North Carolina Food Feast! 7 Non-Underwhelming Spots – Big Portions

North Carolina isn’t cheap, but these spots deliver huge portions and solid value. Here’s my quick roundup: 1️⃣ V's Kitchen📍 Durham🍽️ Oxtails – $22📝 We split an oxtail rice bowl for three, with 2 sides and cornbread. The three massive oxtail chunks were tender, falling off the bone, and packed with flavor. Even the little one gnawed on a big piece, begging to take leftovers back to NYC! Sides were just okay, and the cornbread was a bit dry, though 😐. 2️⃣ Pinky's📍 Charlotte🍔 Pinky's Burger – $13📝 Made famous by Guy Fieri, this local hot spot is known for its pepper cheese burgers 🔥. We were shocked by the size – sides were almost as big as the main! A brioche bun stuffed with a double thick patty, cheese, and meat crumbles. One bite is satisfying, but it’s rich. The fried zucchini fries? Thin, juicy, and amazing 🥒. 3️⃣ Bar-B-Q King📍 Charlotte🍗 1/2 Fried Chicken – $13📝 Drive-in only – order via intercom, no indoor seating. Every spot has an intercom and tiny table, so no need to get out of the car. Food gets delivered right to your window! We got the signature sauced half-chicken, with fries, pickled slaw, and a roll. Perfect for sharing with the whole family. The chicken was juicy, cooked to perfection, and that secret sauce? So refreshingly tangy 🐔. 4️⃣ Pho Hien Vuong📍 Greensboro🍜 No. 2 & 4📝 Heard this Vietnamese spot is legendary – busy enough to expand to 3 locations! Even on a weekday at 6 PM, the parking lot was packed. We split two bowls for three people – portions were huge, especially the meat slices. But the broth? Mildly sweet, just “okay,” and not hot enough. Skip unless you’re really craving Asian flavors . 5️⃣ N.C. Seafood📍 RaleighCombo – $28 A budget-friendly seafood fast-casual spot in the Raleigh Farmers Market. Lunch crowds are big, but turnover is quick. This $30 combo of fried cod and scallops? Massive – enough to feed the whole family. Crispy, fresh, and worth it 🦪. 6️⃣ Home Plate Restaurant📍 Durham Grilled Chicken Plate – $10 A cozy Southern diner near Duke – lines during peak times, but worth it. Staff is super friendly, and food comes out fast, so it’s always fresh. We shared a grilled chicken plate and a pork chop. Everything arrived piping hot, simple but delicious. My daughter loved the baked beans . 7️⃣ Beasley's Chicken + Honey📍 Raleigh🧇 Chicken + Waffle – $23📝 A must-try for Southern fried chicken and waffles! This downtown spot has rave reviews, and you can pick your chicken pieces (white/ dark meat mix – a win for us!). The chicken? Thin, crispy batter, juicy meat. Warm waffles? Fluffy. And the tiny side of pickled slaw? Chef’s kiss . #GlobalFoodCritics #StreetFoodHunt #NCFood #CharlotteNC #CharlotteFood #NCTravel #RaleighFood #CharlotteArea #NCKoreanFood #CharlotteEats #CharlotteTravel