you have lots of people with you.  Lovely outdoor patio when it’s nice out.

China One

4325 Apex Hwy 55, Durham     (361-3388)

Comments:  Dim-sum on the weekend

China Wok

1129 Weaver Dairy Rd, Chapel Hill     (942-6388)

Comments: Greasy Chinese at its best

Cho Sun Ok

2105 E Hwy 54, Durham     (806-1213)

Comments: Decent Korean food

Fortune Palace

2815 Brentwood Rd, Raleigh     (850-0086)

Comments:  It serves delicious, authentic Chinese food.

Hong Kong Restaurant

3003 Guess Rd, Durham     (479-8339)

Comments:  Very traditional/authentic Cantonese (Chinese) food.  Serve dim-sum over the weekend.  

Hunam Chinese Restaurant

790 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill    (967-6133)

Comments:  Great Chinese noodles

Jujube

1201 Raleigh Rd, Chapel Hill     (960-0555)

Comments: Almost Asian cuisine

Kanki

3504 Mt. Moriah Road, Durham, also in Raleigh   (401-6908)

Comments: Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar

Kurama

Durham, down 15-501 past South Square

Comments: Chefs twirling sharp knives and cooking in front of you

Kurama Sushi and Noodle Express

105 N Columbia St, Chapel Hill      (968-4747)

Comments: Sushi-go-round

Lantern

423 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill     (969-8846)

Comments:  Upscale bistro with an Asian flare.  A bit pricey & hyped. Make reservations for Fri/Sat night!

Lime & Basil

200 W Franklin St       (967-5055)

Comments: Vietnamese restaurant specializing in pho

Mandarin House

3742-B Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham    (493-3119)

Comments:  Oriental food

Merlion

410 Market St (Southern Village), Chapel Hill    (933-1188)

Comments: Tasty Singaporean food

Ming Garden Chinese Restaurant

1826 Airport Rd, Chapel Hill      (929-2199)

Comments: Really good Chinese food

Oishii

1129 Weaver Dairy Rd (Timberlyne Plaza), Chapel Hill    (932-7002)

Comments: Japanese food and sushi

Peking Garden

126 Millbrook Rd, Raleigh     (833-7798)

Comments:  Similar to Fortune Palace.

Penang

431 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill      (933-2288)

Comments: Malaysian and Thai cuisine

Sakura Express

110 N Columbia St, Chapel Hill      (960-0440)

Seoul Garden

4701 Atlantic Ave, Raleigh      (850-9984)

Comments: Good Korean food

Shiki Sushi

207 W Hwy 54, Durham      (484-4108)

Comments: Buy one get one free sushi rolls all day everyday.

Sushi-Yoshi

116 Old Durham Rd, Chapel Hill     (933-1773)

Comments: Great sushi, nice atmosphere and presentation.

Ten-Ten

3812 Western Blvd, Raleigh     (856-1818)

Comments:  It's one of the best places for Chinese buffet

Thai Cafe

2501 University Drive, Durham     (493-9794)

Comments: Great Thai food, try the coconut cake.

Thai Palace Restaurant

1206 Raleigh Rd (NC 54), Chapel Hill    (967-5805)

Comments:  Good service, not too expensive

Vit Goal Tofu Restaurant

2107 Allendown Drive, Durham      (361-9100)

Comments: Specializes in Korean tofu dishes

Yamazushi

4711 Hope Valley Rd, Durham     (493-7748)

Comments: Great sushi for those inclined

Ethiopian

Queen of Sheba Restaurant

1129 Weaver Dairy Rd (Timberlyne Plaza), Chapel Hill    (932-4986)

Comments: Delicious and authentic Ethiopian food

Italian

Aurora

Chapel Hill, Hwy 54      (942-2400)

Comments: Prices very reasonable for lunch, moderate prices for dinner.  

Brixx       

Meadowmont, Hwy 54 Chapel Hill   (929-1942)

Comments: Good wood-fired pizza and beer specials

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

5312 New Hope Commons Ext, Durham    (401-5950)

Comments: Similar to Olive Garden‎

411 West

411 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill    (967-2782)

Comments:  Excellent Italian food, moderate price range. Fancy, but not too upscale.  Very popular restaurant.

Franklin Street Pizza & Pasta

163 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill    (933-5277)

I © N.Y. Pizza!     

Franklin St. in front of He's Not Here and Caribou Coffee.

Comments:  Great late night pizza.

Il Palio Ristorante

1505 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill (in the Siena Hotel)  (918-2545)

Comments:  A very luxurious experience. Great wine selection as well.  Expensive but worth it.

Italian Pizzeria III

508 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill (Locations in Durham too) (968-4671)

Comments: Good pizzas, Stromboli, and sandwiches.  Their Philly Cheese Steak is a must-try.

Panzanella     

In Carr Mill Mall, Carborro   (929-6626)

Comments: Great atmosphere, not too pricey for a good meal.

Pepper's Pizza

127 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill    (967-7766)

Comments:  Excellent pizza with a fun atmosphere and interesting people to see.

Pulcinella

4711 Hope Valley Rd, Chapel Hill (Woodcroft Shopping Center) (490-1172)

Comments:  Very good southern Italian food and pizza 

Romano's Macaroni Grill     

4020 Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham     (489-0313)

Comments:  Pasta, very good, moderately priced

Vespa Cibobuono    

306 W Franklin St      (969-6600) 

Comments: Very good food. Somewhat pricey.

Indian

India Palace

508-A W Franklin St, Chapel Hill    (942-8201)

Comments: The place is okay.  The food is authentic but of course not as good as home-cooked food.  

Mint

504 E Franklin St., Chapel Hill (929-6188)

Comments:  Great lunch buffet, somewhat pricey.

Sitar India Palace    

3117 Shannon Rd, Durham   (490-1326)

Comments:  Buffet available on weekends.  Great food.

Tandoor Indian Restaurant

1301 E Franklin St (toward Durham)   (967-6622)

Comments: They serve hot and cold Indian food. Buffet is the best in town.

Persian

Café  Parvaneh

400 S Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill     (929-2779)

Comments: Homemade Persian and Iranian cuisine

Desserts

Ben and Jerry’s

102 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill      (967-9068)

Comments: All kinds of funky ice cream and sorbet flavors.

Bliss Boutique Bakery

431 W Franklin St, (Courtyard at Chapel Hill), Chapel Hill  (636-3090)

Comments: Specializes in cupcakes  

Cold Stone Creamery

131 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill       (933-2323)

Francesca’s Gelato Café

Ninth Street, Durham

Comments: Awesome desserts including gelato

Goodberry’s

Cary, multiple locations

Comments: Frozen custard that truly is heaven sent.  Open late (midnight) in the summers.

Guglhupf Bakery & Patisserie

2706 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham    (401-2600)

Comments: Artisan baked goods, great lunch atmosphere and menu

La Vita Dolce Espresso & Gelato Café

610 Market St, Chapel Hill      (968-1635)

Locopops      

451 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill and also a location in Durham (286-3500)

Comments: The widest selection and most eclectic flavors of Mexican peletas (popsicles) around.  A must go to spot for a cool desert.

Sugarland

140 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill     (929-2100)

Comments: Specializes in pricey cupcakes and gelato

TCBY

Eastgate Shopping Center     (967-0629)

Comments: Offers frozen yoghurt and ice cream.

Yogurt Pump

Franklin St, by He’s not Here    (942-7867)

Comments: If it’s frozen yogurt you want, they pump it.

Maple View Farms

100 E Weaver St (Downtown Carrboro across from Weaver St Market)

3111 Dairyland Rd, Hillsborough (actually just a couple miles from downtown Carrboro)

Comments: Amazing home-made ice cream from the local dairy.  You can thank the cows in person at the Dairyland Rd location.

Mediterranean

Taverna Nikos

905 W Main St, Durham       (682-0043)

Comments:  Greek restaurant at Brightleaf Square

Mediterranean Deli

410 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill    (967-2666)

Comments:  Great falafel & kabob sandwiches, salads, and baklava.  Also sell olive oil, etc in the "grocery" area.

Spartacus

Near South Square Mall, Durham    (489-2848)

Comments: Greek food, huge portions, Monday night is dress up like your favorite Greek god/goddess

Talulla’s Mezze Lounge & Bar

456 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill     (933-1177)

Comments: The food and drinks are good.  They have a DJ spin international music on weekends.

French

Provence

206 W Weaver St, Carrboro    (967-5008)

Comments: Very good fish and nifty bar

Home Cooking

Breadmen's

324 W Rosemary St, Chapel Hill    (967-7110)

Comments:  Large variety, very good home-style meals including breakfast.   Very reasonable price, fast service. 

Elmo's Diner

Carr Mill Mall, Carrboro (also in Durham on Ninth Street)   (929-2909)

Comments:  Great breakfast and overall diner food.  Expect a wait for brunch on the weekends, but it is well worth it.

Farmer's Market in Raleigh

Comments:  A great place to go and find a large variety of fresh vegetables and lots more. 

Farmer’s Market in Carrboro

Hours: Wednesdays 3:30-6:30p (except winter), Saturdays 7a-1p (reduced hrs in winter)

Comments:  Great local produce, flowers, and home baked goods.  A good start to a Saturday morning.

K & W Cafeteria

Chapel Hill, University Mall     (942-7809)

Comments:  Home-style meals.  Many choices.  Reasonable prices. A variety of American food, cheap and clean.

Mama Dip’s

408 W Rosemary St, Chapel Hill      (942-5837)

Comments: Country cooking, try the fried pickles.

Carolina BBQ

North Carolina BBQ is more than food, it’s a regional cultural heritage.  There are two kinds of Carolina BBQ, Eastern Style and Western, or “Lexington” Style.  The hallmark of Carolina BBQ is slow-cooked pork with a vinegar-based “sauce”.  The Western Style has more of a tomato-vinegar sauce.  Most of what you will find around the Triangle area is Eastern Style.  There is good website if you want to know more and this guy has an elaborate rating system of local and state-wide BBQ joints: http://hkentcraig.com/BBQ.html

Allen and Sons Barbeque

6203 Millhouse Rd, Chapel Hill     (942-7576)

Comments: Very best of authentic Carolina BBQ.  Open Tuesday through Saturday and is a must go to spot for pulled-pork and hush puppies!

Bullock’s

3330 Quebec Dr, Durham     (383-3211)

Comments: A classic.  Top-notch BBQ.  Whether eating there or taking out, you can enjoy the 1970’s décor and signed photos of local & national celebrities who are fans of Tommy Bullock.

The Q Shack

302 E Main, Carrboro      (240-4043)

Comments: Mix of BBQ styles, from Texas to Carolina.  Good value, close by.

Dickies Barbecue Pit

5318 New Hope Commons Rd (just off 15-501), Durham (419-1101)

Comments: Good BBQ for a national chain.  Big yellow cups you can take home with you!

Backyard BBQ Pit

5204 Highway 55, Durham

Comments: Quick stop off I-40, great BBQ but you probably want to do take-out, the inside has seen better days.

The Barbeque Joint

630 Weaver Dairy Rd, Chapel Hill    (932-7504)

Comments: Pig kitsch" décor. Also serves great non-BBQ dishes.

Dillard's Barbecue

3921 Fayetteville St, Durham     (544-1587)

Comments:  Good South Carolina Style (mustard added to vinegar sauce).

Jim’s Famous BBQ  

Elliot Road, Chapel Hill      (942-RIBS)

Comments:  Memphis Style BBQ- excellent!  Try the peanut butter pie!

The Pit

328 W Davie St, Raleigh     (890-4500)

Comments: Whole hog BBQ

Some of Our Other All-Time Favorites

Acme Food & Beverage Co.

110 E Main St., Carrboro     (929-2263)

Comments: Eclectic, upscale bistro with mostly locally-sourced ingredients.  Try it for a change of pace. They have a wonderful Sunday brunch.

Angus Barn

9401 Glenwood Avenue (US Hwy 70), Raleigh   (787-3505)

Comments:  Great steaks but expensive

Bailey’s Pub

15/501 Chapel Hill, Near Holiday Inn and A Southern Season

Comments:  Good pub food, best upscale place to shoot pool, play shuffleboard, and shoot darts!
Brigs

4900 NC-55 (Park West Crossing), Durham     (544-7473)

Comments:  Excellent breakfast/brunch place.  Always bustling with customers.  Moderately priced for breakfast/brunch

Bski's Tortilla Wrap Grill

147 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill     (969-9727)

Bub O'Malley's Bar

157 E Rosemary St, Chapel Hill    (942-6903)

Comments:  Only place in town for darts, pool, ping pong, foosball, shuffleboard, pinball and 80's video games.

Bud & Eb's Bar and Grill

Chapel Hill, Timberlyne Shopping Center   (942-6624)

Comments:  Sandwiches and beer…the perfect getaway.

Buns

107 N Columbia St, Chapel Hill    (240-4746)

Comments: Great burgers

Café La Rez

Rosemary St, Chapel Hill

Comments:  A romantic dining experience.  Very good food, but expensive and small selection.  Excellent wine list.

Carolina Brewery

460 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill    (942-1800)

Comments:  Good beer and if you need anything more, the food is fairly good too.

City Beverage

4810 Hope Valley Rd, Durham     (401-6500)

Comments: Wins the award for most interesting decor 

Crook's Corner

610 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill    (929-7643)

Comments:  Very interesting menu.  Popular for brunch on Sunday's.  Fairly cramped during the winter but outdoor area is open during warm weather.  A bit pricey but some very good food. (Cheese grits with shrimp is a specialty). You'll need to make reservations.

Cookout

4245 N Roxboro St, Durham    (471-2400)

Comments: Huge milkshake menu and tasty burgers 

Cypress on the Hill

308 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill    (537-8817)

Comments: Pricey

East End Oyster and Martini Bar

Corner of Franklin and Henderson Sts

Comments: The name says it all.  There are 100 martinis on the menu.  Live jazz.

Elaine’s on Franklin

454 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill      (960-2770)

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

328 W Morgan St, Raleigh      (821-7468)

Comments: HUGE beer selection. Saucy décor. Cute waitresses in mini-tartans and knee-highs. Join the U.F.O Club and become a Beerknurd.

Foster’s Market

750 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Chapel Hill   (967-3663)

2694 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham   (489-3944)

Comments: Sarah Foster is a nationally-known chef and friend of Martha Stewart.  But this is no fancy joint, it’s in-between a café and restaurant where you can get a coffee & snack or a meal and sit for hours doing work. Excellent brunch spot with creative specials on weekends. Always good sandwiches, salads, soups, breads, pizza.  The Durham location is particularly lovely, with beautiful outdoor seating in a garden atmosphere.

Ham's

310 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill   (933-3767)

Hector's

201 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill    (942-9420)

Comments:  Great late-night drunk grub!!  Try a double-cheese burger on a pita.

Jamaica Jamaica

4853 Apex Hwy South, Durham    (594-1532)

Comments:  Jamaican food.  Lots of live music.  Best rice & beans in the triangle.

Linda's Bar and Grill

203 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill    (929-6663)

Comments:  Best liquor drinks in Chapel Hill

The Loop

1800 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill (in Eastgate Plaza)  (969-7112)

Comments:  California pizza, grill, gourmet hamburgers.  A must try.

Lucy’s

Corner of Henderson and Rosemary Sts

Comments: The new place to be in Chapel Hill, outdoor dining, upscale bar, but not expensive. The bar is smoke-free.

McAlister’s Deli

205 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill    (969-1102)

Comments: Great deli sandwiches, salads and huge stuffed baked potatoes.

Mellow Mushroom

American Tobacco Campus, Durham    (680-8500)

Comments: Pizza, pizza and pizza.  Good option for pre-Bulls games.

Mill Town

307 E Main St, Carrboro    (968-2460)

Comments: Good selection of beers. Outdoor seating. Affordable food.

Nana's

2514 University Drive, Durham    (493-8545)

Comments:  Seasonal dishes influenced by Southern, French and Italian cuisine

Neil’s Deli

100 E Main St, Carrboro      (967-2185)

Comments: Locally owned & operated, ingredients are locally sourced.

Noodles and Company

214 W Franklin St      (967-7320)

Comments: All kinds of noodles

Outback Steakhouse

3500 Mt Moriah Rd, Durham    (493-2202)

Comments:  Great steak.  If you haven't had the Chaze Froys -you must!!!! (Be sure to bring along a defibrillator)

Owens 501 Diner

1500 N Fordham Blvd, Chapel Hill    (933-3505)

Comments: Nice place for weekend breakfast/brunch

Panera Bread Company

213 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill     (929-9189)

Sage Café

1129 Weaver Dairy Rd (Timberlyne Plaza), Chapel Hill  (968-9266)

Comments: Excellent vegetarian restaurant, upscale but not too pricey, great atmosphere.

Skylight Exchange

405 1/2 W Rosemary St, Chapel Hill   (933-5550)

Comments:  A restaurant, a bookstore, live music, good sandwiches, good chess

Southern Rail

201 E Main St, Carrboro      (967-1967)

Comments: Decent food, cheap beer and a landmark of downtown Carrboro.  DJ and dancing at night.

Spanky’s

101 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill     (967-2678)

Spice Street

201 S Estes Dr (University Mall), Chapel Hill    (928-8200)

Comments: Eclectic menu

Spotted Dog Café

W Main St, Carrboro     (933-1117)

Comments: Crowded atmosphere, good food, a bit pricey, they don’t serve spotted dog though.

Time Out Restaurant

133 W Franklin St (University Sq), Chapel Hill   (929-2425)

Comments: Open 24 hours

Top of the Hill

100 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill     (929-8676)

Comments: Location, location, location.  At the center of it all, with great views of downtown Chapel Hill and the celebratory tree-burning after big basketball wins.  They brew their own beer and the buttermilk fried chicken and bruschetta are amazing.

Tylers / Speakeasy    

102 E Main St, Carrboro     (929-6881)

American Tobacco Campus, Durham    (433-0345)

1479 Beaver Creek Commons Dr, Apex    (355-1380)

Comments:  Non-smoking restaurant and pub with a small menu.  Decent food and occasional live music.  Billiards and foosball at the Speakeasy.  Durham location has an extensive beer selection and is a great spot before Bulls games.

Weathervane at A Southern Season

201 S Estes Dr (University Mall), Chapel Hill   (929-9466)

West End Wine Bar

450 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill      967-7599)

Comments: Great place for drinks after an exam

Ye Olde Waffle Shop

173 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill    (929-9192)

Comments:  The best breakfast on a Sunday morning.  Don't plan to eat light, this place knows what butter is and how to use it.

Coffee Shops

Bean Traders

Meadowmont Village, Chapel Hill

Café  Carolina and Bakery

Meadowmont Village, Chapel Hill

Caffe Driade

1215 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill

Comment:  Outdoor patio, great coffee & espresso drinks.  Try the Driade shake.  

Carolina Coffee Shop

138 E Franklin St

Caribou Coffee

Franklin St, east and west locations

Comments: A great place to study.  Get there early if you want a comfy chair

Cup-A-Joe

1129 Weaver Dairy Rd (Timberlyne Plaza), Chapel Hill  (967-2002)

Comments: Local independent coffee shop with a few additional locations in Durham (near Duke) and Raleigh.  Chapel Hill location adjoined with an indy/art house movie theater (Chelsea Theater)…in a strip mall.  Interesting combo, but it works!  Do some work, then see a movie!

Friends Café

First floor of the Health Science Library

Comments: Enjoy your favorite coffee drink close to SOP and the library.  Open from 7:30am onward, a must during exams and long stints at the library.  

Looking Glass Café  and Boutique

601 W Main St, Carrboro     (967-9398)

Comments: Funky furniture. Bongs sold in the back.

Open Eye Café

101 S Greensboro St, Carrboro    (968-9410)

Comments: Good independent coffee shop with displays by local artists, lots of space to sit and do work or hang out and chat.  They also serve beer & wine.

Starbucks

103 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill     (932-3824)

3CUPS

431 W Franklin St (West End Courtyard)

Comments: Sells coffee, wine and tea