10 North Carolina Country Stores Where The Food’s Worth The Backroads Drive
Hidden along winding country roads and tucked into small mountain towns, North Carolina’s old-fashioned general stores serve up more than just nostalgia. These charming spots dish out homemade meals, local favorites, and warm hospitality that make every mile worth it.
Whether you’re craving slow-smoked barbecue or a hearty country breakfast, these stores prove that the best food often comes from the most unexpected places.
1. Saxapahaw General Store – Saxapahaw
Nestled along the Haw River, this North Carolina community hub blends rustic charm with farm-fresh ingredients. Local produce and artisan meats shine in every dish, from wood-fired pizzas to seasonal salads.
The outdoor seating area overlooks the water, creating a peaceful backdrop for weekend brunch. Live music on warm evenings adds to the relaxed vibe, drawing locals and visitors alike to linger a little longer.
2. Trust General Store & Café – Trust
Tucked away in a tiny mountain community, this unassuming spot surprises with its flavorful menu. Breakfast biscuits stuffed with country ham and fresh eggs have earned a loyal following among hikers and locals.
The café’s homemade soups rotate with the seasons, always featuring locally sourced vegetables. Simple wooden tables and friendly service create an atmosphere that feels like visiting an old friend’s kitchen.
3. Shiloh General Store – Hamptonville
Family recipes and time-honored cooking methods keep customers returning to this Yadkin Valley treasure in North Carolina. The fried chicken, made fresh daily, delivers crispy perfection that pairs beautifully with creamy coleslaw and homemade biscuits.
Local farmers drop by for coffee and conversation, creating an authentic country atmosphere. The old-fashioned candy counter delights kids while parents stock up on homemade jams and preserves to take home.
4. Old Hampton Store & Barbecue – Linville
Slow-cooked over hickory wood, the barbecue here fills the air with irresistible smoky aromas. Pulled pork and ribs come with tangy vinegar-based sauce that honors traditional Carolina barbecue methods.
The weathered building has served travelers for generations, maintaining its authentic character. Picnic tables outside offer mountain views while you enjoy tender meat and classic Southern sides like hush puppies and baked beans.
5. Old Store Café – Newton Grove
A century-old building houses this charming North Carolina café, where wooden floors creak beneath your feet and history fills every corner. Home-cooked lunches feature rotating entrées like pot roast and chicken pastry that taste just like grandma’s recipes.
Friendly servers know most customers by name, creating a welcoming small-town atmosphere. The dessert case showcases homemade pies and cakes that provide the perfect sweet ending to any meal.
6. Kiser Country Mercantile & Coffee Shop – Welcome
Fresh-brewed coffee and homemade pastries start many mornings right at this Davidson County gem. The lunch menu balances comfort food favorites with lighter options, all prepared with care and quality ingredients.
Local artisans display their goods throughout the mercantile, making it easy to browse while waiting for your meal. The coffee shop atmosphere encourages lingering over conversations, turning quick stops into relaxing breaks from busy days.
7. Buffalo Mercantile Company & Café – Lenoir
Stepping inside this North Carolina establishment feels like traveling back in time, with vintage décor and genuine hospitality greeting every visitor. The café menu features generous portions of comfort food, from thick burgers to loaded sandwiches that require two hands.
Homemade soups simmer fresh each day, filling the space with tempting aromas. The mercantile section stocks local honey, jams, and handcrafted items, making it a one-stop destination for food and gifts alike.
8. John Brown’s Country Store & Grill – King
Down-home cooking takes center stage at this Stokes County favorite, where meat-and-three plates satisfy hearty appetites. Daily specials rotate through Southern classics like meatloaf, fried chicken, and country-style steak with rich gravy.
Fresh vegetables come from nearby farms during growing season, adding authentic flavor. The grill serves breakfast all day, making it easy to enjoy fluffy pancakes or eggs with country ham whenever the craving strikes.
9. Priddy’s General Store – Danbury
Since opening decades ago, this North Carolina landmark has fed hungry travelers with honest, straightforward cooking. Breakfast plates arrive hot and filling, with eggs cooked exactly how you like them alongside crispy bacon or sausage.
The lunch crowd fills the dining area with locals who appreciate consistent quality. Simple sandwiches and daily specials never disappoint, proving that good food doesn’t need fancy presentation when flavor speaks for itself.
10. Fred’s General Mercantile (Backside Deli) – Beech Mountain
High in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this mercantile feeds hungry skiers and hikers with hearty sandwiches and warming soups. The deli counter piles meats and cheeses high, creating satisfying meals that fuel mountain adventures.
Hot coffee and fresh pastries greet early morning visitors year-round. The casual, no-frills setting matches the mountain town’s laid-back personality, making it a natural gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.
