The South is well known for country music, sweet tea and NASCAR. But one of the biggest draws for the Southern states is the food, and North Carolina is no exception. The Tarheel State is one of the best places to try authentic Southern dishes like barbecue, ribs, grits and, of course, soul food. Whether you're touring the coast, exploring the mountains of western North Carolina or passing somewhere in between, there are plenty of authentic southern restaurants to try.
The Pit Authentic Barbecue, Raleigh 
Credit: www.facebook.com The Pit serves authentic Eastern NC-style barbecue.
The Pit Authentic Barbecue, Raleigh (Hotels nearby)
North Carolina's Oriental-style barbecue is often referred to as "everything but the squeal" because it comes from the whole pig, which is smoked and shredded and then flavoured with vinegar and a variety of spices. And The Pit, located in Raleigh's warehouse district, is one of the best places to get authentic Eastern-style barbecue. They use all locally raised pigs raised with free-range practices and fresh local produce in their entrees and sides. In addition to pork barbecue, they also serve ribs, donkey breast, fried chicken and even a barbecued tofu dish. They also suggest the perfect wine or beer to wash it all down with, or if spirits are more your style, you can choose from a wide selection of bourbon whisky.
Nana's Soul Food, Charlotte 
Credit: www.facebook.com Stop by Nana's Soul Food in Charlotte for some fried chicken.
Nana's Soul Food, Charlotte (Hotels nearby)
Nana's Soul Food was founded by the Morrison family after they moved to Charlotte and had trouble finding authentic Southern soul food. So they opened their restaurant and have been offering delicacies ever since. Choose a small plate or a large plate and then start loading it up with meats like fried chicken, pork chops, meatloaf, ribs or catfish and sides like black-eyed peas, kale, mac and cheese or sweet potatoes. Be sure to leave room for one of their authentic southern desserts like banana pudding, peach cobbler or sweet potato pie.
Sweet Potatoes, Winston Salem 
Credit: www.facebook.com Sweet Potatoes in Winston Salem serves southern-inspired, home-style cuisine.
Sweet Potatoes, Winston Salem (Nearby hotels)
Located in downtown Winston Salem, Sweet Potatoes is the brainchild of Vivian Joiner and Stephanie Tyson. This award-winning restaurant serves unique, Southern-inspired, home-style cuisine from start to finish. For an aperitif, try a fried green tomato and okra basket, fresh fried pork rinds or collard greens. Then, dive into ââa plate of pan-fried chicken, drunken pork chops, BBQ shrimp and grits, or some 'Slap Yo' Mama ribs, paired with spicy vegetables, candied sweet potatoes, horseradish mash or fried okra. And, of course, finish it off with a piece of homemade pie or cobbler.
Biscuit Head, Asheville 
Credit: www.facebook.com Biscuit Head in Asheville offers unique sandwiches such as the egg breast biscuit and the mimosa fried chicken biscuit.
Biscuit Head, Asheville (Hotels nearby)
Biscuit Head's motto is "Put a little bit of the south in your mouth" and that's exactly what you'll do when you stop there for a bite. Their menu includes unique dishes like fried catfish biscuit, mimosa fried chicken biscuit and quinoa omelette, as well as a couple of desserts like homemade granola and biscuit doughnuts that are tossed in sugar and served with lemon curd. But the uniqueness doesn't stop at just the food - finish your meal with a maple bacon latte or a sake bloody mary served with homemade pickles.
Crook's Corner Cafe and Bar, Chapel Hill 
Credit: www.facebook.com Crook's Corner in Chapel Hill is a must for Southern foodies.
Crook's Corner Cafe and Bar, Chapel Hill (Hotels nearby)
Named "hallowed ground for Southern foodies" by the New York Times, Crook's Corner in Chapel Hill offers delicious Southern food in a casual atmosphere and is a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Everything on the menu screams the South from the jalapeno-cheddar hushpuppies, fried oysters and spicy mac n' cheese to start the meal, to the shrimp and grits, tabasco chicken and Cajun ribeye steak for the main meal, and the banana pudding and frozen mint juleps for dessert.
Circa 1800, Fayetteville Credit: www.facebook.com Try the chicken and waffles circa 1800 in Fayetteville.
Circa 1800, Fayetteville (Hotels nearby)
Circa 1800 Restaurant and Bar in downtown Fayetteville is committed to bringing customers dishes made with the finest local ingredients including produce, meat, pork, honey and baked goods, as well as local beverages like craft beer and spirits. Their menu includes a lot of unique southern offerings like southern egg rolls filled with necks and pimento cheese, and house-made soup that is made from tomato broth, cabbage, country ham and black-eyed peas. You will also find many favourite main dishes such as gumbo-laya catfish, crab cakes, pork chops and Cornish roast chicken, as well as a selection of salads that are served with unique homemade dressings including bloody mary ranch, buttermilk blue basil cheese and heirloom tomato vinaigrette.The restaurant also serves brunch which has its distinctly Southern offerings such as southern omelette filled with homemade pimento cheese, bacon, onions and green vegetables, traditional chicken and waffles and, of course, shrimp and grits.