13 North Carolina Restaurants Keeping The Sunday Table Alive

Steam rises, grace is said, and the first bite tastes like memory. Plates clink, voices soften, and the rhythm feels as familiar as a hymn. Across North Carolina, Sunday tables brim with fried chicken crackle and slow-smoked perfume from pit rooms that never rush.

Small towns lean on recipes tucked into church bulletins and family notebooks, while cities add quiet riffs that still feel like home.

Collards gleam with just enough pot liquor. Mac and cheese holds a golden crust that shatters softly. Banana pudding waits in chilled bowls, ready for one more spoonful and one more story.

1. Nana Morrison’s Soul Food

Named after a beloved grandmother, this North Carolina spot captures the essence of Sunday cooking with recipes passed down through generations. Smothered pork chops and butter beans taste exactly like something made with extra care and time.

The dining room feels intimate and welcoming, perfect for lingering over sweet tea. Regulars swear by the fried chicken and homemade desserts that change with the seasons.

2. Beasley’s Chicken + Honey

Raleigh’s downtown gem elevates Sunday staples with a modern twist while respecting tradition. Buttermilk-brined chicken gets fried to perfection, then drizzled with local honey for a sweet-savory combination that keeps people coming back.

The restaurant balances upscale touches with down-home flavors, making it ideal for both casual family meals and special occasions. Biscuits are flaky, sides are thoughtful, and everything tastes freshly prepared.

3. Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant

Operating since the 1950s, this North Carolina institution serves breakfast and lunch that feel like Sunday morning at grandma’s house. Fluffy biscuits come smothered in sausage gravy, and grits arrive creamy with just the right amount of butter.

The no-frills atmosphere and friendly service create a space where locals and visitors alike feel at home. Cards-allowed and worth every penny, the portions are hearty and satisfying.

4. Casey’s Buffet

Buffet-style dining brings back memories of church potlucks and family reunions where everyone brings their best dish. Rows of steaming trays hold everything from fried okra to meatloaf, each made fresh daily.

The setup encourages sampling a little bit of everything, just like Sunday spreads where variety matters as much as flavor. Dessert options include cobblers and banana pudding that taste homemade because they are.

5. Parker’s Barbecue

Since 1946, this Wilson landmark has been serving Eastern North Carolina barbecue that defines the region’s style. Whole hog barbecue gets chopped and dressed with tangy vinegar sauce, creating a flavor profile that’s unmistakably local.

Sundays bring crowds seeking platters piled with barbecue, coleslaw, and hushpuppies. The no-nonsense approach focuses on quality ingredients and time-honored techniques that haven’t changed in decades.

6. Dame’s Chicken & Waffles

North Carolina’s brunch favorite turns Sunday morning into a celebration with crispy fried chicken perched atop fluffy waffles. The sweet and savory pairing feels indulgent without being overwhelming, especially when drizzled with maple syrup.

The casual atmosphere and creative menu variations keep things interesting while staying true to comfort food roots. Lines form early on weekends, proving that this combination never goes out of style.

7. Sam Jones BBQ

Carrying on a family legacy that spans generations, this Winterville spot honors traditional whole hog barbecue with serious dedication. Wood-fired pits smoke pork low and slow, resulting in tender meat with a subtle smokiness that needs little embellishment.

The restaurant feels both contemporary and rooted in history, bridging old-school methods with a welcoming modern space. Sunday crowds come for barbecue that respects the past while looking toward the future.

8. Stephanie’s Restaurant II

Family-owned and operated, this spot serves soul food that tastes like it came straight from someone’s Sunday kitchen. Oxtails, neck bones, and chitlins share menu space with fried fish and smothered chicken, offering variety that respects tradition.

The welcoming vibe makes first-timers feel like regulars, and the generous portions ensure nobody leaves hungry. Vegetables are cooked Southern-style, seasoned well and simmered until tender.

9. 42 Fry

North Carolina’s fried chicken specialist focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well—perfectly seasoned, crispy-skinned chicken. Each piece gets attention and care, resulting in juicy meat encased in a crunchy coating that stays crisp.

The straightforward menu lets the chicken shine, supported by classic sides like potato salad and green beans. Sunday dinners here feel uncomplicated and satisfying, exactly as they should.

10. Smith’s Soul Food Bistro

Blending soul food tradition with bistro sophistication, this restaurant offers Sunday dining with a refined touch. Classic dishes get thoughtful preparation without losing their comforting essence, from perfectly seasoned greens to tender short ribs.

The atmosphere strikes a balance between casual and elevated, making it suitable for both family gatherings and date nights. Desserts like sweet potato pie provide the perfect finishing touch.

11. K&W Cafeteria

A regional North Carolina institution with multiple locations, K&W brings cafeteria-style dining that recalls simpler times when choices were plentiful and prices were fair. The setup encourages building a plate with exactly what sounds good, from roast beef to turnip greens.

Sundays see families filling tables, creating a communal atmosphere that enhances the meal. The rotating menu keeps regulars interested while maintaining beloved staples that never disappoint.

12. Mama B’s Southern Kitchen

True to its name, this restaurant cooks like a mama would—with love, patience, and plenty of butter. Sunday plates overflow with fried chicken, mac and cheese, and vegetables that taste like they’ve been simmering all morning.

The homey decor and friendly service create an environment where strangers become friends over shared meals. Everything on the menu feels familiar and comforting, exactly what Sunday dinner should be.

13. Mert’s Heart & Soul

North Carolina’s favorite soul food destination brings Sunday comfort to the table every day of the week. Fried chicken arrives golden and crispy, while mac and cheese melts in your mouth with every forkful.

The menu reads like a love letter to Southern cooking, featuring collard greens, candied yams, and cornbread that crumbles just right. Portions are generous, and the atmosphere feels like visiting a relative’s kitchen.