Two NC restaurants rank among the South’s top ‘bucket list’ destinations. Here’s why
Two North Carolina restaurants are crave-worthy — and rank among the South’s top “bucket list” destinations, a new report finds.
Tupelo Honey in Asheville joins the Angus Barn in Raleigh on a list of top 15 restaurants that Southern Living readers can’t wait to try.
“One of our favorite reasons to travel within our region is in search of the best restaurants,” the magazine wrote in a March 4 report. “Our regional cuisine, from soul food to barbecue, is famous around the world. And while many try to replicate our food, nothing comes close to comparing to the excellent dishes you can try at legendary restaurants across the South.”
The magazine said it created the rankings as it sought to find out which Southern restaurants top people’s “bucket lists.” In late February, it posed the question on Facebook, garnering about 200 comments and dozens of reactions. Editors studied the responses and restaurants’ online reviews as they determined the winners, a spokesperson told McClatchy News via email.
What makes the NC restaurants desirable?
Asheville is no stranger to being recognized for its food and beer scene, having ranked on several national lists before Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on the city in September. The flagship Tupelo Honey location, which was damaged in the storm, is now open and receiving praise for its “farm-to-table, scratch-made” food.
“The widely popular operation has expanded with more than 20 locations,” the magazine wrote. “The original, located in downtown Asheville, remains a bucket list destination for many in search of authentic Southern eats, including the restaurant’s Famous Fried Chicken (served honey-dusted or with a sweet tea glaze) and Tupelo Shrimp & Grits, with chorizo, Creole sauce, and goat cheese.”
Meanwhile, Southern Living readers also think the Angus Barn is one of the region’s most desirable places to eat. The steakhouse, located on Glenwood Avenue near the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, is known for its holiday decor and chocolate chess pie.
“The Raleigh institution is known across the state (and the region) for its expertly prepared grilled steaks, available in nine different cuts with six different sauce and topping options,” the magazine wrote. “Open since 1960, the restaurant has since expanded to include Wild Turkey lounge, smoking lounge, banquet rooms, and two private dining venues to accommodate its rapidly growing fan base.”
Joining North Carolina restaurants on the list were dining destinations across the South, including in the culinary hot spots of New Orleans and Charleston, South Carolina. The winners weren’t listed in ranked order.
In the past, Southern Living has told McClatchy News it focuses on the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.
This story was originally published March 7, 2025 at 7:03 AM with the headline "Two NC restaurants rank among the South’s top ‘bucket list’ destinations. Here’s why."
