What are some of the Go-To Restaurants in the Chapel Hill area?

East Franklin St and Raleigh St in Chapel Hill.

Last week, the Washington Post published an article detailing the three quintessential Chapel Hill restaurants that every person must eat at when visiting the area.

In the article, author Debra Bruno recommends that visitors eat at Weaver Street Market in Carrboro for breakfast, Sutton’s Drug Store for lunch and Lantern Restaurant for dinner. All three are reasonably priced, so you won’t break your budget while on vacation.

But while those three restaurants are certainly well-known in the local area, are they really the most famous “must-eat” locations within the Chapel Hill/Carrborro area?

Breakfast

Thankfully, the Chapel Hill area is not lacking in breakfast locations. If you’re in the mood for homemade biscuits and fried chicken, look no further than Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen (1305 East Franklin Street). This award-winning restaurant is drive-thru only (the only drive-thru restaurant in Chapel Hill, in fact) and serves everything from biscuits to BLT’s to breakfast platters.
- Recommendation: homemade biscuit with chicken, egg and cheese ($5.69) with a side of hash browns ($1.19).
If sitting down and enjoying breakfast is more of your thing, check out Mama Dip’s (408 West Rosemary Street). Perhaps the best place to get a typical Southern breakfast experience, Mama Dip’s first opened in 1976 and has been serving quality Southern breakfast to the people of Chapel Hill ever since.
- Recommendation: pecan pancakes with a side of bacon.

Lunch

Located within the Carr Mill Mall, Elmo’s Diner (200 N. Greensboro Street) has something for everyone. Featuring booths and a high top bar, Elmo’s serves both breakfast and lunch for the hungry people of Carrboro. Regardless of your age, make sure to color an Elmo Duck while you’re waiting for food!
- Recommendation: avocado, jack & pico burger and french fries ($7.99)
Besides the Dean Dome, perhaps the best place to watch Tar Heels games is at the Carolina Brewery (460 W. Franklin Street). I was actually there this weekend to watch UNC’s matchup with NC State and, despite the poor outcome of the game, got to enjoy some great beer, a good atmosphere and some tremendous food.
- Recommendation: potato chip nachos ($10.95 – appetizer), local burger and french fries ($12.95)
- Beer recommendation (21+): Sky Blue Golden Ale

Dinner

If you can think of a food, Sup Dogs (107 E Franklin St) has probably put it on a hot dog. While you can get a plain ‘dog at Sup Dogs, why not try one with pineapple and honey mustard? Or one with sauerkraut and jalapenos? When you’re at Sup Dogs, let your taste buds roam wild and don’t be afraid to try new things.
- Recommendation: sweet dog combo ($5.99) and Cheerwine.
Perhaps Chapel Hill’s most famous restaurant, Top of the Hill (100 East Franklin Street) has seen everything from weddings to basketball national championships. The restaurant has its own brewery and sources its ingredients from local farms and businesses as well. Be sure to enjoy the view from the third story balcony as well (but don’t spill your beer!).
- Recommendation: spicy spinach and artichoke dip ($9.99 – appetizer), baja chicken salad ($12.99)
- Beer recommendation (21+): Old Well White

What are some of the Go-To Restaurants in the Chapel Hill area?

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