The scent of slow-smoked pork wafting through Dunn’s historic downtown is as much a part of the city’s fabric as the train whistle echoing from the tracks. While this corner of North Carolina is celebrated for its barbecue heritage, its culinary scene offers far more than just pitmaster prowess. Here are the tables worth securing in Dunn right now.
Little Caesars Pizza
$ | (910) 304-1095 | WEBSITE
Little Caesars Pizza offers a variety of vegetarian options to customize your pizza, plus some classic meat-topped pies. But the thing to know about this strip-mall-ish restaurant is that everything is really very good. Hot and fresh pizzas still steaming at the counter, stuffed crazy bread sticks and standout marinara ready to be dipped into. A whole pepperoni pizza with melty cheese and crispy crust perfect and a little bubbly on top. Much of the menu reads fairly simple, but tastes fantastic.
Paleteria Reyes
$ | (910) 891-4761 | WEBSITE
Paleteria Reyes is a straightforward Mexican ice cream and snack spot that’s cozy and affordable. We say it’s straightforward because there’s really only one thing to order here: their sampler platter. It’s made up of six items, ranging from ice creams to authentic Veracruz dishes, and it’s served with either a cup or a cone—we recommend opting for the latter for maximum enjoyment.
It’s a great and cost-efficient spot, and a platter of Hershey’s ice cream, Pecan Paletas, and more, ticks both the tasty and treat-oriented boxes.
Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet
$ | (910) 892-9988 | WEBSITE
Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet is a sprawling family-friendly spot on Dunn’s restaurant row serving brilliantly tasty and brilliantly plentiful meals. You can load your plate with steaming hibachi cooking and buffet favorites for around fifteen bucks, watch the chefs sizzle meats on the hot grill, before inevitably piling your tray too high and overindulging in the best way possible.
If you want variety, the vegetarian options are just as satisfying and the hot soup station is packed full of flavor.
Stacey’s Country Kitchen
$ | (910) 891-1880 | WEBSITE
This family-style breakfast spot has been a morning favourite with regulars for years. Stacey’s Country Kitchen has a rustic wooden counter to perch with a hot coffee, and a simple but cozy, sunlit dining area, perfect for solo breakfasts or casual family gatherings. Grab a hearty plate with a classic American breakfast to enjoy there, or take your time over the cooked-to-perfection options.
The latter, which includes the likes of French toast and sausage patties, is led by their excellent speciality grits. Just know that the sausage patties can be sneakily dry.
Don Chon Rosticeria y Tortilleria
$ | (910) 292-2623 | WEBSITE
A family-owned Mexican spot that serves its tacos by three on a plate with rice and beans is always going to be a big fat yes in our books. The restaurant in Chicago is a delightful spot to spend an evening with friends or have a satisfyingly hearty dinner of authentic Mexican food and refreshing drinks. There are huge and tasty burritos, amazing tacos, and juicy quesabirria tacos, as well as homemade tortilla chips perfect for dipping into that delicious salsa, and more.
The carnitas by the pound or in tacos are a must-try, especially when paired with the salsa roja, and the refried beans are probably the best ever. Prices are fantastic, offering great value, and the friendly staff welcomes everyone with big smiles while accommodating dietary restrictions. The horchata and agua de Jamaica are pretty tasty, and the Mexican Coke is a great addition to the meal. Customer service is outstanding, with staff checking on guests to ensure a great experience.
A visit to Don Chon is highly recommended for a fantastic Mexican dining experience.
Pizza Inn
$ | (910) 892-7151 | WEBSITE
As you might have guessed from Pizza Inn’s name, this place is all about serving up classic buffet-style pizza. Think hot, delicious pies alongside a well-maintained salad bar and special gluten-free options. But in a plot twist, their real talent is creating a fun, kid-friendly atmosphere. The cheeseburger pizza comes with a savory, satisfying blend of flavors and the Bacon Cheeseburger pizza is a must-try according to several reviewers. The custard is a creamy, sweet finish that hits the spot.
Come with a big group and enjoy the games in the party room before or after.
El Charro Grande
$ | (910) 230-1086 | WEBSITE
Every taco at El Charro Grande is made-to-order. And on any given evening the comfortable booths of this Dunn spot are usually filled with other Mexican food enthusiasts. The tortillas are hand-made with a warm, pliable texture—and the fillings are generously arranged inside. The standout is the Al pastor tacos: marinated pork, pineapple, onions, and cilantro. It makes for an excellent low-key family meal or casual dinner spot.
Triangle Waffle
$ | (910) 892-1201 | WEBSITE
You might know Triangle Waffle from that Saturday morning when you needed a hearty breakfast after a long week, where pecan waffles and steaming coffee were devoured in perfect harmony. You might know it from last month, when you drove through Dunn craving something warm and satisfying. Or, you might know it because half the town seems to be here every weekend morning.
This is Dunn’s beloved breakfast spot and it’s still an essential stop, whether for that classic pecan waffle with sausage, or a quick, friendly meal that feels like visiting old friends.
Jim’s Seafood Fresh & Fried
$ | (910) 897-2962 | WEBSITE
There’s something of a perma-argument over where to get the best seafood in Dunn. One person’s Captain’s Catch, is another person’s Harbor House, which is another person’s Jim’s Seafood Fresh & Fried. We often opt for the latter, if only because the friendly staff have remembered our orders here, and we like that. Jim’s is a no-nonsense family-run restaurant. The smells coming from the kitchen consistently make our stomach do somersaults and the black bass is Dunn’s finest.
Heath’s Steakhouse
$$ | (910) 892-4728 | WEBSITE
Escape the highway hustle at this clean and inviting steakhouse to savor perfectly prepared filet steak and enjoy the standout salad bar while celebrating with family and friends. The pleasant atmosphere, friendly staff, and private event area make it feel like a destination for special occasions. And come evening, it fills up quickly with those wanting a delicious meal.
But the salad bar offers such a huge selection of mouthwatering fresh ingredients, so if you visit, you may find yourself going back for seconds.
Gillian’s Irish pub
$ | (910) 292-0011 | WEBSITE
The first time we visited Gillian’s, we arrived from the outdoor seating area just as the live band was packing up. The bar was gleaming, the karaoke machine was silent, and there wasn’t a Reuben sandwich left on the menu. But on the counter sat a half-finished pint. Compliments of the bartender. The chips, the wine, the beer: some crisp, some smooth, some refreshing. All excellent. The fresh batch we came back for on Tuesday night was even better.
Dunn Coffee Shop
$ | (910) 237-1331 | WEBSITE
Dunn Coffee Shop is your reason to get out of bed after the previous night’s work that ended in spreadsheets at 11pm. The coffee drinks at this local spot are good, but when the morning fog kicks in, it’s the cafe latte you’ll want to order. The locally roasted beans—some still aromatic, some smooth after blending with steamed milk—come topped with just the right foam, a warm ceramic mug, and a muffin on the side that crumbles into the coffee to create a cozy, delicious sip.
China Garden
$ | (910) 980-9822 | WEBSITE
China Garden, a reliable spot for a good meal in Dunn, wouldn’t look out of place in a suburban strip mall—and it’s no exaggeration to say that it’s one of the best options for Chinese food in town. It’s right there with parking out front off the main road, but very much in mind given their consistently good dishes and accommodating service. Come to China Garden when you’re looking for lunch specials with local meats or vegetarian options by removing meat from any dish.
Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q
$ | (910) 892-2693 | WEBSITE
If they’d let us, we’d probably never leave this excellent barbecue joint. The smoky pulled pork, crispy fried chicken, and everything else coming out of Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q is pretty much perfect. This welcoming restaurant is a great place for a barbecue plate first thing (the vinegar sauce), enormous sandwiches (any) at lunchtime, or sweet tea all day long.
Corner Mart & La Costena
$ | (910) 567-4505 | WEBSITE
In a town with plenty of Mexican options, it’s Corner Mart & La Costena on the main strip that’s the most unmissable. Menudo, tacos, and burritos all emerge from its busy kitchen, fresh and flavorful from recipes that favor authenticity over fuss. The setup is part-market, part-restaurant, but there are plenty of places to sit inside, where the service is always complimentary.
Guacamole Latin Grill
$ | (910) 891-2708 | WEBSITE
Grabbing a taco or two from Guacamole Latin Grill has quickly become one of our favourite activities around Dunn. In fact, everything from this Latin American hidden gem hits the mark. Their carnitas—slow-cooked, seasoned, and finished on the grill—is best topped with a scoop of fresh, zesty salsa from the toppings bar, and although it’s simple, the flavour still delivers a satisfying punch.
On a full plate next to their Birria tacos and carne asada quesadillas, it makes for an extremely authentic meal. Expect to find limited parking, have a great time in the lively atmosphere, and leave very happy.