North Carolina may be known for barbeque, but there’s plenty more good eats in the foothills town of Wilkesboro. From tacos to soul food, pizza to old-school burgers, you won’t leave the “Key to the Blue Ridge” hungry.
Image courtesy of TwoBoros Brewery
Located in the heart of North Carolina’s Yadkin River Valley at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Wilkesboro is that perfect blend of mountain life—tons of outdoor opportunities for hiking, river sports and boating, a burgeoning cultural scene, and fun things to do. Wilkesboro oozes with small town Southern charm—and lots of good food.
TwoBoros Brewery
Sometimes you just need a good pizza and a cold beer. For these occasions, TwoBoros is your spot. But this isn’t just any pizza: it’s the best pizza in Wilkes County. Guests flock to TwoBoros for their unusual flavor combinations like dill pickle pizza and s’mores dessert pizza, but you’ll also find the classics (with a super fresh twist), alongside a selection of salads, sandwiches, and calzones. This is definitely a family-friendly spot with something for everyone, including the gluten-free and vegan members of the crowd. Many customers swear it’s the best gluten-free crust they’ve ever had. For the beer lovers, you’re welcome to sample until you find a brew that suits you. We loved their flagship beer, Good Gold Almighty, a golden ale using barley malts and sweet orange peels that’ll have you feeling nice.
111 E Main St.
Image courtesy of Mr. Toro
Mr. Toro
This beloved Main Street restuarant serves some of the best Mexican and Salvadorean food in North Carolina. Come hungry: it’s hard to choose between all the freshly-prepared, entrees on the menu. You can’t go wrong with the tacos, which come in a variety of options including shrimp, beef, chorizo,mushroom, or crispy chicken. For something smaller, try the pupusas or the nacho plate. Wash it all down with a fresh horchata or hibiscus iced tea—or better yet, a Michelada.
307 E. Main St.
Image courtesy of Dean’s Southern Bistro
Dean’s Southern Bistro
If you love country cooking (and who doesn’t?), be sure to make time for Dean’s. This cheery spot has all the quintessential Southern dishes you’d imagine: fried chicken, fish and pork chops, baked ham, country-style steak, big salads and much more. There’s also a sandwich menu and even grilled steak and salmon. If you really want to go all in, though, choose the hot bar, were you can try a little of all the most popular dishes to satisfy all your Southern cravings. Don’t forget to save room for the homemade cakes and sweet tea.
1510 Mall Square
Photo courtesy of Glenn’s
Glenn’s
This is one of those places you know is going to be good just by looking at the outside of the building. In business for more than 60 years, you’ll find everyone from factory workers to politicians to country stars like Dolly Parton and Ricky Skaggs inside these walls. Somehow, they serve a dizzying array of home cooked sandwiches and sides inside the small-ish space (don’t miss the livermush sandwich with hush puppies), but their signature dish is hand-pattied burgers. It’s open for breakfast, too and for an after-meal treat, they have ice cream, malts, and creamy shakes.
800 River St.
Photo courtesy of Amalfi’s
Amalfi’s
Want to take a culinary journey to Italy without leaving Wilkes County? Make time for Amalfi’s. In addition to Italian classics like strombolis, parmigianas, calamari and pizzas, they have a large selection of other pastas, sandwiches, salads and desserts. Our top picks: the fettuccine carbonara, lobster ravioli, crab cake sandwich and Italian sausage sub. Amalfi’s also offers whole wheat or gluten free pasta and there’s a kids menu for the little ones. For dessert, there’s cannoli, cheesecake, tiramisu and our favorite, the nutella, strawberry and banana pizza. Bonus: Tony, the friendly owner, will likely swing through to see how you enjoyed the meal.
1919 US Hwy. 421, Suite G