5 Diners and Dives to Add to Your Stops in North Carolina

When you’re hauling freight through North Carolina, there’s one thing that keeps you grounded (and going): good food. And not just any food—we’re talking about real-deal, stick-to-your-ribs, hole-in-the-wall goodness. The kind of places where the parking lot’s full of semis, the coffee’s always hot, and the biscuits taste like somebody’s grandma made them.

At Southeast Fleet Services, we keep trucks rolling across the Tar Heel State—but we also know where to pull over and eat like a local. So whether you’re doing a reset, fueling up between jobs, or just tired of drive-thru chains, here are 5 diners and dives worth your stop in North Carolina.

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1. Bill’s Hot Dogs – Washington, NC

If you’re looking for something simple, this is the spot for you. Bill’s Hot Dogs doesn’t have a massive menu, just classic Carolina dogs, done one way. Bill’s has been around since 1928, and it’s a rite of passage if you're anywhere near the eastern part of the state.

• What to try: Get two hot dogs "all the way"—that’s mustard, onions, and their signature chilli. No ketchup. No frills. Just perfect.
  
  
• Why it’s worth the stop: Fast, cheap, and packed with local history. Perfect for a grab-and-go lunch when you’re hauling near Greenville or New Bern.
• Note: It is a hot spot, so go early; there can be a wait.  

2. Keaton’s Barbecue – Cleveland, NC

If you find yourself in Cool Springs, Cleveland, you have to check out Keaton’s BBQ. Tucked between I-40 and I-85, Keaton’s has been frying and basting chicken since the 1950s. And we’re not kidding when we tell you, it’s not like anything you’ve had before. This isn’t your backyard BBQ. It’s a spicy, sweet, vinegar-based magic that’s slathered on deep-fried chicken.

• What to try: ½ chicken plate with slaw and baked beans. Or just skip to the banana pudding.
  
  
• Why it’s worth the stop: It’s off the beaten path, but every local trucker knows this place is gold. If you’re on a route near Statesville or Salisbury, don’t miss it.

3. El’s Drive-In – Morehead City, NC

If you’re looking for beach-town comfort food with a side of nostalgia? El’s Drive-In is definitely a place to check out. This award winning drive-in restaurant has been happily serving from carhops since 1959. And the best part is that they haven’t changed much since then! 

• What to try: The Super Cheeseburger or Shrimp Burger.Add a milkshake and make it a meal.
  
  
• Why it’s worth the stop: Perfect for flatbeds heading toward the coast or container haulers leaving the port. Roll in hungry, leave full and happy.
  
  

4. Clyde Cooper’s BBQ – Raleigh, NC

Clyde Cooper’s is one of those places that you should head to early because they sell out quick! Long-time Raleigh staple, Clyde Cooper’s, has been serving BBQ since 1938. Find them downtown Raleigh and get your fill of old-school service with true Eastern NC BBQ.

• What to try: Chopped pork with vinegar-based sauce, collards, and hush puppies.
  
  
• Why it’s worth the stop: It’s one of the last spots where you can still eat BBQ served on wax paper. And it’s walking distance from truck-accessible lots off Capital Blvd.
  
  

5. The Moose Café – Asheville, NC

Route got you headed through the mountains? Don’t skip The Moose Café. You’ll be graced with a true experience of homestyle Southern cooking, sure to satisfy. Everything here is homemade and hearty, using local ingredients with portions that could feed a small army.

• What to try: Country ham breakfast with red-eye gravy, grits, and homemade biscuits the size of your head.
  
  
• Why it’s worth the stop: It’s got easy truck access off I-40 and I-26, big tables, fast service, and plenty of parking. Ideal for long-haul drivers making that Asheville run.

Park, Eat, Repeat

Just because you’re logging hours on the road doesn’t mean you can’t have a good meal. Sure, time might be limited, but that’s why you need to make it count. North Carolina is full of unassuming diners and iconic dives where the food is honest, the service is fast, and the parking lot is full of folks who know a thing or two about hard work.

At Southeast Fleet Services, we’re all about keeping drivers rolling. But we also believe in fueling the body, not just the truck. So next time you’re hauling through the Carolinas, skip the chains. Hit up one of these spots and eat like a local.

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