The Most Iconic Foods and Drinks That Originated in North Carolina
In the heart of downtown Durham, just a short drive northwest of Raleigh, you’ll find the iconic Carolina Coffee Shop, a living relic of North Carolina’s rich culinary past. Established in the 1920s, this diner-style restaurant has been a steadfast purveyor of the state’s distinctive vinegar-based barbecue sauce. Visitors can savor pulled pork sandwiches drenched in a tangy red sauce made from vinegar, crushed red pepper, and a hint of sweetness—a hallmark of Eastern North Carolina barbecue. Sitting here during the lunch rush, amid the hum of conversation and clatter of plates, offers an authentic taste of a tradition deeply rooted in the region’s history and local farms. The experience is especially rewarding in the cooler months, when the warmth of the sauce complements the crisp North Carolina air.
Head east toward Greenville, near the banks of the Tar River, and you’ll encounter Starlight Drive-In, a beloved spot famed for its pork barbecue as well, but with a twist. Greenville sits about 80 miles east of Raleigh and is known for bridging the styles of Eastern and Western North Carolina barbecue. Here, the sauce blends the vinegar tang with a touch of tomato or ketchup, reflecting the Piedmont’s culinary crossroads. Visitors can enjoy the casual ambiance of a classic drive-in, with picnic tables and the nostalgic charm of neon signs, making it a perfect stop on a sunny spring afternoon. The melding of flavors here underscores the evolving tastes of North Carolina’s barbecue tradition.
Traveling southwest to the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, roughly a 25-minute drive from the city center, you’ll discover the Pisgah Inn. While the inn itself is not a restaurant renowned for a single iconic dish, it serves as a gateway to experiencing the state’s famous ramps, a wild onion native to the Appalachian region. Each spring, the nearby Pisgah National Forest hosts ramp festivals celebrating this pungent, garlicky green that has been a staple in local cooking for centuries. Hiking the nearby Black Balsam Knob trail, a moderate 6.1-mile loop with sweeping mountain views, visitors can immerse themselves in the natural environment that gives rise to this seasonal delicacy, best enjoyed fresh in April and May. The combination of wild food and wilderness here is a truly Appalachian culinary experience.
In Charlotte’s historic South End district, just minutes from Uptown, visitors can explore the burgeoning craft brewery scene that has helped put North Carolina on the map for beer lovers. One standout is the NoDa Brewing Company, named after the neighborhood itself. This brewery’s flagship release, Hop Drop ‘N Roll, exemplifies the state’s innovative take on craft brewing with its bold American IPA style. Touring the taproom provides insight into how Charlotte’s urban vibe blends with Southern traditions, offering a lively atmosphere where locals and travelers alike gather. The neighborhood’s vibrant street art and converted mill buildings add to the experience, making late afternoon or early evening the ideal time to soak in the lively energy alongside a cold, hoppy pour.
Venturing into the foothills near Winston-Salem, about 30 minutes north of Charlotte, the historic Salem Tavern provides a glimpse into colonial-era eating and drinking customs. This tavern, part of Old Salem Museums & Gardens, offers interpretive food demonstrations and tastings that showcase early American fare, including apple cider and hearty stews cooked over an open hearth. The preserved Moravian architecture and cobblestone streets surrounding the tavern create an immersive setting where visitors can appreciate how immigrant cultures influenced North Carolina’s culinary heritage. Fall visits are especially atmospheric, as the changing leaves and seasonal festivals bring the history to life with added warmth and color.
On the coast, just across the sound from Wilmington lies Southport, a charming small town that serves as the gateway to Carolina shrimp. Local seafood joints like The Boathouse Restaurant highlight the region’s fresh-caught shrimp, often served boiled with a blend of Old Bay-style seasoning unique to the Carolinas. Beyond the food, visitors can stroll along the waterfront and enjoy views of the Cape Fear River, with fishing boats coming and going, underscoring the town’s deep connection to the Atlantic. Summer evenings here are magical, with seafood dinners paired with sunset hues reflecting off the water, offering a quintessential Lowcountry dining experience.
Finally, no discussion of North Carolina’s food and drink would be complete without mentioning the craft distilleries near Asheville, about 35 minutes to the southeast in the town of Fairview. The Dueling Grounds Distillery crafts small-batch whiskeys and gins using local grains and mountain spring water. The distillery offers tours explaining the meticulous process behind each spirit, and tastings that reveal the unique mountain terroir reflected in the flavors. Situated near the scenic French Broad River, the setting invites visitors to pair their drinks with outdoor adventures such as paddling or hiking nearby trails like the Bent Creek Experimental Forest, making spring and early fall the best times to enjoy both nature and craft spirits. Here, the old South meets new American innovation in every sip.