Guide to the Best Restaurants in North Carolina’s Triangle East Region
While it’s hard to beat a hog cooked low and slow and mopped with a tangy vinegar sauce, the reality is that man shall not live on barbecue alone – even if it’s North Carolina’s famed whole-hog ‘cue. Luckily, Triangle East has plenty of diversity in its restaurant scene: It’s easy to find regional American foods from the Northeast to the Deep South, plus international flavors from Europe and Central America. Keep reading for some area standouts.
In This Article
1. The Southern Bostonian
In Selma, The Southern Bostonian is part antique store, part art collective – and part eatery. A nod to the owner’s Massachusetts roots, Hahvahd Yahd Cafe (say it with a Boston accent) is located inside the retail space, serving sandwiches, salads and soup. The menu ranges from light fare (try the chicken caprese flatbread) to satisfying comfort food (the Gobblah sandwich, with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and gravy). And of course, don’t miss the New England clam chowder, served daily.
2. Olde Towne Steakhouse
Olde Towne Steakhouse’s strength is in its simplicity. The cozy dinner-only joint in aptly named Micro has a tiny menu that’s perfectly executed. Choose from five cuts of steak or a porkchop, all of which are accompanied by a thick slab of Texas toast and a baked potato. There’s also a fresh, all-you-can-eat salad bar, and a robust selection of whiskey – all served in a historic building with vintage vibes.
3. Old North State Food Hall
Selma’s Old North State Food Hall truly has something for everyone: The 15,000-square-foot space is home to several different restaurant concepts, making it the perfect dining destination for families and large groups. Try the killer oxtail burger from Mr. Outrageous or fried chicken and hush puppies at White Swan (the OG White Swan is in nearby Smithfield, where it was founded in 1930) – and that’s just a little taste of what the spot has to offer.
4. Crick’s Pizza Shack in Princeton
As expected, the family-owned Crick’s Pizza Shack in Princeton serves ooey, gooey, deliciously cheesy pies made with hand-tossed dough and housemade sauce, but the kitchen also makes a smattering of other Italian-ish dishes, including lasagna, meatball and chicken Parmesan sandwiches, a chocolate-chip dessert pizza and notably, a pickled chicken sandwich consisting of chicken breast marinated in pickle juice before being fried. And don’t miss dollar hotdog day (aka Tuesday)!
5. Gotham’s Deli
There are more New York-style delis in North Carolina than one might think, but Gotham’s Deli in Smithfield is owned and operated by a native Long Islander and its walls are crammed with photos, sports jerseys and other Big Apple memorabilia, so there’s no question it’s authentic. Select breakfast or lunch sandwiches from a list of hot and cold deli classics. The selection of signature sandwiches is especially tempting, with options like the Brass Knuckles (pastrami, cheddar, mozzarella, mushrooms, olive, lettuce, tomato and mayo on sourdough) and meaty Dark Knight (roast beef, turkey, ham, pastrami, muenster, onion, pickles, lettuce, tomato, mayo and mustard on a hero roll) that are especially tempting.
6. Ay Güey
Smithfield’s Ay Güey (its name roughly translates to whoa!) is a modern Mexican spot that brings the fun. The kitchen turns out tacos, burritos, molcajetes (a traditional stone mortar piled high with a selection of meat) and more in a lively urban setting. It’s also home to live mariachi bands, Día de Muertos celebrations, and shows both football (American-style) and fútbol (aka soccer) at the bar.
7. El Rinconcito Latino
In addition to Mexican tortas (sandwiches), fajitas and tacos, El Rinconcito Latino in Selma serves Honduran cuisine. Check out the “Catracho Style” section of the menu for banana leaf-wrapped tamales, baleadas (similar to a quesadilla, housemade flour tortillas are stuffed with beans, cheese and meat, then folded and griddled), pupusas (cheese and fried pork encased in a cornmeal wrapper, griddled and served with slaw) and more.
Get to Know the Triangle East
Want to learn more about living and working in Smithfield, Selma and the Triangle East region? Check out the latest edition of Livability Triangle East, North Carolina.