Sutton’s At The Wrike — Restaurant in Graham

Sutton’s drug store in Chapel Hill has been a fixture for nearly 100 years. A few years ago they opened a branch office in quaint and cute Graham, NC. The space they occupy was also a drug store for decades (Wrike’s), and Sutton’s paid homage to Wrike’s by naming their new location Sutton’s at the Wrike. Hence, the odd sounding name.

Inside, you will find some very good food, an array of candy, and the largest and most diverse soda selection I’ve seen in my life. They have every imaginable minor brand bottled soda from yesteryear and today. If they still make it, Sutton’s at the Wrike has it.

As for the food, it is difficult for me to resist a Patty Melt, so I ordered theirs along with a hot dog All the Way. The Patty Melt was very good, with just the right amount of onions, a nice-sized burger patty, and it was grilled perfectly. Be advised that they add mushrooms and 1000 Island dressing to their version of the Patty Melt. Oddly, mine didn’t have mushrooms, though. The patty was the slightest bit overdone, but it all still tasted very good.

The hot dog All the Way was excellent. The bun was lightly toasted, the wiener was good, and both the chili and slaw were tasty.

Sutton’s at the Wrike is worth a stop if you’re in the Graham area if for no other reason than to see their impressive soda collection. And you can also get a very good lunch while...

Went in by myself, waited 15 minutes to order while the two parties that came in after me placed their orders and started eating. My one sandwich and nothing else took another 20 minutes to stack together. Pressed for time I asked for a to go box for clearly the whole sandwich, but was snidely handed a tiny side box not even large enough for a half of it, and was told it was all they had despite also having to go as an option. When I asked for tin foil instead, which I got with no issues last time, I was handed one sheet of wax paper. All the while the staff are clearly trying not to be the ones to notice me. I’m a waiter myself and normally over tip, as I did last time I ate here, but they saw reason to assume I wasn’t worth their immediate attention. I left the uneaten sandwich and cash for the bill, which was more than they were entitled to after this. Another business in this town that is picky about how their customers should look because just like the soda shop around the corner they look you up and down to see if you’re good down home country folk or whatever before they decide what level of welcome you feel. This place is small enough that one waiter could handle it but three of theirs can’t cope with one guy by himself...

A wonderful little spot directly on the city square. I went with a friend of mine for a quick bite to eat and we both thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The staff is absolutely wonderful. My friend, who is allergic to soy and peanuts, had concerns if whether or not they may be able to help us out. The waitress, who was wonderful, took the time to speak to the cook and the two of them, working like a team, immediately sprang into action, checking on the oil used, butter, down to even the bread. Needless to say, once allergens were addressed we truly enjoyed the fare. I had a Roy’s Ruben and my friend Piled High Pastrami. I also added a side of fried sweet potatoes with this amazing cinnamon sauce. Truly a memorable experience. I highly recommend that if in need of a quick bite to eat… this is the spot. But if you are able, slow down and take the time to enjoy both the wonderful staff and tasty offerings from the menu as well as the many specialty items that are shelved on the walls.

Two thumbs up!👍👍

Thank you, Suttons...