There’s nothing quite like Southern comfort food prepared the old-fashioned way; with cast iron skillets and real butter. Across North Carolina, meat-and-three restaurants (where you select one meat and three sides) keep tradition alive while serving up plates that make your taste buds dance. I’ve spent years hunting down these culinary treasures, and I’m thrilled to share my absolute favorites with you.
Beasley’s Chicken + Honey – Charlotte
The sizzle of chicken hitting hot cast iron is practically a symphony at Beasley’s. Chef Ashley Christensen’s Charlotte outpost elevates fried chicken to an art form by drizzling it with honey; a sweet touch that’ll make you close your eyes in pure bliss.
Their cast iron cornbread arrives piping hot in its own mini skillet, with butter melting seductively across the golden crust. The collards are simmered low and slow with ham hocks, while the mac and cheese sports a crackly butter-kissed top that should be illegal in at least twelve states.
The Pit – Raleigh
Holy smoked meat heaven! The Pit’s pitmasters are wizards with fire and iron, turning humble pork shoulders into tender, smoky masterpieces that practically fall apart when you look at them sideways. Their secret? Patience, cast iron, and enough butter to make your cardiologist wince.
I’ve watched grown adults fight over the last hush puppy here; crispy outside, fluffy inside, and baptized in melted butter. The Brunswick stew simmers all day in seasoned cast iron pots that have seen more action than a soap opera marathon. Don’t miss their butter beans; they’re swimming in a broth so rich it could buy a mansion.
Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen – Greensboro
Grandma’s cooking meets fine dining at Lucky 32, where cast iron skillets older than most customers turn out comfort food that’ll make you want to hug the chef. Their seasonal vegetables; always three perfect choices – arrive glistening with real butter and fresh herbs…