Rocky Mount, nestled in the heart of Eastern North Carolina just off I-95, is a delightful town brimming with Southern charm and, surprisingly, a vibrant food scene. Beyond its historic mill town appeal and fun activities, Rocky Mount boasts a collection of delicious restaurants waiting to be explored. If you’re on the hunt for exceptional Food In Rocky Mount Nc, prepare to be impressed.
After thoroughly exploring the local dining landscape, we’re excited to share our top picks for the best places to eat in Rocky Mount. This guide will take you through a culinary journey, from relaxed coffee spots and refined Southern cuisine to beloved local eateries. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite, a family-friendly meal, or an upscale dining experience, Rocky Mount’s diverse restaurant offerings have something to satisfy every palate.
For easy navigation, we’ve organized our recommendations into categories:
- Dining within Rocky Mount Mills
- More Fantastic Restaurants in Rocky Mount (and Nash County)
We’ll also highlight which meals each establishment serves – breakfast, lunch, brunch, and/or dinner – to help you plan your dining experiences perfectly. Get ready to discover the incredible food in Rocky Mount NC!
This guide is part of our ongoing series celebrating the amazing things to do in North Carolina, with a special focus on the Eastern region and its delectable food scene!
Whether you’re a Rocky Mount native, a regular visitor, or new to the area and wondering “Where can I find the best restaurants near me?”, this North Carolina food guide is designed to assist you in discovering your next favorite meal. Let’s dive into the delicious world of food in Rocky Mount NC!
Restaurants in Rocky Mount Mills
Rocky Mount Mills, a revitalized historic site, is not only a hub for entertainment and accommodation but also a culinary destination. It’s home to some of the most sought-after restaurants in Rocky Mount NC, offering unique dining experiences within a historically rich setting.
Books & Beans
Address: 1151 Falls Rd, Rocky Mount, NC
Owned by novelist and New York Times bestselling author, Etaf Rum, Books and Beans is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a literary and culinary experience. This unique spot combines a bookstore with a café, serving Counter Culture coffee alongside a curated selection of books. Beyond the physical space, Books and Beans fosters a vibrant online community and a virtual book club, creating a welcoming space for book lovers and coffee enthusiasts alike.
When it comes to food, Books & Beans offers a delightful menu of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, perfect for satisfying your appetite while you immerse yourself in a good book. It’s an ideal spot to grab a delicious bite and a caffeine fix in Rocky Mount Mills.
Did you know? Books and Beans is also recognized as one of our favorite bookstores in North Carolina!
Tipsy Tomato
Address: 7 East Elm St, Rocky Mount, NC
Experience pizza taken to the next level at The Tipsy Tomato. This restaurant serves gourmet wood-fired pizzas in a relaxed and family-friendly setting. The atmosphere is casual, yet the cuisine is decidedly upscale. Beyond their exceptional pizzas, The Tipsy Tomato, true to its name, boasts an impressive selection of local craft beers on tap.
The combination of outstanding food and drinks makes The Tipsy Tomato a top contender for the best places to eat in Rocky Mount NC. It’s a perfect spot for a casual dinner with friends or family.
Tap@1918
Address: 1135 Falls Rd, Rocky Mount, NC
For those seeking an upscale dining experience with a touch of Southern comfort in Rocky Mount, Tap@1918 is the perfect destination. From the same talented chef and owner behind Lou Reda’s (featured below), Tap@1918 reimagines comfort food using refined ingredients and culinary techniques.
Their menu features innovative dishes like a Pastrami Burger, house-made bratwurst, and a flavorful Pork Belly Curry, among many other enticing options. Tap@1918 offers a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience, making it a must-visit restaurant when exploring food in Rocky Mount NC.
Incredible Restaurants in Rocky Mount (and Elsewhere in Nash County)
Venturing beyond Rocky Mount Mills, you’ll discover even more culinary gems in Rocky Mount and the surrounding Nash County. Keep your appetite ready as we explore these additional amazing Rocky Mount restaurants.
Anne’s Donuts
Address: 2714 Sunset Ave, Rocky Mount, NC
A Rocky Mount institution since 1953, Anne’s Donuts continues to craft donuts the old-fashioned way. These deep-fried delights are known for their crispy exterior and soft, doughy interior. It’s widely considered that you’d be hard-pressed to find a better doughnut anywhere in North Carolina!
Whether you prefer the classic original glazed or a filled variety, indulging in Anne’s Donuts is an essential food in Rocky Mount NC experience. It’s the perfect way to start your day or enjoy a sweet treat.
Larema Coffee House
Address: 106 S Washington St, Rocky Mount, NC
Located in the heart of historic downtown Rocky Mount, Larema Coffee House is a highly recommended local favorite. The name “Larema” means “my friend” in the Acholi language of Uganda, reflecting its mission to be a welcoming gathering place for the community.
Larema features coffee roasted by Coffee Culture, and their lattes are particularly outstanding. Complement your coffee with a fresh salad, avocado toast, or a buffalo wrap to understand why this coffee house is so highly praised. It’s a fantastic spot for breakfast, lunch, or a relaxing afternoon coffee in Rocky Mount.
Bonus: Larema also offers a great selection of beer and wine! Keep an eye out for Dirtbag Ales**, a personal favorite Fayetteville brewery!***
Lou Reda’s
Address: 3646 Sunset Ave, Rocky Mount, NC
From the same owner as Tap@1918, Lou Reda’s is an upscale American restaurant promising a memorable dining experience. From perfectly cooked burgers to decadent Lobster Mac n’ Cheese, Lou Reda’s menu is filled with exquisite flavors crafted from fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients whenever possible.
Lou Reda’s offers a refined yet comfortable atmosphere, making it ideal for special occasions or anyone seeking a top-tier food in Rocky Mount NC experience.
The Prime Smokehouse
Address: 1151 Falls Rd, Rocky Mount, NC
If you’re craving authentic ribs in Rocky Mount, Prime Smokehouse should be your first destination! This unique establishment combines two passions into one delicious experience.
Ed Wiley Jr., a celebrated saxophonist in the South and an exceptional cook, inspired his son, Ed Wiley III, to create Prime Smokehouse. It blends slow-smoked Texas-style barbecue with live jazz music, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Prime Smokehouse is undoubtedly a must-eat Rocky Mount restaurant, offering a true taste of Southern culture and food in Rocky Mount NC.
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NABS
Address: 219 NE Main St, Rocky Mount, NC
NABS, short for “Never A Better Sandwich,” is another culinary creation from the team behind The Prime Smokehouse. This concept focuses on providing fast, convenient, and delicious meals.
This East Coast-style deli is perfect for grabbing a fresh and flavorful breakfast or lunch. Don’t miss their exceptional single-origin Ethiopian coffee to complete your meal. NABS is an excellent choice for a quick yet quality food in Rocky Mount NC.
Church Street Grill
Address: 121 W Church St, Nashville, NC
Is it truly a Southern experience without indulging in a biscuit? Fortunately, Church Street Grill in nearby Nashville serves some of the fluffiest and most buttery biscuits you’ll ever taste!
This welcoming hometown grill offers a friendly atmosphere and a delectable breakfast and lunch menu filled with Southern comfort food in Rocky Mount NC and beyond.
Barley & Burger
Address: 2921 Zebulon Rd, Rocky Mount, NC
Gourmet burgers, hand-spun milkshakes, and a touch of Hollywood nostalgia – these are just a few reasons to dine at Barley & Burger in Rocky Mount! They source high-quality meat from renowned butcher and chef Pat LaFrieda, ensuring every burger is exceptionally juicy and flavorful.
To perfectly complement your burger, Barley & Burger offers a rotating selection of ice-cold local beers on tap weekly. It’s a fantastic spot for burger aficionados seeking great food in Rocky Mount NC.
Moe & D’s
Address: 123 S Church St, Rocky Mount, NC
Family-owned and known for its lively atmosphere, Moe & D’s serves classic pub food with incredible value. Specializing in delicious cheesesteaks, Moe & D’s is a top restaurant in Rocky Mount for families and sports enthusiasts. It’s a great place to enjoy a casual meal and watch a game while experiencing the local food in Rocky Mount NC scene.
Gardner’s Barbecue
Address: 1331 N Wesleyan Blvd, Rocky Mount, NC
Gardner’s has been a Rocky Mount institution since 1972, and this third-generation family-run business continues to serve up authentic barbecue. Their affordable all-you-can-eat buffet is a local favorite, offering mouthwatering pulled pork, crispy fried chicken, and Southern comfort food at its finest!
For a true taste of traditional Southern food in Rocky Mount NC, Gardner’s Barbecue is an essential experience.
Chew-N-Chat
Address: 1005 West Mount Dr, Rocky Mount, NC
At Chew N Chat Café, every dish is cooked to order from scratch, using family recipes and the freshest ingredients. This café specializes in Southern classics and offers a seasonal menu, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to try.
Be sure to save room for their delectable desserts, such as a slice of rich chocolate pie or a tangy lemon pound cake. Don’t forget to check out their daily specials for even more Southern food in Rocky Mount NC delights!
Which of these Restaurants in Rocky Mount are Your First Picks?
With such a diverse and delicious mix of restaurants in Rocky Mount, from the historic Mills to downtown and beyond, we’re confident you’ll enjoy exploring the food in Rocky Mount NC. This wonderful corner of North Carolina offers a culinary experience for every taste.
If you’re a local or know the area well, we’d love to hear about your favorite dining spots in the comments below. And if you’re planning a visit, let us know which restaurant you’re most excited to try first! Your feedback helps us continue to provide the best recommendations for food in Rocky Mount NC.
P.S. If there’s a restaurant in Rocky Mount that we missed and you believe should be included, please share your suggestions! We’re always eager to discover new culinary gems and expand our guide to restaurants in Rocky Mount NC.
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