Eat Good, Eat Black-Owned
Food & Drink in the Carolinas
From Lowcountry boils to Afro-Appalachian cuisine, Black-owned vineyards to legendary soul food institutions — this is your guide to eating well across North & South Carolina.
Soul Food
Comfort on a Plate
Soul food is more than a meal — it's memory, love, and resilience served hot. These Carolina institutions have been feeding communities for generations, and every bite tells a story.
Bertha's Kitchen
InstitutionCharleston, SC
A North Charleston legend since 1981. The steam table is loaded daily with fried chicken, okra soup, lima beans, and cornbread that'll make you call your grandmother.
Mama Dip's Kitchen
LegendaryChapel Hill, NC
Mildred 'Mama Dip' Council built this landmark from scratch in 1976. The fried chicken, sweet potato pie, and hand-rolled biscuits are the stuff of legend.
Leah & Louise
Award-WinningCharlotte, NC
Chef Greg Collier's love letter to the Black South — smoked meats, creative sides, and cocktails rooted in African-American culinary tradition. James Beard nominated.
Hannibal's Kitchen
Community StapleCharleston, SC
A Eastside Charleston staple for over 40 years. The rice and beans, oxtails, and fried pork chops are as authentic as it gets in the Lowcountry.
Fine Dining
Elevated Southern Tables
A new generation of Black chefs is redefining Southern fine dining — honoring heritage while pushing every boundary. These are the tables worth dressing up for.
Benne on Eagle
Must-VisitAsheville, NC
Chef Ashleigh Shanti's Afro-Appalachian tasting menu is a masterclass in reclaiming a culinary narrative. Located in The Block, Asheville's historic Black cultural district.
Husk
James BeardCharleston, SC
James Beard Award-winning Sean Brock's temple to Southern ingredients. Everything on the menu was grown or raised in the South — the menu changes daily.
Kindred
National AcclaimDavidson, NC
Joe and Katy Kindred's intimate restaurant has earned national acclaim for its inventive take on Southern comfort food. The milk bread alone is worth the drive.
The Ordinary
Stunning SpaceCharleston, SC
Set in a stunning 1927 bank building, this seafood hall celebrates the bounty of the Carolina coast with a menu that changes with the tides.
Coastal Eats
Fresh from Carolina Waters
The Carolinas sit on some of the richest seafood waters on the East Coast. From Lowcountry boils to raw oyster bars, here's where to eat the freshest catch.
Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks
Dockside FreshHilton Head, SC
Boats unload their catch right outside. The shrimp, flounder, and she-crab soup are as fresh as it gets anywhere on the East Coast.
Bowens Island Restaurant
IconicCharleston, SC
A true Lowcountry institution — roasted oysters served on a shovel in a ramshackle waterfront shack. No frills, all flavor, unforgettable experience.
Dockside Restaurant
River ViewsWilmington, NC
Perched over the Cape Fear River, Dockside serves the freshest local catch with views that match the food. The crab dip is legendary.
Sea Captain's House
Since 1954Myrtle Beach, SC
Oceanfront dining since 1954. The she-crab soup and fresh-caught flounder have made this a Grand Strand institution for generations of families.
Cocktail Culture
Sip in Style
The Carolina cocktail scene is thriving — and Black-owned bars and lounges are leading the way. These are the spots to settle in, sip slow, and stay a while.
Dashi
Black-OwnedDurham, NC
A sleek craft cocktail bar in downtown Durham with a menu that changes seasonally. The team sources local spirits and creates drinks that feel like art.
The Gin Joint
Craft CocktailsCharleston, SC
Tucked into a narrow alley in downtown Charleston, this intimate bar is famous for its creative gin cocktails and knowledgeable bartenders.
Burial Beer Co.
Award-WinningAsheville, NC
More than a brewery — Burial is a community gathering place with award-winning craft beers, a stunning taproom, and a commitment to social justice.
Gervais & Vine
Black-OwnedColumbia, SC
A beloved wine bar and tapas spot in the Vista district. The curated wine list celebrates small producers, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
Wine Trail
The Yadkin Valley Wine Trail
North Carolina's Premier Wine Country
North Carolina's Yadkin Valley is the state's first federally recognized American Viticultural Area — and it's producing world-class wines. The rolling Piedmont hills are home to over 40 wineries, including several Black-owned and Black-operated estates that are rewriting the story of American wine.
Cocoa Tip
Plan a weekend: stay at a Yadkin Valley inn, do two or three tastings per day, and end each evening with a farm-to-table dinner. The drive between wineries is half the experience.
Shelton Vineyards
Dobson, NC
The largest family-owned estate winery in NC — 400 acres of stunning vineyard with a full restaurant and inn on site.
RayLen Vineyards
Mocksville, NC
Award-winning Yadkin Valley winery known for its Carolinius red blend and beautiful tasting room.
Childress Vineyards
Lexington, NC
NASCAR legend Richard Childress's stunning winery produces acclaimed Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc.
McRitchie Winery
Thurmond, NC
A small-production winery focused on Rhône-style varietals with breathtaking mountain views.
Food Festivals
Celebrate Around the Table
The Carolinas host some of the South's best food festivals — many celebrating Black culinary traditions, Gullah Geechee foodways, and the region's extraordinary agricultural bounty.
Charleston Wine + Food Festival
One of the nation's premier food and wine festivals, celebrating the Lowcountry's extraordinary culinary scene with chef dinners, tastings, and demos.
Taste of Charlotte
Three days of food, music, and community in Uptown Charlotte. Over 60 local restaurants showcase the Queen City's diverse dining scene.
Gullah Festival
A celebration of Gullah Geechee culture including traditional foods, crafts, music, and storytelling. One of the most authentic cultural experiences in the South.
NC BBQ Festival
Lexington is the BBQ capital of NC — and this festival draws pitmasters from across the state to celebrate the state's beloved whole-hog tradition.
Euphoria Greenville
A boutique food, wine, and music festival in downtown Greenville featuring celebrity chefs, intimate dinners, and live performances.
Raleigh Food & Wine Festival
Showcasing the Triangle's booming food scene with tastings, chef competitions, and farm tours across the Research Triangle.