Famous Charlotte Eatery Sign Part Of New North Carolina Exhibit
Plaza Midwood Library celebrated a big night this month. Their “Signs & Times Plaza Midwood” exhibit opened. And, the unique display features a famous Charlotte eatery sign. The library display is now home to the iconic Penguin restaurant sign. WCNC reports the Plaza Midwood Neighborhood Association along with the Plaza Midwood Merchants Association and WhirlyPig Design came together for to make the exhibit happen. Also, the Plaza Midwood Library sign features historic photographs and signs from other Plaza Midwood businesses. Furthermore, the library plans to make the exhibit a permanent fixture at the branch.
The Penguin originally opened in 1954. And, for many years the spot enjoyed tremendous success. They even had a visit from the famed “Diners Drive-Ins and Dives” hosted by celebrity chef Guy Fieri. However, the famous eatery suffered various problems through the years. Eventually, the famous spot closed in 2014. Now, the Penquin Drive In calls Dilworth home. The new location opened in 2022 at 1531 East Blvd. And, they still offer the fried pickles that made them famous. Plus, diners can enjoy a menu packed with wings, salads and burgers. The new location also added some updated menu changes. This includes some Asian inspired flavors such as a seared Ahi tuna and ramen bowls. The new Penquin seats between 150-160 people inside with an additional 75 people on an outdoor patio. Plus, there’s a full bar and coffee bar. But it’s nice to know there’s still a piece of the original famous landmark hanging around. So, take time to check out the famous Charlotte eatery sign that’s part of this new exhibit.
List of All North Carolina Restaurants Featured on the Food Network
I love watching the Food Network. I watch so many shows that inspire me to make ridiculously complicated meals, but I also watch the classics like “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and my new favorite, “Food Paradise”. These shows inspire me to not only travel but try out new places to eat in North Carolina.
You can find plenty of good restaurants in North Carolina, and thanks to the Food Network, everyone knows about them. A team at TVfoodmaps.com has created a list of every restaurant that has appeared on a popular show on the network. As we looked at the top TV North Carolina restaurant choices, we grabbed a plate and sharpened our fork and knife.
You will find a variety of North Carolina restaurants serving everything from barbecue to seafood, and everything in between. Restaurants can be found from Wilmington to Charlotte, from fancy spots in Raleigh to hidden gems in Hickory. Sadly though, some of these favorite spots have permanently closed. We removed those from our list. However, with over 100 different restaurants to choose from, you might want to save room for dessert.
So let’s take a look at ALL the North Carolina restaurants that made the list from being on Food Network shows. Be sure to send us a message if you try out one of these spots. Enjoy!
Pinky's Westside Grill
One of my favs! Located at 1600 West Morehead Street, Charlotte, North Carolina this restaurant was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives Racing Through Charlotte for their dynamite burgers and a unique spin on shrimp. they were also featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives Takeout: Funky Finds in ‘da House.
Landmark Restaurant Diner
A hidden gem in the Queen City. Located at 4429 Central Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina this spot was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives Fresh and Funky.
LANDMARK DINER
OVER 30+ YEARS SERVING GREATER CHARLOTTE For over 30 years Landmark Diner is serving up some of the most exceptional NY Diner inspired entries. Offering up everything from Italian, Greek, Traditional American, Breakfast, Desserts and so much more!
The Pit Authentic Barbecue
Located at 328 West Davie Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. This restaurant was featured on FOUR different food shows. These include America’s Best American Classics – Best NC-style Pig, Man vs Food North Carolina, TDOWN
Throwdown with Bobby Flay North Carolina and UNIQ Unique Eats BBQ.Bar-B-Q King
Located right here in Charlotte at 2900 Wilkinson Boulevard, This BBQ stop was featured on Best Thing I Ever Ate All American and Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives BBQ.
https://www.facebook.com/barbqking/posts/3176535875693625
Cabo Fish Taco
Fancy a fish taco? Located in the heart of NoDa, Cabo Fish Taco was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives
Bringin’ It Home.Salty Caper Wood Fired Pizza
Located at 115 South Lee Street, Salisbury, North Carolina. This was seen on Food Paradise Deep Fried Paradise 4. They offer customers deep-fried calzones.
Something Fishy Seafood
Located at 3436 South College Road, Wilmington, North Carolina. The restaurant was on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives
Seafood and Savory. It is a down-home Southern seafood spot cooking up clam chowder and frying up favorites.Beasley's Chicken + Honey
Their brunch is so good. I had the chicken and waffles once here and my God were they delicious. Located at 237 S Wilmington Street in Raleigh, North Carolina this chicken hot spot was featured on Food Paradise Classic Combos on the Food Network.
Charlie Graingers
BBQ here we come! Located at 248 Union Square Northwest, Hickory, North Carolina is this yummy spot. Featured on the Food Network’s show Food Paradise. The hotdogs look great!
Joe's Oasis
Located at 6400 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington, North Carolina. This food network was on Joe’s Oasis.
Seoul Food Meat Company
Right here in Charlotte, North Carolina off Church Street is Seoul Food Meat Company! I love this place, it is so yummy and fun. The restaurant was seen on Man vs Food. It now has two locations in the Queen City area.
Terry's NC Bar-B Que & Ribs
Located at 4688 Long Beach Road Southeast, Southport in North Carolina. This spot was featured on Man vs Food.
CheeseSmith
Located at 624 South 17th Street, Wilmington, North Carolina is CheeseSmith. This eatery was shown on Best Thing I Ever Ate On Wheels via the Food Network. The item everyone loves? The Fanny Slater Buffalo Baby Grilled Cheese. Yum!
Pinpoint Restaurant
Located at 114 Market Street, Wilmington, North Carolina. This restaurant was featured on Best Thing I Ever Ate
Life Changers. The item? Everyone loves the Fanny Slater Catfish and Grits.Pizzeria Toro
Located at 105 East Chapel Hill Street, Durham, North Carolina. This restaurant was featured on the Food Network’s Best Thing I Ever Ate: Fried and Gone to Heaven. The item featured was the Pati Jinich Crispy Pig Ears. I’m not so sure about that, but I guess don’t knock it until you try it!
Winnie's Tavern
A great bar and grill, Winnie’s Tavern is located at 1895 Burnett Boulevard, Wilmington, North Carolina. This year it celebrated its 60th anniversary. The tavern was featured on Best Thing I Ever Ate Stacked. The item was the Fanny Slater Trailer Park Burger. Yum!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZHYNEorzEP/
Asheville Sandwich Company
This place was featured on Food Paradise Most Valuable Plates. Located at 794 Haywood Road, Asheville, North Carolina.
Koka Booth Amphitheatre
This place has some yummy hot cocoa. Located at 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary, North Carolina. This food spot was shown on Food Paradise Off the Beaten Q.
Ceviche's
Located at 7210 Wrightsville Avenue, Wilmington, North Carolina. This is one funky joint cooking up the flavors of Panama. Ceviche’s was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives Lights-Out Latin.
Cast Iron Kitchen
Anything cooked in a cast iron is a go for me. Located at 8024 Market Street, Wilmington, North Carolina this food spot was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives BBQ Bites and Southern Flavor.
Cast Iron Kitchen - Wilmington, NC
Chef/Owner, Josh Petty, was born in Burlington, NC and was brought up in a family that loved to cook. He developed an appreciation of cooking from his mother and grandmothers, from whom he learned and became passionate about food and the joy of serving others.
The Copper Penny
Located at 109 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, North Carolina this restaurant was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives Pizza, Pork, and Peru. They make standout sandwiches bring a taste of Philly to the South.
The Fork 'N' Cork
Located at 122 Market Street, Wilmington, North Carolina this restaurant was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives
Grab and Grub. They have spicin’ up duck wings and poppin’ bite-size beef Wellington.Baucom's Best
Fan of some chicken? Check out Baucom’s Best located at 1002 Baucom Road, Monroe, North Carolina. This was shown on Crave Fied Chicken: Deep Fried Love in a Bucket. On his quest to satisfy his insatiable craving, Troy gnaws on drumsticks in Charlotte, N.C.
B's Barbecue
Located at 751 State Road 1204, Greenville, North Carolina. This place was seen on Food Paradise Hog Heaven. They have a Whole hog BBQ!
Duke's Grill
Located at 1114 Concord Avenue, Monroe, North Carolina. This restaurant /grill was featured on the Food Network’s Burger Land Carolina Style Burgers. Go to is the burger with chili and slaw.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2690271354588416&id=1961808110768081
Sweet n Savory Cafe
Located at 1611 Pavilion Place, Wilmington, North Carolina this is a bakery-restaurant making major meatloaf and frying up French toast with a fantastic twist. It was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives East Coast, West Coast.
Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn WILMINGTON LOCATION
Located at 4002 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina. This show was featured at Man vs Food Wilmington and also on Best Thing I Ever Ate Thanksgiving.
Village Tavern
This place sounds fun. Featured on Guilty Pleasures Golden Fried and Delicious you have to try their Hot Crab Dip. This tavern is located at 221 Reynolda Village, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Salud Beer Shop
Located at 3306 North Davidson Street, Charlotte, North Carolina. This place was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives Not Your Typical Joints. They have some yummy Crazy Waffle Sandwiches!
10 Park Lanes
Located at 1700 Montford Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina. This establishment not only has bowling but some delicious desserts. They have featured on Guilty Pleasures Big Game Big Eats with their Lane Buster Brownie Sundae.
Sam Jones BBQ
This location is found at 715 West Fire Tower Road, Winterville, North Carolina. It was featured on Best Thing I Ever Ate Low and Slow with the Justin Brunson Whole Hog Pork Sandwich. It was also featured on Food Paradise Fire It Up Greenville, North Carolina.
The Swag
Located at 2300 Swag Road, Waynesville, North Carolina. The Swag was featured on the Food Network’s Top 5 Restaurants Best Romantic Food. They had #2- Banana Pudding Pie.
MoonRunners Saloon
Located at 1506 U.S. 70 Business, Garner, North Carolina. This saloon was featured on Bar Rescue Characters Assassination. According to TV Food Maps, Jon deals with a Yankee family who is having trouble adapting to a more Dixie environment, mostly because the brother is a hot-head who verbally insults his family and staff, and the other members wear ridiculous costumes to support one of the worst concepts Jon has seen to date. The episode also had a flashback to the infamous Piratz Tavern episode.
Neal's Deli
Located at 100 East Main Street, Carrboro, North Carolina. This was featured on Unique Eats Delis.
The Original Salt Works
Located at 6301 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina. It was shown on the Food Network’s Restaurant Impossible Salt Works II.
Sweet Potatoes
607 Trade Street Northwest, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Sweet Potatoes was featured on Guilty Pleasures
Thanksgiving Madness. Their go-to is their Sweet Potato Bread Pudding. Sounds delicious.Heist Brewery
Located at 2909 North Davidson Street, Charlotte, North Carolina. They have some good beer and were featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives From North to South America. People say you need to check out their Bacon Jam Burgers and Duck Confit Flatbreads.
Pepero
Located at 10920 Monroe Road, Matthews, North Carolina Pepero was featured on Eden Eats. It is a Korean restaurant. You can see more on the spot here.
Lantern
A marriage between North Carolina ingredients and Asian flavors. It is located at 423 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It was seen on Unique Eats via the Food Network.
Grand Asia Market
Located in Stallings, North Carolina this spot was featured on Eden Eats Charlotte.
Original Flying Burrito
This spot is located at 4800 Grove Barton Road, Raleigh, North Carolina. It was seen on Food Paradise Burrito Paradise Carolina for their pulled pork burrito.
The Pig
Located at 630 Weaver Dairy Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It was featured on Rachael Ray $40 a Day.
Sunni Sky's Homemade Ice Cream
Let’s all scream for some ice cream! Located at 8617 North Carolina 55, Angier, North Carolina this spot was featured on Food Paradise Hot and Spicy Paradise 2. This is a small country shop is a family-friendly hotspot that serves more than 100 flavors of ice cream, including 2 that have gone nuclear Cold Sweat and Exit Wound.
The Siena Hotel, Autograph Collection
Located at 1505 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It was featured on Food Paradise Hotel Hotspots with its Green chile meatloaf. They were also featured on Rachael Ray – $40 a Day!
Bollywood Bites - Indian Vegetarian & Vegan
This yummy restaurant is located at 551 North Polk Street, Pineville, North Carolina. It was featured on Eden Eats Charlotte and is Indian cuisine.
JJ's Red Hots
Ready for the hot dog of the month? JJ’s which is here in Charlotte was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives Swiss Sandwiches Sausage for amazing hot dogs. It is located at 1514 East Boulevard, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Papi Queso Streatery (Food Truck)
Located in Charlotte, North Carolina. This food truck was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives for their Swiss Sandwiches Sausage, and Gourmet Grilled Cheeses.
The Rhu
Located at 10 South Lexington Avenue, Asheville, North Carolina. This Chinese restaurant was featured on Rachael Ray – $40 a Day.
Smoke Bomb Grille
Located at 9th Infantry Street, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. It was featured on Restaurant Impossible Military Impossible.
Restaurant Revisited - Military: Impossible at Green Beret Club
Find out how Green Beret Club is doing after its transformation on Food Network's Restaurant: Impossible.
Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen
Located at 1305 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It was featured on Food Paradise
Drive-Thru Paradise for their Biscuit sandwiches including the chicken and cheddar. Yum!Bang Bang Burgers
Located at 2001 East 7th Street, Charlotte, North Carolina. It was featured on the Food Network show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives Beef Lamb Pig. They serve up some bold and unique burgers.
Vin Rouge
Located at 2010 Hillsborough Road, Durham, North Carolina. This restaurant was featured on Best Thing I Ever Ate
French Favorites.The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
Located at 640 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, North Carolina. This ice cream cafe was featured on Unique Sweets
Awesome Asheville Sweets. They offer unique yet delicious ice cream flavors you could imagine.Sweet Tea's Restaurant and Catering
Located at 9101 Pineville-Matthews Road, Pineville, North Carolina. This restaurant was featured on Restaurant Impossible Sweet Tea.
Intermezzo
Located at 1427 East 10th Street, Charlotte, North Carolina. This restaurant was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives Intercontinental Flavorfest. They have some good Serbian pizza places dishing out European-style calzones and a stuffed cabbage specialty.
Lexington Barbecue
Located at 100 Smokehouse Lane, Lexington, North Carolina. This show was featured on Food Paradise BBQ Paradise.
Barbecue Restaurant | Lexington, NC - Lexington Barbecue
Enjoy delicious meals at Lexington Barbecue. We are a barbecue restaurant in Lexington, NC, serving Western-style Carolina BBQ since 1962.
Uncle Julio's Mexican From Scratch
Located at 8030 Renaissance Parkway, Durham, North Carolina. It was featured on Unique Eats Chocolate. They make authentic fajitas and made from scratch chocolate piñatas. Yummy!
The Beefmastor Inn
Located at 2656 U.S. 301, Wilson, North Carolina. This restaurant was featured on Food Paradise Steak-Stravaganza. They have ribeye steaks cut and cooked to order.
Asheville City Market
Located at 54 North Market Street, Asheville, North Carolina. Featured on Rachael Ray – $40 a Day.
DaisyCakes
Featured on Man vs Food Durham edition! This eatery is located at 401 Foster Street, Durham, North Carolina.
https://www.facebook.com/mattadurham/posts/10158550237101281
Caribbean Hut
Featured on the TV show Eden Eats Charlotte. It is located at 9609 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Arepas Grill
Located at 4740 Old Pineville Road, Charlotte, North Carolina. This grill was seen on Eden Eats Charlotte.
Mama Dip's Kitchen
Seen on Food Paradise Soul Food Paradise. Fun fact about the eatery, Mama Dip first learned to cook watching family members make meals by using the dump cooking method. Dump cooking means no recipe — just measure by eye, feel and taste. located at 408 West Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Dain's Place
This location is at 754 9th Street, Durham, North Carolina. It was featured on Man vs Food Durham. For over 10 years Dain’s Place has been the best spot in Durham for people who want excellent pub food and craft beer in a quaint, local setting.
The Skylight Inn
Located at 4618 Lee Street, Ayden, North Carolina. This space was seen on Food Paradise BBQ Paradise 2P for their plled pork and pan-fried cornbread. The Skylight Inn was also featured on Top 5 Restaurants Best BBQ number 3 in America known for their whole hog pork plate. Wow!
Ortega'z Southwestern Grill and Wine Bar
This place is located at 201 Sir Walter Raleigh Street, Manteo, North Carolina. It was seen on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives Matches Made In Heaven. Owners are a husband and wife tag-teaming in the kitchen to deliver on soft shell crab quesadilla, tuna tacos, and shrimp and chorizo.
Weeping Radish Farm Brewery
This brewery is located at 6810 Caratoke Highway, Grandy, North Carolina. It was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives Savory Sensations. It is a farm-to-table German joint-rolling out the Reubens and a cheesy baked potato soup.
12 Bones Smokehouse RIVER
Located at 5 Foundy Street, Asheville, North Carolina. This restaurant was featured on Top 5 Restaurants
Best Ribs for their #4 – Fruit and Chipotle Ribs and Food Paradise Sandwich Paradise 3 for their Hogzilla sandwich stuffed with sugar bacon, homemade bratwurst, pulled pork, and pepper jack cheese on a hoagie roll.The Tin Kitchen
Located at 525 N Tryon St, Charlotte, North Carolina. This place was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives Racing Through Charlotte. If you like funky food trucks firing up tasty flavors like chana masala tacos and buffalo cauliflower sliders try this place out.
Pit Road Bar & Grill
Want to visit a bar and grill? Located at 2330 Tipton Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina this spot was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives Racing Through Charlotte. It has a go-kart track and serves revved-up sandwiches like steak with fig preserves and smoking hot chicken.
Prohibition Bar
This location was featured on Drinking Made Easy Charlotte. It was located at 200 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina. Prohibition is a great combination of a speak-easy prohibition-style with a modern twist. They offer a great vibe and some truly original drinks.
Elmo's Diner
Located at 776 9th Street, Durham, North Carolina. This diner was featured on Rachael Ray – $40 a Day.
French Broad Chocolate Lounge
Who wants some chocolate? Located at 10 South Pack Square, Asheville, North Carolina. It was featured on Unique Sweets Chocolate. They have addictive Chocolate Mocha Stout cake with dark chocolate, coffee, and local stout beer.
Nosh
Located at 2812 Erwin Road, Durham, North Carolina. This restaurant was featured on Man vs Food Durham.
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
Located at 4310 Sharon Road, Charlotte, North Carolina. I love their sushi! They were featured on Food Paradise
Burger Paradise 3. Cowfish claims to have the first and only Sushi Burger Bar. An interesting combination that works!The Plaid Penguin
Located at 1101 North Brevard Street, Charlotte, North Carolina. This restaurant was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives Blue Plate Special, and Man vs Food Nation Charlotte.
dish
Located at 1220 Thomas Avenue, Charlotte, North dish is a Plaza Midwood legend. They were featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives Comfort Food Classics.
South 21 Drive In
Located at 3101 East Independence Boulevard, Charlotte, North Carolina, This place was featured on two Food Network shows. These include Burger Land Carolina Style Burgers for their 2 thin burgers and 2 slices of cheese and Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.
Diner | 1, Charlotte | South 21 Jr.
South 21 Jr is a classic American Diner serving fresh, high-quality food to Charlotte since 1955.
The Biltmore
Yes, they have food there! Featured on Rachael Ray – $40 a Day the Biltmore is located at 1 Lodge Street, Asheville, North Carolina.
Black Pelican Oceanfront Restaurant
Located at 3848 North Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This restaurant was featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives Land to Sea.
Tortugas Lie
Love seafood? Check out Tortugas Lie located at 3016 South Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, North Carolina. Featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives Layers of Flavor for their surfer sport for great Caribbean flavors.
Tortugas Lie
Backyard BBQ Pit
Located at 5122 North Carolina 55, Durham, North Carolina. This place was featured on Man vs Food Durham’s. It is the only open-pit BBQ.
https://www.sweetribs.com/Home
The Roast Grill
Located at 7 South West Street, Raleigh, North Carolina. This restaurant was featured in Man vs Food North Carolina edition.
Time-Out Restaurant: East Franklin
Located at 201 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This spot was featured on Man vs Food North Carolina for their Chicken & Cheddar Biscuit. Yummy!
Early Girl Eatery
Located at 8 Wall Street, Asheville, North Carolina this eatery was featured on two shows. These include Rachael Ray – $40 a Day and Food Paradise Asheville, North Carolina.
Jake's Good Eats
Featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives Grilled, Smoked, And Sauced. This spot is located at 12721 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, North Carolina.
