🍑 North Carolina’s Best Bites: I-95 Food Stops 🌲
🍑 North Carolina’s Best Bites: I-95 Food Stops 🌲
Welcome to the North Carolina segment of your I-95 culinary journey!
As you traverse the Tar Heel State, particularly the corridor that runs from the South Carolina border up through the Eastern Plains, you’ll encounter a rich tapestry of genuine Southern cuisine and regional specialties that make for perfect SoFloDining Approved pit stops. This is the heart of Eastern-style Barbecue country, and the eastern edge of the state is also known for its fresh, Calabash-style seafood and unique local meats. We believe that road trip meals should be a chance to slow down, enjoy local flavor, and savor the state’s character.
Our recommendations in this section focus heavily on spots conveniently just off the interstate in towns like Dunn, Selma, Smithfield, Wilson, and Rocky Mount. These are the places that serve food that is good, clean, and fair, offering a true taste of North Carolina’s signature hospitality and legendary whole-hog cooking.
Welcome to the North Carolina segment of your I-95 culinary journey!
As you traverse the Tar Heel State, particularly the corridor that runs from the South Carolina border up through the Eastern Plains, you’ll encounter a rich tapestry of genuine Southern cuisine and regional specialties that make for perfect SoFloDining Approved pit stops. This is the heart of Eastern-style Barbecue country, and the eastern edge of the state is also known for its fresh, Calabash-style seafood and unique local meats. We believe that road trip meals should be a chance to slow down, enjoy local flavor, and savor the state’s character.
Our recommendations in this section focus heavily on spots conveniently just off the interstate in towns like Dunn, Selma, Smithfield, Wilson, and Rocky Mount. These are the places that serve food that is good, clean, and fair, offering a true taste of North Carolina’s signature hospitality and legendary whole-hog cooking.
If you are looking for an exceptional culinary pitstop in North Carolina, Lou Reda’s: An American Table is an absolute standout. Following countless reader and friend recommendations, Doris and I pulled off the highway on our northern journey to taste what the buzz was all about, and it blew us away. We tried the smoked pastrami cheesesteak—a total flavor explosion with melt-in-your-mouth tender meat that stands as one of the single best cheesesteaks I have ever tasted. We also dove into their fan-favorite pork chop carbonara, served over Parmesan potatoes, spinach, bacon, and early peas in a rich cream sauce, topped with a soft egg.
It is easy to see why reviewer consensus consistently hails Lou Reda’s as an “oasis off the highway” for elevated comfort food, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere. The scratch-made menu turns standard American classics into something truly memorable, making it a hit for both road-trippers and local regulars alike. Whether you live in the Rocky Mount area or are passing through on your annual pilgrimage up the coast, this spot is guaranteed to become a repeat destination.
Location:
Lou Reda’s: An American Table
3646 Sunset Ave #122, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
If you are cruising down the I-95 corridor through Georgia, Ruby Tuesday offers a refreshing and satisfying road-trip stop. Doris and I pulled off the highway here during our WTF Snowbird Series travels to recharge, and it delivered a classic American dining experience. We loaded up at their famous Endless Garden Bar—filled with crisp greens, fresh toppings, and house dressings—before enjoying their tender baby back ribs and juicy smash burgers served with warm cheddar biscuits.
Travelers and locals alike frequently praise this spot for its quick, friendly service, well-maintained salad bar, and generous portion sizes. The relaxed atmosphere and predictable quality make it an ideal pitstop to stretch your legs and enjoy a hearty meal before jumping back on the interstate.
Location:
Ruby Tuesday
100 Crown Pointe Pkwy, Kingsland, GA 31548