Eric's Grille — Restaurant in Southport

I chanced upon Eric’s Grille by happenstance when my first choice of breakfast was closed. It must’ve been an act of God himself because I have never been so impressed.

Let me preface this by saying I am incredulous of most eateries. I have worked in fine dining and the food industry for over ten years. I have had the pleasure of working under James Beard nominees and winners as well as TVs “Master Chefs”. I rarely go out these days because in most instances, my own food satisfies me and my partner more than dining out.

Sometimes, however, I have to take a break or experience something that I can’t duplicate. My weakness is a country diner, because it harkens me back to the days of going out for breakfast with my Grandfather in rural NC. Today was one of those days where a break from cooking was in order.

We stopped into Eric’s Grille and were greeted with a resounding “good morning” from a beaming cashier. We turned to leave after noticing the “cash only” sign to which I was immediately directed to an ATM in the corner of the dining area.

The menu was simple but all encompassing; various platters with eggs, home fries, toast, and meat options. Biscuits and gravy seemed like a recent addition on a hand written sign under the marquee.

I ordered two eggs, home fries, link sausage, a biscuit, and a pancake. The food arrived in less than six minutes. No joke. No exaggeration. It took longer to cool down than it did prepare. The food runner joked that it was “faster than fast food and probably cheaper”. He wasn’t wrong.

My food was perfect. Not too greasy and masterfully flavorful. I generally don’t like paprika dressed home fries (personal preference) but I downed them immediately. There was no hint of brown on my eggs, either. After working fine dining and breakfast cafes that literally didn’t serve eggs that were browned this has always been a point of skepticism.

The crowning point was the link sausage. It was a big fat juicy link of country sausage; something I hadn’t seen in over 15 years when my grandfather was still around. I don’t even know where to get the stuff but it made me wanna cry happy tears at the nostalgia alone. Writing this, I still do.

Now, I could tell Eric runs a tight ship. He manned the grill and pushed orders as they were called. Staff went on breaks, expedited food, and were all in great spirits. Throughout the cooking and constant cycling of diners, he found the time to stop by our table and say hello and check on our reception.

The man is an artist and he has found his calling. It’s been years since I’ve eaten anywhere and been this impressed and the fact my partner and I got a hot filling meal and coffees, lightning quick, for $20 is astounding.

Definitely a place worth checking out. I look forward to my next visit and plan to make this a routine stop on my future visits to the Southport / Oak...

The moment I opened the door I immediately knew I’d chosen the right spot for lunch by the line all the way to it! This place is inside a Walmart shopping center although you’d swear you were downtown somewhere in the mid 90s once inside which was one of my favorite things about it. The owner was manning the grill himself like it should be turning out orders every few minutes! My lunch consisted of Bacon Cheeseburger and chili cheese fries, the burger was very filling I’d guess 1/4LB or so it didn’t have as much smash/sear as I’d typically prefer but is a great burger nonetheless and the chili cheese fries were amazing! Eric has built an awesome business, greeting customers by name, definitely worth trying if you’re in the Southport/Oak...

if you are a local you'll probably love this place. seems to be the case around here. if you're from here, your standards are very low. If you are considering this place, and you're not from here, and you don't want an owner who makes absolutely NOTHING from scratch, only takes cash so he can cheat on his taxes, yells at employees and customers, then there are better options. If you are a fan of things from a bag and can tossed on a grill and you like people being treated poorly, have at it.

To the person who said this is a throwback to a retro diner? What?? Never been to a retro diner that serves on paper plates. Where are these retro diners? Even Denny's uses real plates and...